A 40 Day Daily Devotional Preparing Us for Easter
What is Lent
A Time Set AsideJust as we set aside time to spiritually prepare for Christmas Day, it makes sense to set aside time to prepare for the two most important days of the Christian year. Lent is a time that offers us an opportunity to come to terms with the human condition we may spend the rest of the year running from and it brings our need for a Savior to the forefront. Like Advent, Lent is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper, so that when Good Friday and eventually Easter comes, it is not just another day at church but an opportunity to receive the overflowing of graces God has to offer.
But unlike the childlike joy associated with the season of Advent, with it's eager anticipation of the precious baby Jesus, Lent is an intensely penitential time as we examine our sinful natures and return to the God we have, through our own rebelliousness, hurt time and again. Lent is also an opportunity to contemplate what our Lord really did for us on the Cross - and it wasn't pretty. But ultimately, the purpose of Lent does not stop at sadness and despair - it points us to the hope of the Resurrection and the day when every tear will be dried (Rev. 21:3).
And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:33-49
Although the nature of suffering is not one that offers itself to easy explanations or pat answers, the answers we seek seem to make the most sense in light of the Cross. There is nothing in the world - no religion, philosophy, or material comfort - that offers such a powerful answer to life's toughest questions as the two slabs of wood on which our Savior died. Although I was drawn to Christianity in search of joy, it's the Cross that keeps me coming back day after day, year after year. It is this time of year, known as Lent,
that I am reminded of what Jesus did for me.
When I look into the eyes of our suffering God, I'm in awe - suddenly the complexity of our Lord, the love of our Lord, the humanity of our Lord shows through. I realize God is not just some nebulous energy source or a grandfather sitting in the clouds - He is so much more. The Cross is where our faith stands when all other faith's fail. Christ's sacrifice and his subsequent resurrection are the true "cruxes" of the Christian faith. Without one there would be no salvation, without the other, no hope. This is why Good Friday and the following Easter Sunday are the most important dates on the Christian calendar - even more so than Christmas.
How Lent Started
So where does Lent come from, and how do we "do" Lent? The Lenten season developed as part of the historical Christian calendar and is typically celebrated by Catholics and some mainline Protestant churches that follow a liturgical calendar. Although its format has varied throughout the centuries and throughout different cultures, the basic concept remains the same: to open our hearts to God's refining grace through prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving as we anticipate Holy Week. Lent traditionally lasts forty days, modeled after Christ's forty day fast in the desert, and ends on Good Friday. In the Western Church, Lent officially begins with a reminder of our mortality on Ash Wednesday
Practicing Lent Today
As with Advent, you can benefit from celebrating Lent even if your church does not formally do so. Here are some of the key elements of the Lenten season, along with some of the symbolism that comes with it. Many of these practices can be celebrated both individually and as a community:
Keep in mind the idea here is not to be overly scrupulous or to deceive yourself into thinking you can earn heaven through your own goodness. The goal is to honestly examine your life in light of God's Word and to make a commitment to change in any areas you have not submitted to the Lord. A good way to start an examination of conscience is by praying Psalm 139, verse 23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Then, hold up your life to the Ten Commandments. Confess, perhaps even to your pastor or an accountability partner (James 5:16), the ways you've sinned against God, thank Him for His forgiveness, and ask Him for the grace to change.
A word of caution: although fasting can be a wonderful spiritual exercise, it is also an easy one to abuse. Make sure that when you fast, you do not deprive yourself so much that you do harm to your body. Fasting should only be practiced by adults and mature teens. Also, take into account any medical conditions or nutritional needs when deciding what and how much to abstain from (I recommend consulting with a doctor and/or spiritual advisor before undertaking a serious fast). On the spiritual front, Jesus warns us to guard against pride while fasting (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18).
Bible Verses for Lent
Philippians 3:10-11 - "I want to know Christ, yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participate in his sufferings, becoming like him in death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Joel 2:12-14 - "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.
Matthew 6:16-18 - "when you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites...but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
A Time Set AsideJust as we set aside time to spiritually prepare for Christmas Day, it makes sense to set aside time to prepare for the two most important days of the Christian year. Lent is a time that offers us an opportunity to come to terms with the human condition we may spend the rest of the year running from and it brings our need for a Savior to the forefront. Like Advent, Lent is a time to open the doors of our hearts a little wider and understand our Lord a little deeper, so that when Good Friday and eventually Easter comes, it is not just another day at church but an opportunity to receive the overflowing of graces God has to offer.
But unlike the childlike joy associated with the season of Advent, with it's eager anticipation of the precious baby Jesus, Lent is an intensely penitential time as we examine our sinful natures and return to the God we have, through our own rebelliousness, hurt time and again. Lent is also an opportunity to contemplate what our Lord really did for us on the Cross - and it wasn't pretty. But ultimately, the purpose of Lent does not stop at sadness and despair - it points us to the hope of the Resurrection and the day when every tear will be dried (Rev. 21:3).
And about three o'clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Matthew 27:33-49
Although the nature of suffering is not one that offers itself to easy explanations or pat answers, the answers we seek seem to make the most sense in light of the Cross. There is nothing in the world - no religion, philosophy, or material comfort - that offers such a powerful answer to life's toughest questions as the two slabs of wood on which our Savior died. Although I was drawn to Christianity in search of joy, it's the Cross that keeps me coming back day after day, year after year. It is this time of year, known as Lent,
that I am reminded of what Jesus did for me.
When I look into the eyes of our suffering God, I'm in awe - suddenly the complexity of our Lord, the love of our Lord, the humanity of our Lord shows through. I realize God is not just some nebulous energy source or a grandfather sitting in the clouds - He is so much more. The Cross is where our faith stands when all other faith's fail. Christ's sacrifice and his subsequent resurrection are the true "cruxes" of the Christian faith. Without one there would be no salvation, without the other, no hope. This is why Good Friday and the following Easter Sunday are the most important dates on the Christian calendar - even more so than Christmas.
How Lent Started
So where does Lent come from, and how do we "do" Lent? The Lenten season developed as part of the historical Christian calendar and is typically celebrated by Catholics and some mainline Protestant churches that follow a liturgical calendar. Although its format has varied throughout the centuries and throughout different cultures, the basic concept remains the same: to open our hearts to God's refining grace through prayer, confession, fasting, and almsgiving as we anticipate Holy Week. Lent traditionally lasts forty days, modeled after Christ's forty day fast in the desert, and ends on Good Friday. In the Western Church, Lent officially begins with a reminder of our mortality on Ash Wednesday
Practicing Lent Today
As with Advent, you can benefit from celebrating Lent even if your church does not formally do so. Here are some of the key elements of the Lenten season, along with some of the symbolism that comes with it. Many of these practices can be celebrated both individually and as a community:
- Purple: Like Advent, the official color for Lent is purple. Usually, churches that celebrate Lent choose the deepest, darkest shade of purple for this special season. They may also strip their churches bare of some of the usual decorations adorning the walls. Purple is the color of repentance for sins and also symbolizes the state of our souls outside the light of Christ. During this time, pray for those who do not know Christ and for those who have sinned gravely against Him.
