Day 40: An Easter People

Lamentations 3:1-9, 19-24 and John 19.38-42

My brother Thom’s birthday was last Sunday, Palm Sunday.  It was the first year I did not call and sing a horrible rendition of “Happy Birthday” at an extremely wrong time of the morning.  It was the first time we did not share our tradition of reading birthday greetings back and forth (we never got the cards in the mail, either.)  Thom was 12 years older, the perfect big brother who taught me to ride my bike, swim, and the beauty of the Green Bay Packer Sweep.  He laughed effortlessly, sang or whistled constantly, and was always surrounded by friends.  He ran everywhere, threw everything, and most of the time, made that perfect one-handed catch. 

Thom contracted polio when he was 17.  As this virus swept the Nation; our family changed.  Days melted into months, and months into years as Thom fought to regain use of his legs and us a sense of normalcy.   A new normal grew around hospitals, doctors, braces, wheelchairs, physical therapy, beds, stairs, doorways and bathrooms.  I was 5 years old.   When I think of those years, I think gray.  It’s not the dark, oppressive-gray of cold winter; but the dove-gray of early morning…that velvety-gray, just before the sun leaks over the horizon.  Never once did I hear “impossible”, “why”, “unfair”, “can’t” or “hopeless”.    “Out of the question” was simply not a viable solution.  Thom graduated from high school with his class; then from the University of Wisconsin; taught high school math; coached football; married, father of 5; walked with crutches; never gave up.

Thom died last year.  Yet, the glow of his life lingers.  It wasn’t the life any of us anticipated, expected or ever predicted.   An unknown, undetectable, microscopic germ changed our path; but not our faith.

We are Easter people.

 

     The steadfast love of the Lord, never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;

          they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

     The Lord is my portion, says my soul. therefore I will hope in him.

Gretchen Combs, Director of Children's Ministries

Day 39: Hearing the Father's call

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 52.13-53.12 and John 18.1-19.42

 
The Isaiah passage (52:13-53:12) was probably written around 542 B.C.E. It is the primary suffering servant passage in the Bible.  In most Bibles these verses are presented in prose as they should be; because in Hebrew, they have a poetic quality—poetry, metaphor, and myth are God’s favored forms of communicating truths.  They engage our whole being—our intuition, emotions, memories, hopes, dreams, etc. and they make stories memorable. 

Even as engaging, impactful, relevant, and memorable as the stories were, it still amazes me that for hundreds of years many of the Hebrew people, through oral tradition and repetition, memorized entire ‘books or scrolls’ such as Isaiah, which brings me to the point of my blog.

If we take the humanness or humanity of Jesus seriously, we can believe from an early age that the boy Jesus loved his heavenly Father and wanted to learn as much as he could about Him; and if we believe that Mary and Joseph were serious about their faith, Jesus knew Isaiah like the back of his hand.  Somewhere along the way in his spiritual formation, and his faith training, Jesus took these words to heart: for example, 53:5, “But he was wounded because of our sins, crushed because of our iniquities.  He bore the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we were healed.”  Isaiah’s powerful and very possibly radical imagery helped form Jesus and consequently shaped his ministry.  He heard his Father’s voice, his Father’s call.

I hope your studies and reflection do not stop this weekend.  I hope you find those passages that allow you to hear God’s voice, God’s call; that bring shape and power to your Christian witness, to your ministry, that bring you closer to experiencing, appreciating, and actualizing for others—agape love. 

Rev. Jay Cole, Associate Minister/Minister of Crossroads Community Services

Day 38: A humble foot washing

 Scripture Readings: Exodus 12.1-42 and John 13.1-17, 31b-35

When I read the scripture passage of Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet, I’m reminded again in this powerful teaching moment that Jesus showed us what he meant when he commanded us to love one another.  We’ve heard it many times: to humble oneself, to serve, and to consider others better than ourselves.  But if I’m completely honest, like Peter, I am not very comfortable with the idea of Jesus washing my feet.  I am not really willing to be that vulnerable, allowing another to ‘touch my feet’, and willing to accept the role reversal... it’s just too much.  It requires me to let go of my egocentric self, of my need to control and to acquire, and my need to be important and popular.  It also demands that I face my guilt, my sin, and my brokenness.  It’s just too much, really.

At my ordination service, Bishop Moncure washed the feet of all the ordinands in front of a full congregation of clergy, friends, and family.  It was a humbling and emotion-filled moment. With this act, he set in motion a legacy of caring for others by humbling himself. He took all the intense years of study, practice, and preparation, gaining all the head knowledge required, and in the final moment, turned the focus to heart knowing.  It was a conversion moment.  Hundreds had gathered to celebrate, and to acknowledge the accomplishments of students and congregations who had worked together to raise up and ordain a dozen persons into ministry.  In the act of foot washing, the focus turned our heads and hearts to God, and what God asks of each of us.  My calling, and the calling of my colleagues and all those in the congregation that night, as well as for Christians especially in our western culture, is to a conversion that moves us from a rational and pragmatic ‘head faith’, to a faith that reaches the heart, and of loving others as Christ did.  

