An Easter Story: Part 2 "He is Risen!"

Part One is HERE.


From Luke 24
Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them,came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”

And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.

Lucifer was anxious. His initial glee at watching the suffering and death of Christ had dimmed as time had passed. He had begun to remember things that Jesus had said about being dead but later being raised to life. He remembered the dead girl that had lived again, the widow's son raised during his own funeral procession--and worst of all was that weakling Lazarus who had been dead four days and now was walking around in Bethany, a picture of health and stronger than he had ever been!

The Prince of the Power of the Air had dispatched two of his strongest demons to inspect the stone in front of the tomb and to look inside if they could. Now he awaited their return, pacing, snarling curses and hideous words of filth and hatred.

++++++++++++

Near the garden tomb, the temple guards were growing restless. The highest ranking one among them understood their growing murmuring, even though he did not show it. This is  the most foolish assignment any of us could imagine, he thought. Are we guarding the tomb from grave robbers? It was high time they returned to their posts in Jerusalem at the great temple. The one called Jesus of Nazareth had owned little as far as the guard could tell, and even his robe had been won by a Roman soldier. What was so special about yet another man claiming to be God's anointed? Yet...something seemed strange. It was almost as if they were guarding the tomb to insure the corpse inside stayed put. I am  a fool!  He snorted in derision at his own thoughts. The dead man had been someone special, that was certain.  But the man was dead. 
Then something...shifted.  He felt it in the ground beneath his sandals, in the sudden stillness as the birds stopped their early-morning chirping, in a subtle change in the growing light of the approaching sun.  And then, with bone-chilling awareness, he heard it --the slow, grinding scrape of the huge stone moving along the ground! He whirled and saw two men in white. That was the last he knew for a while, as he and his fellow guards fell to the ground, unconscious.

+++++++++++

Above on the paapets, the excitement was building. The saints and angels had gathered together once again, watching, waiting, looking to each other with sparkling eyes and barely suppressed laughter. "Soon...soon now..."they whispered. The seraphims flew above the throne of God, singing ceaseless praise, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty who was and is and is to come!"

"Be ready! It is almost time!" Gabriel said to Michael as they stood once again on a great porch of the heavenly city. "The Almighty One is about to call to us."

Then each of them looked at the other, and both shouted aloud in joyful excitment. "There! There is the command from the Highest.  The Spirit of Life has done the work, and Christ is risen and ready for us!"

Laughing and singing, they were gone from the wall.  Behind them, a great shout of triumph arose from the gathered throng.

++++++++

Mary had slept little for two nights. Her head ached and her usually sparkling eyes were swollen from weeping. She moved with her friends through the mist of early morning. The light of approaching dawn was faint, and the women stepped carefully and quietly, hoping to remain unseen. None spoke. As one and then another had joined the group, they had embraced each one in shared sorrow. Each woman added something to their store of precious spices and ointments, placing them carefully in a basket that Johanna carried.

As they neared the place of the tomb, Mary softly spoke at last, a frown creasing her forehead. "How are we going to move that enormous stone at the entrance?" No one answered, but no one stopped walking either, a group of sad and silent women in the grey before first light, sandles pattering against the earth.

+++++++++

Not far away, Jesus moved through the trees, gazing at the new day with a sense of wonder. How different it all seemed today! He stopped in a sun-dappled clearing and lifted his hands heavenward in praise and joy. Large holes pierced his handss, but the edges were healed and his skin was smooth and glowing with life. "Thank you, Father, for this day of wonder and joy! I will soon be home."

++++++++

Mary had moved ahead of the others, trying not to cry in front of them, afraid that she would be unable to remain silent.  Now she stopped, confused and frightened. Temple guards lay sprawled on the ground, apparently senseless. At first she had thought they were dead, but then she saw the chest of one rising and falling.

She glanced back at the other women, who had also stopped.  They were  looking at her as if for direction. She shrugged, and then slowly, step by step, Mary moved around the prostrate soldiers and on to the tomb, past the entrance and then inside. There was the slab where Jesus' body should have been, and the graveclothes, neatly folded..

No body.

It was gone! Grief assaulted her anew, and she gasped in shock and anger.  "The body is gone! Someone has taken our Lord away!" Half-dazed, the others moved foreword and peered, one by one, inside the dimness of the hewn rock.

Then light that came from everywhere and nowhere filled the tomb and the area around it, illuminating the faces of the fallen guards. A strange and stirring kind of music filled the air.  The women, badly frightened and already confused from grief and lack of sleep, gasped in surprise and dropped to their knees. Some hid their faces.

Michael and Gabriel shone with a radiant spectrum of light, robes glowing as if from within the cloth itself. They reached out their hands in blessing, large smiles spreading across their faces. Michael thought to himself, as strength flowed through him and out to the women, "This is the most wonderful assignment I have even been given!"

"Get up, daughters of the Most High," encouraged Gabriel. "Why are you looking for Jesus in this tomb? Why are you looking for a live savior in a place of the dead?" The women gazed at him in awe, unable to speak at first. Finally, Mary the mother of James found her voice. "Who...who are you?"

Gabriel laughed softly, "Go on now, go tell the others. They won't believe you at first, but tell them the news. He who was dead is alive again, and death is swallowed up in victory!"

Lucifer screeched in frustration and hatred, hiding his eyes from the light and crouching down in fear.

The throne room of God rang with shouts and songs of joy. Michael looked at Mary Magdalene, she who had once been almost destoyed by the powers of evil.  "You are the first to hear the glorious news."

The ancient messangers, shining in reflected glory, spoke in unison, voices ringing with power and the authority of the One Who Sits on the Throne and of the Lamb. "He is not here! He is risen!"

As the rays of the rising sun illuminated the morning, the women ran for town.

An Easter Story Part 1 "Now We Wait"

Don't examine my grammer or my theology too closely, blog readers. I wrote this in a hurry.

May the peace of Christ be with you.

Luke 22:41-42 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

The archangel Michael covered his face with his powerful wings and wondered if an angel was supposed to cry. His companion, Gabriel,  leaned far over the parapet and stretched out his great hand as if to reach Gethsemane. “Oh, may I leave now, God of All, and give him a message of your love?’

Assent was given--and the ancient messenger was gone.

Not far away stood Abraham and Moses, silently gazing at the scene below. And Michael saw that Deborah and Miriam had moved to the balcony as well. Others were gathering, a great cloud of witnesses. Behind him, Michael heard rustling and soft murmurs of conversation between many of his fellow heavenly beings. They shared his confusion and concern. Everyone understood that the Anointed One had gone to complete all that was given him to do. And they knew only too well how cruel and capricious life on the world of Earth could be—clouded as it was since Lucifer’s victory over humankind so long ago.