- Confession: As mentioned above, Lent is a penitential season, even more so than Advent. The 40 days are set aside to really examine areas of recurring sin in our lives that prevent us from being conformed to God's Will.
Keep in mind the idea here is not to be overly scrupulous or to deceive yourself into thinking you can earn heaven through your own goodness. The goal is to honestly examine your life in light of God's Word and to make a commitment to change in any areas you have not submitted to the Lord. A good way to start an examination of conscience is by praying Psalm 139, verse 23-24: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Then, hold up your life to the Ten Commandments. Confess, perhaps even to your pastor or an accountability partner (James 5:16), the ways you've sinned against God, thank Him for His forgiveness, and ask Him for the grace to change.
- Fasting and Prayer: Fasting is a practice that has really gone by the wayside in many Christian circles. Yet, if done correctly, it can be a powerful time of renewing your relationship with God. Fasting can be found in both the Old Testament and the New, with Moses (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9,18 ), Elijah (1 Kings 19:8), and our Lord (Matthew 4:2) all participating in 40-day fasts. Fasting is a way of denying ourselves the excesses of life so that we might be more attuned to the Lord's voice. It is also a way of disciplining yourself, strengthening your "spiritual muscles" so to speak, so that when temptations arise in life, you are already used to saying "no" to your desires. And finally, fasting is also a way of participating, in a small way, in the sufferings of Christ and can be particularly powerful when accompanied by prayer and confession.
A word of caution: although fasting can be a wonderful spiritual exercise, it is also an easy one to abuse. Make sure that when you fast, you do not deprive yourself so much that you do harm to your body. Fasting should only be practiced by adults and mature teens. Also, take into account any medical conditions or nutritional needs when deciding what and how much to abstain from (I recommend consulting with a doctor and/or spiritual advisor before undertaking a serious fast). On the spiritual front, Jesus warns us to guard against pride while fasting (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18).
- Meditating on Christ's Sacrifice for Mankind: In addition to periodic fasting and prayer, our scriptural meditations typically turn to the salvation offered to us through Christ's suffering. Read Old Testament Scriptures prophesying the suffering of Christ and the New Testament Gospel accounts.
- Charity/Almsgiving: A very important element of the Lenten season is becoming aware of not only the suffering and sacrifice of Christ but also to the suffering of others. Between now and Good Friday, choose one way you can increase your giving to those in need. It could be through extra financial offerings, donating goods you no longer need or use to charity, or increasing your personal time commitment to a ministry or cause close to your heart.
Bible Verses for Lent
Philippians 3:10-11 - "I want to know Christ, yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participate in his sufferings, becoming like him in death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
Joel 2:12-14 - "Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.
Matthew 6:16-18 - "when you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites...but when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
Day 1 - The Road to Jerusalem
“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests
and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, and deliver Him to the Gentiles to
mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.” Matthew 20:18–19
The road from Jericho to Jerusalem was just fourteen miles long; a half day’s journey.
Jesus is at the front of his band of disciples. A young soldier marching into battle. As
Jesus states his mission, forget any suggestion that he was trapped and made a
miscalculation. Ignore any speculation that the cross was a last-ditch attempt to
salvage a dying mission.
These words tell us that Jesus died . . . on purpose. No
surprise. No hesitation. No faltering. The way Jesus marched to his death leaves no
doubt: he had come to earth for this moment. The journey to the cross had begun
long before leaving Jericho. As the echo of the crunching of the fruit was still
sounding in the garden of Eden, Jesus was leaving for Calvary. Jesus stepped toward
Jerusalem with the promise of God in his heart. The divinity of Christ assured the
humanity of Christ, and Jesus spoke loud enough for the pits of hell to vibrate: “And
the third day He will rise again.” Is there a Jerusalem on your horizon? Are you on a
brief journey from painful encounters?
Are you only steps away from the walls of your
own heartache? Learn a lesson from your Master. The next time you find yourself on a
Jericho road marching toward Jerusalem, put the promises of God on your lips. When
the blackness of oppression settles around you, draw courage from the Word of God.
’Tis wise to march into Jerusalem with the promise of God in your heart.
Day 2 - Mary's Extravagant Gift
“Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.” JOHN 12:3 She was the only one who believed him. Whenever he spoke of his death, the others shrugged or doubted, but Mary believed. Mary believed because he spoke with a firmness she’d heard before.
“Lazarus, come out!” he’d demanded, and her brother came out.
fter four days in a stone-sealed grave, he walked out. And as Mary kissed the now-warm hands of her just-dead brother, she turned and looked. Tear streaks were dry and the teeth shone from beneath the beard. Jesus was smiling. And in her heart she knew she would never doubt his words. So when he spoke of his death, she believed. “Now is the right time,” she told herself. It wasn’t an act of impulse. She’d carried the large vial of perfume from her house to Simon’s. It wasn’t a spontaneous gesture. But it was an extravagant one.
The perfume was worth a year’s wages. Maybe the only thing of value she had. It wasn’t a logical thing to do, but since when has love been led by logic? Common sense hadn’t wept at Lazarus’s tomb. Love did, though. Extravagant, risky, chance-taking love. And now someone needed to show the same to the giver of such love. So Mary did. She stepped up behind him and stood with the jar in her hand. She began to pour. Over his head. Over his shoulders. Down his back. She would have poured herself out for him, if she could. The fragrance of the sweet ointment rushed through the room. “Wherever you go,” the gesture spoke, “breathe the aroma and remember one who cares.”
The other disciples mocked her extravagance, but don’t miss Jesus’ prompt defense of Mary. “Why are you troubling this woman? She did an excellent thing for me.” Jesus’ message is just as powerful now as it was then: There is a time for risky love. There is a time to pour out your affections on one you love. And when the time comes—seize it, don’t miss it.
Day 3 - Jesus Purges The Temple
And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”
Matthew 21:13
It was Passover week. The Passover was the highlight of the Jewish calendar. People came from all regions and many countries to be present for the celebration. Upon arriving, they were obligated to meet two requirements. First, an animal sacrifice, usually a dove. The dove had to be perfect, without blemish. If you brought a sacrifice from your own source, it would be considered insufficient by the authorities in the temple.
So under the guise of keeping the sacrifice pure, the sellers sold doves —at their price. Second, the people had to pay a yearly temple tax.
During Passover, the tax had to be rendered in local currency. Knowing many foreigners would be in Jerusalem to pay the tax, money changers conveniently set up tables and offered to exchange the foreign money for local—for a modest fee, of course. It’s not difficult to see what angered Jesus. Pilgrims journeyed days to see God, to witness the holy, to worship his majesty. But before they were taken into the presence of God, they were taken to the cleaners. Want to anger God? Get in the way of people who want to see him. Exploit people in the name of God. Christ stormed in! Doves flapped and tables flew. People scampered and traders scattered. This was not an impulsive show or temper tantrum. It was a deliberate act with an intentional message. God will never hold guiltless those who exploit the privilege of worship. Christ’s passion on Monday is indignation. There are hucksters in God’s house. Remember why Jesus purged the temple.
