Month: April 2020

Read: Matthew 26:17-30

²⁶ Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” ²⁷ And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, ²⁸ for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹ I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

I don’t like to admit it, but I’m a forgetful person. Angie calls me her “absent-minded professor”. For the record, it’s not one of my favorite nicknames. Even when I write things down or put reminders on my phone, I find unique ways of forgetting. Thankfully, I don’t think I have dementia – yet! It’s simply that I have a lot going on in my head – new ideas constantly bombarding me – that I sometimes can’t keep it all straight.

Jesus knew that all of us, to some extent, are forgetful. Maybe not like me, but we are. Can you think of an experience that you thought to yourself, “This is so amazing, I’ll never forget this;” and yet, today, you can’t bring it to mind (if you can’t think of one, that might just prove my point!). How often do we look at a picture of an experience from years ago and struggle to remember the circumstances or when we do, we wonder how we could ever forget!

Because we’re human. We get busy. We have new experiences. We go through joys and struggles. They keep coming, an endless stream of life.

In the Old Testament God gave the people of Israel an annual schedule. Set celebrations throughout the year to remind them of all the incredible ways he showed up and provided for them. Even so, they kept forgetting. They kept running after false gods.

We are like them. Prone to wander. Prone to forget. Prone to doubt and fear. It’s why Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, used two incredibly common symbols to remind his followers of the most incredible act of love ever.

Jesus took bread – the most simple and common part of a meal in that day; and wine the most common of drink. He didn’t ask us to remember his birthday. He didn’t ask us to remember one of his miracles. He didn’t ask us to remember one of his sermons. He asked us to remember his death.

“Take, eat; this is my body.”

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

We are to remember a cross. We are to remember a death. We are to remember a Savior who loved us so much, he died a death he did not deserve. Beaten, mocked, flogged, spat upon; betrayed, denied. Jesus obeyed the will of the Father to the bitter end. He drank the cup of suffering – filled to the brim with my sin and yours – because of his love for the Father and for us.

Peter Marshall reminds us that:

Christ had begun His ministry by telling His apostles that the Son of Man must suffer many things. Must – there was no other way. It was for that purpose that He had come into the world. “For as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up…that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” The First Easter (17-18)

Read the words of Jesus in John 14-16. See his calm confidence; his tender, loving words; his encouragement to them. He was not afraid to follow the Father’s will. He knew what lay before. He knew he would see them again. He knew the Father’s purpose.

The bread and cup remind us to look to fix our eyes on Jesus “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). They remind us that Jesus really lived. He really died. God really did, for our sake, make him who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).

The bread and the cup remind us that we are sinners; dead in our trespasses; enemies of God; deserving of wrath (see Ephesians 2). But God, who is rich in mercy, has made us alive. We are forgiven. We are set free. We are alive.

And we are called to die to ourselves. Jesus said in John 12:24, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” And in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 

The bread and the cup remind us that we must share in Christ’s sufferings – not dying on a cross, but in order to experience new life and resurrection, we too must die. We must die to the old self; we must die to the flesh; we must deny ourselves; we must follow Christ.

Throughout Lent, we have practiced dying to self. We have practiced in small ways what it means to deny ourselves so that when the bigger deaths come – the bigger temptations and challenges – we will know how to let go of what is not needed and to obey our loving Father.

Remember. Remember what Christ has done on the cross. He died and by faith in him, we die too. Now we can join our voices with Paul’s in declaring, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20).

Take time to reflect:

Where do you need help in remembering the work of Christ in your life? What truths do you tend to forget? What untruths do you tend to believe?

Ask God to show you any areas where you need to die to yourself or your desires. What new thing does God want to do in you? Is there something that needs to be removed to make way for it?

If you’ve given up something during Lent, do you sense God teaching you obedience through the things you’ve “suffered”? What might that be? Where might he want to teach you more?

Take time to thank Jesus for suffering in our place. Thank him for the cross and for the bread and the cup that remind us of his incredible work of love. Ask him to help you remember.

Read:  Romans 5:6

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

At the right time–Timing is important for so many things.   I (John) know that my most productive time of day is first thing in the morning.  If I am preparing a sermon (or writing a devotion!) I know that ideas will come to me most readily early in the day.  By noon, I am much less productive. 

