Today’s Reading: John 10:22-42, 11:45-57

It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” – John 10:22-24

THEY DEMANDED THAT JESUS EXPLAIN HIMSELF.

But Jesus had already told them who he was over and over again. They had been given the opportunity to believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah, but their hearts were closed to the idea that Jesus from Nazareth was the Son of God.

Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” – John 10:25-30

THEY PICKED UP STONES TO KILL HIM.

This was their opportunity. They believed Jesus had committed blasphemy, giving them the right to publicly stone him. They were postured for victory when Jesus pointed out to them all of the good work he had been doing at the direction of his Father. His miracles were proof of the divine authority he had been given, yet they refused to see Jesus as anything but a mere man claiming to be God.

Don’t believe me unless I carry out my Father’s work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is in me, and I am in the Father.” – John 10:37-38

THEY TRIED TO ARREST HIM, BUT JESUS SLIPPED AWAY.

He went beyond the Jordan River near the place where John was first baptizing and stayed there awhile. And many followed him. “John didn’t perform miraculous signs,” they remarked to one another, “but everything he said about this man has come true.” And many who were there believed in Jesus. – John 10:40-42

They were his sheep and they recognized him as their wonderful shepherd. They listened to his voice. They were known by Jesus and willing to follow him. He was willing to sacrifice his life so that they could experience an eternity with him. But others continued to plot against him, looking for an opportunity to silence the voice of Jesus.

THEY PLOTTED TO KILL JESUS.

Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”

Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, “You don’t know what you’re talking about! You don’t realize that it’s better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”

He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. – John 11:47-52

As we approach Good Friday, let us have ears to hear the voice of Jesus. Lord, open our hearts to what you would like to reveal to us as we prepare for our celebration of your resurrection. We are your sheep and we recognize that you are our good, good Shepherd. These scriptures remind us of how unjustly you were treated. You came to do good and those who should have been the first to recognize you instead plotted against you. And yet you offered them salvation. Father God, may our hearts never be the same as we read through the story of your love, your mercy, and your grace. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 10:1-21; Ezekiel 34

DO YOU KNOW HIM? DO YOU SEEK HIM? ARE YOU WORKING FOR HIM?

“I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber! But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.” – John 10:1-5

It might seem to us like a random analogy, but it was the Festival of Dedication (Hanukkah) and it made sense to the people who were listening. This celebration commemorates the rededication of the Temple after it had been defiled by Antiochus IV. At this Festival, priests take time to do some self-examination, considering their own commitment or dedication to the ministry to which they have been called. They reflect on Ezekiel 34, when the Lord was upset with the “shepherds” — the leaders of Israel. God had accused them of abandoning the flock and taking care of themselves first, leaving the sheep to starve. He had appointed them to watch over his people, but they had been unfaithful and He would have to do it Himself.

God said, “I myself will search and find my sheep…I will find my sheep and rescue them…I will bring them back home…I will feed them…I will give them good pastureland…I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace…I will search for my lost ones who strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak…You are my flock, the sheep of my pasture. You are my people, and I am your God. I, the Sovereign Lord, have spoken!” – Ezekiel 34:11-16,31

HOW WELL AM I WATCHING OVER THE SHEEP IN MY CARE?

Am I putting forth my best effort in helping those around me on their journey of grace? Am I concerned about the spiritually starving; am I pursuing the hearts of those who are wandering away? Have I become self-focused rather than keeping my eyes on the flock? Am I feasting on God’s provision without sharing the abundance of God with others? Today is a time of rededication — a time to examine my service to God.

“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep.” – John 10:6-13

Often we read this passage and see ourselves as the sheep, but we have much to gain by putting ourselves in the role of the hired hand. We have been given responsibility over others by the Good Shepherd himself. Some of us are even blessed to be employed and receive compensation for our time, but we must be careful not to let it become only a job instead of working intently to please the Shepherd. We cannot run when things get tough. We must listen to the voice of the Shepherd, seeing ourselves as also being under His care. We must care about the sheep; we must pay attention to those who are wandering away or lost.

