Isaiah 52:13-53:12

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.” vs. 5

When the prophet wrote these words about the Servant, he likely had in mind the nation of Israel, and the horrible suffering that had been endured by his people. They’re powerful words, and likely helped his readers come to terms with the punishment their ancestors had endured–perhaps there had been some purpose in Israel’s affliction. Many hundreds of years later these words became for followers of Jesus the perfect explanation for his suffering and death. The cross hadn’t been pointless after all–indeed, it became the core of the good news. Soon apostles were going to all the known world to tell sinners that in the death of Jesus all of their sins had been forgiven. Jesus had been wounded for their transgressions, and in response millions of people have turned to the cross to find wholeness and  healing. And even when our theologians’ atonement theories stop making sense,  and are rightly put on the shelf, the message of Good Friday rings true in our hearts. God loved us so much that in Jesus God died for us–there can be no greater example of love and reconciliation. Sin persists in this world–it’s ugly and pervasive and touches us all. But God in Christ brings forgiveness–and it’s a gift of pure grace. No wonder this day is called “Good.”

Thought for the Day: What Good Friday memory is dear to me?

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

“The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” vss. 23b-24

Paul’s account of the Last Supper was written before those found in the gospels and shows that followers of Jesus practiced Holy Communion in their congregations from the very beginning. And the words that he uses are precisely the same as those used now, an astounding bit of continuity that shows the centrality of this sacrament in the life of the Church. Through the centuries these few words have been parsed and scrutinized like none other. Learned theologians have written long and obscure definitions, and in the process have managed to produce massive divisions among Christ’s people. Instead of being a point of unity for us, the Lord’s Supper has been a point of contention–often the particular doctrines have been used to exclude rather than include at the Table. And it’s all so sad! The meal is intended to be a point of connection with our Lord Jesus, and as we eat and drink the tastes and smells of the real bread and the real wine vividly remind us that God became real in Jesus, and now becomes real in us. It’s not magic or philosophical wordplay! It’s an experience of the divine, and that’s the reason why it’s the central part of worship for so many. Even our misuse hasn’t been able to mess it up!

Thought for the Day: What’s on my mind as I commune?

Hebrews 12:1-3

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…” vs. 1

Preachers often use sports metaphors to make points about our life in faith, and the writer to the Hebrews is no exception. Unfortunately, he didn’t know anything about golf, the most metaphoric game of all, but he is familiar with the Olympics, in particular the running of the marathon. In this, one of the most familiar verses in his letter, he describes life in Christ as a long-distance race, not one in which we’re trying to beat others to the finish line, but one that tests our endurance and perseverance. It’s a great analogy, one that corresponds with our experience. He implies that the biggest obstacle to living the good and faithful life is sin, a burden that plagues us every step of the way. As we learn to make use of the forgiveness that is ours by grace, the load is lightened, the potholes are filled, and the way made clear. And to top it all off we are told that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, all the Saints Triumphant, who cheer us on our way. And perhaps it will be them who greet us when the day comes and we complete the race. Now they cheer us on, then they will welcome us home. Such is the great promise of Easter!

Thought for the Day: Which of the Saints Triumphant is cheering loudest for me?

Psalm 71:1-14

“Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.” vss. 3-4

The psalmist had a strong desire for peace and tranquility in his life, and so do we. Our dream is to have meaningful work, loving families, good friends, retire early, and then live contentedly and happily until our deaths. Unfortunately that’s not the way our world is. Not only are we plagued with unforeseen illnesses, broken relationships, and lost jobs, we are also aware that some people are capable of cruel and random behaviors that can cause enormous damage. Such things happen regularly and they trigger all kinds of disquieting responses in our hearts and minds. Not only do we wonder why such things happen, we’re overwhelmed with anger, suspicion, and fear. The psalmist had such feelings too and pleaded with God for protection and rescue. While we might wish for something more palpable, a bubble-like protective environment that would keep all the bad stuff out, our best option is to live like the psalmist, trusting in God as our refuge and strength. While it might not seem like much, that simple faith is enough to give us joy and love even in a world where trouble abounds. In the long run, living by faith brings a far better life than cowering in fear!

Thought for the Day: What’s it like to live in fear?

Isaiah 42:1-9

“He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice.” vss. 2-3

As the prophet laid out his vision for Israel, he uses the term “Servant” in describing the nation’s work. The new Israel will not use military might to force its will upon the world, but will instead faithfully, quietly, and doggedly live as a Servant to bring light to all nations. After the death of Jesus his followers saw in Isaiah’s words the perfect description of Jesus’ work–he was the Suffering Servant who gently and silently brought transformation. It’s a wonderful analogy, one that can be embraced by all who call themselves “Christian.” We are the new Israel, the Body of Christ, and we have been chosen and empowered to bring forth justice in the land. We won’t try to overpower or dominate others but in quiet and gentle ways we’ll humbly serve and love, tending the bruised and fanning dimly burning wicks. Some might scoff at such methods or call them outmoded, but we know better. Servants have been operating behind the scenes and living the Jesus way for many generations and we can see the fruits of their humble labor all over the globe. Through them the blind have seen and prisoners have been set free, and the light of Christ has shone brightly for all to see–and now it’s our turn to take up the torch.

Thought for the Day: Why is the servant role hard for some?

