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Read: Isaiah 35:1-10; Jeremiah 23:1-8; Matthew 11:2-11

This morning, Pastor Rick will present the message from a shepherd’s point of view.

³ I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. ⁴ I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the Lord.

⁵ “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. ⁶ In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’ (Jeremiah 23:3-6).

Have you ever thought how hard it would be to shepherd a flock of sheep in a desert? In the arid land of Israel, shepherds had a challenging task. During the rainy season there would be plenty of vegetation. Finding a place to graze was no problem.

As winter turned to spring and spring to summer, the rain would stop. Dry season would begin. Shepherds were forced to be more nomadic – sometimes walking miles to find a spring or pond that gave life to grass and plants.

Life can feel a bit like that. There are seasons of blessing and joy, but they are quickly followed by seasons of challenge. It can feel like hardship and difficulty are around every corner. It can feel like life is filled with sorrow and despair. There are wars and rumors of war. There are hurricanes and earthquakes. There are cancers and pandemics.

Imagine hearing the words of Isaiah 35 from a shepherd’s point of view. They, and all the people of Judah, knew weak hands and feeble knees (v. 3), anxious hearts (v. 4), blind eyes and deaf ears (v. 5), inability to walk or talk (v. 6). It is a picture of a body that is completely broken down and utterly overwhelmed by despair and weariness.

God speaks good news to those hurting. The ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away (v. 10). Silent tongues singing! Feeble knees walking! Fearful hearts filled with faith, hope, courage, and joy!

Even nature will be affected! The wilderness and desert will bloom like a flower (v. 1). Dry places throughout the land will become a paradise (v. 2)! The blind will see and deaf hear (v. 5), the lame will not just walk, they’ll leap and the mute will sing (v. 6)! Life and land will be transformed! It will be safe and secure – no lion or ravenous beast will be there (v. 9).

Through the prophet Isaiah, God promised a new and holy path for his people – for all who believe his promises and follow him. Though our lives can feel like deserts and the situations around us can seem hopeless, God is in the business of transformation. He turns mourning into dancing and despair into joy.

This is good news! We human beings are born in bondage to sin. We cannot free ourselves. We are by nature dead and deserving of eternal punishment. But God sent his Son. God broke into the world and did for us what we could never do for ourselves.

Advent offers us an opportunity to encourage one another. We don’t have to wander around looking for things that will relieve our pain or help us escape our circumstances. We don’t have to feel lost and hopeless. We can strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. We can: ⁴ Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! We can proclaim tell those who are feeling oppressed or attacked: Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you (vs. 3-4).

He already has! Jesus has come. His life and death and resurrection have brought forgiveness and life and hope. The promises of Isaiah 35 are promises for all who believe and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away (v. 10).

Nehemiah wrote that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It enables us to keep faith and hope in the hardest of circumstances. It reminds us that even when we’re lost in a desert, the grace and mercy of God never fails. His love for us is never ending.

Like a shepherd who rejoices when he finds water flowing in the desert, we rejoice because we have living water – God’s Holy Spirit – in every circumstance and situation! As the angels proclaimed to those shepherds it really is good news of great joy! Christ the Lord has come!

Questions for Reflection:

• When you feel anxious or overwhelmed who or what encourages you to have joy?
• When have you experienced a desert time that was transformed by the grace of God? What was that like?
• Who is someone you can encourage? Pray for an opportunity to strengthen the week hands and make firm the feeble knees of someone around you this week!

Advent readings for this week December 12-18

     Monday – Isaiah 29:17-24; Acts 5:12-16

     Tuesday – Ezekiel 47:1-12; Jude 17-25

     Wednesday – Zechariah 8:1-17; Matthew 8:14-17, 28-34

     Thursday – 2 Samuel 7:1-17; Galatians 3:23-29

     Friday – 2 Samuel 7:18-22; Galatians 4:1-7

     Saturday – 2 Samuel 7:23-29; John 3:31-36

     Sunday – Isaiah 7:10-16; Romans 1:1-17; Matthew 1:18-25

Read Isaiah 11:1-10; Micah 5:1-5a; and Matthew 3:1-12

This morning, Pastor Rick will be sharing from the perspective of the Innkeeper, a resident of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus birth (Luke 2:1-7).