HOW WELL ARE YOU WATCHING OVER THE SHEEP IN YOUR CARE?

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.” – Matthew 18:12-14

As we sit in this season of reflection and remembrance of all that Jesus did for us, let’s be intentional to allow God to do a new thing in our hearts. Just as revival is breaking out across our nation, let us seek the Lord and ask for a renewal of our hearts during this season of Lent. May these 40 days of Lent be more than a ceremonial tradition; may it bring the hearts of God’s children together in unison as we anticipate what our resurrected Lord is about to do.

God, strengthen our call this morning. Give us a fresh desire to serve you by serving others. Open our hearts to the revival that is sweeping across our nation, and do a new work in our lives. Lord, I am listening for your voice — a voice I know so well because you are my Shepherd. What do you want me to do with this day you have given me? Help me to see all of your sheep through your eyes. May I never abandon this responsibility that you have given me; may none go hungry while in my care. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 11:37-54, 18:9-14; Psalm 14

DO YOU KNOW HIM?

As Jesus was speaking, one of the Pharisees invited him home for a meal. So he went in and took his place at the table. His host was amazed to see that he sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. – Luke 11:37-38

Jesus was calling the crowds to get to know him, but he was also giving the religious leaders the opportunity to walk away from their obsession with religion and get to know the source of their salvation. Their focus was misdirected and he was giving them the chance to align their focus with the eternal; to focus on the inside rather than the outside.

Then the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn’t God make the inside as well as the outside? So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over. — Luke 11:39-41

The religious leaders were focused on tithing but ignoring justice and the love of God. They were caught up in the glory of their religious position instead of positioning themselves to get to know the Savior. They were demanding legalistic compliance with the law instead of inviting God’s people into a covenant relationship with their Creator.

DO YOU SEEK HIM?

“What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don’t enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering.” — Luke 11:52

Jesus used the prophetic language familiar to the Pharisee — What sorrow awaits the proud and rebellious (Isaiah 28:1, 30:1). What sorrow awaits those who destroy and scatter those they were called to care for (Jeremiah 23:1). What sorrow awaits the shepherds who feed themselves instead of feeding their sheep (Ezekiel 34:2). What sorrow awaits those who have deserted me (Hosea 7:13). What sorrow awaits those who feel secure (Amos 6:1, Habakkuk 2:9). What sorrow awaits those who think up evil plans (Micah 2:1). What sorrow awaits the shepherd who abandons the flock (Zechariah 11:17).

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 18:9-14

It is easy to get caught up in the routine of religion and the trap of self-righteousness and lose all perspective of our salvation. It is by grace that we have been saved. When we recognize the gift that we have been given and our own unworthiness of that gift, we fall on our knees and cry out to God, “Have mercy on me, for I am a sinner!”

DO YOU KNOW HIM? DO YOU SEEK HIM?

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never KNEW you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” – Matthew 7:21-23

Father God, we are so unworthy of this journey of grace that we are on. Fill us with your spirit and remind us daily of the impact your presence is making on our sinful hearts. Give us a growing faith and an eagerness to know you more — to daily seek you. Fill our cups with your sanctifying power and give us a burning desire to know you and be known by you. Amen.

The Lord looks down from heaven
on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
if anyone seeks God. – Psalm 14:2

Today’s Reading: Luke 13:10-17, 22-30, 14:1-6; Psalm 46

One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God! – Luke 13:10-13

If you have ever pulled your back out or had back pain, you quickly empathize with this woman. 18 years of back pain; 18 years of looking at the ground when she walked. Yes, I imagine her response was absolutely to praise God!

Have you ever felt like the weight of your sin was bearing down on you — like it was difficult to stand up straight with eyes focused on what is ahead because you carry the guilt or pain or something in your past? Do you remember how it felt to have your guilt lifted as you came to Jesus for forgiveness — to be freed of the strongholds that were controlling your life?

Can you picture the woman who is no longer a slave to sin? She is standing tall with her arms lifted high, thanking God for freedom and healing! She KNOWS the difference Jesus has made in her life and her response is to give God praise!

DO YOU KNOW HIM?

