Lent is a time of reflection

As you examine your life in following Christ it is time as we enter into the season of Lent that we examine our conscience, our lives and our faith.

In regard to yourselves
Have you through mediocrity, excused yourself from guilt because a sin is habitual, or caused by social pressure. Acted because of whims and feeling. Used time ineffectively. Organized myself so intensely that I am no longer capable of spontaneous generosity.

Through Disorder and Lack of Planning
Used material possessions improperly. Been weak in making and hold to decisions. Lacked perseverance and logic in carrying things out. Left work half-done, without serious reason. Been discouraged by difficulties or setbacks. Failed to take time for being alone for reflection and study of God’s Word.

Through Pride and Vanity
Been Vain, praise-loving, proud, smug. Indulged in allowing my feelings to be hurt. Acted out of ambition or the desire to be noticed. Failed to recognize my limits and accept them. Make snap judgments and comments to give the impression I know all about a subject.

In regard to others have we against charity
Loved other selfishly; wanted to monopolize other’s affections, been jealous. Considered no one but myself. Never felt real anguish for the misery of others. Passed by indifferent to others troubles. Had habitual contempt for others; less educated people, by people of different racial, national, or economic groups. In any way stifled the personal development of another. Sought to be respected without respecting others. Often kept others waiting. Not paid entire attention to a person speaking to me. Talked too much of myself, and not given others a chance to express themselves. Failed to try to understand others. Out of selfishness or pride expected to be served. Failed to help a person in distress. Seen only those who friendship might prove profitable. Abandoned my friends in their difficulties. Said hurtful things. Done harm, by remarks (false or true) that blackened others’ charter. Betrayed a trust; violated a confidence. Given scandal by the split between the life I lead and the principles I advertise as mine.

In regard to my family, have you in family matters
Made my family and its affairs my sole occupation. Failed to be a full partner and source of strength to my spouse. Taken for my own use an unfair share of what our family has (Clothes, car, and free time.) Failed to respect the individuality of another even a child. Expected more of a child than I have courage to do myself. Talked idly and indiscreetly about the faults of those close to me.

In regard to church have you by thoughts
Thought of the church as a sect or party rather than as the mystical body of Christ. Never read or reflected on the Holy Scriptures. Not held myself responsible for my part in the inadequacy of Christians.

In regard to the church, have you by words
Criticized irresponsibly the leadership of the church both clerical and lay. Ignored the teaching authority of the church, replacing it with my own authority.

In regard to the church, have you by acts
Used church organizations to justify my own personal hang-ups. Rand away from trying to solve the church’s internal problems. Acted to support the church only when it met my approval.

In regard to the church, have you by omission
Not tried to make the church more vital. Failed to contribute sacrificially for the material needs of the church. Neglected to pray for those in authority.

Toward God have you
Waited for God to manifest himself instead of looking for him in the realities of life. Not relies on God to do the rest, after I’ve don all I can. Not see and loved God in other persons. Not loved others in God. Not thought of Jesus Christ as my close bold-brother; giving up trying to make him my model. Centered the cross on my walls but not in my life. Talked about Christ, without really truing to live out the Gospel. Not found time to pray. Prayed only to ask never to adore, never to thank, never to act as a member of the body of Christ never to love. Thought of spiritual life as something to do only after everything else has been taken care of.

O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world. Grant us Thy peace.

Source:
From Zion Lutheran Church, Decatur, IN

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Monday, April 13, 2009 – Jesus’ Appearance to His Disciples – John 20:19-31

The risen Christ appears to the disciples and Thomas whose doubt is overcome. On Easter night Jesus comes to His frightened and disheartened disciples. One is absent, Thomas. Jesus discloses Himself as the crucified one, comforts them with His presence, and commissions them to go into the world. Here is John’s Great Commission and Pentecost as Jesus breathes on them giving them His Spirit.

