LENTEN DEVOTIONS
2005

To read the Lenten Devotion, just click on the DATE below.
An index is also provided.

BLOCKAGE OR FREE FLOWING?

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

It started as a typical Saturday morning but ended as one we will never forget. After a trip to WalMart, we were ready for lunch when typical changed to life-threatening. My husband was experiencing a full-blown heart attack. As he was being rushed to the hospital thoughts came. Will he make it? How bad is it? How will life change? Doctors stabilized him with clot busters then proceeded to determine the amount of blockage and treatment. Prayers were answered. They inserted a stint, and his heart was healed with no permanent damage.

Our life is determined by blood flowing through our arteries. If those arteries are clogged and the blood stops, we are gone! Spiritually speaking we have 100% blockage and are dead until we experience a heart transplant. Someone must die for a transplant. It is very expensive, but Jesus paid it all. He died to give life. I received that new life as a teenager kneeling at a church altar.

After a transplant, our spiritual arteries can still get clogged. God feels distant. We cannot seem to get through. His work and the Holy Spirit are like a heart catheter probing our arteries, identifying the blockage and any buildup of plaque. What is God’s catheter showing about my heart today? Is there blockage to the flow of the spirit? That blockage can be sin plaque that builds up little by little until our life is so sluggish we feel spiritual rigormortis setting in. We can turn again to our heavenly heart doctor who offers the stint of I John 1:9 to cleanse the plaque and get us free-flowing again. That is the blessing of the cross and the good news of Easter.

“Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” III John 2 (NIV)

—Sherry Smith

AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

“And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

I remember an evening, perhaps twenty years ago, coming home from work after a day when it seemed that nothing had gone right, and everything that could possibly go wrong had gone wrong. People were upset with me, and I was upset with them. I came home in a very bad mood. When I came in the door, the children raced to greet me as they always did. This helped some; but after I was settled in, I still began to complain to my wife, Holly, about how bad the day had been.

My daughter Katie, who was perhaps three years old at the time, was sitting at the kitchen table. She looked up from her coloring book with her innocent face and big brown eyes and said, “Don't be upset, Daddy; it spoils life.”

That pretty much said it all. I picked her up and gave her a big hug. My frustration just melted away, and we had a great family evening together. Now, any time I feel tempted to let myself sink into a bad mood, I can see my daughter’s sweet little face and hear those words again. “Don't be upset, Daddy; it spoils life.”

—Harley Grim

LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU

“⁶We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. ⁷If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; ⁸if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

I had been saying for several months I need a months’ vacation. In the spring of last year, I broke my right leg. This was not the vacation I had in mind. I had many things that needed to be done for my daughter Jill’s wedding in July. I also wanted my house to look wonderful for the out-of-town family and friends who would be coming for the wedding.

For nine weeks, I was on crutches. I could not drive, go to work, or do much of anything else without help. I needed my family and friends to take me where I needed to go, such as church, doctor appointments, and physical therapy appointments. Others cleaned my house, did my laundry, did the yard work, and painted. The house looked the best it had in years, thanks to many wonderful friends. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. . . . if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously.

Many times I have thought that someday I will take a mission trip. I now realize you do not have to go on a mission trip to serve others. The people who helped me were on a mini-mission trip; they prayed with me and did work projects. I am grateful for all the people who took the time to make me a part of their lives. You may not think a meal or giving someone a ride is very important, but believe me it is. Over thirty people helped me in my time of need.

People did not just drive me and do things at my house, they loved me. I have a deeper relationship with many old and new friends because they chose to serve. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 (NIV)

I am now on the care and concern committee and was elected a Deacon in the fall. With God’s guidance, I will serve others in their time of need.

