The Rest of the Story

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day of Holy Week that we recognize Jesus' holy acts of washing the feet of the disciples and sharing His final Passover meal with them. When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, it displayed His overwhelming humility and He taught the disciples to do the same for others.

Remembering this day of Jesus' life brings me to my knees. I imagine being in that upper room with Jesus' closest friends and one who would betray Him. The disciples couldn't imagine that their Mentor and Savior would no longer be with them in but a few days. If only they had realized. 

Thankfully, the story doesn't end on Good Friday with the crucifixion. We know the whole story and the power of Jesus' resurrection from the dead. We know that Jesus' humble acts changed our lives forever. 

"Before we can walk in newness of life, we must also die to sin. Just as the resurrection gives us Christ's power to live for Him, His crucifixion marks the death of our sinful nature. We can't know the victory of the resurrection without personally applying the crucifixion." (NIV Life Application Study Bible, notes on Philippians 3:10).

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead," (Philippians 3:10 NIV). 

One of my favorite old Easter hymns is "I Serve a Risen Savior" by Alfred H. Ackley, 1933. The words are so applicable today.

"I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today; I know that He is living, whatever men may say; I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer, And just the time I need Him He's always near. 

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.  

In all the world around me I see His loving care, And tho' my heart grows weary, I never will despair; I know that He is leading thro' all the stormy blast, The day of His appearing will come at last. (Refrain)  

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King! The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find, None other is so loving, so good and kind. 

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."

May you have a very blessed Easter.

The Reason

The celebration of the King of the Jews (and Gentiles) ended almost before it started. The crowd that had once cheered Jesus on suddenly turned on Him and began to cry out for His crucifixion. But why? Didn’t they remember Jesus’ triumph? Didn't they believe Jesus was the Son of God?

 

In the time before Jesus’ crucifixion, He explained to a group of Gentiles and His disciples why He must die. 

 

“Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified, I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”

 

“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”  Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered, others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die,” (John 12:23-33 NIV).

 

Dear Father: As we move through this Holy Week of lows and highs, help us keep our focus on Jesus and His purpose here on earth. Let us know in our hearts that when we believe, Jesus has saved us from our sins by taking them with Him to the cross. We believe in Your Son and we honor You as we walk through this humble week. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

  

Three Times

Scientific studies show that it takes the average person 2-7 times to hear the same message before they remember it. As we approach Palm Sunday and look through the scriptures, Jesus explained to the disciples three times what was going to happen in the week ahead. 

"From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life," (Matthew 16:21 NIV).

The number three often symbolizes completeness when used in the Bible. Three Persons make up the Godhead: Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. Prayer was to be lifted at least three times daily. Jesus said He would be in the grave for three days and three nights.

"When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief," (Matthew 17:22-23 NIV).

Though the disciples still didn't understand fully what Jesus was saying to them, His words crushed their hearts when He said He would be killed.

"Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"" (Matthew 20:17-19 NIV).

Lord God, as we ready ourselves for Holy Week, speak to us of the words Your Son used to prepare the disciples for the events that are ahead. We, too, must walk through the darkest days before we get to the light of our Risen Lord. Walk with us, Lord, and give us strength for the journey. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

The Greatest Teacher

"Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say," (Isaiah 28:23 NIV). 

Jesus had only three years to teach, but look at all He taught! As I think of the disciples listening to Jesus speak, I imagine myself kneeling at His feet, busily trying to take notes on all He said. How did His followers take in all He taught? My mind would be spinning, trying to remember everything Jesus said. I guess it is overwhelmed even today as I ponder the events leading to His crucifixion.

When I worked as a newspaper reporter, I remember writing as fast as I could to take notes on what the person I was interviewing had to say. I developed my own kind of shorthand to help me get the information down as correctly as possible. One of my duties was to report on the school board meetings. Over several years I developed a knowledge of the educational system in our community.

That must have been the way it was for the disciples who listened to Jesus during those three years. They didn't take notes with pencils. They captured Jesus' teachings in their minds by carefully listening to Jesus' voice. I'm so thankful that some of them recorded what they heard so we, too, could learn what Jesus taught.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light," (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV). 

Lord God, thank You for sending Your Son to teach us Your ways. We accept His yoke and learn from His teachings, and we find rest for our souls. Thank You for all the lessons Jesus shared with the disciples. Thank You that we, too, can learn the lessons from the Greatest Teacher of all time. Amen.

Jars of Clay

When I retired from Iowa Valley Community College District, a dear friend there gave me a shamrock plant in a clay pot. She said she transplanted it outside when the weather was warm enough and moved it back in before the cold hit. I was always amazed that she did this because the shamrock seems so fragile.

"So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me: O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand," (Jeremiah 18:3-6 NIV).

My shamrock's pot is becoming rather ugly as mineral deposits accumulate on the outside of the pot. I'm sure this must mean that it is time to repot it with fresh soil and perhaps a different pot. Yet, I feel the aged pot holds the touch of my dear friend who has since passed away.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body," (2 Corinthians 4:8-11 NIV).