Since Thomas is absent, the risen Lord must still deal with him who demands physical evidence that Jesus has risen. When Jesus shows His wounds, Thomas believes. Jesus uses this situation to teach that real faith does not demand physical evidence. John will conclude his gospel by giving the purpose of writing it –to create faith in Christ.

People do not see the risen Christ but “yet believe” in Him. “Yet” refers to all the reasons for not believing; no evidence, nothing tangible, no sight. True faith is believing in spite of all reasons not to believe. When we cannot see, when the future is unknown, we have faith that the unseen and unknown truly exist.

We are Easter people. May the Savior continue to guide your path and order your days as you journey with Him.

Sunday, April 12, 2009 – Jesus is raised from the Dead – Matthew 28:1-10

Jesus has risen from the dead. When He rose He said He would take away our sins. Many people did not believe Jesus really rose so whoever did not believe had to be given proof.

Sunday morning Mary came and the tomb was empty. The grace clothes were still there and yet the tomb was empty, which meant Jesus’ was no longer there although the grave clothes had been folded up.

Jesus gave Thomas proof the following week. He told him to reach into Hisi side where they had jabbed a spear into His heart, at His side. Jesus showed him His hands where the nails went through. This happened a week after Easter to convince us that there is plenty of proof that Jesus is alive.

Dear Lord, we do not deserve what You have done for us. We should be treated like dirty rags. But You died on the cross for us and have taken away our sins.

-Trevor Black

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Saturday, April 11, 2009 – Jesus is laid in the tomb – Matthew 27:57-61

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. – 1 John 2:17

God lives forever. Jesus died on the cross for all sin. Jesus died and was laid in the tomb only to rise again to be with His Father our God. He lives the life of a perfect man only to receive the sins of all of us. Live in Him. Everyone should take example of this. No matter how hard you think your life is Jesus will provide. How much do we have to give up compared to what he gave up for us?

People today continue to sin and lose faith. Everyone will always sin no matter how hard we try not to. Everyone may want to give up because things are hard. That is the easy way out. Believing in what Jesus did for us is not always easy but it is the right way. When judgment day comes all of us who believe and keep the faith are going to have everlasting life. This is a wonderful feeling; to live your life the way Jesus wants us to.

Jesus, please help us to live our lives the way You would want al of us to live. We know the challenges will be hard but the reward will be great.

-Freddie Geels

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Friday, April 10, 2009 – Jesus Dies – Matthew 27:45-54

Jesus was the best man that every lived. He suffered the worst kind of death that was possible. Jesus died on Golgatha also called the place of the skull. After they hailed Him to the cross they cast lots for His clothes. They put a sing that said, “This IS Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Two robbers were also being crucified. One on His right and one on His left. People who passed Him insulted Him. People said, ‘”He can save others but not Himself!” So you are going to destroy the temple and raise it up in three days? Save Yourself and we will believe!”

O Lord, heavenly Father, Thank You for sending You Son Jesus Christ, to die a horrible death. Thank You for forgiving our sins. This we believe.

-Ryan Hockemeier

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Thursday, April 9, 2009 – Death by Crucifixion – John 19:28-38

Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sin. Everyone sins and everyone know it. People sin everyday in fact, many times a day. Jesus suffered on the cross. He had to carry His cross on His back along with our sins. He got hung on the cross and got whipped and pierced in His side with a spear. Jesus did this all to save us from sin. He loves us very much, and He knows all our needs.

Dear Heavenly Father, thanks for sending Your Son, Jesus to save our sins by dying on the cross. We know that we have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God. For this reason we need You.

-Anna Franke

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Wednesday, April 8, 2009 – Jesus Meets His Mother – John 19:25-27

Hanging on a cross suspended between earth and heaven Jesus bore our sins in His body. In the midst of His cruel agony He provided for His mother’s care. John records for us the Saviour’s word of dying concern. He turns her over to John. From that time on he became her son. John provides for her taking her into his own house.