This Maundy Thursday, consider who has been for you a teacher of humble service?  Who has ‘washed your feet’, by loving and accepting you as you are?  And when have you experienced Christ, not merely in religious practices and rituals, but in the ordinary and messiness of relationships? Reach out and thank them.  And then go, and do likewise.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Lord God, You love us more than we can think or imagine. Sometimes it just feels like to much to comprehend, and too much to do. So, deepen our understanding and expand our hearts. Humble us, and then empower us to pour out Your love for others. Amen.

Rev. Linda Roby, Associate Minister/Minister of Congregational Care/Minister of Local and Global Missions

Day 37: Help Me, O God.....But HURRY UP, Will You?!

Scripture Readings: Psalm 70 and John 13.21-32

"Make haste, O God, to deliver me!  Make haste to help me, O Lord!"  (from Psalm 70)

Remember when you were a child, it seemed as though Christmas would NEVER come.  I can remember wishing and wishing for time to pass so Christmas would be here.  My momma would say, "You're just wishing your life away!"  Of course it took me many years to fully understand what exactly she meant. 

Perhaps you feel the same way when you pray and ask God for something; anything. The next day when you don't have whatever you prayed for, you think God isn't listening or has ignored your request.  Or maybe, just maybe you are not worthy for God to pay any attention at all to you; what you think you need or what you want. 

Did you ever stop to think that time to us and time to God might not be exactly the same?  "Be still and know that I am God...." (Psalm 46:10)  Being still, I think, is the key here.  Slow down and make time for God.  We ask and ask God to deliver what we want, what we think we need.  Do we ever think about what God is asking of us?  What does God want from us? What does God want for us?  What have we done for God lately? 

Think about it... Remember that verse from Matthew;  "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

Lent is the perfect time for reflecting and remembering... and listening.

Be still... and listen.

Betty Watson, member of the Doubl-Aires Class, Chancel Choir, UMW Mary Circle, and chairman of our Homebound Ministry. Member of First UMC, Dallas, since 1963.

Day 36: My Soul Is Troubled

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 49.1-7 and John 12.20-36

 

What must it have been like to have actually lived and walked and journeyed with Jesus, in the flesh, as his first disciples did? After the jubilant celebration of Palm Sunday and such a heightened sense of expectation over who Jesus was and what he had come to do – when he began to speak of his impending death, would it have seemed like his words were just “crazy talk”? Would you have wondered if Jesus had grown fatigued of his own movement and ministry – or if perhaps he was just getting lazy?

As we step into the shadowy paths of Holy Week, and are confronted with our own deepest sense of fear and inadequacy, this passage from John offers a great deal of insight into the heart of Jesus. “My soul is troubled. And what should I say – ‘Father, save me from this hour’?” Jesus’ humanity is clearly evident here. And yet, so is his complete obedience to God and to his mission. Even as he is struggling to understand his own death, his greatest concern is still for the world. “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

Jesus continues to teach and encourage his disciples (and all who will listen) right to the very end. When Phillip and Andrew bring Jesus the request that some Greeks wish to see him, Jesus’ response can be summed up in one word: whoever.

“Whoever serves me must follow me…Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.”

Even though his heart was deeply troubled, he never lost sight of his mission to be the light of the world – all of the world. Can you feel the sense of urgency in his final statement here before he departs from the crowd?

“The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

As we near the end of our Lenten journey, we can see the shadows and darkness of the betrayal, arrest, trial, denial, and ultimately, the Cross. We cannot avoid it, for it is undeniably part of the story – and part of our own humanity. We must travel through the darkness of the Cross before we can reach the true glory of the Resurrection. But as we make our way, if we believe in the light, the darkness will not overtake us.

In these final days leading up to the Resurrection, how will you live your life as a child of light? How will you bear that light to the world, so that whoever sees it, will see the light of Christ reflected in you?

The Lord called me before I was born,
   while I was in my mother’s womb he named me...

And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
   Israel, in whom I will be glorified…

I will give you as a light to the nations,
   that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’  (Isaiah 49.1b, 3, 6b)

Rev. Becky Walker, Associate Minister/Minister of Adult Education

Day 35: Seeing the People Around Us; Each Person Around Us

Scripture Readings: Isaiah 42.1-9 and John 12.1-11

The man who washes cars does not own one.  The clerk who files cancelled checks at the bank has $2.02 in her account.  The woman who copy-edits medical textbooks has not been to a dentist in a decade. 

