Extraordinary News for the Ordinary

by LottCarey | Mar 31, 2024 | Lent 2024

In the quiet walk to Emmaus, two disciples pondered the events that had unfolded. Cleopas and another, whose name history did not record, engaged in a conversation that would change their lives forever. It is in this unnamed disciple that we find a reflection of ourselves – ordinary individuals seeking understanding and truth.

As they walked, a stranger joined them, igniting their hearts with words that burned like a beacon in the night. This stranger was none other than the Risen Christ, though they knew it not. He spoke to them, not as one seeking glory or recognition, but as one imparting wisdom and hope. The scriptures came alive, and their hearts were set ablaze with a passion that only the divine word can kindle.

This narrative reminds us that in our own journey of faith, we need not be renowned or distinguished to experience the transformative power of God’s word. Our names may never be etched in the annals of history, but our hearts can still resonate with the truth of the Resurrection. We, too, can bear witness to the life-changing presence of Jesus in our lives.

The disciples’ realization that Jesus was alive transformed their despair into joy, their fear into courage. They could not contain this revelation; they rushed back to share the Good News. In their testimony, we are reminded that the message of Jesus’ resurrection is not confined to the extraordinary but is entrusted to the ordinary – to each of us.

We are called to see Jesus in the everyday, to recognize Him in the mundane, and to proclaim His living presence in our lives. The greatest news ever received – that Jesus is alive – is ours to share. It is a gift of immeasurable value, a treasure that we, ordinary people, have the honor of declaring to the world.

Let us walk our paths with hearts open to the words of Christ, allowing them to burn within us and guide us. May we, like Cleopas and the unnamed disciple, be emboldened to share the joyous truth: Jesus is alive, and His love endures forever.

Prayer

Lord, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude and awe, reflecting on the extraordinary news of the Resurrection that was shared with ordinary individuals. In the quiet walk to Emmaus, two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed companion, were transformed by the presence of the Risen Christ. Their hearts were set ablaze with the wisdom and hope He imparted, igniting a passion that only the divine word can kindle.

We recognize in this narrative a call to our own lives: that we too, ordinary individuals, can bear witness to the life-changing presence of Jesus. We are called to see Him in the everyday, to recognize Him in the mundane, and to proclaim His living presence in our lives. The Good News of the Resurrection is not confined to the extraordinary; it is entrusted to the ordinary, to each of us.

Lord, we pray for the grace to walk our paths with hearts open to the words of Christ, allowing them to burn within us and guide us. May we, like Cleopas and the unnamed disciple, be emboldened to share the joyous truth: Jesus is alive, and His love endures forever. We ask for the strength to overcome our fears and to proclaim this Good News with love, respect, and without the desire for recognition or glory.

May we be instruments of Your love, sharing the transformative power of the Resurrection with others. Help us to encounter Jesus in our daily lives, to experience His love, and to share that love with the world. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Resurrection Vigil

by LottCarey | Mar 30, 2024 | Lent 2024

As Easter eve approaches, the Christian world enters a period of deep reflection and somber remembrance. This is a time to mourn the death of Jesus Christ, a pivotal moment in Christian faith that signifies the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins. The air is filled with solemn reverence, as believers contemplate the weight of this sacrifice.

Yet, even in mourning, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. Easter eve is not only about death but also about the promise of life. It is the precursor to the joyous celebration of resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian belief that proclaims victory over death and offers hope of eternal life.

In this sacred time, the faithful are called to introspection and prayer, to align their hearts with the profound mysteries of their faith. Some churches are draped in purple, the color of penitence and mourning, yet they stand ready to burst forth in the white and gold of resurrection joy.

We embrace the sorrow and the hope intertwined in this holy observance. As the sun sets on this solemn day, let us prepare our hearts for the dawn of Resurrection morning, when the cry resounds, “He is risen!” and the promise of new life is fulfilled.

