John 17:1-11
Easter 7
Sunday, 4 May 2008
I don't spend a lot of time trying to figure out the significance of biblical numbers. But even without such esoteric knowledge, I am aware that the number seven (7) signifies completion or fullness. And it is the awareness of today as the seventh week of Easter, the last week before the change of seasons represented by the feast of Pentecost, that is the object of my reflections this week. What does it mean to experience Easter's fullness?
John 17 almost seems out of place as a text for the last week of the Easter season, since the scene recounted in it occurred before Jesus' crucifixion. The other text, Acts 1, seems far more appropriate to this time of year. Yet I submit to you that the Lord's prayer in John 17 actually teaches us much that we need to know about the purpose of the resurrection and the work of the Holy Spirit whose power we will consider in next week's reading. In John 17, Jesus' themes are glory and unity. He asks his Father to restore the fullness of the glory which he shared with God from the beginning. Jesus also intercedes for the disciples, praying for unity. How powerful it is to observe that as Jesus prepares himself to endure suffering and condemnation, his prayer is not for his own strength but for his disciples' oneness. Jesus knows that his death has a purpose that can only be fulfilled when and as his disciples unite.
As we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, we would do well to remember that the goal is never for us to one-up each other in Christian community. We are not called to compete with one another to show who sings, preaches, or prays "the best." Rather, our goal and calling come to fullness as we unite and grow closer. God knows that this is not possible apart from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, God pours out the Spirit which acts as the seal of our salvation and the cord that binds us in love. Celebrating the Spirit and the bond seems a fitting and full conclusion to the Easter season.
Sing, "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" or "Somebody Prayed for Me" (remember that Jesus prayed)
Let us pray:
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of this Easter season and for the freshness with which we have received it. Thank you for lifting us up in prayer before your Passion and for the Spirit which constantly makes intercession for us. Grant us, we pray, the unity of the faith so that we your church may aptly fulfill all that you desire. May we show our faith in the resurrected Christ by living together in a spirit of unity, in Jesus' name. Amen
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Blood Ties
Ephesians 2:11-22
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Blood is thicker than water, or so the saying goes. Of course the meaning of this adage is that no matter how close or how distant relatives may seem from the outside, the genetic bond should never be underestimated.
This section of Ephesians 2 begins with the reminder that at first all of the odds were against us. Earlier in the chapter, we learned that our actions, our trespasses and sins condemned us until grace found us. Today, we learned that our bloodline was wrong too. We were hopeless, godless aliens and strangers. But the same grace that redeemed us from our sinful actions also provided for us the missing blood link that would bring us near and into the family of God. This time the blood is not from a human progenitor, but it is the spiritual sacrifice of Christ's blood that brings us to God and that joins us together with one another. Christ is our access; Christ is our peace.
The more I interact with church members, that is, members of the body of Christ, the more I marvel at God's ambitious intentions for us. God brings us together from all directions, persuasions, attitudes, affiliations, and inclinations, and then expects us to be more connected to each other than to anyone else, even the people with whom we have more in common. With human eyes, it looks impossible. But Christ's blood is thicker than our differences. And when we focus on Jesus, we discover how true it is that he alone is our peace. He is what makes our relationships with one another possible and positive. Without him, we will always remain strange and alien to one another. In him, the hostility is gone, and we recognize each other as family.
Sing, "I Know it Was the Blood"
Let us pray:
In this moment, O God, we acknowledge how much you have done for us, how often you have provided for us, how consistently you forgive us. And our gratitude leads us to open our hearts to love and fellowship with all of your children. Grant that we may know the peace of God and live in peace with one another, recognizing always that we are one family through the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Blood is thicker than water, or so the saying goes. Of course the meaning of this adage is that no matter how close or how distant relatives may seem from the outside, the genetic bond should never be underestimated.
This section of Ephesians 2 begins with the reminder that at first all of the odds were against us. Earlier in the chapter, we learned that our actions, our trespasses and sins condemned us until grace found us. Today, we learned that our bloodline was wrong too. We were hopeless, godless aliens and strangers. But the same grace that redeemed us from our sinful actions also provided for us the missing blood link that would bring us near and into the family of God. This time the blood is not from a human progenitor, but it is the spiritual sacrifice of Christ's blood that brings us to God and that joins us together with one another. Christ is our access; Christ is our peace.
