Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-26 & Psalm 67

When Naomi found herself without her sons and without grandchildren, she felt sorry for herself and blamed God for the pain that life had dealt her. Where was Naomi’s prayer life? Did she call on God? Even after Ruth gave birth to Obed, we hear the women in Bethlehem praising God but the author leaves out Naomi’s praise. We know she found great joy in caring for her grandson, but did she spend as much time thanking God as she had blaming God and taking pity on herself?

Hannah was just as grief stricken to be without children as Naomi was to have lost hers. But what we see in Hannah’s story is a woman who prayed to God for the desires of her heart and her prayers were answered. Her story teaches us how to pray and reveals the heart behind her prayers.

GOD SAW HANNAH’S HEART

Hannah was barren and wanted to have a baby. Scripture says Hannah prayed “out of great anguish and sorrow” (1 Samuel 1:16). I’ve read this story many times and have always been able to relate to Hannah’s heart because of my own struggle with infertility before I was healed. But one day, while again reading through 1 Samuel, God graciously showed me something different in Hannah’s story.

I used to think Hannah wanted a child so that she could have a child. That makes sense to me. But then she gives him back to the Lord and is again without a child — a part of the story that has always confused me. Hannah’s intent was always to GIVE THE CHILD BACK TO GOD, not just in the way we do when we dedicate our children to the Lord, but to literally give her child to the Church and again be without him. If I focus on the annual sacrifice, I see the heart behind Hannah’s desire to have a son.

The portion of the meat Hannah was given to sacrifice was choice (some translations say it was a double portion) and it showed Elkanah’s great love for her, but it still reflected the reality that she was without children. She prayed for a child so that she would have something of great worth to give back to God. She could give the most incredible sacrifice a mother could ever give — her son. God saw Hannah’s heart — saw that it was out of love for God that she asked for something God would see as priceless and beyond the value of any other sacrifice. God, who knew He would one day offer His own son as a sacrifice, understood the cost. He understood Hannah’s heart and He answered her prayer.

GOD SAW HANNAH’S FAITH

When Hannah explained the reason behind her great anguish and sorrow to the priest, Eli, he responded: “In that case, go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him” (1:17). And that is exactly what Hannah did – she left with a peace and confidence that God would indeed answer her prayer. No longer sad, Hannah went back and began to eat again.

What great faith Hannah had! Her prayer had not yet been answered but she believed that God would grant her request and she allowed Him to fill her heart with joy again – even before her prayer was answered.

When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea, and in due time she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I asked the Lord for him.” – 1 Samuel 1:19b–20

And now we see the heart of Hannah’s husband. When Hannah told Elkanah of her plans to leave Samuel at the Tabernacle, his response was “Whatever you think is best.” Let’s not miss the fact that he would soon be losing the son he loved. In fact, Elkanah could have forbidden such a sacrifice, but he instead affirmed and supported Hannah’s promise to God. Elkanah loved Hannah and had seen her joy return in the birth of her son, but recognized the struggle that was ahead. They knew it would be difficult to give Samuel to the Lord and he prayed for help from the Lord. He recognized that the God they served could give them the strength to do exactly what they had promised to do.

GOD GAVE HANNAH STRENGTH

When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice and a basket of flour and some wine. After sacrificing the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. “Sir, do you remember me?” Hannah asked. “I am the woman who stood here several years ago praying to the Lord. I asked the Lord to give me this boy, and he has granted my request. Now I am giving him to the Lord, and he will belong to the Lord his whole life.” And they worshiped the Lord there. – 1 Samuel 1:24-28

Hannah went from carrying a small sacrifice of meat to Shiloh to pulling along a three-year-old bull for the sacrifice. What a difference! She was traveling to Shiloh to give God her best – to lovingly place her son in the arms of the Church and allow God to use his life for the Kingdom. The bull represented the value of all God’s blessings and all she was looking forward to giving back to God. God had blessed her generously so that she could give back to Him. God had seen the desire of her heart!