We gather in the dimming light, our hearts heavy with the remembrance of the cross. The echoes of “It is finished” linger in the air, a solemn reminder of the price paid for redemption. We sit in the shadow of death, yet we know this is not the end.

As night falls, we enter into a vigil, a watchful waiting for the first light of Resurrection. It is a time to reflect on the darkness of the tomb and the light that is to come. In this sacred pause, we are reminded that life springs from death, and hope emerges from despair.

With the breaking of dawn, the mourning turns to joy. The stone is rolled away, and the grave is found empty. The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality, offering us a glimpse of the divine and the assurance of life everlasting.

This Easter eve, let us walk the path of sorrow with the knowledge that it leads to the most glorious of mornings. Let us prepare our hearts for the resurrection, for the moment when love conquers death and life is reborn.

May the day of resurrection be filled with the profound peace and joy that comes from this assurance.

Prayer

As we approach the solemn vigil of Resurrection, we pause to reflect on the profound mysteries of faith that bind us together. In the quiet of this sacred time, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate act of love and redemption that offers us hope and the promise of eternal life. This Easter eve, we stand at the threshold of a new dawn, a time when death is conquered, and life is reborn.

Lord, we gather in the dimming light, our hearts heavy with the remembrance of the cross. We sit in the shadow of death, yet we know this is not the end. We enter into a vigil, a watchful waiting for the first light of Resurrection. In this sacred pause, we are reminded that life springs from death, and hope emerges from despair.

O God, enlighten this most holy night with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection. Preserve the spirit of adoption which You have given to all Your people, so that renewed in body and soul, we may serve You in all purity; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Lord, show us that love is stronger than hatred, that love is stronger than death. Descend into the darkness and the abyss of our modern age, and take by the hand those who await You. Bring them to the light! In my own dark nights, be with me to bring me forth! Help me, help all of us, to descend with You into the darkness of all those people who are still waiting for You, who out of the depths cry unto You! Help us to bring them Your light! Help us to say the “yes” of love, the love that makes us descend with You and, in so doing, also to rise with You.

As the sun sets on this solemn day, let us prepare our hearts for the dawn of Resurrection morning, when the cry resounds, “He is risen!” and the promise of new life is fulfilled. May the day of resurrection be filled with the profound peace and joy that comes from this assurance. Amen.

Revolutionary Good Friday

by LottCarey | Mar 29, 2024 | Lent 2024

By six in the evening on the first Good Friday, the world was a different place. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had died on the cross, suffering the most humiliating and agonizing death imaginable. He had been betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, mocked, whipped, and crucified by the very people He came to save. He had cried out in anguish, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” and breathed His last. His body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb, sealed by a large stone. His disciples were scattered, fearful, and hopeless.

The Jewish leaders were satisfied, thinking they had eliminated a threat to their authority and religion. The Roman soldiers were indifferent, having executed another criminal among many. The world seemed to have gone on as usual, oblivious to the cosmic significance of what had just happened.

But what had just happened was nothing less than the turning point of history, the climax of God’s plan of salvation, the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and the demonstration of God’s love for humanity. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, had offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. He had paid the price of our redemption, reconciling us to God and opening the way to eternal life. He had conquered sin and death, breaking their power and securing our victory. He had revealed the depth of God’s grace and mercy, inviting us to receive His forgiveness and friendship. He had accomplished His mission, saying, “It is finished.”

The world was a different place because of Good Friday, but not everyone recognized it. Only those who believed in Jesus as their Lord and Savior could understand the meaning and value of His death. Only those who trusted in His promises and followed His commands could experience the benefits and blessings of His sacrifice. Only those who were born again by His Spirit and united with His body could share in His resurrection and glory. Only those who loved Him and worshiped Him could appreciate His love and worship Him in spirit and truth.

