APRIL 1,2013

What a blessed Easter! Prep for sermon and worship... a wonderful time with Peter and Liz and her family.... Worship with Orlando Presbyterian was stunning and inspiring...then out to dinner with new friends... a catch up phone call with an old friend... God is so Good!
Contentment, joy and happiness = Linda's life.

Easter!

Very early in the morning, first the soldiers sent to guard the tomb, discover the tomb is empty. Then the women come, expecting to complete the burial rituals for Jesus, and they find an empty grave. Peter and John come running to confirm the women's testimony. There are two extraordinary aspects to this story. 1. No one expected Jesus to rise from the dead and 2. Jesus did indeed rise from the grave!
  

Holy Saturday

It is Holy Saturday... a time of darkness, confusion, grief... but Sunday's a'coming:-)

John 20:30-31

"Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."

John 20:19-29

They saw him die, his lifeless body hanging on that vile cross. How could this be? The women reported he was alive.. but who believes a women's testimony. It was Sunday night and they still hadn't seen him for themselves. They were huddled behind a locked door, afraid and bewildered. "Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord." After three years of constant contact with him, this was so different but in some ways, the same. He sounded like their "Jesus"... he had the same mix of compassion and Truth... he still could see right through them ... he knew them so well.

JOHN 20:10-18

Her tears gave expression to the grief, weariness, confusion and worry. The tomb was empty. Who would take his body? Wasn't he humiliated enough in  death? ... What would they do to his body? She looked inside again, but this time she saw angels! She turned and ran into the Creator, Redeemer, resurrected Lord of the universe! This Mary Magdalene, once oppressed by demonic forces, was now the spokesperson of liberating news, "I have seen the Lord!"

Icon of St. Mary Magdalene holding a red Easter egg with the words Christ is Risen

JOHN 20:1-9

In the darkness right before dawn, women disciples went to the tomb to morn and pray. But they found an open tomb and no body. They went running for help...and Peter and John quickly responded by running back to the empty tomb. John gets it! The others need more time. He is Risen!

JOHN 19:38-42

What were they thinking? Hiding there faith in Jesus for so many months... afraid of the fall out if certain people found out they were "closet" disciples. Now in this public act they risked everything. Watch them do what is necessary...what they know was their role to play. Joseph goes to Pilate and asks for the body. Nicodemus not only followed Joseph, he also brought what was necessary for burial, 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes, along with the strips of linen. While most of the "friends" of Jesus were in hiding, these two men stepped up to care for the body of Jesus.

John 19:30ff

Sometimes it would take 2-3 days for a person to die on a cross... to move the process along, soldiers overseeing crucifixions, would break the legs of victims. This meant they could no longer attempt to hold themselves up...thus fatally slumping that lead to suffocation. The Jewish leaders were impatient for this to be over, and sought a quick solution. The two criminals on either side of Jesus, die after their legs are snapped.  But when the executioners come to Jesus, they find him already deceased. So instead of breaking bones they thrust a spear in his side. Hundreds of years before, the Old Testament predicted that none of his bones would be broken, yet his side would be pierced. Indeed this was the promised, Messiah, the Son of God.

John 19:30

"Jesus said,

'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."

 

 

John 19:17ff

Jesus... all powerful, holding all authority, Creator of all that is seen and unseen, one with God the Father and Holy Spirit...this Jesus gave himself over to  pathetically  fragile, small minded, faithless men... "So the soldiers took charge of Jesus" 

 Made him carry is own cross

Stripped him of his clothes

Drove the nails into his wrists and feet

While he is suffering in pain, soldiers raffle off his clothes

Do you see it?

Can you feel it?

This is love.

 

 



John 19:1-16

Betrayed by  friends

Tortured with stones embedded in a leather whip

Struck in the head with fists and a sadistic crown of thorns

Jeered and bullied

 

And yet Pilate found him blameless.

 

The final act of betrayal... schooled in the Old Testament predictions of the Messiah... these Jewish leaders cry out, "We have no king but Caesar."

They were not even claiming God as their king.

Blind ... small men...grasping for lies to save their skins.

 

plotting... hating ... selling their souls ...

"crucify him!"

 

He had all power at his disposal and

he chose to demonstrate it with sacrificial love

even towards those holding the whip and pounding the nails.

 

The enduring sign of the cross... craved into a railing in Edmonton, WA

 

 

 

 

John 18:28-40

As an eyewitness, John records incredible detail. I am struck with this description: "...the Jews led Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness the Jews did not enter the palace; they wanted to be able to eat the Passover."
They arrested and plotted to kill the real "passover lamb"... their hands were  stained with the "blood of the lamb" that would take away the sins of the world! Yet they worried about being "clean" to eat a meal! When we stew about sanctuary decorum, decorations and the design for worship and yet miss the fact that Christ is the Temple... are we as  foolish as those who escorted Jesus to Pilate? We can't see the forest for the trees!



by Antonio Ciseri, 1880

John 18:15-27

"A rooster began to crow!"  What a great name for a book! I can't imagine Peter's feelings when he heard that rooster. His Lord and friend just hours before told him this would happen... the "hot head" leader, Peter would deny Jesus three times before the rooster would announce daybreak. How many times have I been fearful to speak the name of Jesus to a friend or even a stranger? I hear that rooster's voice a lot. How about you?