Through Jesus’ example expressed to His mother He demonstrates a deep concern for others. Jesus showing compassion and care for His mother and His dear disciple has shown us how we too must act. Of the seven words Jesus spoke from the cross half of His last words are concerned with others. May His words and actions so move us to will and to do His good pleasure.

Luther possibly put is best when, in the conclusion to his morning and evening prayers he wrote: “Into Thy hands I commend myself [placing] my body and soul and all thing [into Thy care]. May Your Holy Angel [Spirit] be with me that the wicked foe may have no power over me. This moved Luther to conclude in the morning the Christian should: “then go joyfully to your work” and in the evening we rest confidently: “then go to sleep at once and in good cheer.”

Christ’s passion gives evidence of a clear conscience; not based on what we do but rather on what Christ has finished. Our salvation is complete. We can rest in peace because our Father is at peace with Jesus’ work. At the cross and empty tomb Christ’s mission was accomplished!

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace!

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Tuesday, April 7, 2009 – - Simon Carries Jesus’ Cross – Luke 23:26-27

When pondering the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ which characters come to mind? Obviously we think of Jesus, Pontius Pilate, Peter, Mary, and Judas or possibly even Barabbas the criminal released to the crowd. However, the one man that is usually forgotten is Simon of Cyrene the man who carried the cross for Jesus. He is mentioned in all four Gospels yet his story is only a verse long in each. Mark 15:21 “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon… was passing by on his way in from the country and they forced him to carry the cross.” (NIV)

We can learn a lot from this man. Now it is not told why he was passing by or even why Simon was the one who had to carry the cross. However, the Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, states that “In modern times he has been claimed as patron by groups of people working among outcasts.” Simon probably wasn’t the most popular guy when he carried the cross of Jesus; yet he did it anyway. What can we take from the story of Simon? Well we can learn from Simon to do the right thing. If we are with a group of friends it might be hard to be the one who says no. Secondly, we can be like Simon and willingly do what the Lord asks us to do. I have always wondered if Simon knew that day he carried the cross that people would still be talking about him thousands of years later.

Lord, help us to be able to see Your will and carry it out just like Simon who carried a cross.

-Henry Dahling

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Monday, April 6, 2009 – Jesus is Condemned – Luke 23:20-25

Having emphasized God’s plan and will throughout his gospel, Luke notes also the human factor: Jesus is delivered to the “demands” of the crowd. (See Acts 2:23) Behind the scenes the Father is working everything to perfection. Nothing is left up to chance when it comes to your salvation. The Lord is shaping and using the events of Jesus’ life to bring to completion everything that is necessary for Jesus to suffer, die and then rise again. The Savior’s accusers, the authorities, and the angry crowd, each behaves according to the Father’s will. No one acts alone. The Lord orchestrates all of the events of Jesus’ life to guarantee a full pardon for our sin.

As you observe each of the particular events of the Lord’s passion remember, He died for you. He loves you. He planned out each step the Savior would take to earn your freedom. Your pardon came at a price; the death of God’s own Son. Human drama and emotion was involved. Yet through it all, the Father is directing each step the Savior will take.

If the Father directed the path that Jesus took will He not also order your days and direct your life?

Father, in this journey called life I am never alone. As You gave direction through all the events of the Saviour’s passion so take Your hand and lead me, now, and always.

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Sunday, April 5, 2009 – Palm Sunday – Jesus enters Jerusalem – Luke 19:28-40

Today marks Palm Sunday the day when many were confirmed in the faith. Today is the day we recall a national calamity – the Psalm Sunday tornado – in 1965. Many were without power for a week. Entire cities were destroyed. Do you remember what you were doing on that day? Do you remember the storm’s effects? Few recall the actual date but many remember that it happened on a particular day, Palm Sunday. Today is the first day of a very important week – Holy Week. Together we will walk with the Saviour observing His passion, suffering, and death.