Good Friday is not just a historical event or a religious observance. It is a personal encounter with the crucified and risen Lord, who invites us to join Him in His death and resurrection, and to follow Him in His mission and His glory. Let us respond to His call with faith, obedience, and love, and let us celebrate His victory with gratitude, praise, and worship.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for Your amazing love and grace, that You gave Yourself for us on the cross, to save us from our sins and to bring us to God. We praise You for Your power and glory, that You rose from the dead, to defeat our enemies and to secure our future. We worship You for Your presence and promises, that You are with us always and that You will come again to take us to Yourself.

We confess that we have not always appreciated the revolutionary difference that Your death and resurrection have made in our lives and in our world. We have often ignored, neglected, or disobeyed Your call to follow You in Your mission and Your glory. We have sometimes been ashamed, afraid, or indifferent to Your gospel and Your kingdom. We have frequently failed to love You and our neighbor as You have loved us.

Forgive us, Lord, and renew us by Your Spirit. Help us to repent of our sins and to believe in Your good news. Help us to take up our cross and to follow You, no matter the cost or the challenge. Help us to love You with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves, reflecting Your image and Your character. Help us to proclaim Your death and resurrection to the world, testifying to Your saving power and Your coming kingdom. Help us to rejoice in Your presence and Your promises, living in hope and joy, knowing that You are with us always and that You will come again to take us to Yourself.

We ask this in Your name, and for Your sake. Amen.

God’s Presence in the Darkness

by LottCarey | Mar 28, 2024 | Lent 2024

Have you ever felt like you were in a dark place, where you could not see any hope or light? Have you ever cried out to God for help, but felt like your prayers were not heard or answered? Have you ever wondered where God is when you are going through the most difficult trials of your life?

If you have, you are not alone. Many people in the Bible experienced the same feelings of despair, loneliness, and abandonment. Even Jesus, the Son of God, felt forsaken by His Father when He was on the cross, bearing the sins of the world.

But the good news is that God is not absent or indifferent to our pain. God is always with us, even when we cannot see or feel God’s presence. God is always working for our good, even when we do not understand God’s ways. God is always faithful, even when we are faithless.

One of the most powerful examples of God’s nearness in the darkness is the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. On the night before His death, Jesus was in great agony, knowing the suffering and separation that awaited Him. He prayed earnestly to His Father, asking if there was any other way to accomplish His mission. He sweat drops of blood as He wrestled with His will and the will of God.

But in the midst of His anguish, God did not leave Him alone. God sent an angel from heaven to strengthen Him and comfort Him. God showed Him that He was not forgotten or forsaken, but loved and supported. God gave Him the grace and courage to face the cross and say, “Not my will, but yours be done.”

God is near in the darkness, and often uses the darkness to draw us close. It teaches us that the Holy One is not hindered by the darkness or the cloudiness, but can use them to reveal God’s glory and power. It teaches us that the Creator is not silent or inactive, but is speaking and acting in ways that we may not perceive or appreciate.

The Bible says that God dwells in unapproachable light, and that no one can see God and live. But it also says that God covers Godself with darkness as a canopy, and makes the clouds God’s chariot. God is the one who said, “Let there be light,” and who separated the light from the darkness. God is the one who created the sun, the moon, and the stars, and who controls their movements and seasons. God is the one who can turn the darkness into light, and the light into darkness.

God is the one who appeared to Moses in a burning bush, and to the Israelites in a pillar of cloud and fire. God is the one who descended on Mount Sinai in thunder and lightning, and who spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper. God is the one who led the people through the wilderness, and who gave them the Promised Land. God is the one who came down to earth in the person of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for our salvation.

God is the one who promises to never leave us nor forsake us, and who will come again to take us to the eternal home. God is the one who loves us with an everlasting love, and who invites us to draw near to the Source of all life with confidence and boldness.

So, the next time you find yourself in a dark place, do not despair or doubt. Remember that God is near, and is drawing near to you. Remember that the Creator has a purpose and a plan for your life, and will fulfill it in God’s time and way. Remember that the Holy One is your light and your salvation, and will guide you and protect you.