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ³ And all went to be registered, each to his own town. ⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. ⁶ And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. ⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Bethlehem, in the first century, was a small town about five and a half miles south of Jerusalem. It was famed for being the hometown of King David. In the days of Micah’s prophecy, the city was under siege. The Assyrian armies were coming against Judah and they wanted to conquer the southern kingdom as they had the northern.

The daughters of Zion were in danger of becoming the daughters of Assyria. The leader of Judah seemed to be injured. The marauding army had Jerusalem surrounded and filled the valleys all around the city. Hope for deliverance was fading fast.

A siege is designed to eliminate possibility, to starve hope. As one option after another fades away, as rations run thin and ammunition becomes scarce, hope flees. Survival seems less and less likely until finally there seem to be only two options: death or surrender.

But Micah refuses to be boxed into those choices. Though the ruler has been beaten down, there is another who will rise. Israel may lose this battle, they may ultimately be occupied and defeated, but there is one who will rise in the place of David. He will come and shepherd his people to life and victory.

In fact, 2 Kings 19:35 tells us that the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian troops one night so Sennacherib king of Assyria went home to Nineveh. God’s sovereign hand intervened to deliver his people! King Hezekiah’s faith in God was rewarded by God’s deliverance.

Eventually the Babylonians came and took Judah into captivity, but in these verses there is a promise of a savior who will be born to shepherd God’s flock in the strength of the Lord. He will bring them to a place of security. He will reign to the ends of the earth. He shall be their peace.

We know from Luke 2 that God orchestrates a census to get his chosen couple, Mary and Joseph, to Bethlehem, the City of David, the place Messiah will be born. Though they are bringing the one who fulfilled those promises God made in the Old Testament, they find no room at any of the inns.

Notice in the passage there is no innkeeper mentioned. In fact, the inn mentioned was probably more of a guest room or the equivalent of a modern-day hostel than a Motel 6. Mary and Joseph had relatives in Bethlehem. They were both descendants from the line of David. That’s why they had to go there for the census. But there no one would take them in. None of their relatives would offer them space. The shame of Mary’s pregnancy out of wedlock led to their rejection.

As the couple went from house to house and found no room, the hope of finding a dry, clean place to lay their heads waned. But God provided. They found a manger, a feeding trough for sheep and cattle. It could have been part of a private home or inn or it may have been one that shepherds in the community shared. Either way, it was the best they could do. While far from ideal, it was dry and secure and when the Savior of the world was born, they had a place to lay him.

A short time later, shepherds came to worship. They came to see the one the angels proclaimed had been born – a Savior who is Christ the Lord! Afterward, they went around telling everyone the news of what they had seen and what they had heard.

And…life went on. Perhaps people wondered at what they heard from the shepherds, but there is nothing to suggest they actually did something about it. We don’t read about a line of people showing up to see the baby or bring him gifts. We don’t hear about dignitaries or religious leaders coming to see if the shepherds were telling the truth. It isn’t until the magi came from the east and asked Herod where the child was living that anyone even seemed to care.

Every year, Advent comes around. It’s easy for us to get caught up in hanging lights, decorating trees, making cookies, shopping for gifts, and attending office parties. It’s easy to get so busy we have no room and no time and no energy for the wonder of Jesus, to notice the Savior who is Christ the Lord.

Advent invites us to slow down; to wait; to ponder; to treasure moments and relationships. Jesus was born into a world that had been waiting but was unprepared for his arrival. He came to the promised town of Bethlehem and no one had room for him. This Advent, let’s prepare our hearts and lives to make room for the one who has come!

Questions for Reflection:

• In your family, is Advent a time of waiting and reflecting or a time of rushing and doing? How can you make room for Jesus in the midst of the busyness?
• How does seeing God working behind the scenes to fulfill the promise he made in Micah influence your thinking about his promises that have yet to be fulfilled?
• In a world that lacks hope, what can we trust in? How does Advent help us see that?

Advent readings this week December 5-11:

     Monday – Isaiah 24:1-16a; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

     Tuesday – Isaiah 41:14-20; Romans 15:14-21

     Wednesday – Genesis 15:1-18; Matthew 12:33-37

     Thursday – Ruth 1:6-18; 2 Peter 3:1-10

     Friday – Ruth 4:13-17; 2 Peter 3:11-18

     Saturday – 1 Samuel 2:1-8; Luke 3:1-18

     Sunday – Isaiah 35:1-10; Jeremiah 23:1-8; Matthew 11:2-11

Read: Isaiah 2:1-5; Romans 13:11-14; and Matthew 24:36-44

This morning, Pastor Rick will be sharing as Simeon from Luke 2:25-35:

²⁵ Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, ²⁸ he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, ²⁹ “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation ³¹ that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Are you a patient person? For most of us, waiting is difficult. When we know the time the waiting will end, we count the days, the hours, the minutes – and they drag by! When we don’t know the exact time the waiting will end, it can be disorienting. What can I start and hope to finish before the waiting is over? Should I go ahead? Should I do something else?

