Devotion.al

Tag: Joy

  • Joy to Tears

    Joy to Tears

    Psalm 22:25–31; Amos 8:1–7; Acts 8:1b–8

    For many people, singing in worship of God is a significant part of their of . They the -filled worship of God.

    The image provided in Amos takes those joy-filled songs and turns them into songs of , sorrow, and lament. The misery of the people of Israel (as conveyed by Amos) is that even their praise and worship had become crying and wailing. Think of a service where all the joy was gone.

    In many respects, after a number of incidents (9/11, Oklahoma City, and others) people would come to the church and . Their feelings of pride and courage buried in the ashes of . Yet, now, people don’t. We’ve had horrific things happen in our society and people aren’t looking to the church.

    Perhaps we need a Saul. Perhaps COVID or Trump or Biden is our Saul. Perhaps it will be something else.

    Saul persecuted the church. The members of the church left Jerusalem. The faith spread. The number of people who came to Christ grew.

    We are in a state of discomfort. We, the church, are no longer sure of where we belong. We look at ourselves (the church) and wonder what’s wrong. We look at the world and wonder what’s wrong.

    ※Reflection※

    • It can be hard to sit in the dark, when we want to be in the light of . Why is part of our purpose to be in (not of) the dark?
    • What can the teach us about the light?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord, you called from the darkness into your light. You sent us back into the darkness to share your light. May we do your will. Amen.

  • The Dead Eat

    The Dead Eat

    Psalm 114; 1 Corinthians 5:6b–8; Luke 24:13–49

    Those guys (and women) didn’t know what they were talking about! Really? The tomb is empty, and you think he’s alive? A of an angel? Really? God doesn’t do that anymore.

    The Resurrection just happened mere hours before and the are already flying. Those 2 disciples on their way to Emmaus probably were not the only ones questioning things.

    Why Jesus approached them is a question to in Heaven. It’s a good question. The Bible doesn’t say why.

    The two men were convinced that Jesus had been the Messiah, but they felt that the crucifixion showed that Jesus wasn’t.

    There was no question in anyone’s minds that Jesus had been tortured, crucified, died, and was buried. Alive? That’s impossible!

    It is not insignificant that Jesus reinforces his resurrection around meals. First, meals were a cultural gathering time. They were often a time where and history would be reinforced.

    Jesus’ presence on the road to Emmaus was first teaching, but then through the breaking of the bread, these 2 disciples began to not just understand, but to feel, and believe.

    Yet, again, the remaining 11 had to be told. They weren’t there (again). Then Jesus shows up and eats. Tortured? Yes. Crucified? Yes. Died? Yes. Buried? Yes. Alive? YES!

    ※Prayer※

    Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Jesus Christ overcame and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may, by your life-giving , be delivered from and raised from death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the , one God, now and for ever. Amen. [Easter Collect, Book of Common Prayer 2019]

  • The Dead Speak

    The Dead Speak

    Isaiah 25:6–9; Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24; John 20:1–18

    The stone. We always talk about the stone on . There was no question it was a big stone so that it was moved without intervention was a big deal. As much as the stone is represented simply, it isn’t simple.

    Mary ran back to inform the disciples. Peter and John raced to the tomb. John entered first, but it is not like simply walking through a doorway. There were actually some gymnastics involved. Whether there was actually coming from the outside (some of the ancient tombs were not configured that way) or if John and Peter brought a lamp isn’t important. However light made it in, there was light to see.

    There are two mentions of cloths. The first refers to the wrappings that were around the body. Bluntly, a grave-robber is not going to leave them behind, for often the wrappings were what contained the expensive spices, and grave-robbing is not the kind of thing where one carefully removes the wrappings and leaves them.

    The other cloth, though, was folded. There is no hurry to leave here. There is care implied with the folding (or rolling) of the cloth. Some commentators interpret this as if Jesus had “left the table” with plans to (referring to the Second Coming). The facecloth was usually used to tie closed the jaw of the deceased.

    It might be reading too much into it, but bear with me. Sin and had closed the mouth of God. Sin and death and silenced the Word of God. The Son of God removed the cloth. The mouth of God was opened. The Word of God was released to change the world.

    Christ has died! Christ has Risen! Christ will come again!