And remember that one day, there will be no more darkness or cloudiness, but only the brightness of God’s glory and the joy of God’s presence.

Prayer

Dear Lord, in times of darkness, when the world seems to close in, and my heart feels heavy with despair, I call upon You. I acknowledge that You are always with me, even when I cannot see or feel Your presence. Your faithfulness is unwavering, Your love is eternal, and Your plan for my life is always good.

I remember the story of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed earnestly for strength and guidance. Despite the anguish He felt, You did not abandon Him but sent an angel to comfort and strengthen Him. This reminds me that You are near, even in the most trying moments, ready to support and guide me.

Lord, I confess that I have doubted Your nearness, especially in the depths of my suffering. But I believe in Your promise that You are always with me, even when I cannot see or feel You. I trust in Your faithfulness and Your love for me.

In this moment of darkness, I ask for Your divine protection. Shield me from the darkness that tries to overwhelm me and fill me with Your light. Guide me through the trials that I am facing, and help me to see Your goodness in all things.

I trust in Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In the midst of my despair, I cling to Your promise of deliverance and Your promise of a better day. I believe that You will lead me through the darkest nights to the brightest days.

Lord, I surrender my fears and doubts to You. I trust in Your plan for my life and Your promise of eternal life. I ask for Your strength to face the challenges ahead and Your comfort in times of pain.

I believe in Your nearness, even in the darkness. I trust in Your faithfulness and Your love for me. I pray for Your divine protection, Your guidance, and Your strength. I ask for Your peace and Your assurance that You are with me, always.

In Your name, I pray, Amen.

Painful betrayal

by LottCarey | Mar 27, 2024 | Lent 2024

The story of Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, is one of the most tragic and sobering episodes in the Bible. Judas, who had followed Jesus for three years, witnessed His miracles, heard His teachings, and shared His fellowship, betrayed Him to the Jewish authorities for thirty pieces of silver. He then led a mob of soldiers and officials to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he identified Jesus with a kiss. This act of treachery set in motion the events that led to Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Why did Judas do it? What motivated him to turn against his Master and friend? The Bible does not give us a clear answer, but it does offer some clues. Judas was a thief, who used to steal from the money bag that he kept for the group (John 12:6). He was a hypocrite, who pretended to care for the poor, but was really greedy and selfish (John 12:4-6). He was influenced by Satan, who entered into him and prompted him to betray Jesus (John 13:27). Judas may have been disillusioned with Jesus, who did not meet his expectations of a political Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and restore the kingdom of Israel (Luke 22:3-6).

Whatever the reasons, Judas made a terrible choice that had devastating consequences. He betrayed the Son of God, who loved him and died for him. He betrayed his fellow disciples, who trusted him and considered him a brother. He betrayed himself, by losing his integrity, dignity, and salvation. He felt so remorseful and hopeless that he hanged himself, ending his miserable life (Matthew 27:3-5).

The betrayal of Judas is a stark reminder of the human capacity for betrayal and the importance of discerning the true nature of one’s commitments. Judas was not a true disciple of Jesus, but a false one. He did not love Jesus, but loved money more. He did not obey Jesus, but followed his own agenda. He did not serve Jesus, but served the enemy. He did not remain faithful to Jesus, but abandoned Him at the most critical moment.

We can learn from Judas’ example and avoid making the same mistake. We can examine our hearts and motives, and make sure that we are truly committed to Jesus, not to anything or anyone else. We can love Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and not let anything or anyone take His place. We can obey Jesus’ commands and follow His will, not our own. We can serve Jesus with all our gifts and resources, and not waste them on selfish pursuits. We can remain faithful to Jesus until the end, and not forsake Him when trials and temptations come.