Because waiting can be so disorienting and so difficult, God often rooted his promises in tangible realities – land, mountains, temples, bread, water, wine, and light – to name a few. In so doing, God gave the people something to recognize when he kept his promise. He helped them to have faith even when they couldn’t see what he was doing.

Isaiah 2 speaks of a day to come when God promised victory to Judah. It would be a day when glory was brighter than the shadows; when joy overcame sorrow; and when rebellion would surrender to obedience. It would be a day when faith would become sight.

In both the Old and New Testaments, God promised a day when he would reign as king over the whole world; he would establish a new Jerusalem to be the center of his reign; and he would bring the chaos of the world into order.

Simeon was a man who waited for those promises. He believed God would bring them to pass, though Israel’s history seemed to make this ridiculous. Nations never streamed to Jerusalem. Its prominence faded with its exile. Whatever promises God made to Judah, they did not seem to be possible.

And yet, Simeon believed nothing was impossible with God. Luke tells us he was waiting for the consolation of Israel and that the Holy Spirit was upon him. In his prayer and in his waiting, God had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah, the one who would bring the fulfilment of God’s promises to his people.

Can you imagine going to the temple day after day hoping that would be the day, but unsure exactly what you’re looking for! When the Holy Spirit prompted him that this baby was the one he was waiting for, how did he respond? Did he hesitate? “Lord, are you sure? His parents are peasants!” Did he marvel? “A baby! Lord, I thought he’d be a warrior!”

It seems he simply obeyed. He took Jesus in his arms and blessed God. He recognized that in God’s wisdom, this child was his salvation. This child was the one bringing the light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory for God’s people!

It is our turn to wait. Jesus has come, but the promises are only partially realized. There is a promise that one day there will be a second advent, a second coming of Christ. In that day, Jesus will change our faith to sight. He will defeat falsehood (Revelation 19:11-21); raise the dead (Revelation 20:1-6); destroy the devil and his demons (Revelation 20:7-10); and death itself will be done away with once and for all (Revelation 20:14-15).

This morning, the Promise Candle reminds us to celebrate Christ’s coming in the past and to hope in the future coming when he finishes what he began. We worship Christ the King, born in Bethlehem. And we wait for the King to come again, walking in the light that comes from his Word and from his Spirit. The light that shines into our lives and through our lives.

Waiting is difficult, but this side of the cross, we have the work of Jesus on the cross and the gift of his Holy Spirit to anchor our faith and give us confidence. The day will come when what Jesus began in his first advent will reach its completion at his second. Until that day, may we walk in the light of the LORD (Isaiah 2:5) for his glory!

Questions for reflection:

• What has waiting taught you? How has it taught you to trust in the Lord?
• What helps you wait? Are there truths from Scripture or answers to prayer or other ways God has helped you to wait?
• Life is filled with waiting. Is there someone you know who is waiting that you might encourage this week?

Advent readings this week November 28-December 4:

     Monday – Genesis 8:1-19; Romans 6:1-11

     Tuesday – Genesis 9:1-17; Hebrews 11:32-40

     Wednesday – Isaiah 54:1-10; Matthew 24:23-35

     Thursday – Isaiah 4:2-6; Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

     Friday – Isaiah 30:19-26; Acts 13:16-25

     Saturday – Isaiah 40:1-11; John 1:19-28

     Sunday – Isaiah 11:1-10; Micah 5:1-5a; Matthew 3:1-12

Salem has an opening for a part time associate pastor position! This position would have leadership responsibilities over our youth program, the Kulture. The full job description is available here.

April 17: Resurrection Sunday!

Read: Isaiah 65:17-25; John 20:1-18

Our reading in John today begins on the first day of the week, early, while it was still dark. There are echoes of another moment, early in creation, when the world was dark and formless. It reminds us of the darkness that settled over the world just days earlier as the Messiah was crucified, died, and buried. Darkness can suggest hopelessness and defeat.