—Peggy Moses

JUDGE NOT, THAT YOU BE NOT JUDGED

“⁴Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem, and he went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim and turned them back to the LORD, the God of their fathers. ⁵He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah. ⁶He told them, ‘Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. ⁷Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.’” II Chronicles 19:4-7 (NIV)

In Jerusalem many years ago, judges were appointed in the land and given warnings about, “judging men wrongfully.” Time has changed these words very little. Today, we have all become judges in our own way; but we seem to have forgotten that ancient warning. Consider how you form an opinion of people by how they dress or what car they might drive. Do you walk to the other side of the street when you see a “homeless” person standing in front of you? Do you snicker when you hear what part of the city someone lives? Do you run in the right crowd, so you do not have to associate with those you have deemed unworthy? Has your own jury influenced you?

Jehoshaphat reminds us to “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the LORD, who is with you.” We have been commanded to be, “Salt and Light,” unto the world. Can you imagine what others think of us as Christians when we judge so harshly on external things? Take some time to know a person before you judge. You may never really know who is watching; we know for sure God is! Look first for the good in people; your verdict may well be different than the jury standing around you. Jehoshaphat ends with these words, “Act with courage, and may the LORD be with those who do well.” II Chronicles 19:11 (NIV)

—Bill and Barb Weidus

GOD’S HEALING POWER AT ECC

“¹⁴Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. _¹⁵And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well . . .” James 5:14-15a (NIV)

It began on a Thursday, as I recall, an uncomfortable feeling that came on my right side, then subsided. It continued on Friday and Saturday but it did not seem particularly urgent. As I dressed for church on Sunday, it was really beginning to get my attention. In fact, as Keith drove up the driveway to the front of our house where he picks me up, it suddenly entered my mind that I might have appendicitis. As I willfully discounted that possibility, I got in the car; and we drove to church. Uncharacteristically, in my analytical state, I did not mention it to Keith, hoping if I did not talk about it, it would go away.

At church (SDA), I tried diligently to focus on other things, until the time preceding communion. My right side had really begun to pain me, and I felt shaky and hot all over. It was personal prayer time. I looked up, and there was one of the Elders near my seat and not praying for anyone. I quickly went to him with my immediate need for prayer.

I returned to my seat and sat quietly, focused on the One who hears and answers prayer. As I was taking communion, I realized that I had absolutely no pain. I had no discomfort whatsoever. In fact, I never experienced that pain again. I had been healed instantaneously during the prayer in my church, acting out a scripture that had meant a great deal to me for many years. “Is any one of you sick? He should call (or go to) the elders of the church to pray over him . . . And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” I usually go to “Elder Keith;” but this time God led me to another Elder, who also was blessed, because months later, I let him know how God used him in the church’s healing ministry. For we know that the power of the risen Christ is present in His Body to accomplish whatever the Spirit ordains.

—Ann Kintner

CONFESS AND BELIEVE

“⁸But what does it say? ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,’ that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: ⁹That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ¹¹As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’” Romans 10:8-11 (NIV)

When my daughter Sara was three years old, I was blessed during a car ride home one afternoon as our talk turned deep, for a three-year-old, to death and heaven. I shared that we have a sinful nature that has kept us from a relationship with God and how Jesus’ death on the cross purchased a free gift of forgiveness for us—we only need to accept it. I shared that someday she would accept Jesus’ gift, and she would once again be part of God’s family and spend eternity with Him in heaven.

Sara was not interested in doing this later. She stated rather forcefully that she did not want to wait; she wanted to accept the gift Jesus offered right then. What a blessing, that afternoon as I lead Sara through a prayer as she confessed Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

The story does not stop there . . . Two years later my daughters and I were watching a Muppets movie, Sara (age five) and Mandy (age three) were each sitting on a knee; and the story came to a point where Kermit the Frog was struck by a car. The girls grew quiet. Then Mandy looked to her older sister Sara and said, “Sara, what’s going to happen to Kermit?” Sara looked back at Mandy and said, “He is going to hell just like you, if you do not know Jesus.” Mandy began to sob and said she did not want to go to hell, she wanted to know Jesus. I was about to speak when Sara looked back at her sister and lovingly said, “Let me lead you through a prayer . . .” Wow, the Lord blessed me that afternoon as I watched my daughter, Sara, lead her sister, Mandy, through the prayer Sara had prayed two years before.

