Matthew 21:1-11

“When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, ‘Who is this?’ The crowds were saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.’” vss. 10-11

According to Matthew, Jesus didn’t exactly sneak into Jerusalem when he arrived for the Passover. In fact he did the opposite and staged an eye-catching entry with a palm festooned procession and a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. As a result the whole city exploded with curiosity–everyone wondered who this donkey-riding pilgrim might be–rumors and gossip passed through the crowded streets quickly. And his Galilean followers were proud to spread the good news. This was the hope of Israel, the prophet Jesus from the remote village of Nazareth! It’s exciting to be in the vanguard of a new movement. Enthusiasm abounds and expectations are high! This new idea, this new person, is going to change everything and the benefits will abound. Some of us know that feeling well–it happens regularly in our constantly recycling political process. Every four years we find our new messiah and millions are convinced that this time things are going to change for good, and our lives will be better forever. Of course that’s not how it works. Before long reality sets in and that new messiah is crucified. But we don’t like to think like that. We want to believe, and we don’t want anyone to rain on our parade. Just like the folks in Jerusalem so long ago, we love to celebrate hope–and so we do–and that’s okay!

Thought for the Day: Who gets me excited about the future?

Philippians 2:4-11

“Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” vs. 4

In his poem, The Present Crisis, the anti-slavery poet, James Russell Lowell wrote, “New occasions teach new duties,” a perfect commentary on our current “present crisis.” All citizens of the world, believers and non-believers alike, are being urged to put into practice one of the basic principles of life in Christ. In the interest of saving thousands of lives, each of us are being challenged to “look not to our own interests, but to the interests of others.” Even though there appears to be no imminent threat to our own lives, and even though we’re feeling perfectly fine, our elected officials are telling us to practice social isolation. Some folks (even Christians) are resenting such decrees big time. They don’t like being told what to do, and they continue to do all they can to look out for themselves without regard to others. In most of our cities there is rampant hoarding–grocery store shelves are being cleaned out as individuals get what they can while they can. Such primitive impulses fly in the face of Paul’s words to the Philippians, a poor congregation that gave generously so that famine victims might eat. Followers of Jesus understand what it means to be humble servants, and it’s been gratifying to see them in action during these last weeks. This is a big time opportunity for us to practice what we preach, and the world is being blessed by our obedience.

Thought for the Day: Why do people hoard?

Psalm 31:9-16

“I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.” vs 11

The psalmist didn’t know it but his words are a pretty good description of what it’s like to be infected with the Coronavirus. Thankfully that hasn’t happened for many of us but it’s certainly something that we fear. We carefully practice social distancing and monitor our physical symptoms, and wonder if the sore throat is just a cold or a sign of something more sinister. Almost all have changed their daily habits and are eliminating all physical interactions, a boon to introverts and agony for those more extroverted. Life has changed for all–and we’re struggling to figure out the new normal. We listen to the pundits for guidance, and then wonder if anyone knows what the immediate effects of this pandemic will be. Everyone just seems to be guessing! In our isolation we worry about family and friends and some, like the psalmist, feel horribly estranged. It’s a tough spot, and if we’re looking for guidance we could do worse than pay attention to the psalmist’s prayer, “Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.” Ultimately it comes down to a matter of trust and a reliance upon our core values. Like the psalmist we do believe in Divine Presence and know that beyond the immediate turmoil and confusion, even beyond the pain and sorrow, we can securely rest in God’s arms of love.

Thought for the Day: How is my faith helping me in these days?

Isaiah 50:4-9a

“I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.” vs. 6

Those called by God as prophets in Israel weren’t welcomed with open arms. Even though they came teaching and proclaiming the word of the Lord, most of the time they were persecuted and sometimes killed. They didn’t come with weapons or armies and offered little resistance to those who opposed them–and Jesus knew their stories. As a result when his own prophetic ministry brought him into conflict with the religious authorities and occupying forces, he likely wasn’t surprised to be treated in the same fashion. That pattern of non-violent resistance became the model for every new prophet of God who has graced our planet. From Bonhoeffer to Gandhi to King such leaders have taught the truth of God with dignity and patience–they’ve listened before they’ve spoken, and they’ve suffered for their efforts. And through them the world has been changed for the good. While we might not feel the call to prophetic ministry on our journeys, we are all called to embrace non-violence whenever conflict threatens. There’s no room for cut-throat bullying among God’s people–we are the people of peace, mercy, and forgiveness. Nothing is ever gained by wielding a big stick in the presence of those who oppose us. It might sell in Hollywood but it’s certainly not the way of the Christ!

Thought for the Day: How do I respond to insults?

John 11:32-45

“Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’ But some of them said, ‘Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?’” vss. 35-37

The underlying motivation behind the current worldwide shutdown is the fear of death. No matter how much comfort we might find in the certainty of the resurrection, death has never become a friend to us, except in those cases when it brings an end to profound suffering. Even Jesus, knowing what he was going to do, wept and was deeply moved when he saw the pain of the mourners. In our day, we’re willing to endure months of shutdown and self-quarantine, expending trillions of dollars globally because we refuse to allow the advance of the deadly COVID-19 virus. There is probably nothing that brings more sadness into our lives than the death of a loved family member or friend. Tears flow freely and sorrow fills our hearts–like Jesus, we are deeply moved. And that’s the way it should be! Some believers give the impression that belief in resurrection should completely negate our pain. Such a notion is nonsensical and completely underestimates the deep and profound nature of love. Of course we will cry when death comes near–and Jesus said plainly, “Blessed are those who mourn.” In our tears we give expression to our pain and release the pressure on our broken hearts. One day the weeping will end, but only in its time, and not one minute sooner!