It’s not just a time of day, but the absence of light. We go through dark times when we don’t feel the presence of God or when life’s circumstances are difficult and we feel lost and defeated.

Into the darkness of that Sunday morning centuries ago, the God who spoke light into existence raised back to life the light of the world. The God who in humility clothed himself in human flesh defeated death. The true light, which gives light to everyone, had reappeared. The darkness truly had not overcome it.

John’s presentation of that resurrection morning is filled with wonder in the midst of the mundane. Mary Magdalene goes to the tomb and Jesus’ body is missing. In shock, she runs to Simon Peter. He and John come and see that Jesus is gone and walk away confused and pondering what it all meant.

Mary remains. She sees two angels in white and though she speaks to them, she must not have comprehended who they were. It’s as though it doesn’t even register. Turning, she sees a man she mistakes as the gardener. Perhaps he knows where Jesus’ body is. As she weeps, Jesus speaks to her and calls her by name.

In the quiet of the early morning, her broken heart meets hope. Her crushed expectations are revived. This one she (rightly?) thought a servant, is actually her Lord! Death destroyed. Hope rekindled. Her world turned upside down!

The resurrection changes everything. When Mary hears Jesus call her by name, she knows it is him. When their conversation ends, she returns to tell all who will listen, “I have seen him! He is alive!”

We too, when we meet our God in human form; the Messiah who died and was raised; the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; when we meet him and he calls us by name, our response should be to go into the world and share this truth with everyone! We have seen him! We know him! He is alive! And in him, so are we!

Questions for Reflection

What have been the most important things you’ve learned or been reminded of during this Lenten season?

Have you sensed any invitations to start (or stop) some activity so you can draw closer to Jesus?

Is there someone you especially want to share the hope of Jesus with? Pray for them and for an opportunity to be a witness to them of the power of the resurrection!

April 15: Good Friday

Read: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 18:1-19:42

It’s impossible to read the passages related to Good Friday – Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion – apart from the lens of Resurrection morning. And yet, as we see the series of events unfold, it is a fresh reminder of Jesus’ deep love for us; of his choice to go through these excruciating events; of how God had planned all of this from before time began.

Centuries before Jesus would appear on earth, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah telling of the Messiah, God’s chosen servant, who would come and set the captives free. A bruised reed he would not break. The blind would see and the lame would walk. This servant would be called, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Tucked into all the beautiful and triumphant things Messiah would do is the description of him as a suffering servant in Isaiah 52 and 53. Nothing in the description would have drawn us to him. He would not have been on a list of the most influential people. We would have thought him just another man.

He was marred beyond recognition (52:14). He had nothing in his appearance to attract us (53:2). He was despised and rejected (53:4). Like a lamb, he was led to the slaughter. He did not speak a word. He did not try to escape. He did not protest his innocence. He was battered and bruised and ultimately killed in the most heinous way.

And yet, despite his treatment, kings and nations are astonished by him (52:15). He is described not as a victim, but as a victor. He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; he took upon himself our punishment that we might have peace. He was bruised. We are healed.

Jesus’ suffering, described by Isaiah centuries earlier, is the means for our redemption. It is the way of our restoration. It was not in vain, but the turning point of human history. It was not the end of a Jewish sect, but the beginning of a worldwide faith that brings salvation to all people.

Even more, Isaiah tells us he will rise again! The day will come when he sees his offspring. His days will be prolonged! His anguish will not be the final word. We grieve the servant’s suffering even as we rejoice in what God has done through him! He has taken him from humiliation to exaltation!

Today, as we pause to reflect on Jesus’ death, we do so from the vantage point of his resurrection. We look upon the cross, an instrument of punishment, death, and shame and we see it as the place of victory, glory, and joy.

Jesus, the suffering servant, invites us to rethink our worldly ideas of success. It wasn’t his charisma, charm, and good looks that made a difference. It was his servant’s heart. His obedience. His humility and gentle heart. His empathy and compassion. His willingness to give sacrificially for the sake of others. He invites us to do the same. He invites us to find our success, not in how much we have (possessions, power, position) but in how much we love (service, sacrifice, selflessness).

Jesus, the suffering servant, invites us to rethink our perspective on suffering. We’ve seen several times in recent messages that our faith is not measured by the blessings or easy life we enjoy. Jesus did not say to come follow me and life will be pain and trouble free! He said, take up your cross and follow me! The life of obedience and faithfulness will be blessed by God’s presence and is used by God to mature and refine us. He invites us to measure blessing in our lives not by the absence of suffering, but by his presence with us through it all.