Those closest to it may be the farthest from it.
And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’”
Matthew 21:13
It was Passover week. The Passover was the highlight of the Jewish calendar. People came from all regions and many countries to be present for the celebration. Upon arriving, they were obligated to meet two requirements. First, an animal sacrifice, usually a dove. The dove had to be perfect, without blemish. If you brought a sacrifice from your own source, it would be considered insufficient by the authorities in the temple.
So under the guise of keeping the sacrifice pure, the sellers sold doves —at their price. Second, the people had to pay a yearly temple tax.
During Passover, the tax had to be rendered in local currency. Knowing many foreigners would be in Jerusalem to pay the tax, money changers conveniently set up tables and offered to exchange the foreign money for local—for a modest fee, of course. It’s not difficult to see what angered Jesus. Pilgrims journeyed days to see God, to witness the holy, to worship his majesty. But before they were taken into the presence of God, they were taken to the cleaners. Want to anger God? Get in the way of people who want to see him. Exploit people in the name of God. Christ stormed in! Doves flapped and tables flew. People scampered and traders scattered. This was not an impulsive show or temper tantrum. It was a deliberate act with an intentional message. God will never hold guiltless those who exploit the privilege of worship. Christ’s passion on Monday is indignation. There are hucksters in God’s house. Remember why Jesus purged the temple.
Those closest to it may be the farthest from it.
Day 4 - Jesus Washes His Disciples Feet
The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of
Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus . . . got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, . . . and
began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:2–5 NIV
It has been a long day. Jerusalem is packed with Passover guests, most of whom
clamor for a glimpse of the Teacher. The spring sun is warm. The streets are dry. And
the disciples are a long way from home. A splash of cool water would be refreshing.
The disciples enter the room, one by one, and take their places around the table. On
the wall hangs a towel, and on the floor sit a pitcher and a basin. Any one of the
disciples could volunteer for the job, but not one does. After a few moments Jesus
stands and removes his outer garment. He wraps a servant’s girdle around his waist,
takes up the basin, and kneels before one of the disciples. He unlaces a sandal and
gently lifts the foot, places it in the basin, covers it with water, and begins to bathe
it. One grimy foot after another, Jesus works his way down the row. In Jesus’ day the
washing of feet was a task reserved not just for servants but for the lowest of
servants. In this case the One with the towel and basin is the King of the universe.
Hands that shaped the stars now wash away filth. Fingers that formed mountains now
massage toes. And the One before whom all nations will one day kneel now kneels
before his disciples. Hours before his own death, Jesus’ concern is singular.
He wants his Disciples to know how much he loves them.
You can be sure Jesus knows the future of these feet He is washing. These feet will
dash for cover at the flash of a Roman sword. Only one pair of feet won’t abandon
him in the Garden…Judas will abandon Jesus that very night at the table.
What a passionate moment when Jesus silently lifts the feet of his betrayer and
washes them in the basin.
Jesus knows what these men are about to do. By morning they will bury their heads
in shame and look down at their feet in disgust. And when they do, he wants them to
remember how his knees knelt before them and he washed their feet…
He forgave their sin before they even committed it. He offered mercy before they
even sought it.
Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus . . . got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, . . . and
began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
John 13:2–5 NIV
It has been a long day. Jerusalem is packed with Passover guests, most of whom
clamor for a glimpse of the Teacher. The spring sun is warm. The streets are dry. And
the disciples are a long way from home. A splash of cool water would be refreshing.
The disciples enter the room, one by one, and take their places around the table. On
the wall hangs a towel, and on the floor sit a pitcher and a basin. Any one of the
disciples could volunteer for the job, but not one does. After a few moments Jesus
stands and removes his outer garment. He wraps a servant’s girdle around his waist,
takes up the basin, and kneels before one of the disciples. He unlaces a sandal and
gently lifts the foot, places it in the basin, covers it with water, and begins to bathe
it. One grimy foot after another, Jesus works his way down the row. In Jesus’ day the
washing of feet was a task reserved not just for servants but for the lowest of
servants. In this case the One with the towel and basin is the King of the universe.
Hands that shaped the stars now wash away filth. Fingers that formed mountains now
massage toes. And the One before whom all nations will one day kneel now kneels
before his disciples. Hours before his own death, Jesus’ concern is singular.
He wants his Disciples to know how much he loves them.
You can be sure Jesus knows the future of these feet He is washing. These feet will
dash for cover at the flash of a Roman sword. Only one pair of feet won’t abandon
him in the Garden…Judas will abandon Jesus that very night at the table.
What a passionate moment when Jesus silently lifts the feet of his betrayer and
washes them in the basin.
Jesus knows what these men are about to do. By morning they will bury their heads
in shame and look down at their feet in disgust. And when they do, he wants them to
remember how his knees knelt before them and he washed their feet…
He forgave their sin before they even committed it. He offered mercy before they
even sought it.
Day 5 - In The Garden
Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Mark 14:32-33
Go with me for a moment to witness what was perhaps the foggiest night in history. The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground clutter with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night.
Now look into the picture. Look closely through the shadowy foliage. See that solitary figure? Flat on the ground. Face stained with the dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth. Eyes wide with a stupor of fear. Hair matted with salty sweat. Is that blood on his forehead?
That’s Jesus. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Maybe you’ve seen the classic portrait of Christ in the Garden. Kneeling beside a big rock. Snow-white robe. Hands peacefully folded in prayer. A halo over his head.
The painter didn’t use the gospel of Mark as a pattern. When Mark wrote about that painful night, he used phrases such as these: “Horror and dismay came over Him,” “My heart is ready to break with grief,” and “He went a little forward and threw himself on the ground”.
(14:32-42 NEB).
Mark used black paint to describe this scene. We see an agonizing, straining, and struggling Jesus. We see “a man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3 NASB). We see a man struggling with fear, wrestling with commitments, and yearning for relief.
We see Jesus in the fog of a broken heart.
The next time the fog finds you, remember Jesus in the Garden. The next time you think no one understands or cares, reread the fourteenth chapter of Mark and pay a visit to Gethsemane. And the next time you wonder if God really prevails on this dusty planet, listen to him pleading among the twisted trees.
The next time you are called to suffer, pay attention.
It may be the closest you’ll ever get to God. Watch closely. It could very well be that the hand that extends itself to
lead you out of the fog is a pierced one.
Day 6 - Sweat like drops of blood
Jesus...kneeled down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want.” ... His sweat was like drops of blood to the ground. Luke 22:41-44 NCV
The writer of Hebrews penned these words: “During these days of Jesus’s life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death” (Hebrews 5:7 NIV)
It’s an expression of Jesus that puzzles us. We’ve never seen his face like this. Jesus smiling, yes.
Jesus weeping, absolutely. Jesus stern, even that.
But Jesus anguished? Cheeks streaked with tears? Face flooded in sweat? Rivulets of blood dripping from his chin?