This is the forgotten America.  At the bottom of the working world, millions live in the shadow of prosperity, in the twilight between poverty and well-being. 

They are shaped by their invisible hardships. 

David Shipler:  The Working Poor (Invisible in America)

“Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?” asked Judas, after Mary poured expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair.

Why indeed?  It is a good question.  It is a question that seems, at first, to be legitimate…reasonable.  Jesus loved the poor.  The poor loved Jesus.  If anyone should say, “give this to the poor,” surely it would be this Jesus.

But he accepted the woman’s extravagance.  And, according to the story, he saw through Judas, whose motives were not all that pure to begin with.

But, there is a simple, hidden truth, in this story, and in story after story told about Jesus. 

Jesus paid attention to actual people.  Real, actual people.  You know, the human beings he encountered.  In this case, a woman who wept in advance at the coming end to this most special relationship.  Her act was so all-consuming that she “wasted” her expensive perfume, using it all, filling the house with the  experience (“the house was filled with the fragrance of her perfume”).

In a similar account, in Luke 7, (the same Mary – a different woman?), we learn that the woman “had lived a sinful life,” and in this account she “wet his feet with her tears.”  But, to Simon, the Pharisee, the woman was not a woman at all – but a prop, a nuisance, something less than human.  So, Jesus asked the question for the ages:  “Do you see this woman?’’

It is the only question ever worth asking.  “Do you see this person?”

We might put it this way – Jesus opened his circle to the people in front of his face.  Whoever they were.  Whatever they were.  Because, what they were were human beings.  People.

In the Isaiah passage, this is foretold.  Those who are excluded from the “circle” – the circle of the acceptable folks --  were to be included.  Some of the “exclusions” are listed:  Gentiles – he had light for them.  Prisoners – he wanted to free them.  Those in darkness.  He wanted them to see.

Jesus saw each person, regardless of their group, their failures, their blindness, their sin, as a person – even a woman who would waste her expensive perfume in one “irrational” act. 

So, it is the season of lent.  “What shall we give up?  What shall we not do?”  Maybe these are the wrong questions.  Maybe there is only one question:  do you see the people around you, each one, as an individual?  Do you see their captivity, do you feel for their blindness (and, for your own blindness)?  Can you focus on a person, this person, whether poor, or “outside of your circle,” in a way that helps make them feel noticed, accepted, appreciated… more fully human?  If you can’t, if I can’t, we’ve got some soul searching to do. 

Treating people as people – as human beings first and always.  Including the poor among us – the people that are so easy to overlook, to ignore.  The “invisible.”  This is always the challenge, for this season of lent, and any other season of life.
 

Randy Mayeux, Adult Sunday school class teacher 

Day 34: Many do not believe in Jesus

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  31.27-34 and John 11.28-44 or 12.37-50

 

Jesus has been performing miracles in the presence of people and speaking to the crowds, yet many still do not get it.  I can only imagine what it must have been like to witness this Man from Galilee and try to get my brain around His message.    He was not just performing miracle and teaching the crowds, He was meddling in their daily life and social comforts.    Can you imagine what you would do if someone comes up and tells you that you must change the way you live and your friends?   Jesus is teaching a new concept and not a new product.    A concept is not visible and a product is very visible.    Now the people are to believe in something they cannot see or touch.    This is the same reaction that Isaiah got when he prophesied to the people.

When we were in the Holy Land I was struck with the country side.   I stood on the Mt of the Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee and tried to imagine the hills being covered with people and Jesus sitting on the ground teaching.    This was such a peaceful setting and spending a few minutes with Christ in this place was so special.   It was so hard to believe that after spending time in this peaceful pastoral setting He would enter Jerusalem where there is so much animosity towards Him.  Of course we have the benefit of the rest of the story.  

As I read this scripture, I wonder how many did believe in him and were afraid to admit it for fear of what people would think?    We know from last week’s study the only person who spoke up for Jesus was Mrs. Pilate.    Now just how amazing was that to you.   I found it very hard to get my brain around.     Jesus tells us in this passage, “that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness”.   How often do you and I hide in the darkness rather than speak up for what is right and just?   I am convicted when I think of this and am ashamed for I know the rest of the story and still give in to weakness and peer pressure.  

As we approach Holy Week, I see the Palm Sunday Road, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Garden tomb and the path Jesus walked to His crucifixion.  I feel His presence in a way that I have never been able to before.    I know that because of the Holy Land experience I will never worship or read the Bible the same.   I also know that I will still give in to my weaknesses and am reminded that He hung on that cross to set me free from my sin.   Jesus loves each of me no matter what I do or don’t do and that will never change.    What a gift!!!