But this? Could this really be necessary? One seraphim was singing softly of the days when the Son was with them in their Heavenly Kingdom. How long it had seemed, even for beings who knew no limitations of time or space. Michael sighed, half longing to be with his fellow servant, Gabriel, and half relieved that he did not have to witness the agony of the Eternal Word who had been sent to live in the world of people. “How long, O Lord?” he wondered. There was no answer from the One on the throne. Just an unusual deep silence.

“Oh, Gabriel, my friend, do your work well! Help him!”

The anguished cry of a human man, Yeshua of Nazareth, reached his ears, “Oh, Father, is there no other way? If it is possible, do not give me this bitter cup! Let it pass from me!” Behind him, the angels grew even more still. Michael wept, something he had never experienced. Could nothing be done to change this?

++++++++

Even at night the garden was full of the warm scents of spring: blossoming trees, grass, renewed life.  In the cool darkness, Gabriel stood gazing at the three disciples who were near the Lord. Peter was half sitting up, his back against an ancient olive tree. He was snoring, one hand open on the ground beside him, the other clenched in his lap. James was stretched out on his back, and John lay curled like a child.

Gabriel felt a moment of impatience.  Then as the ancient angel looked closer, he saw the lines of strain and the tracks of dried tears on their faces. It had been a strange few weeks for them, full of contrasts and emotional turmoil. They had seen Jesus transfigured and witnessed a glimpse of God's glory on the mountain, had observed as the Master had seemed to deliberately taunt some of the Pharisees, watched Lazarus step from the grave, listened to Jesus assertions that he was going to die, wrestled with Jesus' seemingly inexplicable actions. He sensed the confusion and fear that wrestled with anticipation and hope in their spirits as they dreamed. “Ah, they are sleeping the sleep of exhausted sorrow. They cannot understand.” He felt both pity and compassion for these frail but beloved children of God.

Then he sensed the gathering darkness and tensed. A battle would be waged this night, he knew.

He moved near to the weeping man by the rock, compassion filling his being like a wave of seawater. It was, he knew, partly his own sympathy and partly that of the One above. He knelt and reached a hand to Jesus’ back.

“Beloved of the Father, we all know you are able to endure, to finish  all that is to come.  All that must be done” There was no answer, only a deep groan that seemed to come from the very ground itself. He moved closer, and then he stroked Jesus’ hair as if the human man before him was a child. How strange to feel the coarseness of the hair, the dust, the blood and sweat.

He was awed, for a moment, at the wonder of such a thing. How could the Holy Son be in this flesh? How could he have done this, emptied himself so completely?

Jesus was drenched with sweat and he shivered with cold and--something else. “What if,” the Son of Man whispered, “What if I am wrong about this? Why could they not receive me?”

Gabriel felt a strange sort of shock and surprise as Jesus looked up at him, face contorted with grief and horror. “Oh, Gabriel, how I longed to gather them as a mother hen does her chicks!” The Savior shuddered. “Oh,” he cried out, “oh, they would not! My own, those made in my own image, my dear men and women--and my chosen ones--they would not receive me! Why would they not hear?” Then, after a pause, “What if I am not who I believe I am? What if I am--merely deluded?” His face twisted.

Gabriel was stunned, dismay clouding his perception. After a moment, he understood. Jesus was filling up the cup, experiencing every temptation, every grief, every sorrow. Even doubt, even rejection, even questioning the eternal plan. It had to be. It was part of what would make him the heavenly high priest, able to intercede for humankind with total comprehension.

“We are all watching with you, dear Son of the Father. The angels, the righteous ones from through the ages, and…”he paused, “And the Holy One on the throne.” We will be watching all of it, and waiting for you.“ He glanced back at the sleeping disciples. “We are not asleep , and we are waiting for the completion of your journey and your return to us.”

++++++++++

The kingdom of their great enemy was in a state of excitement. The former archangel, Lucifer, the Prince of Darkness leaned forward towards the garden in a strange sort of mockery of Michael’s posture on the portico above. His hand, like Gabriel’s had done, reached out. Surprisingly, it was smooth and well formed, but deep purplish bruises covered it.

"Ah,” he breathed, “ah, now we shall see who is going to win this ridiculous contest!” He laughed, and behind him the chilling sound was echoed by numberless beings, crouching in the darkness like dogs at a cruel master’s feet. Darkness slowly licked his lips, as if obscenely savoring some forbidden pleasure. His once-beautiful face was twisted in a mockery of what he used to be. He could, when he chose, look beautiful still, sinuous, hypnotic, soothing. But the beauty was a mask, no longer his true visage. On such a night as this one, he stood among his minions with no need to wear any disguises. His eyes grew wide with delight and anticipation.

Suddenly he was gone from his sevants.

He stood behind Jesus in the darkness of Gethsemane, hissing in gleeful spite. “Hail, Anointed One of Israel.  Why are you not celebrating Passover?  Why are you out here,” he glanced at the sleeping disciples with a sneer, "out here all alone?" 

Gabriel wore an expression of wrath that was second only to what the One above, even at this moment, was experiencing. His subdued glow grew intensely bright. His wings extended and his eyes flashed fire. “Begone, Dark Prince. You are not welcome here!”

Near him, Jesus rose to his feet as the angel moved between him and the hissing snake-angel. Lucifer winced at the brightness and his eyes became slits. “Oh no, my old ally and colleague. No, no. Don’t you understand? I'm not going anywhere.”

Gabriel’s hand went to his sword, and then he slowly returned it to its sheath at the instant command from the great throne. “

"Ah yes!” The serpent man hissed again, growing larger as his forked tongue licked towards them. “Ah, I see you do understand, after all.” He smiled, with a horrifying sweetness. “It is my time, foolish archangel" He spat the words. "My time! You will soon wish you had joined us in the rebellion. You will soon be sorry that you chose to stay,” he gestured toward Jesus, “with that one.”

Gabriel stepped toward him. “Be silent!”

And Darkness was gone.

Jesus rose to his feet, took a long breath, squared his shoulders and moved to Gabriel with an expression of gratitude. “I must do the will of my Father. I understand, and I embrace what is coming.” As Gabriel reached for Jesus’ hands, the Master of Storms smiled gently,  receiving the strength that flowed from the throne of El Shaddai to him. “I embrace this, Gabriel. I embrace it even though I despise it, you understand.” He looked to where he knew his friends were sleeping. “All of the humanity in me shudders at the horror of it, not just the pain, but all of it. The mocking, the nakedness, the vulnerability and shame that I must willingly endure.”