Jesus was more than anxious; he was afraid. How remarkable that Jesus felt such fear. But how kind that he told us about it. We tend to do the opposite. Gloss over our fears. Cover them up. Keep our sweaty palms in our pockets, our nausea and dry mouths a secret. Not so with Jesus. We see no mask of strength. But we do hear a request for strength.
“Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering.” The first One to hear his fear is his Father. He could have gone to his mother or confided in his disciples. He could have assembled a prayer meeting. All would have been appropriate, but none was his priority.
How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to the Father with his tears. He modeled the words of Psalm 56:3: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you” (NLT 1996).
Do the same with yours. Don’t avoid life’s Gardens of Gethsemane. Enter them. Just don’t enter them alone. And while there, be honest. Pounding on the ground is permitted. Tears are allowed. And if you sweat blood, you won’t be the first. Do what Jesus did; open your heart.
Day 7 - The Betrayer
Judas had planned to give them a signal by saying, “The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him.” At once Judas went to Jesus and said
“Greetings, Teacher!” and kissed him.
Matthew 26:48-49 NCV
When betrayal comes what do you do? Get out? Get angry? Get even? You have to deal with it some way. Let’s see how Jesus dealt with it.
Begin by noticing how Jesus saw Judas. “Jesus answered, ‘Friend, do what you came to do’” (Matthew 26:50 NCV).
Of all the names I would have chosen for Judas, it would not have been “friend”.
What Judas did to Jesus was grossly unfair. There is no indication that Jesus ever mistreated Judas. When, during the Last Supper, Jesus told the disciples that his betrayer sat at the table, they didn’t turn to one another and whisper, “It’s Judas. Jesus told us he would do this.” He had known it, but he treated the betrayer as if he were faithful.
It’s even more unfair when you consider that the religious leaders didn’t seek him; Judas sought them. “What will you pay me for giving Jesus to you?” he asked (Matthew 26:15 NCV). The betrayal would have been more palatable had Judas been propositioned by the leaders, but he wasn’t. He propositioned them.
And Judas’s method...why did it have to be a kiss?
And why did he have to call him “Teacher”? That’s a title of respect.
The incongruity of his words, deed, and actions - I wouldn’t have called Judas “friend”. But that is exactly what Jesus called him.
Why? Jesus could see something we can’t. He knew Judas had been seduced by a powerful foe. He was aware of the wiles of Satan’s whispers. He knew how hard it was for Judas to do what was right.
He didn’t justify or minimize what Judas did. Nor did he release Judas from his choice. But he did look eye to eye with his betrayer and try to understand.
As long as you hate your enemy, a jail door is closed and a prisoner is taken. But when you try to understand and release your foe from your hatred, then the prisoner is released, and that prisoner is you.
Day 8 - The Betrayal
I have always had the impression that a handful of soldiers arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I was wrong. At minimum two hundred soldiers were dispatched to deal with a single carpenter and his eleven friends!
Also present were “some guards”. This was the temple police. They were assigned to guard the holiest place during the busiest time of the year. They must have been among Israel’s finest.
And then there was Judas. One of the inner circle. Not only had Satan recruited the Romans and the Jews. He had infiltrated the cabinet. Hell must have been rejoicing. There was no way Jesus could escape. Satan sealed every exit. His lieutenants
anticipated every move, except one.
Jesus had no desire to run. He had no intent of escape. He hadn’t come to the Garden to retreat. What they found among the trees was no coward; what they found was a conqueror.
When Jesus states to the mob that they came to arrest him, “I am he,” he reveals his power. His voice flicks the first domino, and down they tumble. These are the best soldiers with Satan’s finest plan; yet one word from Jesus, and two hundred fighting men collapse under a noisy pile of shields, swords, and lamps. Don’t miss the symbolism here: when Jesus speaks, Satan falls.
It doesn’t matter whom the evil one recruits, including one of the original, handpicked apostles. The best of Satan melts as wax before the presence of Christ.
Has Satan invaded a garden in your life? Has he profaned a holy part of your world? Your marriage? Your purity? Your honesty? If so, let Jesus claim it back. Today. Now. Before you turn this page.
Open the gate to God. He will enter and do what he did at Gethsemane. He will pray, and he will protect.
Day 9 - Peter Denies Knowing Jesus
“Everyone else may stumble...but I will not.” Matthew 26:33 NCV
Peter had bragged, yet he fell. He did what he swore he wouldn’t do. He had tumbled face-first into the pit of his own fears. A war raged within the fisherman.
At that moment the instinct to survive collided with his allegiance to Christ, and for just a moment allegiance won. Peter stood and stepped out of hiding and followed the noise till he saw the torch-lit jury in the courtyard of Caiaphas.
He stopped near a fire and warmed his hands. Other people near the fire recognized him. “You were with him,” they challenged. “You were with him,” they said.
“You were with the Nazarene.” Three times people said it, and each time Peter denied it. And each time Jesus heard it.
Please understand that the main character in this drama of denial is not Peter but Jesus. Jesus, who knows the hearts of all people, knew the denial of his friend. Three times the salt of Peter’s betrayal stung the wounds of the Messiah.
How do I know Jesus knew? Because of what he did. Then “the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter” (Luke 22:61 NIV). When the rooster crowed, Jesus turned. His eyes searched for Peter and they found him.
At that moment there were no soldiers, no accusers, no priests.
At that predawn moment in Jerusalem there were only two people - Jesus and Peter.
Peter would never forget that look. Though, the look had lasted only a moment, it lasted forever.
Day 10 - On Trial Before Pilate
Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King
of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”
MATTHEW 27: 11
The most famous trial in history is about to begin.
Two soldiers lead the judge down the stone stairs of the fortress into the broad
courtyard. A regal chair is placed on a landing five steps up from the floor. The
magistrate ascends and takes his seat. The accused is brought into the room and
placed below him. A covey of robed religious leaders follow, walk over to one side of
the room, and stand.
Pilate looks at the lone figure. “Are you the King of the Jews?”
For the first time, Jesus lifts his eyes. He doesn’t raise his head, but he lifts his eyes.
He peers at the procurator from beneath his brow. Pilate is surprised at the tone in
Jesus’ voice. “Those are your words.” Before Pilate can respond, the knot of Jewish
leaders mocks the accused. Pilate doesn’t hear them. Those are your words. No
defense. No explanation. No panic.
How many times has Pilate sat here? It’s a curule seat: cobalt blue with thick, ornate
legs. The traditional seat of decision. From here he renders decisions.
How many pleas has he received? How many wide eyes have stared at him, pleading
for mercy, begging for acquittal? But the eyes of this Nazarene are calm, silent. They
don’t dart. Pilate searches them for anxiety . . . for anger. He doesn’t find it. What he
finds makes him shift again. He’s not angry with me. He’s not afraid . . .
He seems to understand.
Pilate is correct in his observation. Jesus is not afraid, angry, or on the verge of panic,
because he is not surprised. Jesus knows his hour and the hour has come. Pilate is also
correct in his question. “What should I do with Jesus, the one called the
Christ?” (Matthew 27: 22 NCV).
