Liturgical Calendar - Jeremiah's Vow

Lent 2018 | Day #2: Surrender

The reason we lay down our lives is because any effort we make to preserve our own lives, under our own strength, by means of our own wisdom is futile and bound for failure.

Surrender is not a word that many of us like. If we are the ones who must make this decision we often feel weak, demeaned, or belittled. To surrender implies, in the minds of some (maybe many), that we were not strong enough to win. This may be the reason that for many Christians the call to surrender our lives and wills to God can be so jarring. Why so many fight against the call God has made to bend our knew to Jesus, our King.

This conceptualization of surrender is not the biblical understanding of the term or the idea. Jesus, who is our model for this concept, shows us that surrender can be a demonstration of immense strength. Jesus told his disciples that he chose to surrender his life for the sheep God the Father has entrusted into his care. Those sheep are every person who has come to Jesus and believed that he is the promised Messiah.

¹⁴I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, ¹⁵just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. ¹⁷For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. ¹⁸No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 8:14-18)

Jesus is able to save because he has the power and the authority to both lay down his life and take it up. And, while we are not Jesus in this same exact sense—that we cannot take up our own lives—we can lay them down. And the reason we lay down our lives is because any effort we make to preserve our own lives, under our own strength, by means of our own wisdom is futile and bound for failure. Listen to Jesus’s call to those who give the cares of this world greater priority than surrender to him.

³⁸And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 10:38-39)

John Gill, the great Bible expositor of the 18th century makes the following remarks about the implications of Jesus call to lose our lives for him.

He that findeth his life shall lose it,…. That man that seeks to preserve his life, and the temporal enjoyments of it, by a sinful compliance with his friends and the world, and by a denial of Christ, or non-confession of him; if he is not, by the providence of God, deprived of the good things of life, and dies a shameful death, both which are sometimes the case of such persons; yet he is sure to lose the happy and eternal life of his soul and body, in the world to come: so that the present finding of life, or the possession of it, on such sinful terms, will in the issue prove an infinite and irreparable loss unto him. On the other hand, Christ observes,

he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it. That man that is willing to forego the present advantages of life, to suffer reproach and persecution, and lay down his life cheerfully for the sake of Christ and his Gospel, for the profession of his name, rather than drop, deny, conceal, or neglect any truth and ordinance of his, shall find his soul possessed of eternal life, as soon as separated from his body; and shall find his corporal life again, in the resurrection morn, to great advantage; and shall live with Christ in soul and body, in the utmost happiness, to all eternity.[Source].

As we continue in this time of reflection and anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection, how are we practicing surrender? Are we cheerful in doing it? Or do we begrudge God this requirement of the crucified life?

Lent 2018 | Day #1: Self-Denial

When we know how loved we are by God we should make every effort to love others.

The season of Lent is a time where we are called to look at the totality of our Christian journey. The reason for this inspection is to better appreciate the glorious reality of the Gospel AND to better understand the implications of that same Gospel.

If we claim to have experienced the new birth, then we must not shy away from this process. To engage in introspection is to challenge ourselves to stoke the fire of faithfulness. We are not merely to be the beneficiaries of God’s goodness. We are to be the distributors of the same mercy that we have received. In many ways, this is the simplest and clearest way of demonstrating that we value God’s grace. If the Gospel of Jesus is good news to us, then it should also be good news to others.

It can be difficult to see this connection, but the truth is that we all find ourselves on the same sinking ship. We all are in need of saving from the same situation—our sin. Therefore, to recognize the predicament that we are in is to see the need that everyone we encounter has. My need and their need are the same. We may describe it differently or talk about it differently, but it is the same. We are all on the brink of eternal disaster.

This is why I feel that on this first day of Lent we should look at self-denial. We cannot share with others the message of hope if we are hindered by fear, doubt, or pride. In truth, it does not matter the reason. We have to value the reality of redemption in Christ, we have to esteem it greater than any and every obstacle we can conjure up. We must deny ourselves, not because we have some sort of self-esteem problem. No, we must deny ourselves because the very nature of sacrificial love should call us to care for our neighbors with the same love God has demonstrated in Jesus.

It is in this sense that we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we know how loved we are by God we should make every effort to love others similarly, however imperfectly we end up doing it.

Lent 2018 | Ash Wednesday

With each passing day, the reality that every person who walks this earth needs Jesus grows.

It has been a while since I have posted anything. Life has been chugging along and work has been busy. However, as we begin another time of preparation heading toward Easter Sunday, I felt compelled to write.

With each passing day, the reality that every person who walks this earth needs Jesus grows. The reason I feel this weight is because of how much I know that I need him. The struggles of this life are too many to be able to handle them on our own. Even when we do not travel life’s road alone, we instinctively know that our fellow travelers are in the same situation we are. Just because we are not going through the same thing at the same time does not mean that we are not all subject to it.

Time, this unrelenting hound that chases after each of us, never gets tired. We can hear its charge every day, with some days being louder and more persistent than others. But, it is there keep a steady pace.

This in the end is what makes Ash Wednesday such an important day. It is a reminder that no matter what we do we all must face our eventual demise. The question we must ask ourselves will we die alone, or will we die with Christ. The latter is to be preferred.

I remember my time serving with United Methodist Church where I learned to appreciate this simple truth. Various words were used as the ashes were imposed upon my forehead by my pastor. They would say: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” and “Repent, and believe the Gospel.”

This is a powerful reminder. I hope that you remember that we will not live in this world forever, therefore, repent, and believe the Gospel. That is not merely a message for the lost, it is also the message of the redeemed. The former hear it and are put on the path of the life. The latter are given a chance to remember that life could have been different, but God who is rich in mercy has provided a sacrifice, Jesus the Christ, a propitiation for our sins. Amen!