Know that our Father is blessed when we return to Him by accepting the Lordship of Jesus and believing in our hearts that He raised Jesus from the dead.

—Dave Stegman

COMFORTABLE WITH GOD’S WILL

I Samuel 3.

“So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said,‘He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes.’” I Samuel 3:18 (NIV)

Chapter 3 of the book of I Samuel contains the popular story of God’s calling of Samuel. This is an exciting event in Samuel’s life, but it also brings difficulty for him. The Lord reveals to Samuel His plans for Israel and for Eli, Samuel’s mentor and father figure (verses 11-14). It involves harsh judgment for both Israel and Eli’s family. Even though Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had revealed, Eli made him hold nothing back (verses 15-17). It is Eli’s response to what he hears that is so astounding to me (verse 18). He is so accepting of God’s will and trusting in what the Lord sees as right.

We have to ask ourselves “Am I accepting of God’s will even if it goes against what I want for my life?” Eli had a submissive attitude that we should all pray for and desire, especially in the midst of calamity that sometimes strikes our lives. Our flesh and the world tell us that we should have only our ambitions in mind. We should follow Eli’s example and have the Lord’s ambitions at the forefront of our lives. I encourage you to read chapter 4 to see the level of calamity that hit Israel and Eli.

As we approach Easter, let us praise our Heavenly Father for including the death and resurrection of His Son in His will. Let us also reflect on Christ’s submission to the Father’s will. What a merciful God we have that He would choose to save us when we were His enemies!

To God be the glory in all things!

—Andy Koesters

FAITH FOR ONE ANOTHER

Mark 2:1-12.

“4. . . they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, . . . lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.” Mark 2:4 (NIV)

The account in this passage holds such encouragement for us!

We see a group of believers who are confident that Jesus has the power to heal their lost and hurting friend. We witness dedication to their friend. They are not only willing to carry him, but they are determined not to let the presence of a “standing room only” crowd deter them in their quest to get him to Jesus. They are willing to go to the extreme act of climbing to the top of the house and peeling back the roof to create a hole large enough to lower their friend through. I can only imagine the amazement of the crowd when they witnessed this fellow “dropping in” on the teaching! When Jesus saw their faith, He forgave the man of his sins (attending to his spiritual need), and then healed him (attending to his physical need).

When I read this kind of Biblical account, I like to imagine what it was like to witness this occurrence from many perspectives:

• the conversation the friends had as they decided that going through the roof was their best chance at getting their friend to Jesus?
  
• the indignation of the homeowner at seeing the roof of his house torn away?
  
• the astonishment of those listening to Jesus as they saw the man on the mat being lowered from the ceiling?
  
• the feelings of the man as he suddenly becomes the center of the throng’s attention?
  
• the unbounded joy the man felt as he experiences the grace and healing power of this remarkable teacher?
  

I also like to contemplate the implications of this story. Have you ever had the privilege of carrying a suffering and lost friend, through prayer, to the Savior you knew could grant salvation and healing? Have you witnessed the transformation of a brother or sister who comes to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Have you been the man on the mat—hurting, immobilized, and without hope? Have you ever known the humbling experience of having others carry you to Jesus when you could not walk to Him? Have you leaned on the faith of others when your faith was weak and faltering . . . when you thought that reaching Jesus was quite impossible?

When Jesus saw their faith, He was quick to forgive and heal. Lord, give us the faith that we might be willing to be the bearers of our brothers and sisters to Christ, when we see their need, and to be borne to Him by the faith of others in our own times of trial.

—Diana Wood

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PROBLEMS IN THE MIDST OF OUR JOURNEY

“We are having a few problems today.” How often have you said these words? At any given moment we can be facing the great problems of our today. These will always include elements of people, debt, facilities, and attitudes. We are in a tremendous spiritual journey. This journey enables us to see regular progress if we only take the time to observe where we are compared to where we were.