Questions for Reflection

How does the life of Jesus and his willing submission to go to the cross influence your view of success and suffering? Should it?

What is stirred in your heart as you consider what Jesus endured for your sake? Take time to share your heart with Jesus. Is there an invitation to respond in some way?

April 10: Palm Sunday

Read: Psalm 118:1-2; 19-29; Luke 19:28-40

In an early episode of the old TV series, M*A*S*H, “Trapper”, one of the doctors is diagnosed with a stomach ulcer. Though upset about having a hole in his gut, his bunkmate, Hawkeye, reminds him that according to army regulations, he will be going home from the Korean War.

A farewell party is prepared and minutes before Trapper shows up, the company clerk (Radar) informs him the army has a new regulation that will require him to stay in Korea for treatment. Trapper goes to the party anyway and there is a festive time had by all until he’s asked to give his farewell speech. As he does, he explains he isn’t going home after all.

During the party, Trapper and Radar have a look in their eyes that betrays the truth – if anyone had taken the time to notice! It’s a great party, but it’s not going to end the way everyone wants or expects!

If one of the disciples had looked into Jesus’ eyes on that first Palm Sunday, would his eyes have betrayed that things weren’t going to end the way everyone hoped and expected? Knowing what lay before him, did Jesus smile and wave and receive the blessings and praise of the people all the while feeling the weight of what was before him?

The people proclaim, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Jesus knew that if he did the Father’s will and brought the peace and glory of which they sang, the path led to a cross.

And yet, the author of Hebrews reminds us that because of the joy set before him, he endured the cross, despising its shame. Now he is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). It’s a beautiful reminder that joy transcends our circumstances. It is the pervasive sense that God is in control and all will be well. Jesus had to walk the path of obedience to the horrors of the cross and we must go with him – not to a physical death, but so we might die to self and by faith die with him and be raised with him.

When Jesus draws near to Jerusalem on that Palm Sunday, Luke writes that he wept over the city saying, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:42). They proclaimed him king. They hoped for deliverance. They thought he would lead a revolt.

Had they known their greater need and where it was Jesus would go to make peace possible, but they could not see. They had not heard his words warning of what is to come.

But we see it. We see Jesus on his way to Golgotha…taking his first steps of obedience toward the gospel paradox: the death that brings life; the sacrifice that solves all that ever was wrong with the world. Jesus must walk that path. And he calls us to go with him.

Questions for Reflection

Have you ever been at a party or wedding or some kind of celebration while mourning loss or knowing of some impending challenge? Trying to rejoice and being happy, yet carrying a heavy weight. Take time to reflect on what it must have been like for Jesus that day.

In what sense do we walk the path to the cross with Jesus? What does it mean for us to die with him and for us to be raised to life with him? How does that enable us to live joyfully?

Readings this week:

April 11:          Isaiah 42:1-9; Hebrews 9:11-15

April 12:          Isaiah 29:1-7; John 12:20-36

April 13:          Isaiah 50:4-9a; John 13:21-32

April 14:          Exodus 12:1-14; John 13:1-17

April 15:          Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 18:1-19:42

April 16:          Lamentations 3:1-9; 19-24; Matthew 27:57-66

April 17:          Isaiah 65:17-25; John 20:1-18

April 3: A New Thing

Read: Isaiah 43:16-21; John 12:1-8

Today’s passage from Isaiah opens with a description of God’s work on Israel’s behalf in leading the people out of Egypt. He opened a way in the sea, he enticed the armies of Egypt to follow the Israelites into the path. He closed the water over them that they would lie down and not get up again.

It was a magnificent act by God, but in verse 18 he says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” This undoubtedly sounded odd to a people who kept the same feasts for generations – and still do. Why shouldn’t they remember God’s grace in the past?

Verse 19 reveals the answer, “Behold, I am doing a new thing”. Isaiah is giving the people a hint that God is going to do something on the level of parting the Red Sea; of delivering the people from Egypt.

And yet, it’s a new thing. In fact. it’s a reversal of what he did in the past. In the days of the Exodus, he parted the sea so the people could walk through on dry land. Now, he will turn the dry land into rivers, the waterless desert will flow with life and explains his reasons for this: “I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.”