It was his  turn to comfort the messenger from his Father. ” I thank you for your assurance that the hosts of Heaven will be watching. I will look past the horror, my friend and servant. I will look past it to the glory. Not only the glory of the heavenly Kingdom—no, even more is the glory of defeating Death. Defeating Darkness and making a way for humankind to return to us. I will look forward, Gabriel, to the joy ahead.”

He dropped the angel's strong hands. As he moved toward his friends, slumbering  in the darkness, he glanced back. “Don’t listen to that evil father of all lies. You will not regret your faithful service to the One who made you.”

Gabriel bowed deeply and was gone.

Jesus spoke to his friends, “Ah, go on, sleep and rest now.” They stirred, looking sheepish as they sat up. “My hour has come.”

The disciples jumped to their feet, hearts pounding and all thought of sleep gone as they heard the approach of many feet and saw the glow of torches through the trees. “My betrayer is arriving with a few soldiers. He does not understand that they will not take my life. I will give it.”

“No, Lord,” Peter cried, “not if I can help it!”

+++++++++++++++

Hours had passed. Hours of deception, lies, sleeplessness, injustice, denial from one who loved him deeply.

Abandonment.

Hours of ridicule, fists, slaps, and mocking. Of spittle dripping down his beard. Of unutterable thirst and pain and shocking misery. Of a scourging that would have killed him if he had not been the Master. Of thorns in his head, making it throb to the rhythm of his heart.

And now the worst had come. He had hung, suspended in agony, for hours that seemed like years. The pain he felt had moved beyond what he would have believed possible. He had grieved for his mother, had forgiven the poor people below, blind and deaf and lost in darkness. He had experienced something he had never imagined in all his days and nights as a man of earth--growing, being taught, learning who he was. Nothing had prepared him for the final anguish. He felt alone. Completely alone. Where was the Father?

Had he failed in his mission to the world?

And then it was time. He knew, somehow, it was done. Ignoring the hot agony in his feet, the pain of his lacerated back on the rough wood, the tortured, twisted muscles of his arms, his chest, he heaved himself up one last time and gasped for air.

Michael, Gabriel, the angelic hosts of Heaven, and all the departed ones gasped with him as they leaned forward to listen.

Darkness too, and his evil horde, were filled with a sort of nervous excitement and glee. “Look at him!” he chortled, “Almost done now, my friends. Almost. Can you just taste it? So close now….”

His mocking laugh rose to a perveted, joyful screech that echoed off the rocks and hills, rolled down the valley, swept across the waters. “Almost all mine now! Those fools, thinking they could defeat us. As if Light could ever really be stronger than Darkness.”

And from the man on the cross came the cry, “It is finished.” Jesus, in his last act as the man from Nazareth, Mary's boy, former carpenter, healer, teacher... Jesus turned his tortured face heavenward.

“Father, into your hands I trust my spirit.”

The Prince of Darkness howled in unholy excitement and raised his fists. “Oh yes, Son of God, you are finished all right.”

A Roman soldier fell to his knees in the bloody mud. Mary covered her face and her shoulders shook as she silently endured.  John held her gently. A Pharisee gasped in fear. Zaccheus, former tax collector and puppet of the Romans, burst into tears of anguish. Mary of Magdala sobbed without restraint, holding tightly to her friend Johanna’s hand. Far away, a disciple shuddered, deep sobs shaking his great frame. The Pharisee Nicodemus questioned God. What had his conversation with Jesus all meant?  Joseph of Arimathea made a decision to risk his standing in the religous community—maybe even his life. He was a son of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and he would act like one.  He would ask for the body of his rabbi and friend.

In the temple, the great curtain before the holiest place tore from top to bottom, and the walls shuddered and creaked. Outside, Caiphas, standing at the altar with the sacrifice lamb in his hands, fell to the ground as the earth moved beneath him.  One of the nearby Levites shouted, "Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker of Heaven and Earth....have mercy on us" Lightning flashed, rain poured, and the earth, grieving for her creator, heaved and buckled.

Above, the hosts of glory remained silent. Wings were folded. A profound stillness swept over the cherubim, the seraphim, the elders, the prophets, Daniel and his three friends, David, the patriarchs of Israel, the women, and on and on through the numberless crowd who observed this scandalous beauty.

Not a sound echoed in the halls of God’s Kingdom. Never before had the throne room been completely silent. A long moment passed.

Gabriel turned to Michael, “Now, my friend, we wait.”

Part Two is here.

'Twas the Beginning of Advent

Today is the first of four Sundays leading to Christmas, the season known as Advent. Join the RevGalBlogPals tomorrow as we share a day-long online Advent retreat. Just click here
tomorrow morning to join us. Subsequent meditaions will be added throughout the day.

I'd like to share a poem be the Rev. J. Todd Jenkins, First Presbyterian Church, Fayettevile, Tennessee.

'Twas the Beginning of Advent

'Twas the beginning of Advent and all through the Church, Our hope was all dying--

we'd given up on the search.
It wasn't so much that Christ wasn't invited,
But after 2,000 plus years we were no longer excited.

Oh, we knew what was coming-- no doubt about that.
And that was the trouble-- it was all "old hat."
November brought the first of an unending series of pains
With carefully orchestrated advertising campaigns.

There were gadgets and dolls and all sorts of toys.
Enough to seduce even the most devout girls and boys.
Unfortunately, it seemed, no one was completely exempt
From this seasonal virus that did all of us tempt.

The priests and prophets and certainly the kings
Were all so consumed with the desire for "things!"
It was rare, if at all, that you'd hear of the reason
For the origin of this whole holy-day season.

A baby, it seems, once had been born
In the mid-east somewhere on that first holy-day morn.
But what does that mean for folks like us,
Who've lost ourselves in the hoopla and fuss?

Can we re-learn the art of wondering and waiting,
Of hoping and praying, and anticipating?
Can we let go of all the things and the stuff?
Can we open our hands and our hearts long enough?

Can we open our eyes and open our ears?
Can we find him again after all of these years?
Will this year be different from all the rest?
Will we be able to offer him all of our best?

So many questions, unanswered thus far,
As wisemen seeking the home of the star.
Where do we begin-- how do we start
To make for the child a place in our heart?

Perhaps we begin by letting go
Of our limits on hope, and of the stuff that we know.
Let go of the shopping, of the chaos and fuss,
Let go of the searching, let Christmas find us.

We open our hearts, our hands and our eyes,
To see the king coming in our own neighbors' cries.
We look without seeking what we think we've earned,
But rather we're looking for relationships spurned.

With him he brings wholeness and newness of life
For brother and sister, for husband and wife.
The Christ-child comes not by our skill,
But rather he comes by his own Father's will.