Problems will always produce three things in our journey of the Spirit. Change will take place, usually in the plan and schedule we had envisioned. Irritation is a key response of everyone in problems. Cost in terms of time, energy, and resources will be an end product of any problem experienced.

Our spiritual response is often “Can you hear me now?” It seems this is often our first question to the Lord when problems surface.

Remember, most problems begin with people and end with attitudes. We want life to be perfect everyday, but life is filled with everyday problems. Problems will either make you strong or they will destroy you. We say of our Problems: “The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.” Psalm 25:17 (NIV) “For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see.” Psalm 40:12a (NIV) Paul says of our Problems: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.” I Corinthians 10:13a (NIV)

In this Lenten season, where we can address our solutions, how then should we respond?

1. Prepare for delays: It is inevitable to our plans. Proverbs 27:12.
   
2. Plan to win: Go the distance; finish to victory—it is a marathon not a sprint! Romans 5:3; 8:26.
   
3. Purpose to laugh
   1. Laugh with the Lord. “Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.” I Samuel 2:1 (NIV)
      
   2. Laugh at despair. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22 (NIV)
      
   3. Laugh with yourself .

   “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21 (NIV)

   “The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)

Is that a joyous choir I hear? No, it is the Lord Himself exulting over you in happy song. God, can you hear me now??
—Lynn and Francine Hood – ECC World Missionaries

THE PERFECT SACRIFICE THAT MAKES US PERFECT

“. . . because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14 (NIV)

This past year, I have used the Tabletalk daily devotional, which focused on the book of Hebrews. The rich theology of this book captivated me with its themes like Jesus’ sacrifice was superior to the sacrifices of the Old Testament. We worship the one who alone can bring us into the Sabbath rest of God. Though we may be tempted to return to works for meriting our salvation, we must look only to Jesus, His perfect work through the cross, and the power of His resurrection.

This one verse in Hebrews has encouraged and challenged me the most. The single offering of Christ did everything to perfect for all time those who are being sanctified. He has shed His perfect blood for the remission of our sins. He has offered up His body once and for all as the only effectual sacrifice for sin. There is no longer any sacrifice for sin; it is finished. I must confess that, for years, I had not lived in assurance of this perfection; but as I more clearly understand the truths of scriptures like this one, I have begun to grasp the preserving work of Jesus through His death and His present intercession before God on my behalf.

We may not yet manifest this perfection in our day-to-day lives; but in Christ, we are counted as perfectly holy. Let us continue to manifest this holiness more and more in this life until His return. God is fulfilling His plan of redemption, so let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

—Vaughn Engle

LOVING HIS PERFECTION

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” I Peter 2:23 (NIV)

In the fifth chapter of his first Epistle, Peter reveals that his reason for writing this epistle is to prepare the believer for possible persecution and suffering, and to encourage and assure them that, despite the circumstances that they may face, their salvation through Christ is certain. Throughout the epistle, he describes particular ways in which they should conduct themselves; and in chapter two, he specifically instructs the believers to submit themselves to governmental authorities, show proper respect for everyone, submit to their master, and love the brotherhood of believers. Where did he get such ideas?

The following verse gives us the answer, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” I Peter 2:21 (NIV)

As Christians, we are to love Christ and to become like Him. Just how do we do that? Primarily, by studying the Bible in order to learn about the wonderful qualities, character, and behavior of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the verse above, we are given an account of events from the foot of the cross. In Matthew 27, Mark 15, and Luke 23, we find descriptions of people mocking and hurling insults at our wonderful, lovely Savior. Their insults were directed at His claim to be the Son of God, and yet, apparently powerless as He hung there in agony on the cross. What did Jesus do? Our verse tells us he neither retaliated, nor threatened those who were making such vicious and spectacularly inaccurate assertions. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly.

Regardless of the level of overt persecution we may face, we have a Savior perfect in every way. The one who judges justly raised Him from death to life, proving that He was the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Be encouraged and ask God to give you an appreciation and love for the character of Christ.