The original Palm Sunday started with the hope of a dream come true – God coming to visit His people. It ended in a nightmare – God’s people rejecting His only Son. The day began with the Saviour receiving the praise which was His due. It ended with Him lamenting over the city of Jerusalem for He knew that their approval and adulation had been short lived. At day’s end He knew their heart. His work had been rejected. They applauded His coming but rejected His commands. They rejoiced at His presence but were rebuffed by His preaching. They rejoiced at His entry they revelled and reviled Him in His death. Today we watch in wonder as He will take our misery, pain and loss bearing our sin to be our redeemer. Passion Week is upon us. We watch and worship recalling the compassion of His passion.

Almighty and everlasting God, You sent Your only Son, Jesus Christ to take upon Himself our flesh and to suffer death upon the cross. Mercifully grant that we may follow the example of His great humility and patience and be made partakers of His resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Saturday, April 4, 2009 – Joseph who offered a burial plot – Matthew 27:57-61

Joseph was a native of Arimathea, a man of wealth, and probably a member of the Sanhedrin. As a fulfillment of the prophecies Joseph buried him according to Isaiah 53 vs. 9. “He was assigned a grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death.

What a gift Joseph gave. This was so special back then, the family burial plot. Would you be willing to give something so treasured to this man who was about to die?

We can have this great faith as Joseph did. How blessed our Easter would be. Surely he had no doubt that Jesus would rise again from the dead and save us from our sins. We truly can have this same faith.

When we think deeply how Jesus suffered during his life on earth so we can one day reap the joy of heaven, how blessed that place will be, so short a time on earth and forever and ever in heaven with him.

Dear Lord, Richly bless us and keep us in the one true faith that will lead us to heaven. Help each and every one of us to be diligent and watchful and be ready for that final day when Jesus calls us by name. What a fine Easter we will enjoy with him one day.

-Bonnie Buuck

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Friday, April 3, 2009 – Pilate moved from what was expedient – Matthew 27:24-26

Pontius Pilate was the governor of Judea (evidently not an easy place to rule due to the Jewish leaders.) In this capacity he was the man responsible for the execution of Jesus of Nazareth. Research indicates that the trial of Jesus wasn’t the only incident that could have been of concern to him and to his superiors. His position was in jeopardy. The governors of Roam had four major tasks.

1. He was responsible for taxes
2. He was an accountant
3. He was the supreme judge of the province
4. He commanded an army.

Therefore he had to stay on the good side of his superior if extra support was needed. In attempting to fulfill these duties, Pilate tried to keep things in Judea under control. He didn’t need Caiaphas sending any letters complaining about the way things were being handled. Evidently in trouble with Herod already, he tried to evade his responsibility of pronouncing judgment on Jesus by calling in Herod. Pilate tried to get Jesus released by giving the people a choice. They chose Barabas.

Jesus’ prediction that “the Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men” [Matthew 17:22] is fulfilled. Men – both Jew and gentile are guilty of the death of Jesus. Judas’ remorse and return of the silver can’t clear him. The men of Israel can’t get away from the responsibility by delivering Jesus to Pilate. Pilate washing his hands doesn’t take away his responsibility. He released Barabas, had Jesus scourged and handed Him to be crucified.

This trial of Jesus represents to guilt of all mankind. We’re all guilty! But thank God for Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross to take away that sin and ensuring our salvation.

-Dean Wass

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Thursday, April 2, 2009 – Annas who desired a family dynasty – John 18:15

Annas just so happened to be the father-in-law of Caiaphas – who had been appointed to serve as high priest. It wasn’t left to chance that Jesus was sent to have an audience with Annas. Annas was the principle player within the Jewish Council. He made sure to keep a power hold within the court, keeping tight control within his family power base.

History tells us that four of Annas’s sons were among those who succeeded him. His son-in-law, Caiaphas, held office from A.D. 18 until 36, during the time of Jesus’ active ministry. Although others held the priestly office, Annas seems to have been the elder statesman and the power behind the throne.

Together these two men; Annas and Caiaphas, brokered much influence within the temple and the court – It was Caiaphas who had given counsel and warning to the Sanhedrin that it was expedient that one man should die for the sake of the people.