Perhaps you, like Pilate, are curious about this One called Jesus. You are puzzled by
his claims and stirred by his passions. Pilate’s question is yours. “What will I do with
this man Jesus?” You have two choices. You can reject him. You can decide that the
idea of God becoming a carpenter is too bizarre— and walk away.
Or you can accept him. You can journey with him.
You can listen for his voice and follow him.
of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”
MATTHEW 27: 11
The most famous trial in history is about to begin.
Two soldiers lead the judge down the stone stairs of the fortress into the broad
courtyard. A regal chair is placed on a landing five steps up from the floor. The
magistrate ascends and takes his seat. The accused is brought into the room and
placed below him. A covey of robed religious leaders follow, walk over to one side of
the room, and stand.
Pilate looks at the lone figure. “Are you the King of the Jews?”
For the first time, Jesus lifts his eyes. He doesn’t raise his head, but he lifts his eyes.
He peers at the procurator from beneath his brow. Pilate is surprised at the tone in
Jesus’ voice. “Those are your words.” Before Pilate can respond, the knot of Jewish
leaders mocks the accused. Pilate doesn’t hear them. Those are your words. No
defense. No explanation. No panic.
How many times has Pilate sat here? It’s a curule seat: cobalt blue with thick, ornate
legs. The traditional seat of decision. From here he renders decisions.
How many pleas has he received? How many wide eyes have stared at him, pleading
for mercy, begging for acquittal? But the eyes of this Nazarene are calm, silent. They
don’t dart. Pilate searches them for anxiety . . . for anger. He doesn’t find it. What he
finds makes him shift again. He’s not angry with me. He’s not afraid . . .
He seems to understand.
Pilate is correct in his observation. Jesus is not afraid, angry, or on the verge of panic,
because he is not surprised. Jesus knows his hour and the hour has come. Pilate is also
correct in his question. “What should I do with Jesus, the one called the
Christ?” (Matthew 27: 22 NCV).
Perhaps you, like Pilate, are curious about this One called Jesus. You are puzzled by
his claims and stirred by his passions. Pilate’s question is yours. “What will I do with
this man Jesus?” You have two choices. You can reject him. You can decide that the
idea of God becoming a carpenter is too bizarre— and walk away.
Or you can accept him. You can journey with him.
You can listen for his voice and follow him.
Day 11 - Shortcomings
Scripture
Genesis 41:1-13
1 After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile, 2 and there came up out of the Nile seven sleek and fat cows, and they grazed in the reed grass. 3 Then seven other cows, ugly and thin, came up out of the Nile after them, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile. 4 The ugly and thin cows ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. And Pharaoh awoke. 5 Then he fell asleep and dreamed a second time; seven ears of grain, plump and good, were growing on one stalk. 6 Then seven ears, thin and blighted by the east wind, sprouted after them. 7 The thin ears swallowed up the seven plump and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and it was a dream. 8 In the morning his spirit was troubled; so he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh. 9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Iremember my faults today. 10 Once Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in custody in the house of the captain of the guard. 11 We dreamed on the same night, he and I, each
having a dream with its own meaning. 12 A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each according to his dream. 13 As he interpreted to us, so it turned out; I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged.”
In the recounting of the strange and terrible dreams in Genesis 41, Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer suddenlysays, “I remember my faults today” (v. 9). Such a poignant moment bears reflection.
The NIV translates this statement in terms of the cupbearer’s suddenly seeing his “shortcomings”--as though he unexpectedly recalled where he had left his keys. In truth, the Hebrew here is one of the many words for sin: chet’, conveying the condemnatory sense of sinning against someone, or causing grievous offense through one’s actions. In the midst of serving this mercurial pharaoh, the cupbearer realizes he has failed the captive Joseph.
We are presented on one level with a paradox: even Joseph’s own brothers, who sold him into slavery, have not yet come to such a conviction of spirit. But the cupbearer, calling his offense against Joseph to mind in this way, offers a meditation on the many little injustices that we, through sins of commission as well as omission, commit each and every day.
Such moments when our spirits are pricked urge confession as well as redress. Ours can be as simple asthe cupbearer’s “I remember my faults today” or as overwhelming as a sober discernment of our manygrievous offenses. In fact, this exact wording is picked up in the General Confession of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer:
We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from time to time,
most grievously have committed.
The cupbearer remedied his sin against Joseph: he told Pharaoh of the Israelite who could interpret dreams. Then as now, the humility of confession opens a space for God’s saving action to enter in. Through Christ’s wounds, we are healed. Today, embrace that humble confession which allows space for salvation to take hold, to convict, and to transform.
Prayer
Accept today, Lord, my humble and contrite heart. Forgive my actions that have caused pain to others. Show me the way forward, that I might act in accordance with your divine and awesome love in all things great and small. To the praise and glory of your name always, now and forever, amen.
Genesis 41:1-13
1 After two whole years, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing by the Nile, 2 and there came up out of the Nile seven sleek and fat cows, and they grazed in the reed grass. 3 Then seven other cows, ugly and thin, came up out of the Nile after them, and stood by the other cows on the bank of the Nile. 4 The ugly and thin cows ate up the seven sleek and fat cows. And Pharaoh awoke. 5 Then he fell asleep and dreamed a second time; seven ears of grain, plump and good, were growing on one stalk. 6 Then seven ears, thin and blighted by the east wind, sprouted after them. 7 The thin ears swallowed up the seven plump and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and it was a dream. 8 In the morning his spirit was troubled; so he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all its wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh. 9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Iremember my faults today. 10 Once Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me and the chief baker in custody in the house of the captain of the guard. 11 We dreamed on the same night, he and I, each
having a dream with its own meaning. 12 A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each according to his dream. 13 As he interpreted to us, so it turned out; I was restored to my office, and the baker was hanged.”
In the recounting of the strange and terrible dreams in Genesis 41, Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer suddenlysays, “I remember my faults today” (v. 9). Such a poignant moment bears reflection.
The NIV translates this statement in terms of the cupbearer’s suddenly seeing his “shortcomings”--as though he unexpectedly recalled where he had left his keys. In truth, the Hebrew here is one of the many words for sin: chet’, conveying the condemnatory sense of sinning against someone, or causing grievous offense through one’s actions. In the midst of serving this mercurial pharaoh, the cupbearer realizes he has failed the captive Joseph.
We are presented on one level with a paradox: even Joseph’s own brothers, who sold him into slavery, have not yet come to such a conviction of spirit. But the cupbearer, calling his offense against Joseph to mind in this way, offers a meditation on the many little injustices that we, through sins of commission as well as omission, commit each and every day.
Such moments when our spirits are pricked urge confession as well as redress. Ours can be as simple asthe cupbearer’s “I remember my faults today” or as overwhelming as a sober discernment of our manygrievous offenses. In fact, this exact wording is picked up in the General Confession of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer:
We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from time to time,
most grievously have committed.
The cupbearer remedied his sin against Joseph: he told Pharaoh of the Israelite who could interpret dreams. Then as now, the humility of confession opens a space for God’s saving action to enter in. Through Christ’s wounds, we are healed. Today, embrace that humble confession which allows space for salvation to take hold, to convict, and to transform.