If you are cooking a meal, it is important to cook the food the correct amount of time, or the result could range anywhere from undercooked to burnt.  Timing is essential for a comedian, so that they deliver the punch line of a joke at the right time for maximum effect.   Many books, seminars, and recordings have been designed to help us with our own time management. 

Years ago, Doris and I attended a workshop concerning choral music rehearsal technique.  An example that we focused on was one of Bach’s cantatas, entitled Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit (God’s time is the very best time).  Bach had it right—God’s timing is perfect–the very best.  And God’s timing is different than ours.  Psalm 90, a prayer of Moses, expresses his awe at God’s time:

For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4)

Yesterday was Palm Sunday.  In morning worship, we read Matthew 21:1-11, about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, when people placed palm branches and cloaks along Jesus’ path, shouting “Hosanna,” (O save, in Hebrew).   It was a magnificent occasion.  And the timing was right.  In a human sense, the timing was right because it was Passover and Jerusalem was filled with thousands of visitors: Jesus would make his entry into the city, overturn the tables of the moneychangers, and confront the scribes and Pharisees at a time when His actions would attract maximum attention.  For Jesus, and for his Father in heaven, it was right because it was the time that God had established through all of eternity for Jesus to complete His mission here on earth.  Earlier in His earthly ministry, Jesus had told the disciples of His mission, although they did not understand his words until after the resurrection:

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. (Mark 8:31)

On Palm Sunday, Jesus knew that the time had arrived for Him to set in motion the events that would occur through the rest of the week, leading Him to the cross.  As our High Priest, and the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world through His death on the cross, Jesus was ready to bring God’s plan for our redemption to completion.  Through regular communication with His heavenly Father, through prayer, Jesus knew His will, His plan, and the right time to bring it to completion.

 As Christians, it is important for us to do things in God’s time.  This can sometimes be difficult. If there is some item that we want, don’t we tend to want it now.  On the other hand, if something needs to be done, I can also tend to procrastinate.  How do we know God’s will and timing for our lives?  Through the work of the Holy Spirit in each believer’s prayer life, Bible reading, and counsel from other Christians, we can know what our Father has for us to do, and how our own plans and timing fit with the God’s will for us.

Take time to reflect

During the days leading up to Easter, take time to reflect on our Lord Jesus Christ, His sacrifice and victory, and the perfect timing of the events that unfolded beginning that first Palm Sunday.

Can you think of a time when you wanted something, but the timing wasn’t right?  How did you deal with that situation?   

What resources are available to you to reveal God’s will, his plan, and His perfect timing in our lives?

When many of us are being ordered to be at home due to the pandemic, use the time wisely, and spend some time with our heavenly Father.  If you don’t know Him personally, now is the time to begin that life-saving relationship.

Read:  Psalm 46:10

Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

In recent years, God has given me (John) the opportunity for several hospital stays.  Most recently, in February, I became ill on a trip to Mexico, and Doris and I decided to cut our trip short and come home, so that I could get medical treatment in familiar surroundings.  Our flight was from Cancun, Mexico, to Dallas, and home to St. Louis.  On the flight to Dallas, one of the flight attendants became alarmed at my appearance, and the flight was diverted to Houston.   Doris and I spent five days in Texas, as I was treated for a kidney infection, and for atrial fibrillation, at a Houston hospital. 

Although this was an unanticipated stop, and not a part of our plans, God took care of me.  Doris was with me, staying in a hotel near the hospital, caring for me.  In God’s providence, our son-in-law Scott was in Dallas on a business trip, and he came to Houston and remained with us the entire time.  The medical personnel at the hospital correctly identified my problems and gave me the antibiotics and other medications needed to recover sufficiently to come home after five days.  Pastor Rick was waiting for us at the airport and brought us home to St. Charles.  We had the prayers of many people lifting us up throughout my hospitalization.   Although I would have preferred an uneventful vacation in Mexico, my illness provided many opportunities for me to be still and to see God at work, protecting me and caring for me.

Today, the world is confronted with the Covid-19 pandemic, the resultant financial meltdown, and the disruption of the social order.  Unlike some other recent crises, there is upheaval in our daily lives as we are ordered to maintain “social distancing” by remaining at least six feet away from those with whom we interact.   Public church services are canceled and online worship is our means of connecting.   Dining at restaurants has been halted by government order, and we are urged to have our groceries delivered to us, rather than going to the grocery.   We are being forced to “be still,” by government order!

