We Wait. We Hope. We Wait.

He would not come down from the cross just to save himself; 

he decided to die just to save me.

   Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, and they gathered the whole battalion before him. And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. 

   Now from [noon until three] there was darkness all over the land. And about [three in the afternoon] Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

   And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said,“Truly this was the Son of God!”

 (Matthew 27:27-31, 45-55, ESV)

Take Heart...

This is the fourth of a week long reflection on Jesus' sacrifice. Join me tomorrow for more Passion Week Reflections.

Today is last supper day. Right before he is handed away, Jesus held Passover, instituted communion, and WASHES his disciples' feet (john 13-17).

As I read over today's passage, I thought that I would share just a few verses that the Lord pointed out to me.

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12)

"If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me." (John 14:23-24)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. (John 15:8)

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12)

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 15:33b)

These are Jesus' last words to his disciples. And what stands out to me is that he is concerned about how they behave. It's almost like listening to the dying wishes or the will of a family member: we are so willing to do what they wanted because it was the last thing they said as they knew their time was ending. Jesus warns his disciples that behaving in obedience to him would cost them acceptance, just as it did Him. But, right before he prays for them (and us) in chapter 17, He reminds us that he has already overcome the world. 

I think with all that is going on this week, we should remember Jesus' final prayer for us. He says,

 "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth."

In this last day before we commemorate Jesus' sacrifice, let's we examine our hearts and consider his last will and testament: that we love one another to set ourselves apart, and that we obey his word. It may be difficult or uncomfortable to take the side of truth sometimes, but take heart: he has overcome the world! A special dinner may be in order as we celebrate what God did for the Israelites, and what He has done for us. 

The End of Judas' Story

This is the third of a week long reflection on Jesus' sacrifice. Join me tomorrow for more Passion Week Reflections.

Today is a day when Jesus was quiet. He spent time with friends and family in Bethany. Imagine what he was going through, knowing what was to come for him in the days to follow. You could also call this "spy day", because Judas contracts as a spy. Jesus pointed out that Judas would be the betrayer tomorrow, but isn't it interesting that this is the day that he gave Jesus over? His action set the most important weekend in history into motion. 

We are hard on old Judas, but I have to stand up for him. Peter denied Jesus three times, and we remember that, but what we REALLY remember is that he is the rock on which the church was built (though interpretation of that varies from denomination to denomination!). All I'm saying is, Peter allowed God to continue His good work, but Judas gave up by hanging himself. Haven't you ever committed an "unforgivable" sin? One that you thought no one would ever be able to forgive you of? I know I have. I've been mean to people who didn't deserve it, I've betrayed friends in my own interest, and I've been selfish and judgmental. And what was Judas but selfish? No, I never sold out my savior, but we know the end of the story. If Judas had known the whole story, I have to believe he would have stuck it out. Jesus paid for his sin, just like ours. And no one is beyond redemption, as the entire story of God's people (the Bible) has reminded us again and again. The Lord is faithful and just to forgive and he will finish his good work in those who love him. Judas never gave him a chance to redeem. 

Please be Peter, and not Judas. God created us, in HIS image and for HIS purpose, but we all have sinned and fallen short of what He expects of us. And since the cost of living a sinful life is death and separation from God for eternity, we're all lined up like sheep headed to the slaughter. But there is hope! "For God so loved the world" that he sent his Son to bear the weight of the world's sin, bridge the gap between God and us, and bless us with the free gift of eternal life. All we need to do is earnestly repent of our sins, believe in Jesus and confess it with your mouth and call on the name of the Lord. 

Jesus became the perfect sacrifice just a little while after Judas had given up. He beat death! The Bible tells us that if you come to God, he won't turn you away (John 6:37). This week is a memorial of his work on the Cross. And Judas, and you, and I are all unworthy of his sacrifice. But he loved us enough that He died. Our response should be gratitude in the form of obedience. It is not too late, and you have not gone too far to become a child of the King. 

If you have not accepted Jesus as your savior, please contact me if you have any questions! God does not want you to leave this world without him. Your story does not have to end like Judas' story ended. He wants us to have life and have it abundantly. I'd love to share more about what that means! Email me at hello[at]aleasa[dot]net if you want to learn more about this free gift of salvation.

And if you have accepted Jesus' gift, spend some time in quiet, remembering what great sacrifice is coming up this week. (Mt 26:14-16; Lk. 22:1-6)

Authority

This is the second of a week long reflection on Jesus' sacrifice. Join me tomorrow for more Passion Week Reflections.