—Kip Mueller

THE VISITOR

“While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” Luke 24:36 (NIV)

Imagine for a moment that you and I are among the eleven disciples in the room. We are sharing how awesome Jesus was and how we miss Him. We are talking about how He loved us, how He taught us, how He led us, how He calmed our fears, and how solemnly we betrayed Him.

Think with me, what we are feeling. We are full of guilt, shame, and remorse because we betrayed our friend. We are sad and lost.

He had chosen us to be His closest companions. He discipled us with great patience, mercy, and love. He never yielded to the pressures of the day that would please the Romans or the religious leaders. He had shown us how to live and teach others to live.

Now, we are fearing for our lives, behind locked doors. We are condemned by our choices, our actions, and our deeds.

Then, the One that we betrayed is standing among us. We know that the door is locked. We know that the door did not open. Yet, there standing among us is the Man, who was arrested, tried, beaten, and crucified.

From where did this Visitor come? How did He get into the room when the door is locked? What is He going to do to us?

The Visitor speaks. He speaks with a gentleness. He says, “Peace be with you.”

His first words to us do not shame us, do not judge us, and do not condemn us. They do not even address what we did to Him. His first words to us speak only love, forgiveness, and concern for our well-being.

Dear Lord, I pray that you would keep the “room” in our hearts open to you, so that you could appear to us at all times. Thus, we could live in your presence continually, for we have you in our hearts. Thank you, Lord, for dying for our sins so that we can live in You and through You now and forevermore. In the Name of our Resurrected Lord, Amen.

“Peace be with you.”

—Linda Lanning

FEAR AND LOVE

“But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love . . .” Psalm 33:18 (NIV)

Notice the linkage of fear and love. At first glance, it seems an odd combination; but rightly understood, each enhances the other.

The fear of God is often experienced as awe or reverence. The fear of God can also be experienced as outright fear; but unlike the other fears we know, there is no darkness in it. If repeatedly in scripture we see men fall on their faces before God’s messenger angels, how could we not expect God Himself to be much more fearsome? Just because He does not always relate to us in this way does not mean that He cannot or will not do so when He chooses.

When we fear God; when we begin to know who He is, what He can do, and how much we are at His mercy; when we have been in His presence in that heart-pounding, stomach-churning, I-am-so-small kind of way—then we are able to see a much bigger picture of the magnificence of His love. We see how incredible it is that He has such esteem for us that He treats us as He does. We are not destroyed because His love makes salvation possible for us. We begin to understand both the need for and the benefit of the cross of Christ.

When we know and trust in God’s love, we are enabled and more willing to take the risk of drawing near to Him, in spite of pounding heart, and thus know Him more fully—to know Him as He is. Again, we look to the cross for the most dramatic possible demonstration of God’s love for us.

When we know His love, we are also enabled to love Him in return (we love because He first loved us, John tells us). We can begin to love God for who He is, without the need to try to remake Him into someone docile and safe. We can both love Him and fear Him, not because He is safe (otherwise we would not fear Him) but, as C.S. Lewis says, because He is good. (Narnia fans will remember Mr. Beaver’s conversation with the Pevensy children on this topic in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.)

Throughout Lent as we look toward the cross, may we hear the thundering message of God’s awesome power and righteousness and, in doing so, rightly know the fear of the Lord. Then, may our hearts be broken by the tender whispers of His love for us—passionate, consuming, and more powerful than death itself.

—Pam Dollard

Holy Week

SPRING IS THE SEASON OF LIFE—CHRIST IS THE REASON

“⁷But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. ⁸Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Micah 7:7-8 (NIV)

Reawakening new life marks nature’s growing cycle each year. Spring wonders are God’s reminder to Christians. New life is possible through His Son—what solemn time of sharing. Individually and collectively, we embrace memories of Jesus’ life. A remarkable 3-½ year period revealed Jesus in times of love, sorrow, passion, confusion, sacrifice, and hope resulting in joy. Few understood then who Jesus was. Today, many will not believe who He is.