Thought for the Day: When has death hit me the hardest?

John 11:17-31

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live…’” vs. 25

Contrary to what we might expect, according to recent polling, most people believe in life after death, even those who self-identify as atheists or agnostics. It’s not surprising then that almost all funerals or memorial services make reference to the continuing life the newly departed now enjoys. For the most part that’s how it was in Jesus’ day too! When her brother, Lazarus, died, Martha readily affirmed her belief in the resurrection on the last day. But Jesus offered her more! He tells her that trusting in him is more than a free pass to heavenly mansions, it means resurrected life now, long before we die. Our new life in Christ is “this-worldly” and can be enjoyed throughout our lives on this planet. It brings daily adventure as we revel in the joy and beauty of the now and search out all the delights the creation has to offer. In the course of that journey there’ll be love and affection and genuine kindness as we use our gifts and talents to serve one another. And then as death draws near, as it surely will, we find comfort in the knowledge that the new life that we’ve been living continues beyond the grave. The best news is that all this is ours by grace, a gift from the Divine Presence who has loved us from the moment of our birth.

Thought for the Day: Why do I trust that what Jesus says is true?

John 11:1-16

“But when Jesus heard it, he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’” vs. 4

These words of Jesus seem contradictory. Whoever heard of an illness that could bring glory to God, especially one that was deadly in nature? And yet that’s what happened–Lazarus died, but his death provided an opportunity for folks to celebrate life. We’ve been thinking about such things as this new disease, COVID-19, has raced around the globe, not only bringing death to thousands, but also thoroughly disrupting our daily lives. People have been challenged to rethink priorities as they’ve lost jobs and nest eggs have been ravaged. Sometimes the epidemic has uncovered our worst human tendencies as some have engaged in hoarding and scapegoating. But for the most part, we’ve behaved rather well, and maybe even surprised ourselves as we’ve reached out to the vulnerable and provided generously for the needy. People have found remarkable comradery in challenging circumstances, and we’ve learned what it’s like to sacrifice for the sake of others. Some might even say that this illness has brought out the best in us, and that through it God has been glorified. Of course we want it to be brought under control, and our hearts go out to those who have suffered and died–but maybe this awful season of postponements and shut-downs can teach some valuable lessons about life in community, and how important even small acts of love can be.

Thought for the Day: What have I learned about myself during these last weeks?

Romans 8:10-11

“But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” vs. 10

Sometimes when we read words like this in the scripture, we long for the life which they promise, and we wonder what it might be like if Christ were actually in us. And we wish someone would tell us how we could actually make that happen. Does it take a special ceremony or maybe a specific prayer? But the truth is, Christ is already in us! The same Christ present in Jesus during his life and ministry, the same Christ who gave Jesus life in the presence of death, that universal Christ is part of our DNA, and has been with us from the beginning! What’s really sad is that so many live out their entire lives without the least bit awareness of this indwelling Christ. Obscured by sin and our obsession with the material, the internal Christ remains hidden–but not always! From time to time it happens in the course of living, that by grace our inner light shines out for all to see. Those moments are harbingers of the new life that is waiting, a sign that one day Christ will raise us up to new life, and we will see the glory of God. What a blessing it is though, that people don’t need to wait for death to experience new life. It’s here for us now, and through the Spirit we can bask in the righteousness that is ours in Christ.

Thought for the Day: When do I notice the Christ that is in me?  

Romans 8:5-9

“To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” vs. 6

It’s easy to lose focus during troubled times. We can’t even check our social media without being reminded of the latest rumor or report from the CDC. Everyone is talking about the pandemic, and no one knows how long it will last or what it’s effects will be. The one blessing that we have is plenty of time! We’re staying at home, for the most part in company with those we love the most, and we’re actually getting the opportunity to set our minds on the Spirit. Of course that’s not particularly easy to do, but our congregations are doing a great job of sending out every kind of spiritual tool that we could imagine. We can watch streaming worship services from multiple congregations and catch sermons from preachers in diverse places. This has the potential to be our deepest Lenten season ever–if we can only shake our minds away from matters of the flesh. Paul promised that life and peace would be the rewards for those who managed to wrest their attention from toilet paper shortages and focus on the Spirit of the Risen Christ. And he’s right! What a blessing it is to use these uncluttered hours on things that feed our souls! It really is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Thought for the Day: How am I using my extra time?

Psalm 130

“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!” vss. 1-2

None of us have ever endured times such as these! It’s a disaster, but there have been none of the usual accompanying signs–no earthquakes, explosions, fires, or winds. The enemy is unseen and subtle, there are scarcely any signs of its attack. Everything seems so normal–yet the entire globe has been adversely affected. Businesses are closing, travel is being curtailed, even worship services have been canceled. We’re being told to maintain “social distancing,” something we’ve never even heard of before–we can’t even visit our loved ones in care centers and hospitals. It’s hard to know how to behave–even the psalmist never experienced anything like this! But he did know what it was like to feel alienated and isolated, and he knew from whence his hope would come. Out of the depths he cried to the Lord, and so do we. Separated physically from our faith communities we reach out by other means, doing whatever we can to lift spirits and provide assistance, and through us the Lord is acting to provide consolation and support. Our voices will be heard and we will not be conquered. Already we’ve seen people coming together in unexpected ways. These weeks will be our finest hour! In them we will experience God’s love as never before.

Thought for the Day: What is my deepest need in these days?