Easter is just two and a half weeks away. Jesus' final steps on this earth were taken for us. He endured persecution unlike any of us will experience. Yet, as believers, we carry the death of Jesus in our body so we can reveal the life of Jesus through us, to help others believe.

Thank You, Lord God, for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to save us from our sin. Take these pots of clay and form us into shining reflections of Your Son's life, so we will show others Your love and mercy each day. Amen.

He Lifted Me

"I wait patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord," (Psalm 40:1-3 NIV).

This scripture speaks to me so personally because of my many years of depression. I love the words "He lifted me" and "he set my feet on a rock." And "he put a new song in my mouth" and "a hymn of praise to our God." These words give me hope and strength in my backbone. I can face whatever challenge is before me because I will trust in the Lord.

I found a hymn that uses this scripture, "In Loving Kindness Jesus Came" by Charles H. Gabriel, 1905. I'm not sure that I've heard it before but the words speak volumes to me.

"In loving kindness Jesus came My soul in mercy to reclaim, And from the depths of sin and shame Thro' grace He lifted me. (refrain): From sinking sand He lifted me, With tender hand He lifted me, From shades of night to plains of light, O praise His name, He lifted me!  He called me long before I heard, Before my sinful heart was stirred, But when I took Him at His word, Forgiv'n He lifted me. (refrain)  His brow was pierced with many a thorn, His hands by cruel nails were torn, When from my guilt and grief, forlorn, In love He lifted me. (refrain)  Now on a higher plane I dwell, And with my soul I know 'tis well; Yet how or why, I cannot tell, He should have lifted me. (refrain): From sinking sand He lifted me, With tender hand He lifted me, From shades of night to plains of light, O praise His name, He lifted me!"

Lord, Thank You for lifting us up when we stand in sinking sand: be it grief or pain or illness. Raise us to stand on Your solid rock where Your presence surrounds us and comforts us. Help us to trust in You, no matter what slimy pit we find ourselves. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus to suffer for our sins and lift us up in Your glory. Amen.

The Beauty of the Earth

Our winter landscapes have disappeared in Iowa. Although it is still early in March, the weather has been so mild that the tulips and daffodils are up a couple of inches. The trees are beginning to bud. If we get more winter it may be hard on the plants and trees. Maybe we won't have more snow. Wouldn't that be nice?

When we drove to Arkansas in late January, there were still remnants of the only snow we had this winter. I love looking at the scenery while we drive. (I'm not behind the wheel.) Iowa's timbers were so beautiful. With the snow covered ground, each tree stands out individually. I'm always watching for deer or turkey. Occasionally I am delighted by a sighting. I dream of walking through the woods, looking for tracks: rabbits, raccoons, deer, turkey, fox or coyote. The ditches still held drifts of snow, molded like waves in the ocean.

"For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies, Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise. For the beauty of each hour Of the day and of the night, Hill and vale, and tree, and flow'r Sun and moon and stars of light, Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise." ("For the Beauty of the Earth" by Conrad Kocher, 1838, Arr. by William H. Monk, 1861, Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864).

"Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows," (James 1:17 NIV).

Lord, open our eyes to Your beauty today. Remind us of Your love and Your light. Bless us with Your mercy and grace as we walk in the steps of Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Taking Notice

I, just like many of you, I imagine, watched the Iowa Hawkeye Women's Basketball game against Ohio on Sunday. Mostly because I wanted to see Caitlin Clark pass Pete Maravich's overall scoring record of 3,667 points. She did it, and added 17 additional points to her career total - so far. The #6 Iowa Hawkeye team defeated #2 ranked Ohio on Senior Day in Iowa City. Nice.

I have to admit that this is the first year I've followed a woman's basketball team all season. And by the way, the Iowa State University women's basketball team is really good, too. Go, Audi Crooks and teammates! This year women's basketball has exceeded attendance records at many colleges. Young girls are inspired to work hard, practice, practice, practice, and build up their confidence in whatever they choose to excel.

Colleges have noticed an up-tick in interest in women's sports and related careers such as coaches, referees, sportscasters, and announcers, as well as professional athletes. It has been so much fun to be amazed at the stellar free-throw shooting, the incredible dribbling down the court, the suburb passes, and the incredible long-range 3-pointers!

We aren't all as skilled as the Caitlin Clarks or the Taylor Swifts of this world but we do have a faithful God who is always there for us to put our trust in.

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes," (Psalm 118:8-9 NIV).

Gloria's Paraphrase: It is better to depend on God than to admire a man or a woman. It is better to seek shelter in the Lord than to believe in celebrities. 

We will still enjoy watching our college basketball teams for as long as their seasons last, but let's keep things in perspective regarding what is really important in life.

Our Father, we thank You for the talented people You have placed in our lives. The doctors, the professors, the teachers, the chefs, the car mechanics, the nurses, the CNA's, the pilots, the accountants, the store clerks, the nail dressers, the barbers and so many others who are so skilled in their professions that they make our lives easier and more enjoyable. Help us to take notice of them today and give thanks to You and to them. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.