Easter illustrates an indescribable outpouring of God’s love for our undeserving mankind. Faithful Christians refuel their spiritual energy on one glorious fact. He is risen! HE IS RISEN INDEED.

Lent is the season for heart and mind. It is a perfect time to search for deeper meaning in life—perhaps the best time to think about, even question, our part in God’s divine plan. It is a time to ask the Designer/Creator, “In what way may I serve as who I am now, Lord?” and “How can I prepare, to develop into the servant You need, to match any future purpose You would draw me toward?” Communication with God is nourishing to the soul. Many times the answer will be to wait patiently for God’s leading by praying and studying His Word. Jesus set the example for family through closeness with His heavenly Father—in prayer. We need to do the same if we are to gain strength, wisdom, and insight into His will for us.

God provided a salvation miracle for all generations in the veiled workings of the Easter events. By His will, His Son became the perfect (Lamb) sacrifice of blood (death) atonement for all sin of all time. He allows this payment in full to be credited against every debt owed for all of humanity’s individual sins. This stands as history’s most awesome act of love. It is filled with meaning beyond the grasp of human reason.

GOD the FATHER lives. JESUS, HIS SON, our Lord, Savior, Priest, and KING lives. HIS Holy Spirit lives and dwells within those who surrender to His will in love and contrition.

`

“²⁵He said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ ²⁷And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Luke 24:25-27 (NIV)

—Ron Douglas

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HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . .” Romans 8:1 (NIV)

Particularly at this time of year, we are drawn to think about our sin more than any other time. Paul tells us, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus . . .” How can that be? We have a wonderful opportunity during the Lenten season to reflect on those words.

Sometimes, it is difficult for me to grasp. How can God possibly love me enough to send His only Son to die for me on the cross? Not only that, but Jesus would have died for me even if it were only just for me alone! Do we really understand how much God loves us?

That is really what the Bible is all about is it not? It is a wonderful love story between God, our Creator, and His children. He wants us to come to Him with everything. We believe in our minds that God already knows everything about us; yet in our prayer time, we often feel separated from God, believing He could not possibly accept us, let alone forget about our confessed sin.

If we come to the cross and do not accept the love of God, are we not dismissing what the Father did for us? Are we not saying the suffering of our Lord and Savior was not enough? During this season of reflection, do not miss how deep the Father’s love is for you. Enjoy your time with Him . . . feel His deep love for you.

Let the words of Stuart Townend’s song How Deep the Father’s Love sink deep within your heart.

How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.

You are God’s treasure. He wants you to know . . . come to His cross, knowing if you confess and repent of your sin, there is no more condemnation. What an incredible, unspeakable gift.

—Joanne Samad

OUR FATHER’S UNIQUE FORGIVENESS

“²Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits–³who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:2-3 (NIV)

People talk frequently about “benefits.” Our Heavenly Father was the first to provide a “benefit package” for us. Lent reveals many of His benefits to those who believe in His agent, Jesus, the Messiah.

One of God’s benefits I would like us to focus upon this day is that of His forgiveness. The word forgive in Hebrew is הלם salach (sah-lahch). It means to forgive, pardon, spare someone, or relieve someone of the burden of their offense. This verb is used 50 times in the Old Testament.

The key distinction of this verb is that it is ONLY used of Yahweh Elohim—the Lord God! Never is it used of one person forgiving another. It is a divine word—used for a divine purpose!

In other words, it is something that only God did, does, and will do for all who receive and believe in Jesus, the Messiah, the Lamb of God.

The idea of incarnation (God becoming flesh) is found in other religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and one sect of Muslims, the Shiites. ONLY in Christianity do we find that God became flesh in order to provide the benefit of divine forgiveness! All other religions, barring none, leave humankind in its state of sin and unforgiveness.

Think about this for a moment. Meditate upon this fact. You and I have a benefit that we cannot provide—one that only our God has provided; AND He did this even before the foundation of the world!