We can't make him come with parties and bright trees,
But only by getting down on our knees.
He'll come if we wait amidst our affliction,
Coming in spite of, not by our restriction.

His coming will happen-- of this there's no doubt.
The question is whether we'll be in or out.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock."
Do you have the courage to peer through the lock?

A basket on your porch, a child in your reach.
A baby to love, to feed and to teach.
He'll grow in wisdom as God's only Son.
How far will we follow this radical one?

He'll lead us to challenge the way that things are.
He'll lead us to follow a single bright star.
But that will come later if we're still around.
The question for now: Is the child to be found?

Can we block out commercials, the hype and the malls?
Can we find solitude in our holy halls?
Can we keep alert, keep hope, stay awake?
Can we receive the child for ours and God's sake?

From on high with the caroling host as he sees us,
He yearns to read on our lips the prayer: Come Lord Jesus!
As Advent begins all these questions make plea.
The only true answer: We will see, we will see.

At the Foot of the Cross

From John 19

Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, said, “I thirst!” They filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

Thank you Reverend Mommy, for this beautiful poem.

I Stand at the Foot of the Cross

It is Friday

It is Friday

And I stand at the foot of the cross.

Nothing can be said,

nothing can be done.

Action is futile – hebel.

I can hold the other's hands and weep,

but I cannot be comforted.

It is Friday

And I stand at the foot of the cross.

The air is heavy still with waiting and longing.

Waiting for the inevitable, longing for the impossible.

Can this cup pass from me?

I look around me –

all the colors are muted.

Dusty browns and grays –

Cold and metallic.

Rolling black clouds

cover the brilliant blue of the sky

As my soul is occluded by pain.

All that remains is the red of the blood

Running down the weathered wood of the cross.

It is Friday

And I stand at the foot of the cross.

I reach out and touch the raised grain of the wood.

It is rough against my fingertips.

The pong of unwashed wool and bodies crowds my nose.

I smell fear, pain, death.

I taste it at the back of my throat.

I hear the labored breathing from the cross.

Death is near.

It is Friday

And I stand at the foot of the cross.

Remember Him!

Remember Him

as the silver cord is severed,

as the golden bowl is broken.

Remember Him

as the pitcher is shattered at the spring

and the wheel broken at the well.

Remember Him

as the dust returns to the ground it came from and

His spirit returns to the God who gave it.

It is Friday

And I stand at the foot of the cross.

I pray each of you has a "Good Friday" that is indeed good--good with an awareness of what Jesus has done because of love. As we enter into a time of waiting, may our identification with him in the hour of suffering and death make our coming celebrations all the more beautiful and joyous.

The Cup of Blessing

Today is the day some of us attend services that include sharing in communion. This year I will be attending a Passover meal, but when I return home I will prepare the bread and cup for myself, and I will light a candle, spend some time in prayer and meditation of scripture and "share" the body and blood of the Lord with any of you who might join me, at least in cyberspace, in a few moments of contemplation. So when you have some time, I invite you to go find a small glass and some wine or grape juice and a piece of bread. Light a candle if you like. As I do this I will be praying for you. Ready?

We do not have to talk very much in order to pray well. We know that God is there in His holy tabernacle; let us open our hearts to Him; let us rejoice in His Presence: This is the best prayer.

-- St. John Vianney

Dear God,
Holy is your name! We thank you for sending your Son to be our Saviour. We offer our praise with gratitude in our thoughts for all the glorious things you have created, and the wonderful things you have done. Thank you for bringing us to this night in our lives, for times you have sustained us, healed us, restored us, and blessed us. We rejoice that we are invited to be in your presence. Amen

Spend a few moments in silence as you invite the Holy Spirit to join us.

1 Corinthians 10:14-17
Therefore, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols. I speak as to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.

As I read these scriptures earlier today the words that stood out to me were "the cup of blessing." Some of us from the free church tradition can learn from Catholics and mainline Protestants about reverence and significance as we approach the Lord's table. Are these itmes symbolic? I believe so, but to make them merely symbols is to disregard what the Apostle Paul calls, "blessing." Yes, doctrinal stances and traditions differ about just what the elements of communion are to us, but it is clear from the passage that at the very least we are sharing these things as a reminder not only of what our Lord accomplished for us but also a reminder of our shared community, our shared salvation, our shared redemption, our shared hope, faith and love, given to us by the one who died on Calvary. Let's give God permission to meet us in whatever way is best at this moment, and to bless us with the bread and cup in whatever way God wills to do.

I suggest you enlarge the video to full-screen mode.



Luke 22:19-21
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Eat the bread, remembering Jesus as you do so.

Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Take the cup, remembering Jesus as you do so.

Jesus, Lamb of God, I pray for those who are sharing in the body broken for us and in the blood shed for us. I ask for wisdom as they face challenges and opportunities, courage as they walk in this dark world as a child of Light, comfort as they mourn losses and disappointments, healing for those who are ill in mind, body or spirit. I ask for mended relationships, renewed hope, strengthened faith, and a new awareness of your divine love. May we sene your presence as we move through these next days, aware of how great is your love for us. Amen

Jesus Gets Mad

Matthew 21:12-13 (New Living Translation)
Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”

It is likely that this market was what in Rabbinic writings is called “the Bazaars of the sons of Annas,” the High-Priest who is infamous in New Testament history. It seems reasonable that pilgrims to Jerusalem would be able to change their various kinds of currency to temple coinage, and also that some would need to purchase an animal for sacrifice.

So what was Jesus so angry about?

The problem was the greed of Annas and others who profited unfairly by overtaxing a population already stretched beyond reason by Roman taxation. The religious Jews would have been burdened with additional costs because the were sincere about their worship of God. The money changers and sellers of animals were eventually removed, about three years before the temple was destroyed, says one scholar, ‘...on account of the sinful greed which characterised their dealings. The general populace would probably have applauded his actions. The problem was that He was taking on the Jewish High Priestly family, a family known to be unethical.

Both the historian Josepheus and some of the Pharisees gave a picture of avarice and corruption amongst their ranks. Josephus describes one of the sons of Annas as a "great hoarder up of money,” adding that he bought friends with great presents so as to gain influence for himself and, "...he also had servants who were very wicked, who...took away the tithes that belonged to the priests by violence, and did not refrain from beating such as would not give these tithes to them. So the other high priests acted in the like manner, as did those his servants, without any one being able to prohibit them; so that [some of the] priests...died for want of food’

The Talmud records the curse which a distinguished Rabbi of Jerusalem (Abba Shaul) pronounced upon the High Priestly families after their servants "beat the people with sticks." Given this deplorable state of affairs in what was supposed to be a place of prayer, we can understand why the authorities only challenged the purging of the Temple without seeming to take much action. The unpopularity of the whole shady business, if not their consciences, probably prevented them from doing any actual violence. We can also understand why there seemed to be no resistance by the people towards Jesus' angry actions.