Lord, give me the heart of Hannah – give me her PASSION TO BE GENEROUS with you and her great FAITH to trust you. Then give me the strength to do all you have called me to do and all I committed to you. I thank you from the depth of my heart for the three wonderful daughters you have given me. I will forever be blessed by this gift of motherhood and I commit to leaving them in your hands. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ruth 2-4

“Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.” — Ruth 1:16

During her time of discouragement and grief, Naomi was blessed to have the love and care of her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Returning to her homeland and her relatives without her husband and sons was difficult for Naomi. It was late spring, the beginning of harvest time, but no one had been there to care for Naomi’s land, which meant there was nothing to harvest, therefore nothing to eat. Ruth volunteered to go and gather any stalks left behind by those harvesting their fields.

Ruth found herself at the field of a relative of Naomi’s husband. When Boaz inquired about this woman who was gathering grain in his fields, he learned that it was the woman he had heard so much about. He knew she chose to leave her family behind in order to care for Naomi. He provided safety for her by inviting her to continue to gather grain in his fields and to drink from the water the workers had drawn from the well.

“May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” — Ruth 2:12

Boaz allowed Ruth to eat lunch with them and told his workers to be sure to intentionally drop extra grain for her to pick up as she followed them in the fields. That night she brought home a full basket of grain to Naomi.

Every day, Ruth returned to the fields of Boaz to gather grain. At the end of the harvest, Naomi instructed her to approach Boaz privately, asking him to “spread the corner of his covering” over her. Boaz treated Ruth kindly and sent her back to Naomi with 6 scoops of barley. Boaz then went to Elimelech’s next of kin to ask if he was going to buy Naomi’s land and marry Ruth. When the family member voiced his concern over what it might cost him to redeem his inheritance, Boaz offered to purchase the land and marry Ruth. God blessed their marriage and Ruth gave birth to a son, even though she had never been able to have children with her first husband.

God saw the broken heart of Naomi and He was not done blessing her. Through a “family redeemer”, God provided Ruth with both a husband and a son. God showed His loving care of a grieving widow and her loyal daughter-in-law. The women of Bethlehem rejoiced and said to Naomi:

“Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”

Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. – Ruth 4:14b-17

TRUST GOD THROUGH THE TRAGEDIES.

God knows the good things He has planned for us and our children. From Naomi’s grandson would come the first King of Israel and then the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. What a great reminder for us to trust God through the tragedies – to let the hard times increase our faith and trust in the God who knows what is ahead and loves us enough to send His son to die on a cross for us – to become our ultimate Redeemer.

Praise the Lord, who has provided a Redeemer for all of us!

Today’s Reading: Ruth 1, Psalm 72

In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live in the country of Moab, taking his wife and two sons with him. The man’s name was Elimelech, and his wife was Naomi. – Ruth 1:1-2a

SOMETIMES WE CREATE TRAGEDY BECAUSE WE DO NOT TRUST GOD.

We read back in Genesis of the disturbing origin of the Moabites. After Lot fled from Sodom and Gomorrah, he settled in a small village of Zoar. He became afraid of the people there and retreated to a cave in the mountains with his two daughters. These young women began to fear they would never marry and have children, now that they were isolated and living away from their people. So they shamefully got their father drunk and took turns going in to lie with him and do things that should never be done. As a result they both became pregnant with their own father’s child. Instead of trusting in God to meet their needs, they took their future into their own hands and sinned against both God and their father.

The oldest daughter gave birth to a son and she named him Moab. The younger sister gave birth to a son and named him Ben-ammi. These two boys grew up and their families became the Moabites and the Ammonites – two perennial enemies of Israel with a history of grotesque wickedness, just as their incest-born origin (Genesis 19:30-38).

The reason this history is significant to me is that Elimelech and his family were able to peacefully settle in the land of Moab regardless of the history of these two nations (Judah and Moab). In a time of severe famine, when their family needed a place of refuge, God graciously provided a peaceful resting place for them. But trouble and sorrow are often a part of everyday life and Elimelech died, leaving Naomi alone with her two sons. Contrary to God’s command for Israelites to not marry foreigners, Naomi’s sons married Moabite women – Orpah and Ruth. Ten years later, tragedy struck again and Naomi lost both her sons.

SOMETIMES GOD ALLOWS TRAGEDY IN OUR LIFE.

“…the Lord himself has raised his fist against me.” – Ruth 1:13b

These are the words of a woman with a broken heart, struggling to understand why the God who had provided so well for her during her everyday existence would now allow such tragedy to strike her family. She had praised God during times of plenty but now pitied herself during times of loss.