The more I interact with church members, that is, members of the body of Christ, the more I marvel at God's ambitious intentions for us. God brings us together from all directions, persuasions, attitudes, affiliations, and inclinations, and then expects us to be more connected to each other than to anyone else, even the people with whom we have more in common. With human eyes, it looks impossible. But Christ's blood is thicker than our differences. And when we focus on Jesus, we discover how true it is that he alone is our peace. He is what makes our relationships with one another possible and positive. Without him, we will always remain strange and alien to one another. In him, the hostility is gone, and we recognize each other as family.
Sing, "I Know it Was the Blood"
Let us pray:
In this moment, O God, we acknowledge how much you have done for us, how often you have provided for us, how consistently you forgive us. And our gratitude leads us to open our hearts to love and fellowship with all of your children. Grant that we may know the peace of God and live in peace with one another, recognizing always that we are one family through the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen
Friday, May 2, 2008
Wanted: Alive
Ephesians 2:1-10
Friday, 2 May 2008
When I think of the word "wanted" two images come to mind. The first image is of the "most wanted" posters that hang in the post office. The other is of "help wanted" signs in the window of businesses. While the circumstances of the two uses of "wanted" are different, they have in common the fact that the one posting the sign is earnestly seeking to fill an opening.
The most remarkable aspect of our new life in Christ is, according to today's reading, the fact that we have any life at all. Although we did not realize it, when we were in sin, we were actually dead. Now we have been made alive. Just as Ezekiel saw the dry bones in the valley come to life when the four winds blew into them, we too have come to life as the Spirit of God has blown into us. But there are two crucial things that we need to know about the new life we have. First, we didn't earn it; it is a gift of God's grace. Second, our new life has a purpose. Although our works could never merit God's life-giving Spirit, when God chose us God planned for us to produce good works.
Isn't it interesting, sisters and brothers, that we went from the condemned ("most wanted) to the valuable ("help wanted"? By God's grace, we have gone from being bound for judgment to bound for glory. Now God is processing us so that God can get a return on the investment that God has made in us.
Sing, "Amazing Grace"
Let us pray:
Gracious God, to be wanted, loved, and redeemed by you gives us life and gives our lives meaning. To be used in your service is our dearest desire. To live in your presence is our sweetest joy. Grant us the grace to fulfill all that you have in mind in creating and re-creating us, though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Friday, 2 May 2008
When I think of the word "wanted" two images come to mind. The first image is of the "most wanted" posters that hang in the post office. The other is of "help wanted" signs in the window of businesses. While the circumstances of the two uses of "wanted" are different, they have in common the fact that the one posting the sign is earnestly seeking to fill an opening.
The most remarkable aspect of our new life in Christ is, according to today's reading, the fact that we have any life at all. Although we did not realize it, when we were in sin, we were actually dead. Now we have been made alive. Just as Ezekiel saw the dry bones in the valley come to life when the four winds blew into them, we too have come to life as the Spirit of God has blown into us. But there are two crucial things that we need to know about the new life we have. First, we didn't earn it; it is a gift of God's grace. Second, our new life has a purpose. Although our works could never merit God's life-giving Spirit, when God chose us God planned for us to produce good works.
Isn't it interesting, sisters and brothers, that we went from the condemned ("most wanted) to the valuable ("help wanted"? By God's grace, we have gone from being bound for judgment to bound for glory. Now God is processing us so that God can get a return on the investment that God has made in us.
Sing, "Amazing Grace"
Let us pray:
Gracious God, to be wanted, loved, and redeemed by you gives us life and gives our lives meaning. To be used in your service is our dearest desire. To live in your presence is our sweetest joy. Grant us the grace to fulfill all that you have in mind in creating and re-creating us, though Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Transitions
Ephesians 1:15-23
Ascension Day
Thursday, 1 May 2008
This week classes ended. Most of my students are seniors and for them the ending of this semester very well may mark the end of their formal schooling, at least for a time. But often the ending of one season marks the beginning of another. My students leave Penn with the hope that this ending (graduation) truly is the beginning (commencement) of their productive and successful adulthood.