When Jesus came into the Temple courts He already knew what He’d find - and knew of the greed which was at the root of what was taking place there. His anger was directed towards those who made a exorbitant profit from Jewish pilgrims who wished to offer sacrifice and worship to God.

This ought to make some folks uncomfortable when they consider some of what is done in our day, don't you think? He calls those doing such things "thieves. Such a set up also restricted the Gentiles from finding a place where they could serve God through the simplicity of prayer. Mark 11:17 records Jesus' words that the Temple was supposed to be a place of prayer ‘for all the nations.’ The Court of the Gentiles, where money changers were located, was the closest they could come in their approach to the presence of God.

I don’t believe Jesus would have argued at that time with the purchasing of sacrificial animals and offerings in the service of God. He was angry with how it was being done. Partly, I think, because it lined the pockets of the aristocracy at the expense of true Jewish worshippers, and also because the whole shady business prevented others from worshipping God in the way they were able to do at the time.

What does this tell us about priorities, about how the Lord feels about those less fortunate, and about how those in leadership should behave? Lots to ponder in just a few short verses!

God, we ask forgiveness for times we considered our own needs at the expense of someone less fortunate. Help us make room for all people who seek to worship you in spirit and in truth, and to remember what is true, just, right and eternal. May we not be guilty of valuing offerings over people, profit over worship, large buildings over genuine worship. Amen

What Happened to the Celebration?

Just a few more thoughts about the triumphal entry before moving on...We began this week reading the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. As we saw yesterday, only Jesus understood the irony that was unfolding. What happened to the celebration? The shouts of praise all too soon will turn to cries of “Crucify him!”

What happened to Judas? The disciples were with Jesus during his entry into Jerusalem. Judas was probably caught up in excitement along with the others. Yet two days later he makes a deal to betray Jesus. What happened in the meantime? Many scholars believe that Judas was from a family who resisted Rome and plotted overthrow. Perhaps Judas was disillusioned.

And then the incident at Bethany happened. Mary anointed Jesus for burial, as I wrote about here, and Judas complained. Jesus was having none of it and in front of everyone he told Judas, "Let her alone!" And once again the one who is supposed to be the conquering King spoke of his death. What happened to Judas? Resentment.

What about Peter? Peter was in the palm-branch-waving crowd too. He was probably the loudest in the group! And shortly thereafter, he told Jesus that he would never leave or betray him--in fact he will die with him if need be. A short time later he curses and swears and says he does not even know Jesus. Not once but three times! What happened to Peter? Fear.

The crowd along the road on Palm Sunday realized that Jesus is fulfilling an ancient prophecy. He is declaring himself Messiah. The hosannas and cries of him being King are really an appeal for Jesus to help them, to deliver them from their hated oppressors, the Romans. Later, after Jesus is arrested, the religious rulers stir up the crowds and inflame them into crying angrily “Crucify him!” This pitiful man cannot overthrow anyone! They have been fooled. What happened to the people? Disappointment.

And speaking of the religious rulers, the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducee, I think some of them knew that Jesus was a good man, even perhaps suspected that he might be the promised one. Why didn't they help him? Why didn't they rejoice? Because they have become, more than anything, a political party, interested in their own power and prestige. This Jesus will upset the situation. He must go. What happened to some of the leading Pharisees? Jealously and pride.

We are pretty had on the Pharisees sometimes, imagining we would never be anything like them. The fact is, WE ALL STRUGGLE WITH THE SAME THINGS! Disappointment and disillusionment, fear, jealousy, resentment, confusion, and pride are common to mankind.

Can you think of any situations where religious leaders hid their sin, or smoothed something over that should have been revealed, or kept quiet because of position or power? Ah, where do we start? And what about us?

It was a curious sort of day. A day which began with a parade and praises to the Lord. It's a day of wonder as we remember that Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph with all the pomp and circumstance of a beloved king. It is tempting to just stay there and give little thought to what will happen next. Thursday brings a last meal with treasured friends, and a new covenant of love and forgiveness, but it also brings betrayal and denial.

And then it's Friday, a day of accusation and fear. A day of wrenching torment and brutal death. All too quickly the shouts of "Hosanna!" will give way to the call to "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

As you make your way through this week, let yourself be caught up in this most wonderful of all stories. Hear the words as if it was the first time. There is always more to discover on this holy journey. Let yourself be transformed by the passionate love of Christ. Take some moments for meditation and prayer. And consider all that our Lord has done for us. He chose the path which led to pain before joy--the cross before glory. May the cross be planted in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to the glory of resurrected life!

Jesus Mourns for Jerusalem

Luke 13:31-34
At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you." He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.' In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'

Luke 19:41-42 "As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace -- but now it is hidden from your eyes."

It seems that not all of the Pharisees were of one mind about this upstart from the country. Some accounts reveal that several were secret followers and some became believers later on. For some, this whole incident must have been distressing, confusing, convicting...and others (who likely started out with hard hearts, in my opinion) became more determined to get rid of the troublemaker.

The short road from Bethany to Jerusalem crosses a ridge and dips down the western slope of the Mount of Olives. As Jesus, his disciples and the crowd reach this point, the city is spread out before them --a beautiful site to these eager pilgrims. Jesus has just ridden toward the city on a donkey in fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. The people have recognized the symbolism, as was revealed in their response, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord..." We would expect this to be a highlight of Jesus' life. I'm sure the disciples were feeling ecstatic.

Suddenly the procession stops, and those closest to Jesus are shocked to see him convulsed in sorrow. The word translated "wept" is the Greek verb klaio, "weep, cry, bewail." This is no genteel grief requiring dabbing at the eyes with a hankerchief. Jesus bursts into sobbing. He weeps for the blindness just observed in those who wanted him to tell the crowd to hush.

Here he is, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), the King riding his royal donkey into Jerusalem, the holy city, and he is unable to bring them peace. He is not accepted as those who "proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation" to Zion (Isaiah 52:7). The only other alternative to Messiah's peace is sorrow.

