- Isaiah 50: 4-7
- Psalms 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24
- Philippians 2: 6-11
- Mathew 26: 14-27:66
- Courage to hope
- The prophet lets those who will listen know that God is in their midst, and that He is their hope, their shield. Hope demands courage. Courage to see beyond today, past mere survival. But hope needs a voice.
- Who are some of those voices for hope in our day?
- Do we have enough such people in our midst?
- Where will these prophets come from?
- Could you be one?
- Awesome God
- Awe is not something that we talk about in the everyday. Maybe we should.
- What has God done in your life that was awesome?
- Did that surprise you in any way?
- How did that awesomeness of God change you?
- Giving it away
- Generosity, the giving of our very selves away, is a hallmark of the committed Christian. Yet true generosity is never easy.
- What are some acts of generosity have you seen that inspire you?
- How do you know when you have given enough?
- Is there such a thing as "enough"?
- Resurrection improbable
- I should think that most of us could identify with Peter. He loved Jesus, life no longer made any sense without Jesus. At the same time, Peter had family, friends who depended on him, and survival instinct took over at a crucial moment and Peter caved, looking for safety.
- Have you ever sacrificed your principles in fear?
- How did you come back to God?
- How did you come back to and for yourself?
- Was God able to redeem that failure on your part?
- Is that redemption still ongoing?
- Preparation for Reconciliation
- Where is God calling me into greater hope in my life?
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When was the last time that you spoke to God of his awesomeness?
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Where might God be calling you to different/new ways of being generous?
- Where is God offering me resurrection in my life?
Just Another Prisoner
My legion is the only real home that I have ever known.
My commander has been like a father to me for years.
My brothers in arms the family I never had.
I owe them everything.
This dirty rabble on the fringes of the empire is barely worth the effort.
They don't appreciate the benefits of peace and order,
Preferring instead to squabble among themselves
Over obscure cleanliness laws and where to worship.
And here comes the loser in the latest of their feuds.
He looks badly used, wrung out, a sorry specimen indeed.
The guard appears to have had their sport with him.
All will soon be over for this one. He's half dead already.
And yet, his eyes, despite sweat, blood and tears -
Those eyes look 'round with compassion.
Compassion!?
That makes no sense, for he is about to find his end here, today.
For all I've heard about this rebel,
His screams of agony are just as loud as any other.
He thrashes on the cross as much as the next victim.
His blood spills just as much.
And yet, his eyes, despite sweat, blood and tears -
They sought me out, not to ask for mercy from me,
But to ask for mercy for me.
As if He saw in me more than I can see in myself.
Who then can this hopeless wreck of a man be?
His doom written in every inch of his tortured frame,
His end spoken in every ragged, heaving breath,
His vitality dripping from the wood to the earth.
And yet, his eyes, despite sweat, blood and tears -
Invite me into their depths,
Calling me to leave safety, security, plenty behind.
And follow His way of sorrows to freedom.
I look around, afraid that my brothers might see -
See my agony at His agony, see my doubts taking wing -
Catch me in this blasphemy against all I once held dear.
Catch me setting aside all sense and prudence.
And yet, his eyes, despite sweat, blood and tears -
Welcome me, fearful wretch that I am.
Calm my fears, give me courage, help me take a stand.
And I know what I must do.
First I lay down my sword and spear, then the helmet.
Everyone on that lonely hill pauses, and sees me for the first time.
My armor next, and finally my sandals.
And I walk away from the slaughter to find my new home, my new family.
With His eyes ever upon me.
Shalom!
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