Written at a time when Judah was in exile, the promise of return, of this new thing, brought hope. These verses invite us to find encouragement despite the current realities we face: Pandemic and war; inflation and uncertainty. In these words, we’re invited to look beyond our circumstances and to wonder what God will do next. What new thing might he do for his people as they wait for Christ’s return?

It also reminds us that our current circumstances are temporary. They are part of our journey toward a time and place when our hearts will find their true home with God. He is the one who made us and redeemed us and loves us and calls us to himself.

When God sent Jesus, he also did a new thing. Instead of pointing people back to the Law, to the sacrificial system, to the old ways that only worked temporarily, God sent his son. God intervened dramatically. God reversed the condition brought on by Adam’s sin. We know, the one man, Adam, brought sin into the world and through his sin, death. But Jesus, in his life, death, and resurrection, does a new thing that brings life, life that lasts forever.

This is our hope! It is a hope rooted in reality. It is a hope that God has done amazing things and continues to do amazing things. There is no challenge too hard or desert too wide for God to give deliverance and hope. And it is a hope that one day in the not too distant future, Jesus will come again and bring a new heavens and a new earth and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord!

Questions for Reflection

In these days do you find yourself more or less hopeful than a year ago? What, if anything, has changed?

Isaiah gives us an image of God making streams in the wilderness and rivers in the desert showing how he will do a new thing and transform the situation. Have you ever experienced God doing something new like that in your life?

This week, share this message of hope with a friend who could use it!

Readings this week:

April 4:             Exodus 40:1-15; Hebrews 10:19-25

April 5:             Psalm 20; 1 John 2:18-28

April 6:             Habakkuk 3:2-15; Luke 18:31-34

April 7:             Isaiah 53:10-12; Hebrews 2:1-9

April 8:             Isaiah 54:9-10; Hebrews 2:10-18

April 9:             Leviticus 23:1-8; Luke 22:1-13

April 10:          Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Luke 19:28-40

March 27: Ambassadors for Christ

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:11-32

From the cross, as Jesus was dying on the cross between two thieves, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Jesus, who taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who hate us, practiced what he preached.

In the model prayer Jesus gave us, he taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). He tells us that if we refuse to forgive others, then we will not be forgiven by our heavenly Father (Matthew 6:14-15).

When we come to worship, he told us that if we know another person has something against us, we should “leave [our] gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to [the person], and then come and offer [our] gift” (Matthew 24).

Forgiveness is essential for those of us who claim to believe in Jesus and that we have been forgiven. The forgiveness we receive enables us to offer forgiveness to others. This is not only a command, it is essential for experiencing peace and reconciliation in our lives – both with God and others.

In 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction…Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend. We never get rid of an enemy by meeting hate with hate; we get rid of an enemy by getting rid of enmity.”

Failure to forgive leads to bitterness, alienation, cycles of conflict, and misery. Forgiveness defeats pain. It can heal both the forgiver and the forgiven.

What a magnificent calling we have as “Ambassadors for Christ.” Paul tells us that we are new creations because we’ve been reconciled to God through the blood of Jesus. We are forgiven. We’ve been made new! Because God is still in the business of reconciling people to himself, he’s given us – each and every believer in Jesus – the ministry of reconciliation.

God is making his appeal through us! We have the privilege to be witness of all Jesus is doing. We have the honor of living our lives as forgiven people and telling our stories of God’s reconciliation to others, imploring them on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God!

Sometimes the idea of telling a person about the gospel or Jesus seems so daunting. What should I say? How do I share? What if they ask a question I can’t answer? But all of us have a story to tell. God did not call us to be lawyers for Jesus – arguing people into God’s kingdom! He didn’t call us to be salesmen for Christ – trying to convince people to get the extended (eternal?) warranty! He called us to be witnesses – telling people of what we’ve seen and heard and all that God has done to reconcile us to him! All of us can do that!

As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For our sake [God] made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” We don’t have to work to be good enough for God, as Romans 5:8 reminds us, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Now we are “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19) and God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3).

This is the message to which we bear witness. This is our reason for the hope we have. Though we are “jars of clay”, we bear witness to the surpassing power of God as he transforms us into the image of Jesus! We have been forgiven and set free, now we offer that same reconciliation and hope to others!

Questions for Reflection

Reflect on Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross. The prayer was certainly directed toward those who had conspired to crucify Jesus, but perhaps they were words of prayer for all whose sin sent Jesus to the cross. What is it like to hear Jesus say “Father, forgive them” to you?