You KNOW her pain and you probably KNOW this story, but do you KNOW the One who healed her? Not everyone knew the Lord the way this woman did; not everyone praised the Lord for His faithfulness. Some were too caught up in the HOW and too distracted by the WHEN to focus on the WHO.

“There are six days of the week for working,” [the leader in charge of the synagogue] said to the crowd. “Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.” But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Each of you works on the Sabbath day! Don’t you untie your ox or your donkey from its stall and lead it out for water? This dear woman, a daughter of Abraham, has been held in bondage by Satan for eighteen years. Isn’t it right that she be released, even on the Sabbath?” – Luke 13:14b-16

Jesus cared more about the one suffering than he did about the religious regulations and opinions of the religious leaders. He healed the woman on the Sabbath while teaching in the synagogue, right there for all to see. Shortly after this, on another Sabbath day, Jesus healed a man while he was eating dinner in the home of a leader of the Pharisees. Scripture says the people were watching him closely, but this did not keep him from touching the man with swollen arms and legs, healing him of his discomfort (Luke 14:1-6).

“Which of you doesn’t work on the Sabbath? If your son or your cow falls into a pit, don’t you rush to get him out?” – Luke 14:5b

Time and time again, Jesus showed who he was. The people had the choice to get to KNOW him, to focus on the man and see him as their Savior. We have that same choice. Jesus wants us to KNOW him – to have a personal relationship with him instead of a religion and set of rules. He wants us to celebrate the miracles rather than grumble about the methods.

DO YOU KNOW HIM?

Someone asked him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”
He replied, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail. When the master of the house has locked the door, it will be too late. You will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Lord, open the door for us!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t KNOW you or where you come from.’ Then you will say, ‘But we ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’ And he will reply, ‘I tell you, I don’t KNOW you or where you come from. Get away from me, all you who do evil.’” – Luke 13:24-27

“Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.” – Luke 13:30b

It takes more than being actively involved in a church or giving your time and resources to a good cause. We were created to have a relationship with our Creator. We can be of great importance to the church and still miss out on the narrow door to God’s Kingdom.

But isn’t that why we do this? We get up every morning and find a quiet spot to get to KNOW our Savior. “My Morning Coffee” time is not about the caffeine, it is about intentionally spending time in God’s presence and getting to KNOW Him — humbly listening for Him to teach us and willing to obey what He commands.

BE STILL AND KNOW.

What a privilege to sit at the feet of Jesus and to remain in His presence throughout the day! How marvelous it is to know Him and be known by Him! Lord, may wisdom be evidenced by the result of my life and may my life be described as following you each day — not as religious duty but as an outflow of my relationship with you. Amen.

“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress. – Psalm 46:10-11

Today’s Reading: John 9 & 11:1-44; Luke 11:33-36

THE PAIN

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?”

“It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him. We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.” – John 9:1-5

Our hearts break when we watch those we love get sick; we fall to our knees when a diagnosis changes our lives forever. What did we do? Why has God allowed this suffering? We cannot see the road ahead of us through the pain and tears. All that is ahead appears so dark; it is not a journey we want to walk and we beg God to take it away! Over and over again, we find ourselves asking the same question the disciples asked Jesus — Why?

THE LIGHT

Jesus says – I am the light of the world. I will shine my light in the darkness that surrounds you. This has happened so the power of God can be seen in you! This is the WHY you have been searching for.

Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes. He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam” (Siloam means “sent”). So the man went and washed and came back seeing. – John 9:6-7

Later, after the man had been questioned by the Pharisees, Jesus found him and revealed that he was the Son of Man, and the man worshiped him. He not only recognized what Jesus had done for him, he acknowledged who Jesus is.

Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment – to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.” – John 9:39

How often do we think our faith is strong until something tragic happens and then we realize we do not have enough faith to get us through this difficult time. We realize we are blind and we need Jesus, the Light of the World, to give us sight. We want to believe – Lord, help us to believe! Strengthen our faith and shine your light into our situation.

THE TEARS

Mary and Martha asked similar questions of Jesus when their brother died. They were grieving and begging Jesus to explain himself – to do something!