Jesus describes the siege of a city."The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." (Luke 19:43-44)

Josephus, an eyewitness to the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, writes: "[General Titus] gave his soldiers leave to set the suburbs on fire...he placed... archers in the midst of the banks that were then being raised...those that threw javelins, and darts, and stones...So the trees were now cut down and the suburbs left naked....the timber was [carried] to raise the banks, and the whole army was earnestly engaged in their works. Romans were able to surround the city completely. So all hope of escaping was now cut off from the Jews...Then did the famine...devour the people by whole houses and families; the upper rooms were full of women and children that were dying by famine, and the lanes of the city were full of the dead bodies of the aged....afterwards, when they could not do that, they had them cast down from the walls into the valleys beneath."

This horrible account sounds a great deal like Jesus' grief-stricken prediction, "They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls." Josephus goes on to describe the total destruction of the temple and the slaughter of more than a million people. No wonder Jesus sobbed as he saw with prophetic vision what was coming to the beloved city and its people.

We know, of course, that the destruction of the temple by Titus' army was not the end of the suffering and persecution of Jewish people. Whenever I hear stories of so-called "Christians" taunting Jews with the epithet, "Christ killer" or read of those during the time of the Nazis who decided that the Jews were just getting what was coming to them, or any of the other numerous occasions of despicable action towards Jewish people, I think of this passage. (Thankfully, genuine followers of Jesus did not do these kinds of things, but risked their lives to help their Jewish neighbors.)

Jesus was not angry or vindictive about what was about to happen. He did not say they were getting what they deserved and he took no joy or smug satisfaction in what he saw as he looked at the future. His heart was broken.

Do our hearts break for the sorrow of others?

God of Jews, Gentiles, men and women, red, yellow, brown, black and white, young and old, rich and poor, strong and weak, forgive us for our misguided attempts to assign blame. May we, like Jesus, feel sorrow for those you love. Grant us courage, strength, and boldness to do what is right without being self-righteous about it! Amen

For Palm Sunday

From Philippians 2, Psalm 18, Zechariah 9 and John 12

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God... made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!

Let Israel now say, His mercy endures forever. Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD, through which the righteous one shall enter. I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout O daughters of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever!

A great multitude that had come to the feast of the Passover, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! The King of Israel!

Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: “Fear not, daughter of Zion; Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt." His disciples did not understand these things at first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered!

Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!
Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!

This day is usually one of celebration in Christian gatherings. We sing joyful songs, wave palm branches, and recall the incident by calling it "The Triumphal Entry." It is important, however, not to cut this happening from the context in which it occurs.

In both gospels Matthew and Mark, the story is told in a similar fashion. This is the fateful entry which will take Jesus to his death. The dramatic irony which celebrates Jesus as king and reaches its climax with Jesus crowned king of the Jews on the cross, is beginning. The praises and accolades of the crowd are the prelude to a chilling challenge recorded in Matthew, "Let his blood be upon us and our children." The scene is full of danger, even as the people shout in joy. For what it is worth, I do not believe that the crowd in the coutyard was representative of most of the people. However, even the disciples did not really understand what was happening or what it meant until later.

For now, praise the Lord with Hosannas and song! Tomorrow we will consider how this triumphal entry came to a shocking halt.

Are You Listening?

Mark 10:32-45
32 They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them; they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them what was to happen to him, saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles; they will mock him, and spit upon him, and flog him, and kill him; and after three days he will rise again."

35 James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you." And he said to them, "What is it you want me to do for you?" And they said to him, "Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They replied, "We are able." Then Jesus said to them, "The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared."

41When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, "You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

This passage is the epitome of chutzpah. In both Yiddish and English this word is sometimes used in a positive sense (rather like 'spunk") but the original meaning from Hebrew is used indignantly to describe someone who has over-stepped the boundaries of accepted behavior with no shame.

These two brothers, James and John, step over the line not once, but twice. First they say, "Teacher, we want you to do whatever we ask of you." And then they proceed to ask for positions of power and authority in God's Kingdom.

Almost everyone has has times of wondering if words are evaporating like soap bubbles in the air before they reach anyone. Or what preacher does not know the frustration of feeling passionate about the need to communicate something important and pouring heart and soul into a message-- only to notice someone yawning, or clipping their fingernails, or texting.

Mark's gospel records three similar occasions when Jesus spoke of his death and must have felt like He was preaching to stones or to brick walls.

The first time was not long after Peter confessed to Him, "You are the Christ" When Jesus began to speak of how he would "endure many things" (Mark 8:31) it did not sit well with His congregation. Peter took Jesus aside to rebuke him. (That encounter didn't turn out so well for Brother Pete!) The next time, no one rebuked him, but that was because "they did not understand what he was saying, and were afraid to ask Him" (Mark 9:32).

Today's reading is the third time of bringing up the subject. Jesus began to tell them what was about to happen to Him in Jerusalem, saying that he would be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, condemned to death, delivered to the Romans, mocked, spit on, beaten, killed--and would rise again!" (Shouldn't that, if nothing else, have provoked a reaction?)

On the first occasion, his listeners reacted negatively, but at least they reacted. In the second instance, they wanted to say something but didn't because of confusion or fear. The third time they acted like they hadn't heard a word.

James and John, the two with chutzpa, were thinking how they could better their position. They were unmoved by Jesus' words. Apparently they thought they deserved title and rank. The other disciples weren't much better. "When the ten heard it, they were indignant." They were interested in getting their own share of the Kingdom pie.

Jesus was speaking about holiness and the coming of the kingdom and the accomplishment of the will of God when he talked about his death. And it was as if the disciples were saying, "Enough about the cross thing, Jesus! Don't you care about us? We need to maintain a certain level of honor and reputation and comfort, no matter what happens in the future."

If the closest disciples of our Lord were capable of such negligence and such hard hearts, so are we. Their preoccupation with their own position and their desire for recognition and comfort are uncomfortably familiar. All too often I read the scripture only to follow it up with a prayer that is mostly a list of my own needs and wants. Or I am preoccupied with my own happiness, my own fulfillment, my own satisfaction, my own little view of the world.

Yet, even as the Word sometimes reveals our worst, it shows us the best of God.

He began to tell them what was to happen to him. Jesus preached the heart of forgiveness and salvation. Did they deserve it? What do you think? Yet, God does not repay us as we deserve. Instead he offers us mercy, forgiveness, love and grace.