Prayer
Accept today, Lord, my humble and contrite heart. Forgive my actions that have caused pain to others. Show me the way forward, that I might act in accordance with your divine and awesome love in all things great and small. To the praise and glory of your name always, now and forever, amen.
Day 12 ( March 8) - "Death has NO power!"
Scripture
Romans 6:3-14
3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For whoever has died is freed from sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. 13 No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Devotional
In this passage from Romans 6, Paul tells us to offer our bodies to God for use as “weapons to do right”(v. 13, the Common English Bible), or as “instruments of righteousness” (NRSV). Paul believes that the God of creation does not want us to be enslaved in a culture of death.
By faith, Paul claims that through baptism we are freed from death-like existence and called into grace- filled living--God’s promised newness of life. Death is said no longer to have power or dominion over us. No longer slaves in a culture of death, we stand before God as people once gripped by death and now reborn into the fullness of life.
Paul embodies the risk entailed in living this kind of life, but here he is content to ask why such a rebirth surprises us. Is it not what we saw in Jesus, whom we confess to be the Christ? This man went to the cross and died not only for us, but also for the world. Paul claims that, like Christ, we also die but are resurrected and reborn into God’s newness of life. In a deep sense, we are converted from the fear of death into this new way of living. The person we used to be is crucified in order “to get rid of the corpse that had been controlled by sin” (v. 6, Common English Bible). Given this conversion from death to life, the evil and threat of death still present in the world have no power in our lives because--whatever the immediate and bodily cost--we live under God’s grace.
By God’s grace, death no longer has power over what we are called to be and do. We still live within a world that often honors death, power, greed, and violence. In our leaving the fear of such things, Paul claims our lives are now entwined with this God of love. As such, we are to be active persons of God’s grace in this world. Such a radical demarcation relocates us and informs us, thus affirming our bodies as“weapons to do right” by becoming God’s “instruments of righteousness.”
Prayer
Creator God, our lives are in your hands. In Jesus, whom we know as the Christ, you have chosen to enter this world. He went to the cross, died, was resurrected, and lives as a radical claim in the face of the world’s culture of death. Living into our baptismal vows, we ask that you continue to be with us as we lean into this world’s future. Be with us in who we are and in what we do. In Christ’s name, amen.
Romans 6:3-14
3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For whoever has died is freed from sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore, do not let sin exercise dominion in your mortal bodies, to make you obey their passions. 13 No longer present your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and present your members to God as instruments of righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Devotional
In this passage from Romans 6, Paul tells us to offer our bodies to God for use as “weapons to do right”(v. 13, the Common English Bible), or as “instruments of righteousness” (NRSV). Paul believes that the God of creation does not want us to be enslaved in a culture of death.
By faith, Paul claims that through baptism we are freed from death-like existence and called into grace- filled living--God’s promised newness of life. Death is said no longer to have power or dominion over us. No longer slaves in a culture of death, we stand before God as people once gripped by death and now reborn into the fullness of life.
Paul embodies the risk entailed in living this kind of life, but here he is content to ask why such a rebirth surprises us. Is it not what we saw in Jesus, whom we confess to be the Christ? This man went to the cross and died not only for us, but also for the world. Paul claims that, like Christ, we also die but are resurrected and reborn into God’s newness of life. In a deep sense, we are converted from the fear of death into this new way of living. The person we used to be is crucified in order “to get rid of the corpse that had been controlled by sin” (v. 6, Common English Bible). Given this conversion from death to life, the evil and threat of death still present in the world have no power in our lives because--whatever the immediate and bodily cost--we live under God’s grace.
By God’s grace, death no longer has power over what we are called to be and do. We still live within a world that often honors death, power, greed, and violence. In our leaving the fear of such things, Paul claims our lives are now entwined with this God of love. As such, we are to be active persons of God’s grace in this world. Such a radical demarcation relocates us and informs us, thus affirming our bodies as“weapons to do right” by becoming God’s “instruments of righteousness.”
Prayer
Creator God, our lives are in your hands. In Jesus, whom we know as the Christ, you have chosen to enter this world. He went to the cross, died, was resurrected, and lives as a radical claim in the face of the world’s culture of death. Living into our baptismal vows, we ask that you continue to be with us as we lean into this world’s future. Be with us in who we are and in what we do. In Christ’s name, amen.
Day 13 - Delivered from Self Reliance
Scripture
Genesis 41:46-57
46 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went through all the land of Egypt. 47 During the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly. 48 He gathered up all the food of the seven years when there was plenty in the land of Egypt, and stored up food in the cities; he stored up in every city the food from the fields around it. 49 So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance--like the sand of the sea--that he stopped measuring it; it was beyond measure. 50 Before the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons, whom Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” 52 The second he named Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my misfortunes.” 53 The seven years of plenty that prevailed in the land of Egypt came to an end; 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every country, but throughout the land of
Egypt there was bread. 55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.” 56 And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine became severe throughout the world.
Devotional
As I began writing this meditation, I was struggling with depression, overwhelmed by vocational challenges, and dogged by a sense of dread that I was failing. It was in that mental state that I found thedepiction of Joseph’s prosperity and success irritating--until Mannaseh and Ephraim were birthed into the story. The names of Joseph’s sons serve as reminders of the hardships and misfortunes Joseph had endured for the better part of his 30 years of life: being forsaken by his brothers and sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned--unmerited hardships resulting from the jealousy and spite of others and instigated, ironically enough, by Joseph’s God-given gifts and obedience.
My hardships pale in comparison. Yet in Joseph we see no indication of a darkening disposition, no hint of resentment, no feelings of failure. His demeanor begs the question, “What got him through?” AsJoseph realized the horrific reality of his brothers’ intentions, did he have hope? As he was being escorted down the dark corridors leading to his prison cell, did he have hope? What did that hope look like? What form did hope take to enable him to hold onto it and stave off depression, resentment, and defeat?
In the midst of these questions a pattern emerges: At the onset of each of Joseph’s hardships, the realityof God’s presence is acknowledged. As he was pulled from the pit by his new owners and carried into anunknown future, “the Lord was with Joseph” (39:2). As his eyes were still adjusting to the darkness of hisprison cell, “the Lord was with Joseph” (39:21). During the development of each hardship, the power ofGod’s presence is acknowledged. As the baker, the butler, and the pharaoh all looked to Joseph to make sense of their dreams, Joseph asks, “do not interpretations belong to God?” (40:8) and declares, “it isnot I,” (41:16). And at the conclusion of each hardship, the faithfulness of God’s presence is acknowledged. In fact, at the pinnacle of Joseph’s prosperity and the birth of his two sons, Joseph gives them Hebrew names whose meanings declare the faithfulness of God!
In the pit, in the prison, and in prosperity, Joseph’s hope is rooted not in the circumstances, not in himself, but in the reality of God’s powerful and faithful presence.