Naomi encouraged her two daughters-in-law to return to their families, but Ruth loved Naomi and begged to return to Naomi’s homeland with her, pledging “…Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God…” (1:16b).

When Naomi returned to Bethlehem, the entire town was excited to see her. The women could hardly believe they were seeing their longtime friend, Naomi, returning home. It did not take them long to realize this wasn’t the same person who had left years before. Naomi had suffered tragedy and lost her joy for life. Naomi left seeking God and returned bitter towards God.

“Don’t call me Naomi,” she responded. “Instead, call me Mara, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me home empty. Why call me Naomi when the Lord has caused me to suffer and the Almighty has sent such tragedy upon me?” – Ruth 1:20-21

Naomi left Bethlehem during a severe famine but she described herself as “full” at that time. Her physical needs were suffering but she had her family and, therefore, joy. She returned to Bethlehem with her physical needs met and the blessing of a loyal and virtuous daughter-in-law, but she could not see beyond her pain to rejoice in what God had blessed her with. She only saw what she was without.

HOW OFTEN DOES OUR PRAISE TURN INTO PITY WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES?

We struggle to understand why the same God who has blessed us so generously could allow heartache and pain to come into our lives. We live in an imperfect world where death and disease are a reality, yet we blame God for not intervening and saving us from the worst pain we have ever felt. But it is important for us to know that we serve a God who cares for us when tragedy strikes. We have been redeemed by Christ and it is time to recognize that we are precious to Him; He cares about what we are going through.

He will rescue the poor when they cry to him;
he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.
He feels pity for the weak and the needy,
and he will rescue them.
He will redeem them from oppression and violence,
for their lives are precious to him. — Psalm 72:12-14

Today’s Reading: John 20, Luke 24

WHO WAS SHE LOOKING FOR?

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” – John 20:1-2

Mary Magdalene returned to the empty tomb to look for Jesus, and Jesus appeared to her. If she ever struggled with feeling unloved and unimportant, I wonder if those feelings went away when Jesus chose her to be the first person He appeared to after His resurrection – even before returning to His Father. I can only imagine how this encounter with Jesus changed her life, just as our encounters with Christ are life-changing.

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying? The angels asked her.
“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”
She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who are you looking for?”
She thought he was the gardener. “Sir,” she said, “if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.”
“Mary!” Jesus said.
She turned to him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which is Hebrew for “Teacher”).
“Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. – John 20:11-18

WHO WAS HE LOOKING FOR?

Peter ran to the tomb and saw that Jesus was no longer inside. What was going through Peter’s mind as he stood inside the empty tomb? Was he reminded of his denial as he walked away in bewilderment? He had come looking for Jesus but he was nowhere to be found. There was so much he wanted to say — so much he wanted to apologize for. Perhaps his mind went back to the broken promises he had made to Jesus.

Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?”
And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.”
“But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.”
Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter – before the rooster crows tomorrow, you will deny three times that you even know me.” – John 13:36-38

I can guess how Peter felt at that moment, because I know what it feels like to regret something I have done or said, or to be ashamed of my lack of faith, or to miss an opportunity to represent Jesus in a situation. I know the feelings of guilt when the Holy Spirit tugs on my heart to do something and I freeze, the moment lost forever. I know all too well the feeling of realizing I have sinned and knowing I need Jesus’ forgiveness, even though I do not deserve it. Because Peter was an emotional and passionate man, I imagine he experienced all of this to a higher degree than I can comprehend.

WHO AM I LOOKING FOR?

Today, I challenge myself with the same question Jesus asked Mary — “Who are you looking for?” Am I looking for Jesus? Am I expecting Jesus to reveal Himself to me today? Am I expecting to hear from the Spirit, to encounter God’s presence in my life today? Am I following Jesus today with a willingness to serve Him? Do I live with the daily recognition that Jesus is alive and actively involved in my life?

Jesus is ready and willing to reveal Himself to us today but we will miss it if we do not expect it – if we live today without expectation that Jesus will personally reach out to us. Things will happen and we will call them coincidences. God’s blessings will pour out on our life and we will call ourselves “lucky”. Evidence of Jesus will be all around us and we will say, “I wish God would show Himself to me.” I don’t want to miss out on seeing God today.