The text from Ephesians continues the theme of God's purpose in choosing us. As is always the case, we are instructed to turn our vision fully on Jesus Christ. The scripture invites us to see Jesus descending into the grave and then ascending triumphant into heaven. Observing this, we come to know our hope, the riches of our inheritance in Christ, and the immeasurable greatness of his power. Our hope rests in Christ, whom God raised from the dead and who reigns supreme over every other force and power we will ever encounter.
Today marks the church-wide commemoration of the ending of the Lord's earthly ministry with the Ascension of our Lord. Having secured the believer's salvation and hope, Jesus was taken out of his disciples' sight. With the Lord's ascension, we join the disciples in the Jerusalem, where they are instructed to remain during the transition between Christ's ascending and the Holy Spirit's descending 10 days later at Pentecost.
With this first devotional of the 10-day transition period, I am inviting you to join me in reflecting on what we have known of God before and where God would carry us in our next season.
Sing, "My Hope is Built"
Let us pray:
God our Hope, on this day and in the midst of these transitions, we stretch forward with expectation concerning the power that is to come. Help us to release what is past, to be freed from all the things that tether us to this world. We offer our thanksgiving for what we have survived so that we could approach the new beginnings you are offering. Help us likewise to survive this transition and land safely in the glory that is to come, through Jesus Christ our Rock and Redeemer. Amen
Ascension Day
Thursday, 1 May 2008
This week classes ended. Most of my students are seniors and for them the ending of this semester very well may mark the end of their formal schooling, at least for a time. But often the ending of one season marks the beginning of another. My students leave Penn with the hope that this ending (graduation) truly is the beginning (commencement) of their productive and successful adulthood.
The text from Ephesians continues the theme of God's purpose in choosing us. As is always the case, we are instructed to turn our vision fully on Jesus Christ. The scripture invites us to see Jesus descending into the grave and then ascending triumphant into heaven. Observing this, we come to know our hope, the riches of our inheritance in Christ, and the immeasurable greatness of his power. Our hope rests in Christ, whom God raised from the dead and who reigns supreme over every other force and power we will ever encounter.
Today marks the church-wide commemoration of the ending of the Lord's earthly ministry with the Ascension of our Lord. Having secured the believer's salvation and hope, Jesus was taken out of his disciples' sight. With the Lord's ascension, we join the disciples in the Jerusalem, where they are instructed to remain during the transition between Christ's ascending and the Holy Spirit's descending 10 days later at Pentecost.
With this first devotional of the 10-day transition period, I am inviting you to join me in reflecting on what we have known of God before and where God would carry us in our next season.
Sing, "My Hope is Built"
Let us pray:
God our Hope, on this day and in the midst of these transitions, we stretch forward with expectation concerning the power that is to come. Help us to release what is past, to be freed from all the things that tether us to this world. We offer our thanksgiving for what we have survived so that we could approach the new beginnings you are offering. Help us likewise to survive this transition and land safely in the glory that is to come, through Jesus Christ our Rock and Redeemer. Amen
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Family Name
Ephesians 1:1-10
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
I remember when it meant something to be a part of a family or a community. I remember when parents would send their children out into the world with the reminder that they represented the family and with a warning not to bring shame on the family name. For those of us who had families like that, our identity was grounded and stabilized, so that even when we veered from the path we still had a fundamental sense of who we were.
Today's text offers us a glimpse into God's plan before time. Before the world began, God chose us and destined us for adoption as God's children. Thus, our foundation in God's love and grace predate the foundation of the world itself. And while we watch the scenes of our lives play out in anticipation of God's final triumph, we already inhabit high and heavenly places in Christ. God has lavished grace on us, redeemed us by Christ's blood, and set us up for a praising and praiseworthy life. Thanks be to God!
A lot of people think that the best incentive for serving God and doing the right thing is fear. I disagree. For me, the greater motivation comes when I ponder who I am and what God has done for me. Gratitude for God's love and grace serves as stronger motivation for living right than does fear of God's judgment and wrath. I just have to remember to uphold the family name.
Sing, "Take the Name of Jesus With You"
Let us pray:
We thank you, God, for having made provisions for us, for having us and our well-being in your mind, even in the design of the universe. May we be ever mindful of the precious gift we have been given and may our lives be worthy of the family name. Amen
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
I remember when it meant something to be a part of a family or a community. I remember when parents would send their children out into the world with the reminder that they represented the family and with a warning not to bring shame on the family name. For those of us who had families like that, our identity was grounded and stabilized, so that even when we veered from the path we still had a fundamental sense of who we were.