Do not take the words lightly and go on as usual. As St. Paul said in another place, "He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)

Thanks be to you, O Lord our God, for your unspeakable gift! Forgive us our selfish ambition and foolish jealousy and pride. May we be willing to become a servant of all--and we know that is impossible without your enabling power and grace. Help us to hear the words you speak to us, and to see the things you show us. Amen

We'll Understand It Better By and By

Psalm 102
1 Hear my prayer, O LORD;
let my cry come to you.
2 Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress.
Incline your ear to me;
answer me speedily in the day when I call.
3 For my days pass away like smoke,
and my bones burn like a furnace.
4 My heart is stricken and withered like grass;
I am too wasted to eat my bread.
5 Because of my loud groaning
my bones cling to my skin.
6 I am like an owl of the wilderness,
like a little owl of the waste places.
7 I lie awake;
I am like a lonely bird on the housetop.
8 All day long my enemies taunt me;
those who deride me use my name for a curse.
9 For I eat ashes like bread,
and mingle tears with my drink,
10 because of your indignation and anger;
for you have lifted me up and thrown me aside.
11 My days are like an evening shadow;
I wither away like grass.
12 But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever;
your name endures to all generations.
13 You will rise up and have compassion on Zion,
for it is time to favor it;
the appointed time has come.
14 For your servants hold its stones dear,
and have pity on its dust.
15 The nations will fear the name of the LORD,
and all the kings of the earth your glory.
16 For the LORD will build up Zion;
he will appear in his glory.
17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute,
and will not despise their prayer.
18 Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
so that a people yet unborn may praise the LORD:
19 that he looked down from his holy height,
from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
20 to hear the groans of the prisoners,
to set free those who were doomed to die;
21 so that the name of the LORD may be declared in Zion,
and his praise in Jerusalem,
22 when peoples gather together,
and kingdoms, to worship the LORD.
23 He has broken my strength in midcourse;
he has shortened my days.
24 "O my God," I say, "do not take me away
at the mid-point of my life,
you whose years endure
throughout all generations."
25 Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
26 They will perish, but you endure;
they will all wear out like a garment.
You change them like clothing, and they pass away;
27 but you are the same, and your years have no end.
28 The children of your servants shall live secure;
their offspring shall be established in your presence.

The paslmist is depressed. He is lonely, feeling forsaken, crying, miserable, can't sleep, and his enemies loom large in his thinking. Everything is going wrong. No one understands. He wonders if he will accomplish anything or if all his plans will be cut short. Ever been there? Me too.

Even when still struggling, the singer of songs makes a deliberate choice to take his eyes off himself, struggle up out of his pity party, and look instead at God. His days are shortened, but God endures forever. He does not understand, but God knows all about it.

God's ways are right, and even when we do not sense God's pleasure or presence, we can affirm, as the psalmist does, that God will have compassion, and answer. There is a sense, in these rather desperate words, of the big picture--that God is at work, that down through the generations God's name will be praised--and when the time is appointed it will be made right. May we do what we are called to do so that a generation yet unborn will praise the Lord!

Here's an old southern gospel song. I don't know why that's the music that I'm finding lately, but it is another of the ones I grew up hearing. Live in the sunshine...we'll understand it all by and by.

Everything We Need

Psalm 51
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy,
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you alone, have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are justified in your sentence
and blameless when you pass judgment.

5 Indeed, I was born guilty,
a sinner when my mother conceived me.

6 You desire truth in the inward being;
therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and put a new and right spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from your presence,
and do not take your holy spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in me a willing spirit.

13Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodshed, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.

16 For you have no delight in sacrifice;
if I were to give a burnt-offering, you would not be pleased.
17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,
19 then you will delight in right sacrifices,
in burnt-offerings and whole burnt-offerings;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.

This Psalm was written after King David sinned by 1) committing adultery with Bathsheba and 2) having her husband, Uriah, murdered to cover up the resulting pregnancy.

Some time ago I had a serious conversation with a close friend who was involved in a twisted and potentially destructive situation. My friend was struggling with guilt over her involvement in behavior she knew was wrong. At the same time, she seemed unwilling to face it for what it was--sin. After some tears and much conversation, she rather defiantly excused the behaviour on the basis that God had not given her the power to break away from it. Sadly, I saw that she really did not yet want to be free.

I Peter 1:3 declares, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). If we believe in life lived in and by the Spirit of God, we must understand that we already have from God all that it takes to be free. That does not mean the process will be without difficulty, or pain, or that we may not need to humble ourselves.

David is asking for help. “Lord, grant me a willing spirit,” he says, (help me want to) and follows up this request with a statement that shows he understands that God's help requires subsequent action.

Do not wait to feel forgiven. One of the wisest things I was ever told was this, "Just because you feel something does not make it true." Conversely, just because we do not feel something does not make it untrue. Feelings are wonderful things, but not an infallible barometer of what is genuine. God declares we are forgiven. Do not wait for some mystical feeling of power to come to you. God has already given it to you. As you believe God (faith) you can do what you need to do and what God wants you to do.

That is what happened with David. It happened with my friend too, just not quickly. She endured much more misery before one day acknowledging her part in the mess she was in and crying out for mercy, help and deliverance. It did not happen overnight, but it did happen. She later said, "I was too tired to fight anymore."

We can choose to be helpless victims of our own habits , but God provides an alternative. Are we willing to be set free?

Lord, thank You for giving us all that I need. Thank you, too, for being ever ready to receive me, forgive me, and heal my broken spirit. Show me any hardness of heart and renew a right spirit within me. When my joy is restored I will praise you and tell of your greatness to everyone! Amen

Jesus Loves the Little Children

Mark 9:36-37 and 42-50
He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

"If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones...better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell,where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

"For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Today's passage, is one that many find strange. I cannot begin to plumb the depths of the message it contains in one blog post!

Tragically, some deluded or mentally ill individuals have even taken these instruction literally. To do so is to misunderstand the entire point of Jesus' teaching. Jesus did not contradict God's laws; on the contrary he stated that he came to fulfill them. He knew that evil does not come from body parts--it begins in thought. He continually emphasized that the "letter of the law" is not enough. It is the spirit of the law that truly matters--revealed not just by our outward actions but by our heart's attitude.

Study the words of Jesus carefully and you will see that they are filled with literary devices: similes, metaphors (there is more than one metaphor right in this passage), and hyperbole. Hyperbole is exaggeration for the sake of effect. The strength of Jesus' words is an indication that he feels very deeply about what he is saying. There are no soft words here for those who would deliberately harm a child.

The following prayer is re posted from "Lent and Beyond: An Anglican Prayer Blog."

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
Father, defeat the purposes of all those who would molest children or expose them to pornography. Bring them to repentance, but if they won’t repent, stop them anyway you can.

“If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched” (Mark 9:43)
Holy Spirit, help us recognize and repent of all those patterns of thought and behavior that lead us into sin.

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.” (Mark 9:49)
Jesus, baptize us anew with the fire of your Holy Spirit: cleanse us, refine us, renew us, make us fit for the kingdom of God.