Sandra Wilbanks, Journeys and Class, Etc. member

Day 33: Timing & Motivation

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  29.1, 4-13 and John 11.1-27

The story of the raising of Lazarus is one of the most powerful narratives in the entire Bible.  It showcases the Jesus of John’s gospel who IS the embodiment of the new reality of the Kingdom of God present NOW. 

When Jesus first hears of the serious illness of his friend Lazarus, he does NOT go running to Bethany. Rather, he remained 2 days where he was before going to address the situation. Just think about that for a moment! How often do we allow in breaking news to totally rip us out of our pre-planned schedule and result in a “keystone cops” gallivanting about.  One of the lessons I learned in pasturing a church is that it is all right to do ministry on terms that are most effective for the church.  I “batch” similar types of tasks (administrative, pastoral, evangelism-hospital visits, sermon preparation) on assigned days so that I can optimize my time and productivity. Obviously, there are times when the dire nature of a given situation warrants immediate attention but even then it is not helpful if I jump into a car and run to someone’s house only to discover I should have brought a hymnal or Book or Worship to plan a service or I should have waited for another family member to be present. Jesus knew exactly what he was doing and he fully expected to care for Lazarus all along….he just did it his way.

When Jesus finally did make it to Bethany, Lazarus was already dead. For this reason, Martha and Mary greet him with accusatory tones: “lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died!” Ouch!  Can you feel the searing pain caused by this statement. The sisters are expressing their sense of betrayal and disappointment in their friend Jesus because he did not do what they expected him to do.  There is a temptation when our motives are misconstrued or we encounter scathing criticism to want to lash out at the source of our pain.  Jesus could have said, “Well, fine, if you’re going to be that way about it, forget it!!” After all, after confronting Mary Jesus is “deeply disturbed in spirit.” But he didn’t.  Instead, Jesus embodied agape love and loved raised Lazarus because it was the right thing to do. His motivation was not approval or some psychic reward.  And when he did raise Lazarus, Jesus did so to make clear that he (Jesus) had been sent by God.

You can’t earnestly seek to serve people – whether in the context of ministry or one’s vocation- and not encounter criticism or complaint.  Often customer/client/parishioner satisfaction is tied to people’s own sense of self-worth and satisfaction. If they are chronically unhappy chances are they will at times be displeased with you. The operative question becomes, “So is that a deal breaker for you? Was the reason that you tried to provide assistance that you wanted approval or some reward or did you simply seek to do what needed to be done?” If your answer is the latter, you can save yourself a lot of angst.

Finally, John’s realized eschatology (the presentation of the fullness of God’s Kingdom as a present possibility) is a powerful wake-up call for those of us who would procrastinate or accept the unacceptable.  Perhaps you have seen the whimsical wooden coin known as a “tuit.”  It was created as a response to when we chronically put things off by saying that we will perform that task when we “get around to it.”  Well…upon receiving the “round tuit,” that excuse goes away.  Inventory your life for those tasks important that you have periodically neglected and make them happen…..NOW.

Dr. John F. Fiedler, Senior Minister

Day 32: Who is the true child of God?

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 26.1-16 and John 10.19-42

 

(Jesus said) “I and the Father are one.” The Judeans took up stones again to stone him.  Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?”  The Judeans answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?  If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’ —and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”  (John 10:30-38)

Now it is amazing enough that Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” but even more amazing is Jesus’ suggestion that the scripture says that we, too, are gods. What scripture is he quoting? And why?

The passage he refers to is Psalm 82. Read these words.

              God has taken his place in the divine council;

                          in the midst of the gods he holds judgment:
             “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?
             Give justice to the weak and the orphan; 
                          maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.
             Rescue the weak and the needy; 
                          deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
             They have neither knowledge nor understanding,
                          they walk around in darkness;
                          all the foundations of the earth are shaken.
             I say, “You are gods, children of the Most High, all of you;
                          nevertheless, you shall die like mortals,
                          and fall like any prince.”
             Rise up, O God, judge the earth;
                           for all the nations belong to you!

Here God is addressing the rulers of the earth who claim divine status and the right to judge the people entrusted to them. Now the judges are to be judged. God’s standard for justice is how the weak and the needy are treated. By this standard these judges are complete failures. But here is the surprising part, God declares all these people and, by Jesus’ implication, all of us to be gods, and children of God. This is radical stuff, and the rulers of Judea don’t like it one bit. They have bought in to the Roman system. Tiberius Caesar is god, son of the Augustus (divine) Octavian, son of the divine Julius. The rulers represent this god, not the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And, Jesus would say, you can tell this by their works, tyranny, exploitation and violence. All these are in direct contrast to Jesus’ works of justice, generosity and gentleness. So who is the true child of God? Jesus claims this for himself, but also for us or at least those who care about the weak and the needy. John puts it in another way in 1 John 4:16, “God is love, and those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.”