    ※Prayer※

    O God, who for our redemption gave your only begotten Son to die upon the Cross, and by his glorious delivered us from the devil and the of death: Grant us to die daily to sin, that we may live with him in the of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit, now and for ever. Amen. [Easter Collect, Book of Common Prayer 2019]

  • Together Time

    Together Time

    Exodus 12:1–4, 5–10, 11–14; Psalm 116:1–2, 12–19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26; John 13:1–17, 31b–35

    The tie between Passover and the Last Supper is obvious just based on the fact that the Last Supper was in the context of Passover. Part of the first Passover was the blood of the Lamb that was placed upon doorjambs in obedience to God so that the plague of the of the firstborn male would Passover the Jewish people. The for the firstborn remained part of the Law, insofar as a blood sacrifice being needed to atone for the firstborn .

    The road that ends on the cross tomorrow is the sacrifice of the firstborn of God, God’s only Son.

    Just as it appears that the nation of Egypt was in the place of the sacrifice of the firstborn (many outweighing the few), so too was God (the infinite) in the place of his Creation (us).

    Maundy Thursday (as this day is called) is, for me, the second hardest day of the Christian Year. Meals are special. Especially as my kids are at the point of being so busy working and with activities and at school, meals together are even more special. For , this special meal may well have been the most important of his life. I cannot imagine having this high holy day overshadowed by betrayal, torture, and death. Then knowing that all but one would run away.

    Jesus still embraced the pain of that meal. Oddly, I think there was joy, too. Despite the human failings of the 11 that would remain, there is something comforting being with people that you care for deeply, especially when confronting the darkness head-on. The 11 would carry-on the that you and I have inherited.

    reminds the Corinthians that they were inheritors, too. The Last Supper was really the first supper. Just as I treasure the time around the table with my , we should all treasure our time around the table of (the Eucharist). This is the place where the boundaries of time and space are thinned that all of the people of the Body of Christ can be joined together in this fateful and binding meal of love.

    ※Reflection※

    • What does Communion (the Eucharist) mean to you? If you missed it, would it bother you? Would you go without it? Why?
    • What is your favorite meal experience? A restaurant? Thanksgiving? New Year’s? St. Patrick’s Day? Are any of these traditions for you and/or your family? Why?

    ※Prayer※

    Almighty , whose most dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it in thankful remembrance of Jesus Christ our Savior, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy , one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [Maundy Thursday Collect, Book of Common Prayer 2019]

  • Poison Pills

    Poison Pills

    Psalm 70; Isaiah 50:4–9a; Hebrews 12:1–3; John 13:21–32

    Taking insults is hard. Taking insults in today’s culture is reality…especially on social media. It’s not just social media, though, not by far. It is pervasive.

    Isaiah faced plenty of insults. He was spat upon. People physically pulled the hair from his beard (Ouch!). He did not hide from them. Yes, we attribute these descriptions (rightly) to . They are also Isaiah. They aren’t descriptive of many Christians.

    Even among Christians, the willingness (sometimes, it seems, eagerness) to verbally rip another person into shreds is appalling. The willingness to question another’s -based upon what you think the other person believes all too often means that a Christian has put themself in the place of God. Even Jesus avoided that while on earth. If we’re Christ-followers, we should probably do the same.

    The writer of Hebrews talks about the sin that trips us up. Truthfully, much of the slander, belittling, and (well) judging falls under the simplified “don’t gossip” in regards to the Ten Commandments. It’s sinful. Before you state something about another, perhaps there out to be a litmus test that you put before God.

    I’ve been party/ to far too many statements from fellow Christians that really don’t pass my litmus test of Godly truth (and I hold my litmus test lightly). I wish taking the red or blue pill would fix the problem (an allusion to both the movie the Matrix, and the Democrat/Republican color-coding). Maybe a purple pill will fix it (purple alluding to Christ’s royalty as king).

    There is no quick pill. It’s a long walk toward the and purity that is in Christ Jesus. That’s the endurance part of the run.

    We will have to endure the shame for not choosing a political party first, and instead choosing Christ. Most Christians when given the choice between their political ideology and Christ will say, “Christ”, but live differently. Instead of living for Christ and eschewing politics, we choose our politics and try to shove God in the ballot box.

    We condemn Judas Iscariot for selling Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver. We’ve probably sold Jesus out for a seat at the political table. Insults? You’re not a Christian if you voted for or supported __________! That’s not just judging, that is betraying Jesus.