After all the ruckus Jesus caused in the temple yesterday, the religious leaders of the day wanted to know what gave him the right to do what he did. (Matt 21:23-27). Then he taught in the temple and sparred with the leaders (Matt 21:28-25:46).

Jesus' response to the question of the source of his authority was to ask the leaders another question: from  where did the authority of John's baptism come? The leaders were in a conundrum. They couldn't say from heaven, because it would make them look bad. He pointed to Jesus as the Messiah and they had not listened to him. But if they said from man, they would face a potential riot because John was recognized as a prophet and respected by the masses. 

The chief priests and elders made the same mistake that many of us make when faced with Jesus. We are hesitant to admit the truth about him, that he truly is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29), but we don't want to insult him by saying that he was anything less than a "good teacher". The popular argument is that Jesus was either Lord, a liar, or a plain lunatic. No one would get away with saying or doing the things Jesus did without being a complete fraud or just plain crazy... unless he was telling the truth. If he's a liar or a lunatic, why even bother calling yourself a Christian? And if liar and lunatic don't fit the bill, the Lord must be the answer. Why? Because that makes all he proclaimed the truth.

The ultimate answer of the leaders was, "We don't know". And I have to believe Jesus was a little snarky in answering them: "Well.. if you don't know, neither do I" (my paraphrase of course!). I think Jesus was making a point: you're acting like you don't know, but you do; two can play at that game! 

So where are we? Jesus is Lord and his authority comes from God (Matt 28). That's not an easy conclusion to draw, though, because it has some serious implications. If he is Lord, as he claims, then he must carry authority as a Lord. That means, we ought to do what he says. This is especially true in light of the sacrifice he made. The disciples and the chief priests and elders did not have history to reflect upon, but we do. We know the result of his death and resurrection, and there are hundreds of theologians who can describe its implications for us. 

On this day of controversy, read his final teachings to the leaders and his wondering disciples (Matt. 21:23-25:46). Who do you think Jesus is, and where does he get his authority? Do you truly believe that he is Messiah? Savior? God? And have you been acting like you believe it? Let us choose this day whom we will serve, and do it wholeheartedly. 

Temple Cleansing

This is the first of a week long reflection on Jesus' sacrifice. Join me tomorrow for more Passion Week Reflections.

Today is Temple Cleansing Day (Mark 11:15-19).

This morning I read Malachi 3:1-9. The temple was to be called a house of prayer for all people (Isa. 56:7), but instead he found tables set up in the outer courts, exchanging currencies (probably at outrageous rates) for the temple tax and selling items needs for the various sacrifices (see Leviticus for more about that!). He came as "refiner and purifier" to those who were robbing the Lord by creating a financial barrier between God and his people. Not only that, but the outer court was the only place where Gentiles could worship and pray to the God of Israel. He also curses a fig tree, which had no fruit but was full of leaves (like fig trees do when they're ready to bear fruit).

Perhaps my temple, that was made for God's glory and HIS purposes, is in need of some cleansing. I am quick to call myself a Christian, Jesus lover, Christ follower -- but what about me is unpleasing to Him or unnecessary for his purposes? I won't speak for anyone else, but I have to say that I have lots of barriers between my world and the Kingdom of God. Is blogging in the way, or Facebook? What's the first thing I reach for in the morning, my phone or my Bible? Why do I do the things I do?

If I'm honest, I'm treating much of my life as my own. Much of what I do is fueled by self-interest. Paul says "if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live" (Rom 8:13). But praise God, he has paid the price for me to have the rights of an heir! There is NO condemnation for those who are in Christ (v. 1). Does that mean go on sinning, never trying to improve or change? Of course not! I am not longer a slave to sin, should I continue on under its power? Jesus was lead like a lamb to the slaughter so that I would not have to live as a slave to the sinful nature. And the proper way to show my gratitude is to do what HE has asked me to do.

The truth is that obedience is imperative in the lives of Christ followers. So you believe in God? Awesome. Even demons believe in God. Because he is real. So what is setting you apart from the demons? Who is your master? Are we fig trees full of leaves but lacking the fruit of obedience? Let's use today to "cleanse" our temples.. What needs to be confessed and repented for in our lives?

Prayer with beads, after the jump.

oh praise the one who paid my debt!