The 7 Last Words of Christ | “Hands”

⁴⁴ It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, ⁴⁵ while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. ⁴⁷ Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” ⁴⁸ And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. ⁴⁹ And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.

Meditation on the Seventh Word

Death, the final enemy, no longer has the power to terrorize or torment us. The only power death has over us is the power we give it. Those who have placed their trust in Christ can follow His lead into the presence of God. These are words of comfort; words of peace; words of instruction. The journey that Jesus has traveled has been long and, at times, difficult. But we see here in the final moments that the reward is worth the cost. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Jesus is dead. The hope of Glory seems to have been lost. We are left now with the heavy charge to contemplate these things.

Song of Contemplation

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord

The 7 Last Words of Christ | “Finished”

³⁰ When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Meditation on the Sixth Word

We are drawing to the end. Jesus has submitted himself to the full brunt and breadth of what God had intended in Jesus’ death. Jesus looks out toward the crowds, both in front of him and those generations yet unborn, and with the little bit of energy he has remaining, he completes the work for which he was sent. There is nothing lacking or deficient in Christ’s sacrifice for our salvation. He has paid the full price and has closed the book on His work. Jesus has not faltered and he has not failed. “It is finished!” Amen.

Hymn of Triumph

“Victory in Jesus/Power of the Blood” by Shane and Shane w/ Bethany Dillon

The 7 Last Words of Christ | “Thirst”

²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” ²⁹ A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth.

Meditation on the Fifth Word

The true humanity of Jesus is now on full display. The one that said he was “living water” now finds himself thirsting. The loss of blood, the savage beatings that he has endured, the humiliation that He has suffered has sapped with little energy Jesus has left. In this moment, Jesus identifies with us as a people who continually go to dry and broken cisterns for refreshment. What we are challenged to see is that the only lasting satisfaction for us is to be found in Jesus. And so Jesus thirsts so that we may never thirst again. He invites us to drink deeply from the wellspring of His life and righteousness. I encourage you to see and understand that Jesus’ identification with us is the clearest sign that faith in Him is the only true and genuine religion available to a broken humanity.

Hymn of Commitment

“Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed” by Greg Allen

The 7 Last Words of Christ | “Forsaken”

³³ And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. ³⁴ And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:33-34)

Meditation on the Fourth Word

Jesus thirty-three years on earth were the most turbulent years in the existence of God. For the first time in the span of eternity, the perfect communion of the Godhead was impeded by flesh and blood. In these words, we hear the ultimate suffering of God. Anyone who believes that God has not paid a price in our redemption has missed the impact of the Cross on the Godhead. For it is here that we see Jesus sympathizing with our distress.

For the first time in God’s existence, God experienced what it was like to be separated from God in the person of Jesus. When you cry out to God because He feels so distant, and you will, never forget that God himself knows what you are going through. Therefore, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Hymn of Hope

“Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus” by Trinity Worship

The 7 Last Words of Christ | “Mother”

²⁵ but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” ²⁷ Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. (John 19:25-27, emphasis added)

Meditation on the Third Word

Of all the words that Jesus spoke that afternoon, this is the one that stands juxtaposed against the others. In the midst of all the suffering and pain that he was experiencing and that was being witnessed by those present, none could have been more devastated that Mary, Jesus’ mother. Mary was the beneficiary of the single greatest revelation of that God has even given. It was to Mary that the Messiah was sent, not merely in word but in actuality. It was within Mary’s womb that the Messiah was conceived and it was from her womb that the salvation of humankind would proceed. And, even now, as Jesus was dying He thinks of her and entrusts her into the hands of his dear friend John. Jesus’ exemplifies for us that earthly responsibilities are not something to be dismissed as life draws to a close. Have you thought of your family and friends in light of your mortality? What would have life for them to remember of you? What would you change if what they may remember is not what you desire? Jesus loved Mary to the end.

Song of Realization

“Mary did you know?” by CeeLo Green

The 7 Last Words of Christ | “Paradise”

³⁹ One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? ⁴¹ And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” ⁴³ And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43)

Meditation on the Second Word

The promise of eternal life is not something we have to wait for. At the moment that we put our trust in Jesus, He promises that we have entered into the family of God. Too often we make the terrible mistake of thinking that it is our knowledge of Jesus that will matter. No, dear Friends. It is not whether you remember Jesus in those moments of fear, confusion, or despair. What will matter when we are confronted with our own mortality will be if He remembers us. The only thing that causes Jesus to remember us is faith, for “without faith it is impossible to please God” and Jesus, when he returns, will about one thing, “…When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Do you want to be remembered? Then place your faith in Jesus today.

Hymn of Thankfulness

“Just as I Am” by Wintley Phipps

Here is a modern take on the hymn.
“Just as I Am (Oh Come)” by MercyMe

The 7 Last Words of Christ | “Forgive Them”

³² Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. ³³ And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁴ And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. ³⁵ And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” ³⁶ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine ³⁷ and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” ³⁸ There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” (Luke 23:32-38)

Meditation on the First Word

From the vantage point of the cross, Jesus’ perspective was crystal clear. He looked at the throngs that encircled Him and the thieves that hung with Him and He spoke the words that only someone who sees the truth o the situation could. It was here on the cross that God’s wrath was meted out with the full weight and fury that sin deserved. But, as God’s wrath landed upon Jesus, what emerged from Jesus’ mouth were words of love. Our ignorance does not remove our responsibility and culpability for our sin, but our ignorance will nto disqualify us from believing in and receiving the grace Christ died to provide and secure. When you wonder, “How can God possibly continue to love me when I fail so badly?” I remind you to look to Jesus and hear these words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Hymn of Worship

“When I Survey The Wondrous Cross”