I found this fellow at a quaint old shopping center near Seattle Washington.

John 18:1-14

Judas brought a detachment {a portion of the 600 soldiers in a legion} of armed Roman soldiers and representatives from the Pharisees and chief priests. All carrying weapons, torches and lanterns. An impressive and forceful sight in the night. Judas approaches Jesus with a customary greeting kiss. He thus identified Jesus to the soldiers. Jesus asks, "Who is it you want?" Their answer: "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus: "I am he." Now here is the strange part of the story! When Jesus identifies himself, the arresting gang... drew back and fell to the ground." ! They understood they were in the presence of a force far greater then themselves. There is no doubt who is in charge of these hours! Jesus knew his destiny. He knew his enemy. And he walks through these next hours fully in control.

John 17:20-26

The Church has failed in so many ways... imperfect people tripping up on our own sinfulness... sometimes in small ways and in large splashy headlines. Perhaps one of our greatest blemishes is revealed here: "May they {Christ's followers} be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them, even as You have loved me."  Oh that we could dwell together in unity, instead of our local squabbling and the grand global stage of divisions and intolerance.

We could start in our own families... respect, humor, shared history and faith are major blocks that hold my siblings together. {Brother Lee, Sister-in-law Peggy, me and Sister Laura}.

John 17:1-5

So much mind bending truth in these few verses! Let's look at just one...Jesus-  "Now this is eternal life: that they know you {the Father}, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, who you have sent." Most of us would talk about eternal life in terms of golden streets beyond this life and into the next. But here we are told that the nature of eternal life boils down to knowing God through Jesus Christ. If that appears pale compared with your previous heavenly notions, then your perception of knowing God needs an extreme make over! 1. Knowing God through Jesus is the way to eternal life 2. As our knowledge grows, especially after death, the mysteries of the universe and beyond will open up to us...enough to absorb our attention for eternity!

So shake off everything that hinders your move toward Christ ... like this bird did!
                                                                                                                                                                               

 
 

John 16:16-33

This is one of my very favorite verses in the Bible! John 16:33. We all need to memorize it for a life time! "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  There are two spheres in existence; "in Jesus" and "in the world". Those in Jesus are not immune from the struggles and hardships of this world. But the inner peace and joy of Jesus, who faced every hardship known to humanity, is ours. Because Jesus was a victor over this world, he provides us every needed resource to do the same. TAKE HEART! LIVE IN JESUS!

Water is a powerful force, but this young man conquered the waves on his surf board.  Taken on Daytona Beach

JOHN 16:1-16

The Spirit of truth "will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you." As the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is fully God. His role is to point people to Jesus and reveal to them the nature of his love, provision and purpose for their lives. Everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord, has the Spirit at work in their lives.

I have no particular picture for today's scripture reading, so instead here is one I just like :-) Bird life on Sanibel Island...

JOHN 15:18-27

People say they are "spiritual" or they acknowledge the "Spirit" working in the world. But they make no claim to know or commit themselves to Christ. Take note of these words of Jesus, "When the Counselor {Holy Spirit} comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me." One of the Holy Spirit's main roles is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of the world. I really don't think you can claim to know the Spirit of God, without acknowledging Jesus the Son.

If you can identity this large bird, you certainly know
what role he plays in nature. He and his mate
allowed us to approach within 30 feet. They appeared
to love the attention! Taken at the Kennedy Space
Wildlife Sanctuary.

John 15:1-17 GOT ANY FRUIT?

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." We are so prone to wander away from the very thing that brings life! A day or two without touching base with Christ...a few Sundays turn into months away from the Word and Sacraments...we make excuses for our laziness...blame others for our absence from God.  The above words of Jesus are a vivid description as to the end result of our wandering. I saw this palm branch on a  St Croix  beach, and immediately thought of this passage in John.

JOHN 14:15-31

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you...

Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid."
 

If God can take care of the birds of the air, how much more can he care for you.
 

 I took this photo Saturday at the Kennedy Space, Wildlife Sanctuary.
 

 

John 14:1-6

C.S. Lewis said there are only three conclusions to the question of who Jesus is... He is either crazy, a liar or the Truth. Ponder these words of Jesus, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you...and I will come and take you there with me." Thomas asked, "How can we know the way to this place?" Jesus replied, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." No one ever claimed Jesus was crazy. And if he was just a liar, would his followers be willing to die for him. Would the Church, Jesus founded,  still alive and active in the world, if it was all based on lies. Logically you are left with the third option - He is the real deal!