The ministry of reconciliation has at its heart forgiveness and reconciliation between God and humans. Why is that a hard message to share with others at times? How can you overcome your hesitancy in this area?

Who is one person you could witness to regarding God’s forgiveness in your life? Pray and look for an opportunity to share your hope and your reasons for it. Ask God to help you be his ambassador!

Readings this week:

March 28:        Leviticus 23:26-41; Revelation 19:1-8

March 29:        Leviticus 25:1-19; Revelation 19:9-10

March 30:        2 Kings 4:1-7; Luke 9:10-17

March 31:        Isaiah 43:1-7; Philippians 2:19-24

April 1:             Isaiah 43:8-15; Philippians 2:25-3:1

April 2:             Exodus 12:21-27; John 11:45-57

April 3:             Isaiah 43:16-21; John 12:1-8

March 20: Like a Common Criminal

Read: Psalm 63:1-8; Luke 13:1-9

Fleming Rutledge tells a story about a woman named Sally. She was looking for a church to attend. When he suggested one in her neighborhood, she said, “Oh, no, I could never go there.” When he asked why not she replied, “I would have to look at that big cross they have behind the altar! It would upset me terribly!”

Once Sally, a very fashionable woman, was shopping at a fancy department store. She bought an expensive blouse at the store and was walking out when the security alarm went off. The store clerk had forgotten to remove the white plastic security device. Store security forces pounced upon her.

“How horrible for you!” cried her sympathetic friends as she shared the story. “It must have been so distressing for you.”

“Oh,” said Sally, “It wasn’t any trouble. I was able to explain who I was and what happened. No, the really bad part was the feeling of being treated like a common criminal!”

Rutledge writes that he tried to explain to Sally how her experience of being treated unfairly like “a common criminal” could give her a hint of the shame Jesus felt when he was falsely accused; his identity rejected; and ultimately put to death between two common criminals.

In this morning’s passage from Luke, word had reached Jesus and the disciples about a horrible tragedy in which Pilate had mingled the blood of some Galileans with their sacrifices. Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?”

In the world of Jesus’ day, most people would have thought that terrible things happen to people because they sinned or did terrible things. Job’s friends were a good example of that.

But before the disciples can say anything, Jesus tells them, “No.” No, they weren’t worse sinners. No, they didn’t do some horrible thing that deserved an equally horrible punishment. He tells them the Galileans who died were just like them. He’s telling us that we are all alike. We are all sinful people. Unless [we] repent, you will all likewise perish. Perhaps not the exact same way, but it will be the same result. We will die and face an eternity separated from God.

In Rutledge’s story, Sally thinks she is a pretty good person. The idea that her sin put Jesus on the cross makes her uncomfortable. The idea that she would be treated as a common criminal is unfathomable. She doesn’t deserve that kind of treatment.

When we learn to see ourselves as Jesus does – as people who are just as sinful as everyone else and just as deserving of God’s wrath – it helps God’s grace and love and mercy shine even more brightly.

The parable Jesus tells in verses 6-9 remind us that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). We are the fig tree that doesn’t produce fruit. God’s patience and drawing us to him gives us the opportunity to respond with faith and repentance.

This message is not intended to be guilt-inducing. Rather, it should be grace-inducing. We are, apart from Christ, awful people who deserve punishment. But God, who is rich in love and mercy and grace, saved us as we are.

Lent is a great reminder of who we were and a great reminder of who we are – people of grace and love and forgiveness and new life!

Questions for Reflection

Do you struggle like Sally to see yourself as Jesus does? How can passages like Luke 13 help?

Reread the passage with an eye for God’s grace. Where do you see it in these verses? How does it encourage you?

How does the passage encourage you to pray or act in light of God’s patience? Are there people who are like that fig tree in your life? How can you “dig around and fertilize” their lives in your words and actions so they might come to faith in Jesus?

Readings this week:

March 21:        Jeremiah 11:1-17; Romans 2:1-11

March 22:        Ezekiel 17:1-10; Romans 2:12-16

March 23:        Numbers 13:17-27; Luke 13:18-21

March 24:        Joshua 4:1-13; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5

March 25:        Joshua 4:14-24; 2 Corinthians 4:14-24

March 26:        Exodus 32:7-14; Luke 15:1-10

March 27:        2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:11-32