 ²² “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. ²³ This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. ²⁴ But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 

(Acts 2:22-24, New International Version, ©2011)

there in the ground his body lay
light of the world, by darkness slain
then bursting forth in glorious day
up from the grave he rose again
and as he stands in victory
sin's curse has LOST its grip on me
for i am his, and he is mine
bought with the precious blood of Christ.

we wait. we hope. we wait.

nisan 11

today is temple cleansing day (mark 11:15-19)

Mal. 3:1-9

the temple was to be called a house of prayer for all people (Isa. 56:7), but instead he found tables set up in the outer courts, exchanging currencies (probably at outrageous rates) for the temple tax and selling items needs for the various sacrifices (see leviticus for more about that!). not only that, but the outer court was the only place where gentiles could worship and pray.   he also curses a fig tree, which had no fruit but was full of leaves (like fig trees do when they're ready to bear fruit).

have you been robbing the lord in your tithes and offerings? are we fig trees full of leaves but lacking fruit? let's use today to "cleanse" our temples..what needs to be confessed and repented for in our lives? don't give up on the God who doesn't give up on you.

he changed everything.

i want to take you with me on my spiritual journey this week, and it starts today. i won't be doing any link ups, but i hope you'll take the time to read my posts. this is the week that changed history.

todayis  nisan 10, or palm sunday, when Jesus entered triumphantly into jerusalem (mark11:1-11). the learned leaders of the day were about fed up with him and his teaching, but he came into the town anyway.  the jews were preparing to observe passover, a remembrance feast and celebration of the final plague in egypt and their miraculous escape from hundreds of years of bondage. this is a time when the jews are to share the story of the redemption of their people with all the descendants. in history and in tradition, this was the day that the lamb was selected by each home and examined to be sacrificed. (the blood of this lamb was put on the doorposts of each household, and saved the firstborn from the final and most harsh of the plagues.)

 exodus 12:3-4  "tell all the congregation of israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for the household...your lamb shall be without blemish...and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of israel shall kill their lambs at twilight." 

Jesus came into town on a donkey rather than a stallion, signifying peace and not conquest and fulfilling a prophecy that the redeemer would come to the people on a lowly ass (Zech 9:9). his followers cried out "hosanna!", which means "please save!" and expected that, with the fulfilling of the prophecies of the OT, that Jesus would finally emerge as their political messiah and liberate them from roman oppression, exactly like their ancestors had been saved from egyptian slavery.

what are you looking for from the King? are you expecting him to end abortion or wars or the democratic party in our country as a political messiah, like the jewish people of the day? or is he even smaller than that, sent to keep you from hurt or confusion or misfortune? or do you see the entire story of his kingdom, and will you let him save the world? take a few minutes to ponder how much bigger than our problems and our limits than the lord is. pray that we learn to let him be God Almighty, and not God in the box of our own limited imaginations.





for more background, i invite you to listen to my pastor's sermon from today at vimeo (link to come). he did a GREAT summary of the old testament (we've been doing a series on it). if you are like my small group, perhaps you have never strung together all these stories you hear in sunday school, or here and there in your church services, or in passing. but the story is cohesive. the theme is the same from beginning to end: "God is building a community of people who relate to him through faith and each other in love so that he can bless us, and through us, bless the world." he is consistently correcting, protecting, and redirecting his people throughout all of history. no matter how many time we fail, or fall, or deliberately turn our faces from him, he does not forget about us.

passion week.

this is a somber week for me. last year, i went to israel with a group of students from ouachita on a biblical studies/life of christ tour. (see pictures!) it was really eye opening; i came face to face with the person Jesus.. who sweat, walked until his feet hurt, laid stone upon stone for roads and buildings in sepphoris, who wept--really wept--at the state of the people for whom he came to lay down his life. it was mind boggling, and there are times during the christian calendar that hit me hard than others.

easter is apparently going to be one of those.

the thing that is so crazy is that we are just as bad as the israelites. we praised him with them on palm sunday, but when it starts looking bleak we back away. we want him to do things our way. one of the images often used at this time is of him riding in on a mule. a lot of people are mistaken: this is not an act of humility. when kings rode mules into cities, it was because they were coming in peace. the israelite claimed they wanted peace (in the form of the ending of the roman occupation), but they wanted it on their own terms. Jesus came to brig peace, but not peace by way of violence... that was what israel wanted to see. a political messiah.

we want that too.. we think that Jesus is pro-life, pro- or anti-war, pro-whatever-we-support. he is not. he came to save us. yes, he cares about the things we care about as well, but his purpose is not making america christian-ruled. his purpose is saving us from sin--saving us from ourselves.

"Jesus is alright!", i hear, but often we mean something more like "Jesus is alright as long as he's doing what i wanted him to do". we forget that he is awesome and his soveriegnty has nothing to do with our prosperity or our success. the christians of the world are jobless, sick, hungry, and dying. but Jesus is no less powerful... and our sickness and poverty has nothing to do with how much he loves us.

he died.