Jesus, here I am with a heart willing to experience you today and to celebrate your Resurrection! Open my eyes to the ways in which you are working in my life and in the lives of those around you. Strengthen my faith and help me to see my value in you no matter how others define me. May you be glorified today in the lives of believers around the world as we celebrate the reality that you conquered death and we serve a Risen Savior! Amen.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR JESUS TODAY?

Who are you looking for today? Will you join me in walking into our day with confidence that Jesus will reveal Himself? Will you believe? And then, when we do experience Jesus today, let’s follow the same instructions He gave Mary and pass on the message to others – “I have seen the Lord!”

Today’s Reading: Matthew 27:45-61, Mark 15:33-47; Luke 23:44-56; John 19:28-42

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD BEAR OUR SINS ON THE CROSS?

Scripture says that Jesus was nailed to the cross at 9 o’clock in the morning. At noon, darkness fell over the whole land. At about three o’clock, the time at which the Passover lamb would be sacrificed, Jesus called out in a loud voice, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46).

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. – Matthew 27:50-52

When the Roman officer who stood facing him saw how he had died, he exclaimed, “This man truly was the Son of God!” – Mark 15:39

Many walked away in deep sorrow while some stayed close by. A man named Joseph came with an order from Pilate to release Jesus’ body to Joseph. His loved ones followed as Jesus’ body was placed in the new tomb. By now it was the Sabbath so they would have to wait until Sunday morning to anoint his body.

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD EXPOSE HIMSELF TO DEATH?

He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
He was oppressed and treated harshly,
yet he never said a word.
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
he did not open his mouth.
Unjustly condemned, he was led away.
No one cared that he died without descendants,
that his life was cut short in midstream.
But he was struck down
for the rebellion of my people.
He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.
But he was buried like a criminal;
he was put in a rich man’s grave.
But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him
and cause him grief.
Yet when his life is made an offering for sin,
he will have many descendants.
He will enjoy a long life,
and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands.
When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish,
he will be satisfied.
And because of his experience,
my righteous servant will make it possible
for many to be counted righteous,
for he will bear all their sins.
I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because he exposed himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels.
He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels. – Isaiah 53:3-12

He bore the sins of many. He bore my sins. He made it possible for me to be counted as righteous — a sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous that He would do this for me; how wonderful is the love of a Savior who would give His life for me.

He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
’Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
[And Can It Be, Charles Wesley, 1738]

Today’s Reading: Matthew 27:27-44, Mark 15:16-32; Luke 23:26-43; John 19:17-27

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD FACE HUMILIATION?

Some of the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into their headquarters and called out the entire regiment. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. They wove thorn branches into a crown and put it on his head, and they placed a reed stick in his right hand as a scepter. Then they knelt before him in mockery and taunted, “Hail! King of the Jews!” And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it. When they were finally tired of mocking him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. – Matthew 27:27-31

These next few portions of scripture are difficult to read. It is hard to read about the pain Jesus suffered for us. It is hard to comprehend that a holy God could love a sinful people enough to send His very own son to be mocked, tortured and crucified. It is often more than we can fathom or wrap our minds around.

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD WALK THIS ROAD?

They led Jesus away, walking up a road leading to the place called Golgotha. At one point, the soldiers either had some compassion for Jesus or they became impatient with how long it was taking our wounded Lord to carry the cross. They seized a man walking by named Simon and made him carry the cross behind Jesus. A large crowd followed, including many grief-stricken women. Even in that awful moment, Jesus had compassion on the broken-hearted following this procession.

And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means “Place of the Skull”). They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it.

Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross. They divided his clothes and threw dice to decide who would get each piece…

The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”…

Even the men who were crucified with Jesus ridiculed him. – Mark 15:22-32

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS THAT HE WOULD FORGIVE?

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”…One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed…but the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:34,39-43

Again, the compassion of Jesus is displayed. Even while he was suffering, he was thinking of the purpose for which he was dying – salvation. The same Jesus who took the time to heal a blind man and then tell him to go and sin no more was now redeeming the life of the criminal beside him. This reveals to us the heart of our Savior; this shows us just how much he loves us.

Father God, thank you for sending your Son to die for our sins. Jesus, thank you for all you suffered in order that we may experience salvation. Spirit, remind us throughout this weekend of the LOVE we are so blessed to experience each day. Guide us, teach us, lead us, fill us. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46

PRAY AS USUAL

Then, accompanied by his disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. — Luke 22:39

Jesus went to his usual spot to pray. He set a great example for us of how prayer should be something we do as part of our routine or the rhythm of our day, rather than a response we make when times are tough or we need something from God. Our time with God should be a natural part of our day, just as Jesus walked to the Mount of Olives to pray…as usual.