The love for all (even those who would stone him to death) which overflows from Jesus’ heart is how Jesus knows that he and the Father are one. When we open our hearts to that love and allow ourselves to be filled to overflowing, we find ourselves as true children of God, doing the works of Jesus, caring for the weak and the needy, standing up to those who oppress them, and being the body of Christ given in love for the world. And we have this promise from him, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28)

Prayer: God of grace and growth and glory, live in us as we live in you, that we might do the works of love, justice and mercy which enable all to realize that they are your children. In the name of the one who came to bring good news to the poor and to let the oppressed go free, Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.

 

Rev. Tom Downing, Pastor Emeritus/Minister of Senior Adult Ministries

Day 31: A Lenten Christmas

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  25.30-38 and John 10.1-18

All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate: whoever enters through me will be saved.  He will come in and go out and find pasture… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10: 8-10)

Can we talk about Christmas?  The season of the Prince of Peace is just easier than the season known for the crown of thorns. How can the same person – same God – same Holy Spirit – be the root of such varied emotions?

We are shaken by today’s Old Testament scripture (Jeremiah 25:30-38) and New Testament scripture (John 10:1-18).  The tranquility of King David’s green pasture restoring his sole in the 23rd Psalm is lost in Jeremiah’s image of “the peaceful meadows… laid waste because of the fierce anger of the Lord” (v37).  We have to ask, is this the same God – same pasture? The prophet Jeremiah’s meadow was a place of anger because the people of his time knew they had turned away from God.  King David’s green pasture was one of comfort because he knew that his life was empty when he turned away from God. Both had sinned. But they saw the meadow differently.   

God was not different; the practices of the people towards God changed.  Consider the way we practice Christmas.  We often forget that our joy came at great cost.  Our Prince of Peace was born in the discomfort of a cave we call a manager – in the winter - and His parents had to flea Bethlehem because King Herod had ordered all the boys under age 2 to be put to death.  Conversely, in the way we practice Easter, we often forget to see beyond the crown of thorns.  We forget that there were moments people took extreme personal risk to care for our suffering Lord; such as the women who never abandoned Him at the cross and the man on the cross who responded to Jesus’ injustice by asking for mercy at the very moment when Jesus was least believed.  What true joy these people must have brought to Jesus in these moments of suffering and despair.

In John, we are told that Jesus Christ is the gate to the entrance of God’s kingdom.  But again we need to realize what God is, versus what we want from or fear of God.  Jesus is our access (the gate) not because God wants to keep most people out.  Our access is “the gate” because God wants to count us as His, chosen in our weakness, just as the women at the crucifixion and the man on the cross chose Jesus when he seemed least “Godly”.

Prayer: Dear God, for delivering those who have cared for us at our weakest moment, we give you thanks.  For those who need the comfort of your pasture, help us provide it in your name.  For those who seem to suffer alone, show yourself to them.  Grant us comfort in our weariness.  And grant us peace in our sorrow and our joy so that we might know you as the same God in all things.

Frank Roby, Genesis Class member, Global Missions, Sunday School teacher 

Day 30: Blind and yet I see

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 25.8-17 and John 9.18-41

 

Today’s passage in John 9 continues the account of a miracle. Jesus applies clay on the eyes of a blind man, bringing sight for the first time. The Pharisees buzz about, bothered by Jesus’ presence and scandalized by miracles happening on the Sabbath. They label Jesus a Samaritan, a sinner and a demon.

The Pharisees call the healed man in for questioning. “So you say you were blind. Then this Jesus person gives you sight and now you see. Is that your story?” The man says it is his story, and he is sticking to it. The Pharisees summon the parents. “Is he your son? Was he blind?” They hate to enrage the Pharisees, but yes and yes, the parents confirm. They refer the flock of Pharisees back to the man.

“So, one more time. You say you were blind. Why do you now see? This Jesus is a sinner.” Well, the man says does not know about the whole sinner part, but he was blind and now he sees. It is a marvel! The Pharisees cast the man out, reminding him of his birth in utter sin. They cannot make sense of the mystery, so they shun the messenger.

Jesus seeks out the man. In a simple exchange, the man states his faith in Jesus as the Son of Man. The man was blind and now he sees.  No calling of witnesses. No interrogating bystanders. No consultation with his parents. His eyes open to see the world and to see God in one sweep of mercy.

The miracle – the marvel – of sight happens today. While Jesus used clay in John’s account, the Spirit of God uses a wide array of means to bring us to sight. In our relationships with people of our world, God shines light into our darkest corners, illuminating our hard edges and calling us to grace, mercy, forgiveness, compassion and faithfulness.  I thought I was pretty well put together until our two daughters were born. The sheer magnitude of Life in those young ones quickly undid me. My illusion of control and order flew out the window. Watch this, God said.  The girls have been mirrors of clarity used to transform me each and every day.