The betrayal of Judas underscores the gravity of our choices and the consequences of aligning ourselves with or against the will of God. Judas chose to reject Jesus, and he faced eternal condemnation. He chose to side with the enemies of God, and he became an enemy himself. He chose to exchange the priceless treasure of Jesus for the worthless trinkets of this world, and he lost everything.

We can choose differently. We can choose to accept Jesus, and receive eternal life. We can choose to side with the friends of God, and become God’s children. We can choose to value the precious gift of Jesus above all else, and gain everything.

The choice is ours. Let us choose wisely. Let us choose Jesus.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

We come to You today with heavy hearts, as we remember the painful betrayal of Judas, who sold out Your Son for a few coins. We are saddened and shocked by his actions, and we wonder how he could do such a thing.

Lord, we confess that we too have betrayed You in different ways. We have been unfaithful, dishonest, selfish, and rebellious. We have loved the world more than You. We have followed our own desires more than Your will. We have served ourselves more than You. We have forsaken You when You needed us most.

Forgive us, Lord, for our sins. Cleanse us, Lord, from our guilt. Restore us, Lord, to Your grace. Help us, Lord, to learn from Judas’ mistake, and to avoid repeating it.

Lord, we thank You for Your love, that is stronger than any betrayal. We thank You for Your mercy, that is greater than any sin. We thank You for Your grace, that is sufficient for any weakness. We thank You for Your Son, who died for us, even though we betrayed Him.

Lord, we ask You to fill us with Your Spirit, that we may love You with all our being. We ask You to guide us with Your Word, that we may obey You in all our actions. We ask You to empower us with Your gifts, that we may serve You with all our abilities. We ask You to sustain us with Your faithfulness, that we may follow You until the end.

Lord, we choose You today, and every day. We choose life over death, light over darkness, truth over lies, peace over strife, joy over sorrow, hope over despair, and love over hate. We choose You, Lord, because You are the best choice we can ever make.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Truth and confrontation

by LottCarey | Mar 26, 2024 | Lent 2024

Holy Tuesday, the third day of Holy Week, is a day of profound reflection on the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It’s a time to ponder the depth of His teachings, the clarity of His mission, and the cost of following Him.

On Holy Tuesday, Jesus’ teachings in the Temple and His confrontation with the religious leaders serve as a powerful reminder of His authority and the urgency of His message. The leaders’ attempts to trap Jesus with questions about His authority and allegiance, as described in Mark 11:28 and following, highlight the tension between truth and hypocrisy, grace and self-righteousness. Jesus’ responses, particularly His parabolic stories, challenge us to see beyond the surface and recognize the truth of His teachings. They invite us to consider our own allegiance and the authority we place in our lives.

Moreover, the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ own disciples, is a stark reminder of the human capacity for betrayal and the importance of discerning the true nature of one’s commitments. This act of betrayal, for thirty pieces of silver, underscores the gravity of our choices and the consequences of aligning ourselves with or against the will of God.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21 and Mark 8:34 call us to a profound examination of our hearts and lives. They challenge us to not just claim Him as our Lord but to live in a way that reflects His teachings and aligns with His will. These words are not just words; they are a call to action, a call to live a life that is authentically Christian, marked by repentance, trust in God’s grace, and obedience to His commands.

In the face of the challenges and temptations of life, Jesus’ teachings and actions on Holy Tuesday serve as a beacon of hope and a guide for our journey. They invite us to reflect on our own lives, to examine our hearts, and to discern where our true allegiance lies. They call us to follow Him, to deny ourselves, and to take up our cross, just as He did.

Let us be inspired to live lives that are not just about claiming Jesus as our Lord but about embodying His teachings in our daily lives. Let us strive to live in a way that reflects His grace, His truth, and His love, not just in word but in deed. And as we do so, may we find the strength and the courage to follow Him, to deny ourselves, and to take up our cross, just as He did.