During this holy season we meditate on what Christ did and endured to earn our salvation. We mark His arrest, trial, suffering and crucifixion. But we do more then merely observe Christ’s action. We recall, affirm and believe what Christ has done. He suffered and died that I may receive salvation and life. Because Christ has suffered for me on my behalf I now enjoy the blessings that come from Christ’s bloody cross; salvation, forgiveness, life eternal.

Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood be for my soul the highest good.

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Wednesday, April 1, 2009 – Herod who wanted to be entertained – Luke 22:69-71

When we hear that name, where do our first thoughts turn? Of course, our thoughts turn to the visit of the Magi and the killing of the baby boys in Bethlehem.

The Magi came to Herod and asked, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2a). This question was very bothersome to Herod as the Roman Senate had elected Herod as “King of the Jews” around 40 BC. Herod didn’t want anyone to take his place, especially a newborn King. After consulting with his chief priest and scribes, he directed the Magi to Bethlehem. He told them, “Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” (Matthew 2:8).

When the Magi, after being warned in a dream of Herod’s intentions, did not come back, Herod “…was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men.” (Matthew 2:16b).

Isn’t it hard to imagine anyone being this cruel? How could anyone do this? Knowing a little bit more about Herod, it really makes sense. Herod was fearful of loosing his power and was jealous of anyone who might take his place. After appointing his brother-in-law, Aristobulus III, as high priest, Herod ordered his drowning because of Aristobulus’ rising popularity. He had his wife, Mariamne I, killed because of his jealousy, ordered the death of his mother-in-law, Alexandria, because he thought she was trying to have him dethroned, and also ordered the deaths of three of his sons because he feared that they would take his place—take his power. Killing others didn’t seem to weigh on his conscience.

In fact, Herod was so concerned that upon his death that no one would mourn him, he had ordered the deaths of several prominent men in his kingdom upon his death, so that there would be mourners in the city!

Dear Heavenly Father, Let us not be like Herod, who let his fear, ambition, and hate rule his life. May we be like the Magi and worship Jesus, the “newborn King.”

- Shirley Buuck

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009 – Peter who denies out of fear – Luke 22:54-62

Peter gave it scarce a thought
When he God rejected;
At Christ’s look, he fled, distraught,
Weeping and dejected…

When Peter would eventually deny the Savior he thought he was only finding a limb on which to climb. It was for him a way of “saving face.” “I wasn’t really denying my Lord,” he could argue, “It was merely a case of “mistaken identity.” Peter said to the crowd, “You’re talking to the wrong man!” What happens in our life? – Do we give a “false witness” when we, for example, compromise clear Biblical principles in order to fit in at work, or at school? What price will we pay to acquire acceptance, approval, acquiescence?

Have there been instances in our lives when we have not acted as becomes a child of God? Each of us can recall those moments in our lives in which we are not proud! Peter’s’ denial crushed him – but what he found was restoration by the Savior!

Peter’s freedom came at a price – the price of Jesus’ life. To be crushed by conscience and the Law is never a pleasant thing. But Christ’s redemption leads to recovery – to be reconciled to the Father and also to each other – all has been made possible by the Saviour’s amazing grace!

Jesus fix Thy gaze on me,
True repentance teach me,
When Thou evil there doth see,
Through my conscience reach me.

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Monday, March 30, 2009 –Judas one who betrayed Him for a Price – Luke 22:1-6

What are we to feel about Judas, the man who betrayed Jesus and handed him over to his enemies for 30 pieces of silver? Do we despise him for what he did, or do we pity him as a hapless player fulfilling the prophesy of King David in Ps. 41? Did he do this traitorous thing out of jealousy, or greed? Was he a disciple for the wrong reason, hoping for a powerful position in an earthly kingdom? Whatever his precise motivation, Judas—one of Christ’s chosen twelve—ended up going in a terribly wrong direction. In Luke 22 we learn that “…Satan entered into Judas…and he went away and discussed with the chief priests…how he might betray Him to them.” So Satan found in Judas a weakness, a character defect that allowed him the perfect opening to do his work.