Prayer
Merciful Lord, in our pits, our prisons, and our prosperity, draw us not to ourselves but, instead, to the reality, power, and faithfulness of your presence with us--in, as, and through your Son, Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Deliver us from the emptiness of self-reliance and use us to share your presence with and to serve “all the world.” We make these requests for your glory and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Genesis 41:46-57
46 Joseph was thirty years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went through all the land of Egypt. 47 During the seven plenteous years the earth produced abundantly. 48 He gathered up all the food of the seven years when there was plenty in the land of Egypt, and stored up food in the cities; he stored up in every city the food from the fields around it. 49 So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance--like the sand of the sea--that he stopped measuring it; it was beyond measure. 50 Before the years of famine came, Joseph had two sons, whom Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father’s house.” 52 The second he named Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my misfortunes.” 53 The seven years of plenty that prevailed in the land of Egypt came to an end; 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said. There was famine in every country, but throughout the land of
Egypt there was bread. 55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; what he says to you, do.” 56 And since the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 Moreover, all the world came to Joseph in Egypt to buy grain, because the famine became severe throughout the world.
Devotional
As I began writing this meditation, I was struggling with depression, overwhelmed by vocational challenges, and dogged by a sense of dread that I was failing. It was in that mental state that I found thedepiction of Joseph’s prosperity and success irritating--until Mannaseh and Ephraim were birthed into the story. The names of Joseph’s sons serve as reminders of the hardships and misfortunes Joseph had endured for the better part of his 30 years of life: being forsaken by his brothers and sold into slavery, falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned--unmerited hardships resulting from the jealousy and spite of others and instigated, ironically enough, by Joseph’s God-given gifts and obedience.
My hardships pale in comparison. Yet in Joseph we see no indication of a darkening disposition, no hint of resentment, no feelings of failure. His demeanor begs the question, “What got him through?” AsJoseph realized the horrific reality of his brothers’ intentions, did he have hope? As he was being escorted down the dark corridors leading to his prison cell, did he have hope? What did that hope look like? What form did hope take to enable him to hold onto it and stave off depression, resentment, and defeat?
In the midst of these questions a pattern emerges: At the onset of each of Joseph’s hardships, the realityof God’s presence is acknowledged. As he was pulled from the pit by his new owners and carried into anunknown future, “the Lord was with Joseph” (39:2). As his eyes were still adjusting to the darkness of hisprison cell, “the Lord was with Joseph” (39:21). During the development of each hardship, the power ofGod’s presence is acknowledged. As the baker, the butler, and the pharaoh all looked to Joseph to make sense of their dreams, Joseph asks, “do not interpretations belong to God?” (40:8) and declares, “it isnot I,” (41:16). And at the conclusion of each hardship, the faithfulness of God’s presence is acknowledged. In fact, at the pinnacle of Joseph’s prosperity and the birth of his two sons, Joseph gives them Hebrew names whose meanings declare the faithfulness of God!
In the pit, in the prison, and in prosperity, Joseph’s hope is rooted not in the circumstances, not in himself, but in the reality of God’s powerful and faithful presence.
Prayer
Merciful Lord, in our pits, our prisons, and our prosperity, draw us not to ourselves but, instead, to the reality, power, and faithfulness of your presence with us--in, as, and through your Son, Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Deliver us from the emptiness of self-reliance and use us to share your presence with and to serve “all the world.” We make these requests for your glory and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Day 14 - March 10
Scripture
1 Corinthians 7:10-24
10 To the married I give this command--not I but the Lord--that the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does separate, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say--I and not the Lord--that if any believer has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 And if any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy through her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound. It is to peace that God has called you. 16 Wife, for all you know, you might save your husband. Husband, for all you know, you might save your wife. 17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but obeying the commandments of God is everything. 20 Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called. 21 Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever. 22 For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human masters. 24 In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.
Devotional
The Rev. Diane Fonderlin ’89, Mission (2018)
During our time in the overseas mission field, my husband, Tim, and I lived in some of the world’s most impoverished nations. Over the years, we encountered countless challenges as we sought ways to work alongside people who needed decent shelter, good health care, enough food to eat, and educational opportunities.
To say that I never thought about just packing up and leaving would not be honest. Sometimes I would get so frustrated with bureaucratic red tape and corrupt government officials that I would mentally throw my hands in the air and say, “Lord, I’m ready to get out of here!”
But then I would spend a morning with Carl, the young man who served as my interpreter for seminary classes, and all those thoughts would melt away. Very bright and with a grasp of English that was so good, Carl would easily translate difficult theological concepts into explanations that Creole- and French- speaking students could understand. Knowing of Carl’s desire to teach theology, I often thought how great it would be for him to study at a seminary in the U.S. or France. There he could flourish, get hired at a good theological school, and help equip future pastors.
But Carl has other ideas. Yes, he would like to take graduate courses at a good seminary, but his ultimate goal would always be to return to his homeland to teach theology. Because of all the limitations that people in his home country face, Carl wants to be a part of giving students the best schooling possible. This young man is truly content to “bloom where he was planted.”
That principle is what Paul teaches the church at Corinth here in verses 10-24 of chapter 7. Many of those baby Christians were still holding on to their old way of life, and Paul’s first letter to them is one of
good, practical counsel. He wants people to understand that they can be good Christians no matter their circumstances--and that they can bring about change by being obedient to the gospel.
These are words that still hold true for us--today!
Prayer
Lord of all creation, desire of our hearts, we thank you that we are able to come to you in the knowledge that our words reach loving ears. We are humbled by such caring. In this season of Lent, help us, we pray, to understand more fully your purposes for our lives. Strengthen us and guide us in the power of your great and Holy Spirit so that we may fulfill those purposes. For in doing so, our hope is that we may represent you in this world with all the graciousness, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and love that Jesus Christ himself revealed when he walked this earth. O Lord, we truly want to be participants in your Kingdom-building! In the name of Christ, amen.
1 Corinthians 7:10-24
10 To the married I give this command--not I but the Lord--that the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does separate, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 To the rest I say--I and not the Lord--that if any believer has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. 13 And if any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy through her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so; in such a case the brother or sister is not bound. It is to peace that God has called you. 16 Wife, for all you know, you might save your husband. Husband, for all you know, you might save your wife. 17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but obeying the commandments of God is everything. 20 Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called. 21 Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever. 22 For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human masters. 24 In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.
Devotional
The Rev. Diane Fonderlin ’89, Mission (2018)
During our time in the overseas mission field, my husband, Tim, and I lived in some of the world’s most impoverished nations. Over the years, we encountered countless challenges as we sought ways to work alongside people who needed decent shelter, good health care, enough food to eat, and educational opportunities.
To say that I never thought about just packing up and leaving would not be honest. Sometimes I would get so frustrated with bureaucratic red tape and corrupt government officials that I would mentally throw my hands in the air and say, “Lord, I’m ready to get out of here!”
But then I would spend a morning with Carl, the young man who served as my interpreter for seminary classes, and all those thoughts would melt away. Very bright and with a grasp of English that was so good, Carl would easily translate difficult theological concepts into explanations that Creole- and French- speaking students could understand. Knowing of Carl’s desire to teach theology, I often thought how great it would be for him to study at a seminary in the U.S. or France. There he could flourish, get hired at a good theological school, and help equip future pastors.