On Holy Tuesday, let us remember the lessons of Jesus’ final week, let us reflect on our own lives, and let us commit ourselves anew to following Him, to living in obedience to His will, and to spreading His love and grace in the world.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life. You came to reveal the Father’s love and to confront the powers of darkness. You spoke the truth with grace and authority, and You exposed the hypocrisy and self-righteousness of the religious leaders. You also warned us of the danger of betrayal and the cost of discipleship. You called us to repent, to believe, and to follow You. Lord, we confess that we often fall short of Your standards. We sometimes compromise the truth to avoid confrontation or betray You in our actions. We ask for Your forgiveness and Your mercy. We also ask for Your wisdom and Your courage. Help us to speak the truth in love, to confront injustice and evil, and to remain faithful to You in all circumstances. Help us to follow Your example, to take up our cross, and to live for Your glory. Amen.

Temple Cleanser

by LottCarey | Mar 25, 2024 | Lent 2024

One of the most dramatic and controversial events in the life of Jesus was His cleansing of the temple. This was not a mild or gentle act, but a bold and confrontational one. Jesus deliberately challenged the Jewish leaders and their corrupt practices in the temple, which was supposed to be a house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11:17).

Why did Jesus do this? What was His purpose and motivation? And what does this event teach us about who Jesus is and what He expects from us?

First, Jesus cleansed the temple out of zeal for God’s glory. He was passionate about honoring His Father and restoring the true worship of God. He could not tolerate the desecration and distortion of God’s holy place by those who turned it into a den of robbers (Mark 11:17). He was fulfilling the prophecy of Psalm 69:9, which says, “Zeal for your house will consume me” (John 2:17). Jesus showed us that He is the Son of God, who loves His Father and defends His honor.

Second, Jesus cleansed the temple out of compassion for God’s people. He was not only angry, but also grieved by the injustice and oppression that the Jewish leaders inflicted on the poor and the Gentiles who came to worship God. He was not against the temple system itself, which was ordained by God, but against the abuse and exploitation of it by the human authorities. He wanted to free the people from the bondage of legalism and ritualism, and to invite them to a personal and spiritual relationship with God. He showed us that He is the Messiah, who cares for His people and brings them salvation.

Third, Jesus cleansed the temple out of authority from God’s word. He was not acting on His own impulse or opinion, but on the basis of the Scriptures. He quoted from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11, which both speak of God’s purpose and judgment for the temple. He also predicted His own death and resurrection, which would be the ultimate fulfillment of the temple’s symbolism (John 2:19-22). He showed us that He is the Word of God, who fulfills and reveals God’s will and plan.

There is much to learn from Jesus’ temple action.

We need to examine our own hearts and see if there is anything that dishonors God or hinders our worship of God. We need to repent of any sin or idolatry that defiles our conscience or distracts our devotion. We need to remember that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us and sanctifies us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

We need to express our love and gratitude to God for sending the Son to cleanse us from our sins and to reconcile to God. We need to worship God in spirit and truth, not in mere formality or hypocrisy. We need to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship (Romans 12:1).

We need to follow the example and command of Jesus to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded us (Matthew 28:19-20). We need to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not know Him, and to welcome them into the family of God. We need to be a light to the world and a salt to the earth, showing God’s glory and grace to all people (Matthew 5:13-16).

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, We praise You for Your holiness and majesty. You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. You dwell in unapproachable light, and yet You have made a way for us to come near to You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

We thank You for sending Jesus to cleanse the temple and to reveal Your glory and grace. We thank You for His zeal, compassion, and authority. We thank You for His death and resurrection, which have opened the door of salvation for us.

We confess that we have often dishonored You and hindered our worship of You. We have allowed sin and idolatry to defile our hearts and minds. We have followed the traditions and opinions of men rather than the truth and commands of Your word. We have neglected the mission and ministry that You have entrusted to us.

We ask You to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We ask You to fill us with Your Holy Spirit and to renew our minds and hearts. We ask You to help us to worship You in spirit and truth, and to offer our bodies as living sacrifices to You. We ask You to empower us to make disciples of all nations and to shine Your light and salt to the world.

