Matthew 28:1-10

“Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” vs 7

Recent news has focused on the attempts of genetic researchers, funded by Silicon Valley billionaire entrepreneurs, to unlock the secrets of aging and make it possible for human beings to achieve immortality. At the very least they hope to extend our lives to the 140-150 year range. Their work is intense and involves intricate manipulations of DNA molecules and massive stem cell research, all with the aim of fending off our ancient enemy, Death, and rendering Easter obsolete. Some of those billionaires, knowing that the research process will be prolonged, are planning to have their heads cryogenically preserved in a Scottsdale warehouse. At some point in the distant future they will have their thawed heads attached to some sort of robotic body and walk triumphantly into eternal life…at least that’s their hope! Now it’s true that medical advances and healthy living can extend life…80 has really become the new 60 for some…but conquering death is pure fantasy! That’s why followers of Jesus have put their hope in resurrection and not immortality. We don’t crave an extended warrantee on our old fleshly selves…we want new bodies! That’s the point of our Easter celebrations! Death has been conquered. Jesus is alive. We will continue to age until death comes…but then comes one more big surprise…new life with Christ forever.

Thought for the Day: What’s the difference between resurrection and immortality?

Colossians 3:1-4

“So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” vs. 1

As we take time to prepare for tomorrow’s celebration of resurrection it’s important to remember that Easter isn’t just about Jesus. It’s also a time to sing praises for the resurrected life that is ours now in Christ. When the Holy Spirit called us to faith through the gospel we also received the good news that we too have been raised from the dead. Holy Saturday provides opportunity for reflection on the nature of that new life and the way that it impacts our day to day interactions with God and our neighbors. This year ironically it falls on April 15, a day that is most frequently associated with payment of income tax. Many have already filed their returns but some traditionally wait until the last minute…which this year is extended until April 18. Those returns say a lot about our priorities and those things in which we place our focus. For some all of life revolves around savings accounts and material investments, and success is measured strictly by net worth. Conversely, the new life in Christ involves lifting our gaze to embrace that which has eternal value. Success is measured not by the bottom line but by the treasure that is ours in Christ Jesus. The new life we have in him is worth far more than silver or gold, and can never be affected by either interest rates or inflation. Praise God!

Thought for the Day: How am I doing spiritually?

Psalm  22

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.” vss. 1-2

According to Matthew as Jesus hung on the cross on that fateful Friday we call Good, he endured scorn and abuse from all who were watching: soldiers, religious leaders, anyone who passed by…even the bandits being crucified taunted him. We can only imagine the torment and the pain, and it’s not a surprise that the only words Matthew records echoed those of the psalmist from centuries before. He felt completely abandoned and forsaken, and none of his prayers were being heard. When we read these psalms of lament we are reminded that being connected to God, even in the most intimate ways, does not exempt us from suffering. Every saint can expect that sooner or later darkness will close in and tears will flow freely. Mother Teresa wrote of her struggle in 1956, “Such deep longing for God–so deep that it is painful–a suffering continual–and yet not wanted by God–repulsed–empty–no faith–no love–no zeal–Heaven  means nothing.” Those seem like strange words from one so universally admired for her deep faith and commitment to serving. Yet in many ways they make her real, not a plaster of paris saint, but a woman humble before the Lord. Her testimony brings us comfort when we too look deep inside and see only emptiness…when all we can do is pray…and wait for Easter to dawn.

Thought for the Day: What does despair feel like in my life?

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.’” vs. 23b-24

From the very beginning followers of Jesus have gathered regularly for Holy Communion and used the same words remembered by Paul as he sent instructions to the Corinthians. What is said and done is the focal point of the worship service, and even has more significance than sermon or songs. This is the supreme moment of connection for believers, the opportunity to eat and drink the body and blood of Jesus. Naturally, theologians and church leaders have had countless debates and arguments about what happens in this sacred meal, and have sometimes made it a time of exclusion and separation. Of course there are no words that can adequately describe the mystery that is encountered here. How can we possibly understand how the real body of Christ can be present in a real piece of bread? Yet this is what we affirm and celebrate in every single mass…and our spiritual selves are fed. As we eat the bread and drink the wine, forgiveness becomes real for us once more and most of us breathe a profound prayer of thanksgiving. It’s not just a matter of hearing the word of hope, in this meal our sensual selves are overwhelmed by the taste, smell, and texture of Christ’s incarnate real presence, and we are so satisfied. It’s the best meal ever!

Thought for the Day: What are my thoughts as I taste the bread and wine?

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

From the beginning followers of Jesus have believed that the dead in Christ are a part of what is known as the “church triumphant.” They have ended their lives in this world and now rest in peace with Jesus in their own special heavenly dwelling place. We’re glad for their new life but we often wonder if any connection remains with this world. Many people believe that there is and often speak of their loved ones as “looking down on them” from above. The writer to the Hebrews seems to agree with that notion when he says that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. It is further implied that these witnesses are cheering us on as we maneuver our way among the pitfalls and stumbling blocks of life. While it’s impossible to adequately describe that life which exists for us beyond death, it is comforting to believe that connections remain. At the very least it should be an incentive for us to use the memories of the departed saints to inspire and motivate our own journeys. Even though they’re not with us in the flesh, their spirits remain and are never far from us. And some days we can even see signs of their presence!

Thought for the Day: What connection do I feel to my loved ones who have died?