The Spirit uses my elderly parents and in-laws as a lesson in sight. When I am at my wit’s end with the wheels falling off the best-laid plans, God consistently shines a shard of light to change my view. Can you see? See Love? See Life?  See past this moment to eternity? I was on the bathroom floor trimming my mother’s gnarly, old-folk toenails. The toenails were not cooperating with my hurrying. A sunbeam burst through the window. It warmed my head. It shone on my mother’s face. She smiled at me. Take me now, Lord, I thought. This is as close as we get to Heaven, so take me now.

I love Easter time. Death is redeemed into Life. I do not know how God works. I do know that God works. I was and am blind. I see now and will see even more. It is a marvel.

 

Joni Grace Powers, FirstChurch member, author



Day 29: Figs and a Blind Man

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 24.1-10 and John 9.1-17

Both passages for today have a relationship with the law given in Exodus 23. The Ten Commandments are listed in Exodus 20:1-17.  The verses and two chapters that follow it provide additional guidance.

The passage from Jeremiah mentions two baskets of figs given as “first fruits” and uses them as a parable.  Exodus 23:19 says, “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.”  Stanley Brice Frost explains that the two baskets of figs that Jeremiah sees in front of the temple are two offerings of “first fruits”  One of the baskets contains good fruit.  The other contains fruit from either a very bad crop or a very poor selection from the crop.  (Remember that the priests depended upon these offerings for their food!)  The contrast strikes Jeremiah forcibly; having brooded upon the worthy men being carried off to Babylon and the poor leadership left behind; he sees the fruit as a parable – an expression of the divine word.  He states a judgment that the future of Israel is with the exiles in Babylon.  “My eyes will watch over them for their good… for they will return to me with all their heart.” 

The image of the two baskets of figs is perhaps a good one for meditation. For your centering thought, ask the question, “What kind of fruit am I setting before God?” 

The passage from John also relates to Exodus 23, specifically the forbidding of work on the Sabbath, but the main focus is on blindness – both physical and spiritual. Throughout the book of John, the writer makes use of the contrast between light and darkness, sight and blindness. The question of the disciples illustrates their spiritual blindness, as they presume that in this man a punishment has been rendered:  Is this man’s blindness the result of his sin or is it the residual punishment of an ancestor? They were interested in assigning blame.  Did they not have compassion for the man, or did it not occur to them that he could be healed? It would, after all, be a miracle.

The religious authorities demonstrate their own blindness by trying to find an excuse to discredit Jesus for healing on the Sabbath.  They, too, were concerned with assigning blame and cared nothing of the blind man. Exodus 23:12 enjoins the people to do no work on the Sabbath that their animals and servants may rest; it is a recap of the fourth commandment, Exodus 20:8-11.  The commandment is merciful toward those who labor.  Could Jesus have waited another day to heal the man?  Sure.  Massey H. Shepherd, Jr. writes “to Jesus the Sabbath is a sign of the new age of God’s work of re-creation; not a mere day of rest, closed by the ‘night… when no one can work.’ (vs. 4)”  This implies a sense of urgency borne out by the rest of the gospel account. Night cometh.

Jesus has come as light into the darkness to bring site to the blind. “As long as I AM in the world, I AM the light of the world” (vs. 5, emphasis added).  He is God among us, the great I AM.  Jesus sees the man as a subject and not an object, as a person in need of healing and not as a case study in the law.  

Gracious God,

Help me this day to see others as you see them and to love them as you love them.

Amen.

Allen Mabry, Early Class member, 6th Grade Sunday school teacher, Disciple Bible Study leader, Chancel Choir and DLC Oversight Board member

Day 28: Pura Vida

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 23.9-15 and John 6.60-71

There is a common phrase used here in Costa Rica - “pura vida.” Literally it translates as “pure life,” and you will see it on everything from billboard advertisements to coffee mugs. Toddlers, teenagers and people of all ages use the phrase. It sums up the Costa Rican philosophy on life and how it should be lived.

Having spent almost a week in San Jose as a part of FUMC’s family-oriented mission trip, it’s a phrase that has also taken on a special meaning for our team. For one week, our group of twenty has taken a break from our daily lives, setting aside work, e-mail, facebook, and even the news (has a new Pope been elected yet?) to focus on helping others.
We’ve spent most of our days here helping to construct new buildings for orphans at the Methodist Home run by Methodist missionary Ray Zirkel and his wife Lydia. We’ve worked hard digging holes, bending rebar, pouring cement and painting fences. But knowing that we are helping to uphold God’s promise to these children has truly made it a labor of love.
After the construction work, we’ve held Vacation Bible Studies for the children of local churches in some of the poorer areas of the city. What we found out is that when we shine our light on others, we receive the light in return. Though our visits were short, the laughter and smiles of the children will live long in our hearts.