We pray all these things in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Palm Sunday: A Call to Faithfulness

by LottCarey | Mar 24, 2024 | Lent 2024

Palm Sunday is the day when we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed by a large crowd of people who waved palm branches and shouted “Hosanna!” They recognized Him as the Messiah, the King of Israel, who had come to save them from their oppressors.

But this joyous scene was soon followed by a dramatic turn of events. In less than a week, another crowd would demand His crucifixion. The religious leaders who felt threatened by His authority and popularity would conspire to arrest Him and hand Him over to the Roman governor. The disciples who had followed Him faithfully for three years would abandon Him and deny Him. And Jesus Himself would face the ultimate test of His obedience and love: to suffer and die on a cross for the sins of the world.

There is a strong contrast between Palm Sunday and Good Friday.

It tells us that we should not be swayed by the opinions and pressures of the world. The crowd that praised Jesus on Palm Sunday was easily influenced by the propaganda and manipulation of the religious leaders. They did not have a firm conviction of who Jesus was and what He came to do. They wanted a political savior, not a spiritual one. They wanted a king who would overthrow the Romans, not a king who would reign in their hearts.

We too can be tempted to follow the crowd and conform to the standards and expectations of the world. We can be deceived by false teachings and ideologies that contradict the truth of God’s word. We can be seduced by the allure of power, wealth, fame, and pleasure that the world offers. We can be intimidated by the threats and persecution that the world inflicts on those who follow Christ.

But Jesus calls us to be faithful to Him, no matter what the cost. He calls us to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and to trust Him to provide for our needs. He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, even if it means suffering and death.

Additionally, we should not be discouraged by the apparent defeat and failure of God’s plan. The disciples who witnessed Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion must have felt devastated and hopeless. They had believed that He was the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the one who would restore Israel and bring peace to the world. But now He was dead, buried in a tomb, and guarded by soldiers. How could this be the fulfillment of God’s promise? How could this be the victory of God’s kingdom?

We too can face situations that seem hopeless and impossible. We can face trials and tribulations that test our faith and endurance. We can face opposition and hostility that challenge our witness and ministry. We can face doubts and fears that shake our confidence and joy.

But Jesus assures us that He is not defeated, but victorious. He is not dead, but alive. He is not absent, but present. He is not weak, but powerful. He is not distant, but near. He is not silent, but speaking. He is not indifferent, but caring. He is not finished, but working.

He rose from the dead on the third day, proving that He is the Son of God, the Lord of life, and the conqueror of sin and death. He ascended to heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for us and ruling over all things. He sent His Holy Spirit, who dwells in us and empowers us to live and serve Him. He promised to return, to judge the living and the dead, and to establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace.

Palm Sunday reminds us to remain faithful to Jesus, despite the power and influence of rulers and authorities. It reminds us to trust in His sovereignty, His wisdom, and His love. It reminds us to hope in His resurrection, His presence, and His return. It reminds us to worship Him, to follow Him, and to proclaim Him as our King and Savior.

Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

On this Palm Sunday, we gather to commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, a moment of profound joy and anticipation for His followers. We recall the palm branches waved in welcome, the shouts of “Hosanna!” echoing through the streets, and the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, the King of Israel, come to save us from our oppressors. Yet, we also remember the dramatic turn of events that would unfold within days, leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.

We stand in awe of the contrast between Palm Sunday and Good Friday, reminded of the fickleness of human nature and the resilience of faith. The crowd that once praised Jesus with palm branches would soon turn against Him, their loyalties swayed by the manipulations of the religious leaders. They sought a political savior, not a spiritual one, and were quickly disillusioned by the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus.

We, too, face the temptation to follow the crowd, succumbing to the pressures of the world and its false teachings. We are vulnerable to the allure of power, wealth, and pleasure, and can be easily intimidated by the world’s threats and persecution. Yet, we are called to remain faithful to Jesus, to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and to trust in His sovereignty, wisdom, and love.