Here is the farm house where I grew up. Plenty of rooms...prepared for family.

John 13:18ff

Betrayal is the theme of this passage. Why would Judas sell out Jesus for a few silver pieces?

• Not enough money coming into the "disciples treasury" {Judas was the money keeper and often helped himself to money for his own personal use.}
• Disillusioned that Jesus has not stepped into the role of political leader
• Seeking popularity with Jewish leaders

We will never know what caused him to make this decision, but we do know that in spite of Satan's attempts to destroy God's plan of salivation, Jesus remained in total control of his fate.

JOHN 13:1-17

According to an eyewitness who was a close personal friend, Jesus had all authority in heaven and earth. On this last night before his death, what would Jesus do with such power? He took off his outer garment, wrapped a towel around his waist and acting as a common slave, bent down before each disciple and washed their feet. This striking act of humility was an example for each of us to go and do likewise. With humility we are called to bend our selfishness in order to care for others...listen deeply to others...honor them above ourselves. If that is our business, how is business?

 

 

JOHN 12:37-50

Today I want to look back on John 12:20-26. Some Greek speaking non-Jews wanted to meet Jesus, so they sought out some of his disciples and said, "Sir, we would see Jesus." {It is an old Scottish tradition to place these very words on the backside of pulpits. Preachers would approach and be reminded that the congregation's need was to hear about Jesus.} When Jesus heard of this request he answered by referring to his impending death. In other words, Jesus is saying, if you want to meet me, you will find me on the cross...expressing my love for you!

John 12:12-36

Even other religions honor Jesus as a great human being. As Christians we believe he created the universe, was all powerful, all knowing...coming to us as God in human form. So how would God enter the holy city of Jerusalem? ...On a golden chariot? .. on top of a mighty steed with a steel sword blazing? ... Jesus came riding on a young donkey...low to the ground...moving slow... the crowds had easy access to him. Isn't that just like God!...bending down to us in gentle gestures of compassion and love. Don't miss your opportunity to experience the tenderness of Almighty God!

I took this spring picture a year ago in PA....peaceful humble donkeys.

John 12:1-11

Jesus is beginning his last journey to Jerusalem on the occasion of the Passover. He stops again in Bethany to visit with the siblings, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. During the evening meal, Mary performs two outlandish acts, all to the surprise of the dinner guests. She opens an expensive bottle of scented oil {worth more than a year's wages}and pours it on Jesus feet. Then lets down her hair and wipes the oil into his feet. {Jewish women of that day never let their hair down in public.} When she is chastised for such behavior, Jesus immediately comes to her defense, "Leave her alone."

When was the last time you did something outlandish to show your devotion to Jesus? Talk about him with a friend, even if you are afraid of the friend's reaction...doubling the amount you usually give to the church....Take a day off to spend with God... doing something that shows your loyalty and love for Jesus Christ... sacrificially showing your love...

John 11:45-57

The Jewish chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting of Israel's legal body, the Sanhedrin. They were beyond alarmed at the popularity of Jesus, especially after he raised Lazarus from the dead. Their attempts to outwit and discredit Jesus had totally failed. The only option available to them was to arrange for his arrest, conviction and execution. As they steamed and plotted, running here and there, consumed with the where, how, who and when of thier plotting, Jesus' only concern was the "why" ...why was he facing his death? ...to offer forgiveness to all who would accept his gift.

John 11:38-44

Dear Martha, was always so practical... here she reminds Jesus that Lazarus has been dead 4 days and if they follow his directions to open the grave... a bad odor will be released! She believed in Jesus. She loved Jesus. She was a disciple of Jesus. She just did not have the vision to see the glory present in Jesus Christ. Jesus responded to her, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" There were no more objections heard. Lazarus's tomb was opened. "Jesus called in a loud voice,'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go.'"  Is that enough GLORY for you! {And look who is being practical- Jesus! In the crowd's amazement no one was tending to Lazarus's needs as a "once I was dead and now I am alive" person! So Jesus speaks up on behalf of Lazarus.

by Sebastiano del Piombo 1517-

John 11:17-37

The humanity of Jesus immediately strikes the reader of this passage. He fully knows the miracle that will happen, but his heart breaks for his dear friends Mary and Martha. They are devastated over the death of their brother, Lazarus. Both sisters complain to Jesus, "If you would have been here, our brother would not have died." Seeing their pain and anguish, Jesus also weeps.

There are times when God seems silent as we offer up our prayerful lament. Just remember this ... God listens and grieves with us as an expression of his love and compassion.

Here is a 1580 painting by Tintoretto showing Jesus with the sisters.