Today's text offers us a glimpse into God's plan before time. Before the world began, God chose us and destined us for adoption as God's children. Thus, our foundation in God's love and grace predate the foundation of the world itself. And while we watch the scenes of our lives play out in anticipation of God's final triumph, we already inhabit high and heavenly places in Christ. God has lavished grace on us, redeemed us by Christ's blood, and set us up for a praising and praiseworthy life. Thanks be to God!
A lot of people think that the best incentive for serving God and doing the right thing is fear. I disagree. For me, the greater motivation comes when I ponder who I am and what God has done for me. Gratitude for God's love and grace serves as stronger motivation for living right than does fear of God's judgment and wrath. I just have to remember to uphold the family name.
Sing, "Take the Name of Jesus With You"
Let us pray:
We thank you, God, for having made provisions for us, for having us and our well-being in your mind, even in the design of the universe. May we be ever mindful of the precious gift we have been given and may our lives be worthy of the family name. Amen
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
They Need Prayer
1 Timothy 2:1-6
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Have you noticed that our nation's circumstances have taken a significant downturn in the last several months? (Some would argue years.) In addition to the protracted war with fronts in both Afghanistan and Iraq, which has substantial human costs, there is a financial markets crisis, accompanied by a steep rise in price for gas as well as essentials such as food. In the election campaign, today's scandal centers on the fractured relationship between a pastor and his presidential hopeful parishioner. The media's description is filled with the image of each of these Christian men throwing the other under the bus. If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need God now.
Today's text provides an occasion to consider the relationship between the church and the state from the vantage point of the church's primary interests. In an instruction from an elder to a younger minister, we hear that the first priority is prayer. Notice the elements of the prayer to be offered. Supplications represent the prayers that we pray when we earnestly desire something for ourselves. Intercessions are the prayers that we pray on behalf of others. And as bad as the government can be, Timothy also instructs us to offer thanksgiving, to find something even in the messed up government to appreciate. The believer seeks God on behalf of leaders who often do not know that they should seek God for themselves.
I'll admit that when I look at the challenges that we bring on ourselves as a nation and as its individuals citizens, I am not as inclined to offer thanks as I might otherwise be. And yet we are called, even commanded to keep our eyes open and senses attuned to what is praiseworthy and what should make us grateful. This command is for our good, because our own route to real happiness and joy includes gratitude. As for all that is lamentable in the world, our nation, the current president, the candidates to succeed him, and all of the rest of us - well, let's just pray about it.
Sing "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"
Let us pray:
We come to you, O God, on behalf of all people, especially the leaders of our nation. We pray for the President and his Cabinet, for the Congress, for governors, and mayors. We pray for all four remaining presidential candidates: for Clinton, McCain, Obama, and Paul. We pray for Jeremiah Wright. We give you thanks for the opportunity to choose and the right to vote. We thank you for the progress we have made as a nation, even as we pray that your justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream. Grant us the spiritual fortitude to represent Christ's kingdom in this hour, we pray in his name. Amen
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Have you noticed that our nation's circumstances have taken a significant downturn in the last several months? (Some would argue years.) In addition to the protracted war with fronts in both Afghanistan and Iraq, which has substantial human costs, there is a financial markets crisis, accompanied by a steep rise in price for gas as well as essentials such as food. In the election campaign, today's scandal centers on the fractured relationship between a pastor and his presidential hopeful parishioner. The media's description is filled with the image of each of these Christian men throwing the other under the bus. If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need God now.
Today's text provides an occasion to consider the relationship between the church and the state from the vantage point of the church's primary interests. In an instruction from an elder to a younger minister, we hear that the first priority is prayer. Notice the elements of the prayer to be offered. Supplications represent the prayers that we pray when we earnestly desire something for ourselves. Intercessions are the prayers that we pray on behalf of others. And as bad as the government can be, Timothy also instructs us to offer thanksgiving, to find something even in the messed up government to appreciate. The believer seeks God on behalf of leaders who often do not know that they should seek God for themselves.