PRAY FOR HOLINESS

There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” — Luke 22:40

When we intentionally pray for strength against the things in this world that are the most tempting to us, it helps prepare us to stand strong in those situations. Right living does not have to be something we do of our own strength; we can pray for the gift of God’s righteousness to dwell in us, producing holiness in our lives.

PRAY FOR THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART TO BEND TO THE WILL OF GOD

He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Luke 22:41-42

I love how Jesus expressed the desire of his heart not to suffer, while also expressing his willingness to submit to God’s will. Jesus modeled the freedom to let God know how we are feeling or what we would like to have happen, while still acknowledging that we trust God.

Lord, please heal…but I want your will to be done and not mine.
Lord, please help…but I desire nothing more than your will in my life.
Lord, please provide…but I will trust that what you give will be all I need.
Lord, please give us a miracle…but we pray that your will be done and your name glorified.

PRAY FERVENTLY

Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. – Luke 22:43-44

I love how God allows us to be persistent in our prayers; I love how He encourages us to pray fervently. To repeatedly ask God for the desires of your heart is not an act of disrespect or disobedience. He wants us to come to Him with our requests, our heartbreaks, our needs, and our desires. It is okay to be honest in our prayers — over and over again.

KEEP WATCH AND PRAY

Three times Jesus went back to the disciples and found them sleeping, unable to keep their eyes open. He woke them up and asked them to keep watch and pray. Jesus, aware of the physical weaknesses of his disciples, woke them up and reminded them of the need to watch and pray. I believe God uses certain situations in our lives to “wake us up” from the slumber of complacency and bring us to our knees in prayer. Don’t drift off; don’t get too comfortable.

This weekend we will celebrate Easter, and many of us will gather with friends and family around a large table. We will enjoy the delicious flavors of our traditional Easter meal and be reminded of all the blessings in our lives because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Let us take this opportunity to also pray together — to intentionally pray for each other with hearts of gratitude. Express to God the desires of your heart and the commitment you have made to follow Him no matter what He wills or plans. We have learned that we never know what the next year will bring or who will gather together again next Easter, so let’s be thankful for TODAY and give God our tomorrow.

The third time he said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But no – the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” – Mark 14:41b-42

Today’s Reading: John 17:1-12; Psalm 53

Jesus knew he was about to be arrested and crucified, yet He was concerned for us.

Jesus knew that the world would not like us, so He prayed for God’s protection on us.

Jesus knew He was the only way to eternal life, so He died for us.

RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. – John 17:1-5

Desiring for those who believe in Him to have eternal life, yet knowing the one way for that to happen was for us to know God, Jesus willingly left heaven and came to earth so that we could get to know God by getting to know Him – that we could find our way HOME. Jesus, knowing our natural struggle to believe, became flesh so that He could personally deliver the message of salvation.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.” – John 17:9-12

SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION

How beautiful the words of our Savior as He prayed for God to protect His followers. How comforting to know that He still prays for that kind of protection over us.

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.” – John 17:15-19

RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE

We are so unworthy of the sacrifice Christ made for us. He died so that we can be made holy by God’s truth. He died so that we can experience perfect unity – Christ in us and God in Christ – so that others may see and believe.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” – John 17:22-26

Jesus knew that the moment of his arrest was coming. He knew that his time with the disciples was drawing to an end and he prayed for them. He prayed for them and he prayed for us. What a privilege this morning to be a RECIPIENT OF HIS PRAYERS, a SUBJECT OF HIS PROTECTION and a RECEIVER OF HIS LOVE! How overwhelming to know He died so that I can live. How incredible to know that Jesus is still revealing Himself to me. What a great day to be a follower of Christ!