And how does this make Judas different from any one of us? Are we not at times guilty of greed, of dishonesty, of jealousy, of seeking power even if that means hurting someone? Judas great sin may have handed Jesus over to His death, but our own sins, great and small, nailed him to the cross and pierced his side. What a wonder that each of us contributed to His death, yet we needed Him to die so that we might live!

So Judas was really one of us, just one more sinner contributing to the awful suffering and death of our Savior. The difference is that Judas faith was too weak to fight Satan’s assault. When he realized that Jesus really was going to be sentenced to death—that He would not use His almighty power to escape or destroy His captors—Judas was repentant and wanted to return the money. But he did not understand that Jesus was going to die even for him. So rather than throwing himself at the foot of the cross and asking for Christ’s forgiveness he took his own life in despair.

God grant us vigilance in our lives that we may not open our hearts to Satan’s power, and strength in our faith that we may never underestimate the bounds of His love and forgiveness.

-Jim Heckman

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Sunday, March 29, 2009 – 5th Sunday of Lent – John 12:20-33

When I first read this Bible passage, I didn’t understand it. I struggled, trying to write about something that I didn’t comprehend. Then, I asked my brother to read it aloud to me, and I got it. I had an epiphany, a revelation! I told him, “If sudden knowledge had an impending force, I would be a pancake right now.” This is my take on these verses…

When Jesus stats talking, he mentions a grain of wheat. I believe He is referring to Himself here, as the wheat. He says that until He dies, He is alone, meaning that Satan is winning, at the moment. But when He dies, He has beaten Satan. Next, He explains about following (serving) Him. This would be talking about heaven, being where Jesus is. I also think that the words, “My Father will honor him,” meaning the person who serves Jesus, is attributing to Revelation twenty-one, where the Bible talks about the Book of Life, and his name will be in that book. “My soul is troubled” could be a parallel to “My God, My God, who have You forsaken Me?” which Jesus said on the cross. The next verses support this, saying that Jesus has come for this hour and will not ask to be saved from it. “Father, glorify Your name” would mean that Jesus will rise again, like a stage of exaltation.

Some say the voice thundered while others who heard the same say that it was the voice of any angel. This means God is both terrible and beautiful, somehow at the same time. Jesus says that the Voice came to warn us, not Him, that Jesus is going to die. “The ruler of this world will be cast out” means that Jesus will overcome Satan. Jesus concludes, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to myself,” signifies that when he goes to heaven, He will bring all believers with Him. Through sacrifice comes glory.

Lord, I am so very sorry that You had to die for me, to be a grain of wheat, all alone until you died. Help me to understand what You went through to save me. Thank You for loving me so much.

-Alyssa Strickler

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Saturday, March 28, 2009 – The Raising of Lazarus – John 11:43

The story of the raising of Lazarus is one of Scripture’s most interesting accounts, not only because a man is given a second chance at life, but we also see a very human side of Jesus. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus, a very close friend, and his death shakes Jesus. This is a side of Jesus that is generally hidden and the image of Jesus weeping for His friend is quite wrenching.

This story and Jesus’ great declaration “I am the Resurrection and the Life” are recalled in many great works of literature, including A Take of Two Cities and Crime and Punishment often at a point where a character is in search of redemption, Most of them find this redemption in one form or another.

But what does this say of our salvation? We, as well as those fictional characters see our own salvation in Lazarus. We, like Lazarus, are friends of Jesus in need of life, a life we can’t have without Jesus. And it is faith in the divinity of Jesus, as confessed by Martha that causes our resurrection.

O God for our redemption You have given Your only begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by His glorious resurrection You have delivered us from the power of our enemy. Grant that all our sin may be drowned through daily repentance and that day by day a new person many arise to live before You in righteousness and purity forever.