I'll admit that when I look at the challenges that we bring on ourselves as a nation and as its individuals citizens, I am not as inclined to offer thanks as I might otherwise be. And yet we are called, even commanded to keep our eyes open and senses attuned to what is praiseworthy and what should make us grateful. This command is for our good, because our own route to real happiness and joy includes gratitude. As for all that is lamentable in the world, our nation, the current president, the candidates to succeed him, and all of the rest of us - well, let's just pray about it.
Sing "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"
Let us pray:
We come to you, O God, on behalf of all people, especially the leaders of our nation. We pray for the President and his Cabinet, for the Congress, for governors, and mayors. We pray for all four remaining presidential candidates: for Clinton, McCain, Obama, and Paul. We pray for Jeremiah Wright. We give you thanks for the opportunity to choose and the right to vote. We thank you for the progress we have made as a nation, even as we pray that your justice will roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream. Grant us the spiritual fortitude to represent Christ's kingdom in this hour, we pray in his name. Amen
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Double Standard
Matthew 7:1-12
Friday/Saturday, 25-26 April 2008
Here's a question for the ages: Why are people so inconsistent? It's a chronic condition among us that we hate in others the same qualities that we allow for or even take pride in in ourselves. And let's face it, much of the time we hold others to higher standards of behavior than we allow for ourselves.
Addressing the human tendency toward hypocrisy, Jesus begins this section of his teaching with a command concerning judgment. Most people reading the text focus on the first clause "Do not judge." Many an errant soul has waved the flag of "Do not judge" as a way of deflecting critique or censure of bad behavior. Yet Jesus is not justifying the wrong that the blatantly sinful person does; he is shining a light on the secret sins of the outwardly pious. And the particular error that Jesus confronts in v. 1 is the double standard. Remember, Jesus does not say that it is never appropriate to remove the speck in your sister or brother's eye, only that you are ill equipped to do so until you have removed the log from your own.
Here again, Jesus reminds us that there are consequences for our actions, that there is an accountability that goes beyond humans and their systems of justice. While our games of hypocrisy may work on people who cannot see what is inside us, there is a God who knows what the real deal is. Just as we cannot be forgiven if we do not forgive, we cannot receive mercy if we are unwilling to show some.
Sing "At Calvary"
Let us pray:
Merciful God, how grateful we are that when our own failure and sin could well have snuffed all possibility of redemption out, you extended your love to us. As we live in community with one another, as sisters and brothers through your blood, help us to extend mercy and grace to one another. Help us to live the golden rule spiritually and do for others what we want to have done for us. Make us consistent and well-formed in our character, we pray through Jesus Christ. Amen
Friday/Saturday, 25-26 April 2008
Here's a question for the ages: Why are people so inconsistent? It's a chronic condition among us that we hate in others the same qualities that we allow for or even take pride in in ourselves. And let's face it, much of the time we hold others to higher standards of behavior than we allow for ourselves.
Addressing the human tendency toward hypocrisy, Jesus begins this section of his teaching with a command concerning judgment. Most people reading the text focus on the first clause "Do not judge." Many an errant soul has waved the flag of "Do not judge" as a way of deflecting critique or censure of bad behavior. Yet Jesus is not justifying the wrong that the blatantly sinful person does; he is shining a light on the secret sins of the outwardly pious. And the particular error that Jesus confronts in v. 1 is the double standard. Remember, Jesus does not say that it is never appropriate to remove the speck in your sister or brother's eye, only that you are ill equipped to do so until you have removed the log from your own.
Here again, Jesus reminds us that there are consequences for our actions, that there is an accountability that goes beyond humans and their systems of justice. While our games of hypocrisy may work on people who cannot see what is inside us, there is a God who knows what the real deal is. Just as we cannot be forgiven if we do not forgive, we cannot receive mercy if we are unwilling to show some.
Sing "At Calvary"
Let us pray:
Merciful God, how grateful we are that when our own failure and sin could well have snuffed all possibility of redemption out, you extended your love to us. As we live in community with one another, as sisters and brothers through your blood, help us to extend mercy and grace to one another. Help us to live the golden rule spiritually and do for others what we want to have done for us. Make us consistent and well-formed in our character, we pray through Jesus Christ. Amen
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