Today’s Reading: Mark 4:21-25; Luke 8:16-18; John 12:17-19

When all the people heard of Jesus’ arrival, they flocked to see him and also to see Lazarus, the man Jesus had raised from the dead. Then the leading priests decided to kill Lazarus, too, for it was because of him that many of the people had deserted them and believed in Jesus. – John 12:9-11

LAZARUS’ STORY BROUGHT JESUS GLORY

Lazarus was making a difference in the lives of so many people because he allowed his story to be shared. Jesus had done something miraculous in his life and he used that miracle to share with others the difference Jesus could make in their lives. Once he was dead, but now he is alive! What Jesus had done for him became his story, but it did not stay Lazarus’ story. His healing was about Jesus; it was HIS story. It was used for Jesus’ glory, so that others could see the power of the Messiah.

Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. That was the reason so many went out to meet him – because they had heard about this miraculous sign. Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!” – John 12:17-19

HIS STORY FOR JESUS’ GLORY

Many came to faith because Lazarus allowed his story to be told. He did not hide from the impact Jesus had made in his life, nor did he claim any of that glory for himself. He became a light in a very dark place and many gained understanding of who Jesus was because of the story of Lazarus’ healing.

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” – Mark 4:21-25

Let’s not forget that death came before the healing; grief came before the peace. The story of Lazarus was not just about the joy of death resurrected; his story began from a place of pain and tears. As he was sick and dying, he might have wondered where Jesus was. When he was told that his friends had gone to bring Jesus back, he might have questioned what was taking Jesus so long. As he felt his life fading away, he must have felt a lot like we do when we cannot see the answer to our prayers. Later, when the leading priests began to plot his death, Lazarus must have felt a lot like we do when we are bullied or criticized for our faith.

Will you allow God to have the rest of your story? Will you allow Him to be glorified through both the pain and the triumph? Even if He chooses to be glorified through your death instead of through your healing, do you trust Him?

MY STORY FOR JESUS’ GLORY

But when Jesus heard about it he said, “Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.” – John 11:4

That is the desire of my heart this morning – for God to be glorified through the circumstances of my life. I want it to be said that I trusted God in both sickness and health, in both disappointment and victory. I want everything God does in my life to be more than just my story, but to be for Jesus’ glory.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-16

As Jesus was leaving Bethany to head to Jerusalem for the week of Passover, crowds began to form. Word was spreading that Jesus was back and lots of people were coming out to give him the triumphant welcome he deserved.

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.”

This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said,
“Tell the people of Jerusalem,
‘Look, your King is coming to you.
He is humble, riding on a donkey – riding on a donkey’s colt.’” – Matthew 21:1-5

NOT FOR THEIR PURPOSE, BUT FOR JESUS’ GLORY

The only thing the owners had to hear was that the Lord needed what they had, and their response was to IMMEDIATELY let the disciples take them. They did not get possessive with what they owned or concerned whether they would ever see the animals again. They did not focus on the value of what was theirs, but they shared with Jesus without questioning what he had planned. The donkey and its colt were no longer needed for their purposes as much as they were needed for Jesus’ glory. I like to believe that the owners followed the disciples; that they were in the crowd of people that day to experience this moment.

Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it. Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting.

“Praise God!
Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David!
Praise God in highest heaven!” – Mark 11:7-10

What an incredible moment in history. Prophecy was being fulfilled and Jesus was receiving glory for all God was doing through him. But the reality was that not all of Jerusalem was ready to receive the Messiah. As Jesus came closer to Jerusalem, he began to weep over the condition of Jerusalem. He had come that all would experience life but he knew what was ahead. He knew this city would not accept their opportunity for salvation (Luke 19:41-44).

Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” – Matthew 21:12-13

DENYING GOD THE GLORY

The Temple was built to give God’s people a place to worship Him. It was to be a building where God was glorified, but the people had lost their focus. The building was now more about ritual instead of relationship; about profit instead of the Great Prophet. Jesus’ time on earth was drawing close to an end and the people were still so focused on themselves that they were missing the presence of the Messiah. Jesus’ words to the people that day held great purpose:

“Now the time has come for the Son of Man to enter into his glory. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels – a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” – John 12:23-26

That is the desire of my heart this morning – to follow Jesus, to be where He is. I want everything God does in my life to be more than just my story, but to be for Jesus’ glory. I want my possessions to be available for His use and for His glory. I want to be in the crowd welcoming Jesus with garments and palm branches, instead of missing the moment because I am too caught up in the chaos of the Temple. I do not want Jesus to weep when he considers my future, but to be pleased with the plentiful harvest of his power at work in my life. Oh Jesus, this is my prayer!

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness. – Psalm 115:1