“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” (Mark 9:50)
Jesus, anoint and salt us with your peace. Shower down your love on us and give us your peace with one another. Thank you. Amen

A Party in the Midst of Danger

John 11:45, 53-57 and 12:1-9
Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. So from that day on they plotted to take his life.Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples. When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, "What do you think? Isn't he coming to the Festival at all?" But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should report it so that they might arrest him.

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it). Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him.

Today's scripture passage from the Gospel of John is a sort of theological sandwich. One story provides the filling for the two pieces of "bread."Just before the dinner-and-anointing passage, we read that the authorities plot to kill Jesus. And afterwards we read of a plot to kill Lazarus.

There is danger on every side now. We begin to sense the gathering clouds of darkness, of intrigue, of sorrow. Jesus "no longer walked openly" but retreated to an out-of-the-way place with his closest followers. Danger lurks there as well, as we see in the parenthetical comments about Judas Iscariot.

Right in the middle of the gathering storm, amidst plotting and imminent betrayal, Mary, Martha and Lazarus invite Jesus and his disciples to a dinner party--a party of celebration for the return of Lazarus from the grave (read about that in John 11).

How could anyone consider a celebration in the midst of all that danger? Maybe it is simple denial. Maybe they just don't understand or are fooling themselves, trying to pretend all is well.

No, it is not denial that allows the celebrating. Jesus has spoken clearly about what is ahead, even talking about his burial. He says that Mary understands that he is about to die. Jesus is not in denial about the danger. He just doesn't fear it.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear... (1 John 4:16b-18a)
In a sermon preached at Duke Divinity School chapel some years ago, homiletics professor Richard Lischer told a story which I have excerpted below.

Our friend had already endured chemotherapy and through it all had somehow managed to complete a doctoral dissertation. To celebrate, she and her husband rented a VFW hall, hired a band, and threw one of the biggest parties I've ever seen--for the whole church and half the community. Two days before graduation, her doctors confirmed that the cancer was back. The experimental treatments would begin the day after graduation. Only a few of us knew it, and my guess is that [if this were happening to us] we would have chosen to limp through the ceremony and cancel the party.

But she had the party. And I tell you, I have never heard the gospel of God's Yes preached more powerfully than I saw it danced on the floor of the VFW. An outsider would have seen only the vintage 1960s, arthritic gyrations that we were all doing, but this was a woman of faith and she danced her Yes in the grip of the No. And that's the way we do it. The best celebrating is done in the face of the enemy, the best dancing on the devil's dance floor.

You can't always separate the Yes from the No but at least one person has done it definitively. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we trust that there is this distinction, and that it holds true for us.

What a phrase, "dancing on the devil's dance floor!" A party to celebrate God's love and power, right in the middle of approaching pain and sorrow--what a statement from Rev. Lischer's friend. In a sense, she was doing what Jesus did at the party in Bethany. Can we do this? In the midst of things we cannot understand, facing the NO, can we say with God, YES? Can we rejoice in the mercy, grace and love that is ours and comes from God?

God, help us to refuse the way of fear. Help us to choose to "dance" in the face of difficulty, to affirm the way of love and to move with confidence as we hold fast to our faith in you. Amen

Sowing in Tears, Reaping in Joy

Psalm 126
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, then were we like those who dream.
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.
Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad indeed.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses of the Negev.
Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.

Some believe today's Psalm refers to the time of freedom from Assyrian invasion under King Hezekiah, others that it is from the time of Ezra and the beginning of the return from Babylonian captivity. I tend to think it is the latter, but the point is the same. God's people are emerging from a time of captivity, sorrow, struggle--and they can hardly believe it. Is this really happening? Are we dreaming? Dare we trust this--and then comes the laughter, joy, and shouting. This is a "Psalm of Ascents" meaning that it was one of a group of Psalms that pilgrims to the holy city of Jerusalem sang along the way. What a glad song!

Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. No, not just because they cried. It is not the tears in and of themselves. Those who persevere who keep hope in God, those who continue to do the hard things because they are the right things--these will be the ones who will sow seeds of love, change, righteousness, justice, and hope. There are dozens of biblical examples of such people, and there are others in our world right now who are among those who continue to do right and speak the truth in the face of opposition and even persecution or death. Some glad morning, we will rejoice at what the grace of God, empowering ordinary human beings, has accomplished.

We just returned from an annual conference where we saw one of those individuals. He works long hours at City on a Hill in one of the worst areas of Milwaukee. He wears "many hats," one of which is working with boys in a program called Royal Rangers (a sort of Boy Scouts with a spiritual emphasis) I don't know how he withstands the schedule he keeps--I know sometimes he is exhausted. He is a relatively young man and was once engaged, but his fiancee died tragically. I feel sad for him, because (considering the schedule he keeps and the life he lives) there is no time in his life for romance. He is a wonderful guy who deserves a wonderful wife. But then I see him with some of the boys from the city. They love him, and more importantly, they know he loves them. When he shares stories of what has happened as he and his colleagues work with these children, he always wipes tears from his eyes (and those who are listening usually do as well). This year he was able to report that the crime statistics from the area of City on a Hill have declined. They, and others like them, are making a difference. Our friend is sowing in tears, but he will reap in joy.

From Psalm 30

I will extol You, O LORD...
Sing praise to the LORD,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

I cried out to You, O LORD;
And to the LORD I made supplication:
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy on me;
LORD, be my help!”
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Most people tend to think of The Salvation Army when they hear the song, "Bringing in the Sheaves" (VERY loosely adapted from the Psalm). Here is a version we heard in my house when I was a child--an old "Southern Gospel" song. Don't say I didn't warn you! :-)



God of the harvest, may we not grow weary in well doing. We will not faint, and in due season, we shall reap what has been sown. Grant wisdom, strength and courage to those who labor in sometimes obscure places. We praise you that while "weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning." Amen

Who Do You Say That I Am?

Mark 8:27-9:1
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel,* will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words* in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with* power.’

Who do people say that I am?
A prophet, a priest, a king?
A good man, a teacher, a fraud?
A liar, a madman, a myth?

Who do people see that I am?
Blue-eyed and pink-cheeked and blond?
Golden with slanted, dark eyes?
Black skinned with crisp, curly hair?

Who do people think that I am?
A man on a cross in the church?
A cool dude with beard and long hair?
A nice bedtime story for children?

But who do you say that I am?
The question is still just the same.
Can you follow me through fire and water,
Through chaos and trouble and pain?

Can you lose your life so you may find it?
Can you die to your old dreams and plans?
Will you follow the Savior to Calvary
To lay down your life for the world?

Will you trust in God's mercy and kindness,
God's grace and God's way and God's plan?
Will you seek God so that you may find Him?

Who do you say that I am?

Dorcas George