Furthermore, Isaiah 55:7 reveals that God’s salach is intensified by the adverb abundantly AND Jeremiah 33:8 reveals the thoroughness of His cleansing—better than Ivory^® Soap! It only boasts of 99 and 44/100%! The blood of Jesus, the Lamb of Beneficial Provision, cleanses as white as snow!

So today, do as the Psalmist says: Praise the Lord for His Unique Forgiveness of All of your sins! Salach Salach

—Ron Rand, Upbuilding Ministries

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST—MY LORD AND MY GOD

John 20:24-31.

“²⁵So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.’ ²⁶A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ ²⁷Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.’” John 20:25-27 (NIV)

It has been a year since many of us went to see The Passion of the Christ. I have thought of and meditated on that movie many times since. Most recently, I reflected on this when I learned that Italian artist Caravaggio’s artwork had influenced Mel Gibson’s filming techniques. I had never heard of this artist and did some on-line research. Caravaggio’s work seems to project off the canvas from a dark background that places all the emphasis on the subjects in the painting. As I think back on the movie, I can certainly see the similarities as some of the film scenes literally brought me out of my seat—especially those early ones in the garden.

One of Caravaggio’s works I found on-line at Web Gallery of Art is called The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, painted over 400 years ago. Depicting the scripture above, it shows the doubting Thomas being guided to belief by our Savior. Various forms of the word “believe” appear over 100 times in the gospel of John, and that is the primary emphasis in this painting. A week earlier, Thomas had declared that unless he “. . . put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.” (verse 25) Amazingly, eight days after making this statement, Thomas is with the other disciples when Jesus appears; and this time Jesus repeats Thomas’ words back to him, inviting Thomas to “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” (verse 27)

I have always found tremendous comfort in the following verse when Jesus told Thomas “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 (NIV) Like all of you, I was not there either to see our risen Savior. I am so grateful for that day in July 1963 when I believed. If you have come to this Lenten season and still do not believe . . . the Savior is waiting for you to put your finger and your hand in His side and to joyfully proclaim with Thomas—“My Lord and my God!” John 20:28 (NIV)

—Joanie Rielage

THAT HOLY TASTE

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 (NIV)

On the cross, Jesus was offered a drink of “wine mingled with myrrh.” He refused it. According to both Matthew and Mark, that happened on His arrival at the place of crucifixion. The drink was vinegar or sour wine to which myrrh and perhaps bitter substances were added, the effect of which would be to stupefy, dull the senses, cause a stupor, anesthetize, and deaden consciousness.

Jesus vowed to bear fully the pain and suffering He came to endure in substitutionary atonement for the sins of the world. Thus, He refused to short-circuit the experience of crucifixion. At the end of His ordeal on the cross, He did accept moisture from a sponge on a reed lifted to His lips—a sponge saturated with vinegar; but without the myrrh, the common drink of the Roman soldiers.

Beyond this physical historic aspect, Jesus, the Holy One, tasted the death of the universal soul, that is, eternal death. As P. T. Forsyth describes it, “It was the horror of the holy when he ‘became sin.’” The wide empire of eternal death went deep into His soul. It was terrible as His soul itself died.

Beyond this mystery is the mystery of grace—the Gospel of grace extended to the world. God in Christ gave Himself for the world to the uttermost. He did not send His Son, He came as the Son. Jesus tasted the vinegar in the sponge; and He, the Lamb of God, tasted eternal death, thus, emptying the cup of man’s condemnation. So today, we sip contents of the symbolic cup, reminding us of His blood, shed for us.

Our Lord does not rob His grace of its graciousness by dwelling on its cost, the pain and anguish of His cross. Our Savior’s work, reconciling us to God, was done out of our sight . . . but it does become us to magnify the cost, preciousness of redeeming grace, and His love.

How wondrous it is to have a Living Redeemer that takes each of us to God, to plead for us and save us from God’s wrath and our self-condemnation! We bow in worshipping before our Holy God.

—Jo Youst

MARY, DID YOU KNOW?