We are reminded not to be discouraged by the apparent defeat and failure of God’s plan, as seen in the crucifixion of Jesus. We must not lose hope, for Jesus is not defeated, but victorious. He rose from the dead, proving His divinity and power over sin and death. His resurrection assures us of His eternal presence and His promise to return, to judge the living and the dead, and to establish His eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace.

Palm Sunday calls us to remain faithful to Jesus, to trust in His sovereignty, and to hope in His resurrection, His presence, and His return. It encourages us to worship Him, to follow Him, and to proclaim Him as our King and Savior.

We pray, therefore, that we may be faithful to Jesus, no matter the cost. We pray for the strength to resist the temptations of the world, to trust in His promises, and to remain steadfast in our faith. We pray for the wisdom to discern the true teachings of God’s word and to resist the allure of false idols. We pray for the courage to bear our crosses and to follow Jesus, even when it leads to suffering and death.

Lord, we thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, who came not as a conquering king but as a humble servant. We pray for the grace to live in gratitude for His sacrifice, reflecting His love and grace in all that we do. We pray for the peace that Jesus brought to Jerusalem, inspiring us to carry forward the message of justice and peace in our world.

May we, like the palm branches that welcomed Jesus, be instruments of Your peace, advocating for the marginalized and working towards justice for all of Your creation. May we remember the path of humility, sacrifice, and salvation that Jesus embarked upon, and draw strength from His example to live lives of service and compassion.

Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

The Reward of Discipleship

by LottCarey | Mar 23, 2024 | Lent 2024

In Mark 8:36-38, we see how Jesus contrasts the value of the world and the value of the soul, and how He warns those who are ashamed of Him and His words, and implies the reward for those who are not ashamed of Him and His words.

Verse 36 says, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Verse 37 says, “Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” These are two rhetorical questions that imply that gaining the whole world is worthless if one forfeits one’s soul, and that nothing can be given in exchange for one’s soul.

The world is the system, the culture, the mindset, that is opposed to God, that is influenced by Satan, that is corrupted by sin. The world offers us many things, many pleasures, many treasures, many honors, many powers. The world tempts us to pursue these things, to enjoy these things, to worship these things. The world promises us happiness, satisfaction, fulfillment, security. The world tells us that these things are valuable, important, essential, ultimate.

But Jesus tells us that these things are not valuable, not important, not essential, not ultimate. At least, not to the extent we think they are. He tells us that these things are temporary, fleeting, fading, perishing. He tells us that these things can be deceptive, dangerous, destructive, deadly. He tells us that these things are not worth gaining, not worth keeping, not worth living for, not worth dying for. He tells us that these things are not worth losing our soul for.

The soul is the essence, the core, the center, of who we are. The soul is made in God’s image, reflects God’s glory, connects with God’s spirit. The soul is eternal, immortal, indestructible. The soul is precious, priceless, invaluable, irreplaceable. The soul is worth saving, worth keeping.

Jesus tells us that the soul is more valuable than the world, more valuable than anything in the world, more valuable than everything in the world. He tells us that the soul matters, the thing that lasts. He tells us that gaining or maintaining the soul is the reward of discipleship, the reward of following Him, the reward of losing our life for Him and for the gospel.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your precious words that teach us the value of our soul and the vanity of the world. Help us to follow You faithfully, to deny ourselves, to take up our cross, and to lose our life for You and for the gospel. Help us to not be ashamed of You and Your words, but to confess You before others, to share Your love and truth, to glorify Your name. Help us to not be deceived by the world, by its temptations, by its promises, by its values. Help us to not love the world or the things in the world, but to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help us to not forfeit our soul for anything in the world, but to gain or maintain our soul by Your grace and power. You are more precious than anything, more worthy than everything, more beautiful than anyone. You are our treasure, our reward, our joy, our life. Amen.