Psalm 71:1-4

“Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” vs. 3

According to tradition Rev. Augustus Toplady was riding along a gorge in the Mendip Hills in England in 1763 when he took shelter from a sudden storm in a fissure in the rock. Inspired by the moment he later penned the words to a hymn called “Rock of Ages” that has touched the hearts of believers ever since. For some it’s a favorite…they love the simple lyric, “Rock of ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.” The psalmist would have agreed. For him God was the rock of refuge, a source of security and shelter in times of danger, a fortress that could protect him from all enemies. Of course Toplady was thinking of Jesus as the Rock, and went on in his hymn to describe the water and the blood which flowed from his side as a double cure for sin and guilt. This kind of imagery strikes a responsive chord in all who struggle for peace and serenity in moments of sadness, trial, and sorrow, moments that are bound to come as long as we’re living in this world. These are the times when calamities abound and it feels as though alien forces are attacking. These are the times when we run breathless to Jesus and ask him to protect us from danger and harm. “Save us, Jesus,” we say. “Be our rock of refuge. We have no other place to go!” And he opens his arms and hugs us close!

Thought for the Day: When do I need a rock of refuge?

Isaiah 42:1-9

“I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations,” vs. 6

Isaiah lays out the role of the Suffering Servant quite clearly in these amazing passages written some 500 years before Jesus. It’s obvious from the context of these verses that the prophet identifies Israel with the Servant, but following Jesus’ resurrection his followers saw in these words a perfect description of his ministry. In our time it takes little imagination to apply this same verse to the Church. Truly this is who we are as the followers of Jesus. Called by God to be a holy people, we have been given to the nations of the world as a promise and a light. In us God’s redemptive word is to be seen and heard…we are the good news, the contemporary presence of Christ, sanctified and sent to bring healing and mercy to millions of hurting, hungry people. We are the antidote to fear, terror, and suicide bombs, a balm that soothes souls and calms anxious hearts. Those who say that the church is obsolete fail to understand its Spirit-filled power to adapt and adjust. We have a God-given capacity and responsibility to offer our gospel message in a multitude of forms and models. A world full of sinners will always need the good news of forgiveness and hope. That will never change! Our call never ends!

Thought for the Day: What evangelism methods are best for our time?

Matthew 27:35-54

“And about three o’clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” vs. 46

As Matthew recounts the last of hours of Jesus he doesn’t include the conversations noted in Luke and John. For him there were no last minute promises, instructions, or heroic gestures. Instead there is complete darkness and silence from noon until three o’clock…and then a cry of total desperation from Jesus, a quote from Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The alienation was complete; Jesus was abandoned, forsaken by God and by humanity. It’s an ugly, cruel scene, and we can’t help feeling a sense of deep sadness. And yet, amazingly enough, countless people find consolation and empathy in these words. They are a connecting point with Jesus. Think of it! There is no condition that we can experience that has not been felt by our Lord. There is no road so remote and dark that hasn’t been walked by Jesus. He knows what’s going on with us, and it feels good to realize that, even if friends and family can’t even guess the depth of our pain and alienation, Jesus does understand…and has been where we are. He knows what death is all about and has experienced its unrelenting approach and presence. He knows the sense of powerlessness that sweeps over us as our deadly foe draws near. Of course we also know the rest of the story, that even when things are hopeless, Easter comes, and in the darkness, as we hang on to that good news, light begins to dawn.

Thought for the Day: Where do I see light in my darkness?

Matthew 27:26-24

“Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying, ‘You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.’” vss. 39-40

As he hung dying on the cross Jesus heard again the words of the tempter from his post-baptism days in the wilderness. “If you are the Son of God…” the devil had said, and now the temptation came once more, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” God’s love was being called into question. At his baptism the affirmation had been so clear, “You are my Son, My Beloved. With you I am well-pleased.” Jesus had resisted the temptation in the desert and had clung to the promises of God through his entire ministry. And now there came the last temptation. Would he remain faithful to the end…even though he felt forsaken? Matthew doesn’t give us a defiant word from Jesus, a final affirmation of faith. All we see is suffering and a loud cry…and then death. It’s not a pretty picture. We’d like to think faith gets easier with the passing years and the diminishment of passions. And perhaps for some it does. But for others the temptations continue until the end of our days. Always there is that voice that calls God’s love into question. “Is faith really all that is needed?” the tempter whispers, and we begin to wonder. The truth is, of course, that faith is all we need…and God’s promise of life is forever, no strings attached!

Thought for the Day: How can I make my faith stronger?

Matthew 27:11-25

“Then he asked, ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But they shouted all the more, ‘Let him be crucified!’” vs 23

Pilate evidently thought that a logical, objective question would cause the crowd to reconsider and choose to let Jesus live. He failed to recognize what some would call a mob mentality and the incoherent blood lust that almost always prevails when the masses are empowered. Some of those people had perhaps been a part of the welcoming crowd and had maybe even shouted “Hosanna” just a few days before. But this day was different. Jesus had failed to meet expectations and his messianic coup had seemingly flopped. Now all of the disappointments and resentments were directed at him, and the shouts had turned to “Let him be crucified!” Instead of being seen as a savior Jesus was now being made a scapegoat. All blame was heaped on him and the crowd would be content with nothing less than his death. Ironically that ugly choice came to be seen as part of God’s plan. Jesus was the scapegoat, the one on whom all the sins of the world were heaped, and people came to see his death as our salvation. With his stripes, it was said, all of us were healed. Pilate, of course, saw none of this. He simply washed his hands of the whole affair and went about his duties as the governor of this remote province. For him it was a bad day. For us it was the turning point of history.

Thought for the Day: What usually happens when crowds rule?