-Lydia Dahling

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Friday, March 27, 2009 – The Raising of the Widow’s Son – Luke 7:11

Picture this – A funeral procession being led by a grieving widow whose only son had died. She not only has said her earthly farewell to her beloved husband, but now was faced with loneliness and despair at her son’s death. The Bible says a large crowd was with her. No doubt, showing their love, support, and compassion.

Notice how Jesus was touched. His heart went out to her, and He miraculously brought him back to life. One can only imagine the mother’s amazement and joy. What about the witnesses who were in awe and possibly brought to faith following this miracle!

We too can take pointers from our daily lives. Think about the opportunities that come our way to share God’s love and mercy. It might be that simple funeral home visit, a donation of food, a caring card or phone call, and prayers on their behalf. Reach out to those around you and show your love and compassion.

Most importantly, as Christians we know that miracle of heavenly life will be ours and all believers because of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection for us. May we walk this Lenten journey knowing we are one step closer to our heavenly home.

Lord, Thank you for the gift of life each new day. Use us as you instruments to reach out to others in their time of need. May your compassion flow through us. Keep us in you tender care as we look forward to the miracle of heavenly life some day. In your precious name. Amen

-Cindy Wass

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Thursday, March 26, 2009 – Raising a Ruler’s Daughter – Mark 5:22

Do you know what God looks like? In cartoons and paintings, He’s usually displayed as a wise-looking old man with white hair flowing past his shoulders. He tends to sport a painfully clean robe or toga of some sort and gives the appearance that He should be sitting on a throne somewhere, looking down His long nose at His cowering subjects. His expression evokes feelings of wisdom and power…but no love or grace. Is this the type of God that Christians believe in?

The Gospels paint a very different picture of God, one that I tend to appreciate much more. When God took on the form of man and called Himself “Jesus,” He set aside his pristine robes and scowling persona. In their place, He chose a shirt smudged with dirt and a pair of hands and feet that couldn’t stay away from the poor and desolate of this world…even people like me. The man Jesus fought against the law-declaring visage that had been pinned on His heavenly Father and instead offered the picture of someone who could be a friend.

Despite the warm smile and booming laugh that I believe Jesus shared with so many during his time on earth, a person still needed faith to believe that God walked among us. Mark 5:22 begins the story of one such moment of absolute reliance. A synagogue ruler by the name of Jairus, a respected and revered Jew who had been raised on the hope of a promised God-sent savior, fell to his knees before Jesus and laid his pain at the Savior’s feet.

Now let’s think for a moment how you’d feel if you were Jairus. Your beautiful child is on her deathbed. The doctors can only sigh and say, “I’m sorry, there’s nothing more we can do.” Could you, as her parent, simply accept the diagnosis and let her die? Or would you turn to even the smallest hope that there might be someone who could cure her? Not much is known about Jairus’ feelings about Jesus. But we can figure out from just reading this passage that he was desperate. He’d probably heard rumours of Jesus’ miracles and growing fame. Would that be enough for you too to turn to him as the last possible cure for your daughter?

The best thing about Jesus in this story is that He doesn’t even question Jairus’ belief in Him. Instead, it says simply in verse 24, “So Jesus went with him…” But the story doesn’t end there. While Jairus and his family all lived happily ever after with a little help from the Judean carpenter, their adventure of faith proves that we can find a happy ending with God too. Rob Hensser, an Australian Christian author, puts it this way: “[God] is a relentless pursuer--a divine madman who hunts us down, throws himself prostrate before us and asks us to come home, to dare to believe in him even though we are full of doubt and overwhelmed by our own brokenness.” I don’t know about you, but THAT’S a God I want to believe in!

Heavenly Father, I thank you for being my God. No matter what you look like in my life, I can rest in the peaceful assurance that you’re always there for me. Help me remember to turn to you in all times, in both sorrow and joy. Thank you for offering me such an amazing promise of hope by living on this earth and dying for my daily mistakes. In Your Name, Amen.

-Alicia Drier

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