As we spend time confined to our homes, other than for necessary trips to the grocery, the doctor, and the gas station, it is comforting to remember the words of Jesus found in Matthew 6:31-34.

 31“Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  32 “For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.   34 “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.  Our government leaders and the medical establishment are taking needed steps to try to lessen the severity and shorten the length of the crisis.  However, true personal peace during the pandemic doesn’t come from human sources.    It comes from God our Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take time to reflect:

How are you dealing with being still?   Although we are not able to meet together publicly, our brothers and sisters in Christ are still available to us by phone, text, and email. 

While being still, recognize the blessings that may be hidden in the present situation.   On a recent newscast there were stories about General Motors retooling to produce needed ventilators for hospitals and Anheuser-Busch producing hand sanitizer as well as beer.  Or the young man who, with his mother, is helping at-risk people in his neighborhood by doing needed errands.  Or the two young cellists who moved their practice to the front porch so that a shut-in neighbor could enjoy the performance from her adjoining front porch. 

Are there ways that you could assist someone in need? 

If you are in need, know that you can call upon your pastors at Salem, as well as your other Christian brothers and sisters for help.

During this challenging time, remember these words of Jesus:  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

Read Psalm 32:8

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Early in my personal walk with Christ, I (John) participated in a Bible memory program, and Psalm 32:8 was the first verse that I memorized.  It has always been comforting to me, and, like all Scripture, as Paul wrote to Timothy, it has proven to be profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) God has been faithful to instruct me and to show me the path that He wants me to follow. I have not always accepted God’s guidance and I have sometimes strayed from His way.   Without exception, it was a mistake to wander off the path that God had for me.  Fortunately, as we learn from 1 John 9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  However, even though I know that I am forgiven for the errors I have made when I stray from God’s path, there have been consequences for my life.

Twice, during the 1990’s, I hiked for a couple of days on the Appalachian Trail, in North Carolina.  The Trail stretches 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine.  Over its entire length, it is marked by white rectangles, or blazes.  These 2 inch by 6 inch vertical rectangles are painted in white on trees, rocks, and sign posts.   Although maps and a compass are also essential for hikers, if you follow the blazes, you know that you are following the trail.   

How can Christians be sure that we are on the right path or trail?  How do we gain access to God’s instruction, teaching, and counsel, and stay on the path?  One way is to study your Bible.  Psalm 119:105 tells us, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

A second way is to pray consistently. James 1:5 tells us, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  Remember God’s promise that He will counsel us with his eye upon us. 

A third way to be sure that you are on the right path is to seek guidance from other believers.  Proverbs 19:20 reminds us to listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.  Proverbs 24:6 says, For by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.

These are not new ideas for those of us who are veteran attenders of church and who have heard hundreds or even thousands of sermons.  So if we know these ideas, what prevents us, as Christians, from following the path to eternal life?   The path is marked for us so that we don’t stumble or become lost if we heed God’s instruction and counsel.    

There are lots of jokes related to the fact that men hate to ask for directions.  Even though God’s counsel and teaching are available 24-7, our natural tendency is to rely on our own knowledge and experience rather than seeking the guidance of our heavenly father.   Also, we can be distracted by various false idols.  It is very easy to fall into the trap of placing the idols of wealth, career, ambition, comfort, or any of the other shiny objects that distract us, ahead of God.  In this time of the Covid-19 virus, as we watch the news and deal with the most disruptive medical, financial, and social crisis since World War II, are we seeking the Lord’s counsel, and taking advantage of the comfort and assurance He offers?  There is no need for “social distancing” from the Holy Spirit.  God is in control. 

Take time to reflect

What are the obstacles in your life that prevent you from following God’s teaching and counsel?  What causes you to wander off the path that God has for you? 

Take some time to pray for our medical personnel, those who are providing essential services during this difficult period, and for everyone who is on the front line dealing with the current crisis.

Take some time today to read and reflect on your Bible.  During this challenging time, recall the words that God spoke through Isaiah to the people of Israel during their captivity in a strange land: 

Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)