Every night we’ve set aside devotional time to talk about our work and our experiences. It’s been a rare and remarkable experience to be with this group of people, who are all so encouraging and focused on sharing the love of God. We will come back to FirstChurch with new friends and a renewed commitment to helping others.

In the Lenten reading for today (John 6: 63), Jesus says, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit, and they are life.” During our time in Costa Rica, we have heard the word of God in many ways. It has come through the faces of smiling children, through the faithful missionaries we have met, and through the acts of compassion we have witnessed. And we have come to realize that “pura vida” means an abundant life when we follow Gods word.

Brian Owens, Costa Rica mission trip participant

Day 27: The Nourishment We Need

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  23.1-8 and John 6.52-59

Greetings from Costa Rica!  We are currently about 2,000 miles from home, part of the FUMC mission team working at Hogar Metodista.  This mission trip has provided us with the opportunity to focus on nourishment, both physically and spiritually.  Our days have been filled with physical work such as digging holes five feet deep, making and pouring concrete, bending rebar for large pillar foundations, and painting.  We have also spent time with a small, new church in a poor section of the city leading a miniature vacation Bible school.  We had a great time interacting with these kids and helping them learn more about God’s love through songs in Spanish, skits, arts and crafts and lots of high fives, smiles, hugs, and “hola’s”.  Both of these experiences gave us an opportunity to spend time away from our busy lives and spend time focused on others.

This mission trip was not on our radar, even though mission is something we believe in.  We just said the timing is not right for us because we have three kids and too many things going on in our lives.  However that all changed when we heard about the concept of a “family friendly” mission trip.  Once we learned a little more we jumped at the opportunity to take Ava, our almost 8 year old daughter, with us and let her see some things very much outside of her comfort zone.  Ava and Charlotte Owens are the two young kids on the trip and have been amazing.  They have added a great dimension to the trip with their silly songs, laughter, art projects, and hard work. They have stayed up way past their bed time and maintained smiles the entire time. 

These are just a few examples of how we were able to share our selves with mission.  The amazing thing is by spending this dedicated time on others we have been nourished while nourishing others.  This is reflected in part of today’s Lent reading John 6:57 where it says “As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me.”

Todd, Laura and Ava McCavit, FirstChurch Costa Rica mission trip participants

Day 26: Listen to Me

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  22.13-23 and John 6.41-51

I recently watched my daughter-in-law execute one of her many excellent parenting skills on one of her three daughters.  In order to get the attention of the six-year-old, she said, “Listen to me…look at my face!”  My granddaughter looked at her mother’s face, and believe me, she DID listen.

In today’s passage from Jeremiah, we see one of many descriptions of how the people of Judah did not listen to God. God speaks in verse 21 “I spoke to you in your prosperity, but you said, ‘I will not listen’.”  We can only imagine God’s frustration with his children, similar to what parents today experience with their own. But as evidence of God’s goodness and love for all, God sent his son, Jesus, to help us listen.  Jesus said, “Everyone who has listened to the Father and learned from him comes to me.” (John 6:45b)

Jesus Christ is the face of God.  The children weren’t listening, so God sent Jesus; as if to say, “Listen to me… look at my face!”  This Lenten season as we look at the face of Jesus on the cross, let’s listen.

Dianne Schayot, Chancel Choir, Alleluya Ringers, New Koinonia Class, United Methodist Women

Day 25: Quieting the hunger

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  18.1-11 and John 6.27-40

This morning I woke up. I could tell you that my very first thought was a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord, but let’s be honest here. All I wanted to know was what kind of food there was in the kitchen for breakfast. In reality that’s all I really ever want to know.

What’s for lunch? What’s for dinner? What can I eat for a snack? Are you gonna eat that?

We crave food. We think about it. We talk about it. We need it. We want it. We can’t go a moment without it.

It’s not often that I think about how much food takes up of my life, but when I do sit here and think hard it’s a bit dumbfounding. I am literally thinking about food all the time! How can I have gone this long without realizing what kind of priority level I have given food? How can it not have occurred to me that maybe I’m giving it more than its fair share of attention? Isn’t there something else I should be thinking about? Isn’t there something else I should be craving and therefore satisfying that crave? Somebody please tell me that there is something more important in my life than food!

(Enter Jesus)

Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. (John 6.27, 35)

Jesus is literally telling me, with no parable to interpret, with no secret message, and with no catch, that HE IS MY FOOD. He is asking me to give Him that huge amount of attention, instead of food. He is telling me that it’s time to realize that I’ve put Him on the back burner. Jesus wants to fill my every waking thought. Not food.