    Judas Iscariot, despite all his faults and betrayal, seems to have been a friend of Jesus. I have a hard time understanding that, too. He wasn’t one of the close ones, but that he remained for 3 years? We condemn Judas (understandably), but Jesus loved him. For that, we should be grateful.

    If Jesus could someone who betrayed him, that means he loves us, too. Jesus loves us despite our dabbling with worldly powers. Jesus loves us when we hurt fellow Christians. Jesus loves us when we drive from his presence. Jesus loves us every time we betray him.

    ※Reflection※

    • Why is demeaning or belittling of other Christians bordering on a betrayal of Jesus?
    • Why do we allow our politics to come between us and Jesus, and between us and other Christians?
    • How can we be mutual witnesses to Jesus when our politics and even worldviews are different?

    ※Prayer※

    Assist us mercifully with your , Lord God of our salvation, that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts by which you have promised us and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [Holy Tuesday Collect, Book of Common Prayer 2019]

  • In the Shadows of Triumph

    In the Shadows of Triumph

    Isaiah 42:1–9; Psalm 36:5–11; Hebrews 9:11–15; John 12:1–11

    Yesterday, we celebrated Palm Sunday. The Messiah, no, the King, no, God (!) entered Jerusalem! At churches around the world, children paraded waving palm branches. The triumphant entry is a big thing!

    I remember being part of a multi- parade on Palm Sunday. We walked from one church to another. It was different. It provided some emotional and experiential context, but just as we read yesterday, the triumphal resulted in a quiet departure.

    Traditionally, there are a couple of events that are “assigned” to Monday. One of them is the anointing of Jesus by Mary. As Judas so kindly (sarcasm) pointed out, what she did was expensive. It could be seen as a waste. It was something used with a dead body, and Jesus wasn’t dead.

    It was, however, a foreshadowing of what would happen in a few days (granted, no one understood that). It was a beautiful teaching point. In the midst of the smell of death (for the perfume was associated with that), Jesus lived!

    This not-so-insignificant event was at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. A household that was already a place of significant events. This household seemed to have a pretty significant with Jesus. The anointing of Jesus is also very intimate (which is telling, too) for only the immediate family would anoint the dead.

    That Jesus went from the triumphal entry to quiet to the home of this family probably has lessons for us if we knew more. We can only presume and assume. As Jesus understood his time was short, he wanted to spend some extra time with this family that was significant to him.

    Perhaps that is the lesson for us. We have spent the last year in a strange “space”. Time with others was limited. Extend family was discouraged. We have learned some valuable lessons. Others are important, even for us introverts. As our times and interactions became limited, they became more valuable, and we began to choose which was the most significant to us.

    It’s probably a good time to contemplate the quiet, the time before the darkness; the contrast between the triumph and the quiet. The time to celebrate, and the time to take a breath…and the of the Holy .

    ※Reflection※

    • Where do you “” Jesus most, in the triumph or in the quiet? Why do you think that is?
    • What do you see happening this week that will echo the emotional ups and downs of Holy Week?

    ※Prayer※

    Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered , and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the Cross, may find it none other than the way of and ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [Monday of Holy Week Collect, Book of Common Prayer, 2019]

  • Pursuit of Wholiness

    Pursuit of Wholiness

    Psalm 107:1–16; Isaiah 60:15–22; John 8:12–20

    In the US, Christians as a whole (versus individually), are disliked (if not hated), forbidden (i.e., closed-minded, intolerant, bigoted, prejudiced, etc.), and culturally abandoned (granted, much of that is based upon Christians running for the “” hills and their buildings). We are the modern Israel (insofar as Isaiah), which is not a good thing…at all.

    You might well be tempted to say “they” are the problem, but were we honest with ourselves, we are the problem. “Let them be one”, “known by their love”, “”, “kind”, “generous”…we’re not good at it. We’ve actually been pretty awful, in fact, and that’s just to each other. This doesn’t include non-Christians.

    This is not a let’s beat ourselves up. It is a of our fallen nature. That doesn’t excuse us from the pursuit of . We may be muddy, dirty, bloody, cranky, angry, depressed, grieving, sad, or even happy and joy-filled. We are still to pursue holiness.