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” – John 11:21-22

When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” – John 11:32

Before arriving, Jesus had told his disciples that Lazarus’ story would not end in death. What they were about to experience was for the glory of God and so that the Son of God would also receive glory through this situation (John 11:4). Later, at Lazarus’ grave, Jesus took time to explain it again.

“Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave clothes, his face wrapped in a head cloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” – John 11:40-44

God allows sorrow and pain so that we can see the Light of the Word and believe — so that we can experience His glory. It is in these moments that our faith is strengthened, and it is in these moments that others come to believe in Jesus. Perhaps this prayer is for you today:

Heavenly Father, thank you for not abandoning us in our darkest moments — for loving us enough to listen. Light of the world, when we feel the darkness closing in around us, give us sight! Show us your glory! Come and do something so miraculous that it can only be explained as a result of your power and your mercy. Give us the miracle of sight today; help us to believe. Fill us with your light so that we can be radiant for you today. Amen.

“No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where its light can be seen by all who enter the house. Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is bad, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.” – Luke 11:33-36

Today’s Reading: Luke 12:35 – 13:5; 13:31-35; Psalm 3

“Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.” – Luke 12:35-36

Jesus wanted his disciples to understand that he was leaving them and they would need to be responsible servants while he was gone. They had a job to do in his absence and he expected them to do it. It would not be easy but he wanted them to understand his instructions and be prepared for what was ahead.

Servants who are ready when the master returns will be rewarded; servants who have not carried out the master’s instructions will be punished. That sounds harsh from the God who we have come to know as merciful and gracious, but we cannot forget that He is also a holy God who expects obedience from His people. He desires for us to be all that He created us to be.

“…When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” – Luke 12:48b

Just as Jesus was warning his disciples of the crisis that was ahead and urging them to stay on task after he was gone, devastating news arrived. Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices in the Temple. This did not happen because the worshippers were sinners or because they deserved death. No, they were simply exercising their right to worship and their lives were unjustly taken from them.

THE CHAOS

It is in the midst of the chaos and crowd that we need to HUDDLE UP and listen carefully to what Jesus is saying:
Do not fear what people can do to you; fear only God.
Do not worry about your everyday needs, but focus on God and His Kingdom.
Do not be confident in what this world has to offer and store up earthly treasures, but understand they can all be gone in a moment.
Pray God will give you a heart that desires the treasures of Heaven.
Until Christ returns, be a faithful servant and carry out the work He has given.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” – Luke 12:31

Jesus was moving the focus of his disciples from the kingdoms of this world to the Kingdom of God. When we focus on the uncertainty of our safety or depend upon the favor of earthly authority, we can quickly panic about what tomorrow holds. When some Pharisees came to Jesus to warn him that he was in danger if he stayed in Jerusalem, he set a good example for us of how to react to the threat of danger.

THE DETERMINATION

Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. Yes, today, tomorrow, and the next day I must proceed on my way. For it wouldn’t do for a prophet of God to be killed except in Jerusalem!

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’” – Luke 13:32-35

Be a faithful servant of the task to which you have been assigned until the Master returns. Stay when God tells you to stay and move on when He tells you to leave. Go about the work to which you have been called and trust Him to be with you no matter what CHAOS you find yourself in.

I WILL KEEP ON. I WILL ACCOMPLISH MY PURPOSE. I MUST PROCEED ON MY WAY.

Lord, we are trusting you for the days ahead. We place our children and the generations to come in your faithful hands and intentionally choose to focus on your Kingdom. Give us peace when opposition arrives and strength when the battle ignites. We will keep on. We will strive to accomplish our purpose. We will choose each day to proceed on the way you have led us to travel. Amen.

O Lord, I have so many enemies;
so many are against me.
So many are saying,
“God will never rescue him!”
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;
you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.
I cried out to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy mountain.
I lay down and slept,
yet I woke up in safety,
for the Lord was watching over me.
I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
who surround me on every side.
Arise, O Lord!
Rescue me, my God!
Slap all my enemies in the face!
Shatter the teeth of the wicked!
Victory comes from you, O Lord.
May you bless your people. – Psalm 3:1-8