Now about Lent. Most people give up some food item, but if you’re like me, you probably spend the entire time thinking about how much you want it back. For example, right now I’m thinking about how terribly I want to drink a Fresca (I gave up soda for Lent this year). We end up thinking MORE about food. I hardly think that was the point.

In my opinion, here’s the point: we give that one thing up so yes, we think about the fact that it is missing, but then we fill that hole with Jesus. With prayer. With meditation. With praise. We use soda or chocolate missing from our lives to remind us that Jesus is missing from our lives. Every moment we spend not thinking about Him, He is missing from our lives. We are called to acknowledge God with our every breath. Not food and hunger.

One last thought. The Methodist Church regularly leaves the practice of fasting out of play. But think about what it might do for us. If we don’t eat, we will not stop thinking about food. But, if we think of Jesus every time we think about being hungry, instead of thinking more about food, that is a lot of thought heading up to Him. If we can focus on satisfying that intense craving with the bread of life, then we can really do some good. We can really change our lives. We can really change it all.

Lizzy McClinchie, FirstChurch member, Denton Wesley Foundation member

Day 24: Cravings & the Bread of Life

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  17.19-27 and John 6.16-27

“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.’” (John 6.26)

The scripture from John 6.16-27 tells of Jesus being sought out by the crowd of 5,000, after having fed them miraculously in Capernaum. The people search after Jesus mysteriously disappears with his disciples overnight. Jesus attributes their inquiry into his disappearance as a hunt for He, the bread of life, rather than a search for He, the miracle-maker.

During the season of Lent, the most common action that I pursue is to give something up. They are usually familiar temptations, such as sodas or sweets, although I would much rather abstain from homework. But throughout the course of the season, the desire allows me to reflect on the reasons for which I am resisting these sugary foods.

In my busy schedule as a high schooler, it is difficult to maintain a close relationship with God, and the time of Lent is a time for me to reconnect to God. I relate my yearning to indulge in the sugary foods to the hunger for Jesus, the bread of life. And, experience shows, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Michael Smith, Variations and Higher Ground member

Day 23: God is with us

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  13.1-11 and John 6.1-15

Both of these readings talk of God’s power but more appropriately God’s involvement in our lives.  In Jeremiah, God is admonishing the Israelites for their turning from Him.  He says, “I will be involved—I will send fishers and hunters—I will know what you are doing.”

In John, the miracle of the loaves and fishes is once again God involved with the people.  He is among us—not hidden in some far off place.  And the lesson to me is “No matter where I go—no matter what difficulties I face—no matter the pressures of life— God’s promise is—I am with you.”  That is the comfort of our faith.     

Rev. John Beall, Doubl-Aires Class member

Day 22: Courage and Humility

Scripture Readings: Jeremiah  13.1-11 and John 8.47-59

“He who is of God hears the words of God; the reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”  The Jews answered him, “Are we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”  Jesus answered, “I have not a demon; but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it and he will be the judge. Truly, truly, I say to you, if any one keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon. Abraham died, as did the prophets; and you say, ‘If any one keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you claim to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing; it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is your God.  But you have not known him; I know him. If I said, I do not know him, I should be a liar like you; but I do know him and I keep his word.  Your father Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day; he saw it and was glad.”  The Jews then said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”  Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
So they took up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. (John 8: 47-59)

 

Like all Christians I am aware of Jesus’ suffering on the Cross, but I often forget the many other struggles he faced throughout his life.

This verse highlights one such struggle.  Jesus was here to challenge and change the old and bring the world into the new, and change tends to threaten the Old Guard.  In this case the Old Guard actually picked up stones to inflict violence.  While we are fortunate to live in a day and age in which violence against Christians is rare, I’m sure we will all face a hostile reception as we evangelize throughout our lives.

I find this passage insightful in a couple of ways.  First, it reinforces that Jesus was not always the meek shepherd we tend to envision, but instead was willing to be firm and hold his ground when needed, even in the face of aggressive opposition.  I find this particularly pertinent as a Methodist, where we frequently tend to see the World as “grey”.  This passage reminds us at times we must take a black or white position and firmly support that position, even in the face of those that may strongly and/or aggressively disagree.  Second, it illustrates how threatened people can become when presented with a change to their status quo.  I hope the FirstChurch family will remember this and always present a warm and welcoming environment to visitors who have taken the brave first step to exploring Christianity.

During Lent I hope recall this passage and Jesus’ courage when I am challenged to take a stand on an issue that may be unpopular, but which I know is right.  I also hope to remember how threatened some can feel when their existing belief system is challenged, and want to be extremely humble when given the opportunity to share my faith with those that might be considering a Christian walk.  I challenge you to do the same.

Jody Staggs, UrbanLife president