But Carl has other ideas. Yes, he would like to take graduate courses at a good seminary, but his ultimate goal would always be to return to his homeland to teach theology. Because of all the limitations that people in his home country face, Carl wants to be a part of giving students the best schooling possible. This young man is truly content to “bloom where he was planted.”
That principle is what Paul teaches the church at Corinth here in verses 10-24 of chapter 7. Many of those baby Christians were still holding on to their old way of life, and Paul’s first letter to them is one of
good, practical counsel. He wants people to understand that they can be good Christians no matter their circumstances--and that they can bring about change by being obedient to the gospel.
These are words that still hold true for us--today!
Prayer
Lord of all creation, desire of our hearts, we thank you that we are able to come to you in the knowledge that our words reach loving ears. We are humbled by such caring. In this season of Lent, help us, we pray, to understand more fully your purposes for our lives. Strengthen us and guide us in the power of your great and Holy Spirit so that we may fulfill those purposes. For in doing so, our hope is that we may represent you in this world with all the graciousness, kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and love that Jesus Christ himself revealed when he walked this earth. O Lord, we truly want to be participants in your Kingdom-building! In the name of Christ, amen.
Day 15 - March 11
Scripture
1 Corinthians 5:9-6:11
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons--10 not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? 13 God will judge those outside. “Drive out the wicked person from among you.” 6:1 When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels - to say nothing of ordinary matters? 4 If you have ordinary cases, then, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, 6 but a believer goes to court against a believer - and before unbelievers at that? 7 In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud - and believers at that. 9 Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers--none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
Devotional
The “verse” that immediately comes to mind as I read today’s passage from 1 Corinthians 5 is “in the world, but not of the world.” But there is no such verse! Nevertheless, several New Testament verses make the point: John 15:19, “If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world--therefore the world hates you”; John 17:16, “They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world”; John 2:15-16,“Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world--the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches--comes not from the Father but from the world”; Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God”; and James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this; to care for orphans and widows in distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
“In the world” is our locus, our location. We cannot influence the world as “light” and “salt” if we are not in it. But we are not to draw from the world as our source of inspiration or behavior. This was no easy task for the Corinthian Christians, surrounded as they were by hedonism. It is no easy task for us either. We are called to be “holy,” to be different from the world. None of us reaches this goal. Thus the need both for forgiveness and for God’s transforming presence and power. We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, but we are sanctified by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
David McFarland, formerly of the Sewickley Presbyterian Church, defined sanctification as “the process of growing to be more and more like Jesus Christ for the sake of others.” The goal of our journey of faith is the integration of Christ into everything we do. If we do so, the world will see the love of God through us.
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, when, as you taught us, we pray “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven,” we are reminded that the church is sent into the world so that the world will know eternal life, which is to “know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”Continue, we pray, your Spirit’s transformation of us from within. Amen.
1 Corinthians 5:9-6:11
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons--10 not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? 13 God will judge those outside. “Drive out the wicked person from among you.” 6:1 When any of you has a grievance against another, do you dare to take it to court before the unrighteous, instead of taking it before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we are to judge angels - to say nothing of ordinary matters? 4 If you have ordinary cases, then, do you appoint as judges those who have no standing in the church? 5 I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to decide between one believer and another, 6 but a believer goes to court against a believer - and before unbelievers at that? 7 In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8 But you yourselves wrong and defraud - and believers at that. 9 Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived! Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, sodomites, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers--none of these will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And this is what some of you used to be. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.
Devotional
The “verse” that immediately comes to mind as I read today’s passage from 1 Corinthians 5 is “in the world, but not of the world.” But there is no such verse! Nevertheless, several New Testament verses make the point: John 15:19, “If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world--therefore the world hates you”; John 17:16, “They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world”; John 2:15-16,“Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the father is not in those who love the world; for all that is in the world--the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches--comes not from the Father but from the world”; Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God”; and James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this; to care for orphans and widows in distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
“In the world” is our locus, our location. We cannot influence the world as “light” and “salt” if we are not in it. But we are not to draw from the world as our source of inspiration or behavior. This was no easy task for the Corinthian Christians, surrounded as they were by hedonism. It is no easy task for us either. We are called to be “holy,” to be different from the world. None of us reaches this goal. Thus the need both for forgiveness and for God’s transforming presence and power. We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, but we are sanctified by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
David McFarland, formerly of the Sewickley Presbyterian Church, defined sanctification as “the process of growing to be more and more like Jesus Christ for the sake of others.” The goal of our journey of faith is the integration of Christ into everything we do. If we do so, the world will see the love of God through us.
Prayer
Gracious and loving God, when, as you taught us, we pray “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven,” we are reminded that the church is sent into the world so that the world will know eternal life, which is to “know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”Continue, we pray, your Spirit’s transformation of us from within. Amen.
Day 16 - March 12
Scripture
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I willnot be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and Godwill destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes onebody with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” 17 But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
Devotional
As our brother Paul addresses divisive issues in the young church at Corinth, he is forced to assert over and over again the young Christians’ freedom (“by grace [which is a gift] are you saved”) while living inwholesome community in a pagan world. This situation means that all manner of issues come up: food and drink, hairstyles, prostitution, lawsuits, and the list goes on. So to believers trying to find their way in such a society, Paul returns again and again to the slogan-like admonition, “all things are lawful, but not all are beneficial.”
The human body is good, not evil, as some ascetics would assert. After all, our Lord rose in body from the grave. Our Lord owns my body and your body. His Spirit is within. So during Lent, perhaps we should examine how we use the body God has gifted to each one of us. Do we work too much? Eat too much? Loaf around too much? Join me in asking yourself, What balance can I find today as I work and live in loving community with other followers of the Risen One?
Prayer
Dear Lord, take my whole self this day, and inspire me to admire what you are about within my heart and by my hands. Amen.
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I willnot be dominated by anything. 13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food,” and Godwill destroy both one and the other. The body is meant not for fornication but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I therefore take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that whoever is united to a prostitute becomes onebody with her? For it is said, “The two shall be one flesh.” 17 But anyone united to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. 18 Shun fornication! Every sin that a person commits is outside the body; but the fornicator sins against the body itself. 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.
Devotional
As our brother Paul addresses divisive issues in the young church at Corinth, he is forced to assert over and over again the young Christians’ freedom (“by grace [which is a gift] are you saved”) while living inwholesome community in a pagan world. This situation means that all manner of issues come up: food and drink, hairstyles, prostitution, lawsuits, and the list goes on. So to believers trying to find their way in such a society, Paul returns again and again to the slogan-like admonition, “all things are lawful, but not all are beneficial.”
The human body is good, not evil, as some ascetics would assert. After all, our Lord rose in body from the grave. Our Lord owns my body and your body. His Spirit is within. So during Lent, perhaps we should examine how we use the body God has gifted to each one of us. Do we work too much? Eat too much? Loaf around too much? Join me in asking yourself, What balance can I find today as I work and live in loving community with other followers of the Risen One?
Prayer
Dear Lord, take my whole self this day, and inspire me to admire what you are about within my heart and by my hands. Amen.