Mark 15:25-39

“Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” vss. 37-38

According to Josephus, a Jewish historian of the first century, the curtain of the temple was a Babylonian tapestry, a blue veil embroidered with a panorama of the heavens that kept the Holy of Holies from being seen. After Jesus’ death, it was said by some that at the very moment of his last breath, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Mark loved that story.  For him it paralleled the events of Jesus’ baptism when it was said that the heavens were torn apart and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove. It was Mark’s way of saying that in Jesus the division between God and humanity had been destroyed. No longer could we think that God was in heaven, completely separate from the earth–in Jesus it was made perfectly clear that heaven and earth were one, that every place is full of God. That’s why, some years later, when the temple was destroyed by the Roman armies, Christians quickly adapted. They didn’t need a Holy of Holies to know that God was present among them–the dividing line had been broken down and worship could take place in every moment and in every place. That’s why congregations have been able to survive and even prosper in the age of COVID. Even when campuses were closed, worship continued in the most unlikely settings!

Thought for the Day: Why do some quit worshipping when churches close?

March 15:16-24

“They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.” vs. 21

As the disciples remembered the events of Jesus’ suffering and death they likely had many conversations with each other about what had happened. And they didn’t come away with the same memories–that’s just the way it is when we share stories. We can be in exactly the same situation as a friend, and have an entirely different perspective of what has taken place. Mark likely listened to a lot of those stories as he was putting together his gospel, and here we discover that he had an inside scoop. He mentions Alexander and Rufus, sons of a Simon of Cyrene, who had by chance been compelled to carry the cross of Jesus to Golgotha. Perhaps they were known by those for whom he was writing his gospel, and Mark drops their names to add credibility to what he’s reporting. That’s how the story has come down to us–person by person, one generation after another the good news has been passed on. And name-dropping is still part of the process! At its best evangelism is always personal and we use the good names of pastors, parents, and friends to give authenticity to the message. Alexander and Rufus were there at the beginning, and now it’s our turn to testify–and perhaps one day our good name will be the one that is dropped.

Thought for the Day: Whose good name informs my story?

Mark 15:1-15

“So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified.” vs. 15

When we take time to look at the gospel record of Jesus’ ministry in a more objective fashion it seems preposterous that he could have been crucified for his actions as a preacher, teacher, and healer. And he really posed no threat to the Roman forces stationed in his country–he had no weapons or army. Still, innocent as Jesus was, Pilate decided that it would be necessary for him to die. Why? Because that’s what the crowd demanded! The decision had nothing to do with right or wrong, and it certainly wasn’t just. And everyone knew it! And what’s really aggravating is that the same things have continued to happen. Important decisions are made, not on the basis of right and wrong, but to satisfy the loudest voices. Politicians are notorious for this kind of thing, and love to pump up crowds, but most anyone can get caught up in the frenzy. Lies are dreamed up, repeated, and passed on. Within hours the most damning accusations are spread across the country. We all know the stories lack credibility yet we pass them on anyway. Reputations are damaged–sometimes the innocent die. It’s the way of the world. Jesus was silent before Pilate, but his followers have boldly sought truth and justice in every land. Vacuous crowds have had their day–but ultimately Christ will triumph. Goodness will have the last word!

Thought for the Day: Why do crowds have such power?

Philippians 2:5-11

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.” vss. 5-7a

As far as Paul was concerned, everything revolved around Christ Jesus. Not only was he the one through whom the grace of God had become incarnate in the world, he was the model for the way all people should live their lives. As his followers we are the ones then in whom his mind is destined to dwell, and that means adopting a life of servanthood and self-emptying. As we give up trying to be the equals of God and the center of everything and adopt a self-effacing posture of humility, the mind of Christ will live within us. This is what it means to be truly human, and what a relief it is! No longer do we have to wander among our peers trying to be more than who we are. It’s perfectly fine to be ourselves, admit our flaws and fallibilities, and use whatever gifts God has given us to make a difference for good in every minute of every day. Oh how good it feels to be in a community that is full of such people! No more pretending, no more one upmanship, no more self-aggrandizing–we can be who we are, and Christ will be plainly seen in our loving and our caring. He will be resurrected to God’s glory in our midst!

Thought for the Day: What does it mean to empty ourselves?

Psalm 31:9-16

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also.” vs. 9

Fortunately not everyone experiences the depth of pain that was tormenting the psalmist as he wrote these words. Some of us manage to skate through life with little or no adversity along the way. That’s just the way it is, and it has little to do with our goodness or our choices. But it doesn’t mean that we’ll always be immune. In fact there’s a pretty high likelihood that someday heart-breaking grief will visit us too, and we’ll find ourselves crying our eyes out and at the edge of despair. It’s an awful feeling, and when those days come it’s easy to believe that we’ll never know joy or happiness again. It is in our nature at those times to do as the psalmist did and make our distress known to God. And so we cry out, often in private, asking God for relief. And even when it doesn’t appear that anything happens, gradually, sometimes too gradually for our tastes, the pain recedes and smiles revisit our lips. It’s what we might expect from a God who is full of compassion and whose love knows no boundaries. We are doubly blessed when surrounded by the love of friends who stand with us through the tough times. Sometimes it’s only their support that keeps us sane–and it’s through them that God’s love is made real.

Thought for the Day: What do I say to someone in distress?