“34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.’” Luke 2:34-35 (NIV)

What comes to your mind when you hear the name Mary, the mother of Jesus? Perhaps it is a young girl with an unquestionable faith in God. Or do you picture a loving mother crushed and crying over the body of her son as it is removed from the cross? What did Mary think when Simeon was elated in one moment of seeing the promised one and then said that a sword would pierce her soul? Years ago, I was privileged to get a glimpse of what Mary must have thought and felt; and it is an experience that I will never forget.

In my youth, I played Mary many times in church plays; but the last time this happened was as a young wife living in Japan expecting our second child (Ann). Our chaplain had asked me to play Mary for one of the Sundays in Lent. He further explained I would need to be in costume as “Mary” to deliver the sermon that day and oh yes, he did not have a script, just a few verses and much encouragement!

As I read, prayed, and tried to prepare for this role while taking care of a rambunctious two-year-old (Alex), keeping house, and all the things a mother does, I began to wonder about Mary’s struggles. Was Jesus easy to potty train; did He wrestle with His brothers in the dirt or forget to wash His hands before a meal? As He grew, did He question His earthly parents’ authority; were they surprised by His knowledge when they found Him in the Temple answering difficult questions at the age of twelve? As He became a man, began His ministry, spent time gathering disciples, and preached to thousands, did she realize all that He was or His fate?

On a Sunday in 1976 as Mary, I shared these feelings as a mother would, taking the congregation from the joy of His birth, to growing into manhood, the sorrow of His death but the joy of His resurrection. I then understood the sword piercing a mother’s soul and why God chose this very woman in history. Mary took on the pain of the sword so Jesus could fulfill His purpose of not only being God’s son but as Lord and Savior for her and the World! May it be so for you.

—Judy Dirksen

YOUR SORROW WILL TURN TO JOY

“‘¹⁶In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.’”

“²⁰I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. ²¹A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²²So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:16, 20-22 (NIV)

To understand the triumph of the resurrection, we must have some appreciation of the horror and finality of death. Death is mankind’s worst enemy. It takes away those who are most precious to us. If death is the end, then we must face the hard reality that life is ultimately meaningless. Life then becomes pointless and absurd. We might with the Apostle Paul say, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” I Corinthians 15:32 (NIV)

However, Easter teaches us that this is not the case. It would slowly dawn on the disciples that the resurrection of Jesus means that someday, we too, will be raised to new life.

Some might ask, “If Jesus had victory over death, then how are we to think about our own deaths?”

I like what Dr. Donald Grey Barnhouse, the predecessor of James Boice at Tenth Presbyterian, had to say about death. On one occasion, he told of an experience he had with his children shortly after his first wife had died. On the way home from their mother’s funeral, the children were struggling deeply over the anguish of losing their dear mother. As he was desperately searching for a way to provide some comfort to his bereaved children, a large moving truck came alongside their car. As it passed, its shadow passed over them. Suddenly he had an inspiration. He asked, “Children, would you rather be run over by a truck or by its shadow?” They replied, “Well of course, Dad, we’d much rather be run over by the shadow! That can’t hurt us at all.” Then Dr. Barnhouse responded to the effect, “Did you know that two thousand years ago the truck of death ran over the Lord Jesus, but He rose again from the dead in order that only death’s shadow might run over us?”

As Christians, we no longer need to fear death. For us, death means entering into the warm and glorious presence of God and all His saints. In Christ, our guilt is removed; and there is no condemnation. Indeed, the sting of death has been taken away for His elect.

I find Jesus’ declaration, that no one will take our joy from us, to imply something else about death. If our joy will never be taken from us, then whatever death is, it will not cut us off from our joy. Indeed, Christians will possess an unbroken line of satisfaction in Jesus from the present through eternity. Easter is therefore a day for the blowing of trumpets, the singing of alleluias, and great celebration. Easter is a reminder that, because of Jesus’ victory over death, we can rejoice and be glad.
—Pastor Rich Lanning

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