    The Prince of Peace is a mighty title. Lord of Lords is mightier still. Yet, peace is not our governor. We are not at peace, whether it be ourselves or each other.

    Looking at too much of the conversations between Christians, the of the World is not the light of our lives. We look to governments and politicians—not God—to guide our way. The Lord as our everlasting light? That is as it is supposed to be. It isn’t, however, as it is.

    told the Pharisees that they didn’t know him and that (by extension) they didn’t know the . Those are harsh words for people who firmly claimed to be God’s treasured possession. As we look at the list of “Christian” characteristics, we should start to question whether we know Jesus, either.

    In Eastern traditions of varying kinds, there is an intent called, one of unknowing. The basic concept is to “empty” oneself. As many Christian theologians point out, though, if you empty yourself, something will fill the void.

    For Christians, perhaps, a related concept would be the “breaking” of self. By “breaking” who we were, we then give ourselves the to be remade into the likeness of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. On the surface, they may appear similar, but the inner working of the Holy Spirit is uniquely Christian.

    ※Reflection※

    • What is one of the characteristics of “Christian” that you struggle hardest with? Why do you think that is?
    • It can be hard to , do we really know Jesus? Why is important to regularly ask that question?
    • What is one area of “self” that has been broken in you and that the Holy Spirit has made new?

    ※Prayer※

    Lord Jesus, please be the Lord of our hearts. Guide us. Lead us into and through the pursuit of holiness so that we may become more like you. Amen

  • 45 Days Countdown

    45 Days Countdown

    Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22; Daniel 12:5–13; Ephesians 1:7–14

    We love countdowns. Before church service starts, we have a countdown. Every sporting event has a countdown. Part of its attraction is the pressure. It moves us.

    Another attraction of a countdown is finitude. We know there is an , even if our team is losing (or maybe especially). It will end.

    As we read Daniel, it’s often about the visions and their exact meanings. They are visions. Sometimes I interpreters of visions about as much as I trust an interpreter of dreams. After a few psychology sections on dreams, I realized that what people determined the meaning of certain objects would not connect with me. So, when it comes to the greater of God and God’s vast perspective, we should be cautious in our interpretation.

    In this passage, what struck me was not the vision, or that it would be sealed, but the time. Happy are those who make it to 1,335 days. The bad stuff timeline is 1,290 days. The difference from misery to happiness is 45 days. For comparison, that 1,290 days is more than a quarter gone since the beginning of the COVID era (not that the vision and COVID are comparable or related.

    The vision doesn’t state that the 45 days will be easier than the 1,290 before it. It could be inferred that the 45 days will actually be worse. Can you imagine counting down those 45 days, and knowing that you would be happy?

    It would be similar to the climax mentioned by in Ephesians. It would be that moment when all, for no matter how long or short, would be well.

    This countdown mentality, however, can also be the greatest detriment to our joy. If we are so focused on “that” will make me happy, we miss so much of what God has already graced us with. As Paul told the Ephesians, we have the down payment (the ) of our inheritance, why are we looking for more, right now?

    Should we not be using what we have to make a difference now, rather than effectively burying our inheritance in the ground where it does not even gain interest? We are often told to be patient, though perhaps it is the results that we are to be patient with, not with what gets us there.

    In a place I used to live, hay was grown. When growing hay (and many crops) time is of the essence, and sometimes just timing. Certain farmers planted their hay just a week earlier than others. More often than not, they could get 4 cuts (i.e., 4 harvests), while those (their neighbor) who planted a week later got 3. It was all based on temperature and rain. The third cut was usually the cut that you went financially from red to black. The fourth cut was profit.

    Other crops have a different problem. Once the crop starts to ripen, you have 2-3 days to get all the fields done. Some of these farms were really large. I watched the equipment still working in the dark as the harvest continued for 24 hours a day for 3 days.

    Sometimes you have to at the beginning. Sometimes you have to wait at the end. We just cannot that all waiting is the same or always appropriate.

    ※Reflection※

    • What can you think of that you waited too long before acting?
    • What can you think of that you acted too quickly instead of waiting?
    • What is your process to determine when to and when to wait? How is God part of that? How is wise council part of that? When do you listen to those outside your comfortable circle?

    ※Prayer※

    , guide us when to wait and when to act. Soften our hearts and open our ears so that we will listen to you. Amen.