Author Archives: Sherry Sherwood

Staying at Home

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Today’s Reading: John 16:5-15; Psalm 63

I cannot drink my coffee black. I know, it’s ridiculous, but I prefer some kind of sweetened creamer in my morning coffee. I am usually a hazelnut girl but last week I picked up a flavor I have never seen at the grocery store — pina colada creamer. That’s right. Pineapple and coconut flavored creamer. I was not sure if I would like it, but it is delicious. So why am I talking about my fruit flavored coffee? Stay tuned.

“But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.” – John 16:5-7

Jesus’ explanation to his disciples helps us understand how we can stay connected to him today. Jesus is going to remain in the Father and we are going to remain in Him and He is going to remain in us. This connection is where the Father and His Son make their HOME with each of us. It is in this connection that Jesus reveals Himself to us because He loves us and we love Him, therefore God loves us!

HE CALLED THIS CONNECTION “HOME”.

Obey me because you love; love by obeying. His instructions are simple and his gift of the Holy Spirit is generous. He does not ask us to do something he has not equipped us to do.

It comes down to love and obedience. But sometimes loving and obeying is easier said than done. That is the beauty of God’s plan. You see there is One more who is involved in this connection that makes it possible for us to live a life that is characterized by love and obedience — one that makes this connection possible. Jesus explains this incredible gift He is giving in order for us to do what He is commanding us to do.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives WITH you now and later will be IN you…When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:16-17,26

THE SPIRIT LIVES WITH YOU BECAUSE THE SPIRIT LIVES IN YOU.

“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment…When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’” – John 16:8,13-15

I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. It is the voice of the Holy Spirit that convicts me of my sin and guides me into truth. It is through this Spirit of truth that I hear from Jesus. It is the work of the Spirit that changes me and strengthens me, producing fruit in my life — the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Did you catch that first fruit? He produces love in me! Isn’t that great? The love the Spirit produces in me is what makes it possible for me to do as Jesus commands — to love each other. The Spirit produces the love of Christ in me and, when I do what He has asked me to do, I remain in that love! As the Spirit produces love in me, I remain in the love of Jesus and He remains in the love of the Father. I love what Jesus called this connection — He called it “HOME” (John 14:23).

LET’S STAY HOME TODAY.

Let’s remain in this connection or relationship — let’s remain in His love! Then as we go about our day, we still have access to the love of Jesus living within us that empowers us to love others as Jesus would love them. And this is all because we stay home — we stay connected to God the Father and Jesus the Son through the power of the Spirit producing his fruit in us.

Fruit in my morning coffee – what a great idea!:)

Making A Home

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Today’s Reading: John 14:15-31 and 15:9-17

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” – John 14:15-17

IF YOU LOVE ME, OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS. —John 14:15

It’s a simple but very strong statement made by Jesus. He goes on to explain what it looks like for someone to respond to their love for Jesus by obeying what He has told them to do and how He has told them to live.

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:9-17

YOU ARE MY FRIENDS IF YOU DO WHAT I COMMAND. — John 15:14

This is another strong statement made by Jesus. If you truly love me, if you are really my friend, you will obey what I command. He then goes on to clearly define what He is commanding His friends to do – Love each other! Love each other the way I have loved you. I am about to lay my life down for you, my friends. That is the kind of love I am asking from you — to love me with that kind of love and to love each other with that kind of love.

That is a strong request for Jesus to ask from us — no, not a request but a command. Some people are easy to love and some people are hard to love. We are human and Jesus is asking us to do something that stretches us beyond ourselves. But Jesus does not ask us to love in our own strength. We could, for a very little while, but our love for others would not last long if we are trying to produce something from nothing — love for someone who is hard to love, who possibly does not give love in return.

Jesus goes on to explain how this is going to work. He is going to remain in the Father and we are going to remain in Him and He is going to remain in us. This connection is where the Father and His Son make their HOME with each of us. It is in this connection that Jesus reveals Himself to us because He loves us and we love Him, therefore God loves us! Let’s look at the Scripture that draws the picture of our connection with God the Father and Jesus the Son.

“When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them…All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our HOME with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me.” – John 14:20-21, 23-24a

ANYONE WHO DOESN’T LOVE ME WILL NOT OBEY ME. — John 14:24a

Obey me because you love; love by obeying. His instructions are simple and his gift of the Holy Spirit is generous. He does not ask us to do something he has not equipped us to do. Let’s open up our hearts and allow God to make His HOME in us.

Lord, through all the generations
you have been our home!
Before the mountains were born,
before you gave birth to the earth and the world,
from beginning to end, you are God. – Psalm 90:1-2

Father God, we thank you for your gift of the Spirit — the gift that gives us the strength to obey and the heart to love others. Thank you for the privilege of being an instrument of your purposes and plan. Just as Jesus confided in his disciples, we will be still and available to hear from you. Equip us this morning for all you want to accomplish in and through us. Thank you for making your home in us and for the presence of your Spirit that will prompt us. Today is not my own; I give it to you. Amen.

So the World Will Know

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Today’s Reading: John 14:15-31; Psalm 85

Judas (not Judas Iscariot, but the other disciple with that name) said to him, “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?” – John 14:22

Jesus touched the lives of thousands of people during his three years of ministry. People heard his parables and their hearts were opened to the truth. Jesus touched the eyes of the blind and they could see; he healed the ears of the deaf and they could hear. Families who were grieving watched Jesus raise their loved one from the dead, and they were never the same!

But during his three years of ministry, there were twelve men that Jesus invested in day and night. These men were chosen for a reason and had been called for a purpose. So now, in this last week of his life, Jesus completely turned his focus on them. He revealed to them what was about to happen and then spoke to them about what was ahead.

What Judas did not understand was that Jesus was not revealing himself ONLY to the disciples, rather he was revealing himself to the world THROUGH his disciples. By taking this intentional time to teach his disciples, Jesus would be making an impact on generation after generation for thousands of years to come.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

Jesus’ time on earth was coming to an end in the physical sense, but he was far from finished impacting the world he had created with the Father. Through his remaining disciples, Jesus would multiply those called to preach the gospel until the message of Jesus Christ would spread throughout the whole world. The church began through the work of a small group of men and it continues today. By revealing truth to his disciples, Jesus was equipping them to reveal truth to the world. Now all they needed to do was live each day in obedience to the Holy Spirit, who was coming to guide them.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live. When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.” – John 14:15-21

Jesus revealed himself to his disciples while on the earth, then he continued to reveal himself through the Spirit after his ascension. In the same way, Jesus continues to reveal himself to us today. And just as the disciples were part of God’s plan to bring the world to repentance, we are also part of that plan.

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:23-26

Lord, thank you so much for sending your Spirit to teach us and to guide us each day. We ask you to do great things through us today. We are willing and available to be used by you in the lives of those around us. When things get difficult and persecution sets in, we ask for you to fill us with a peace that can only come from the abiding presence of your Spirit. Amen.

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

“I don’t have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.” – John 14:27-31

All Day Long

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Today’s Reading: John 14:1-18; Psalm 80

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” – John 14:1

Jesus was in the upper room with his disciples, explaining to them all that was about to happen. He had just washed their feet and Judas had already left the room to betray Jesus. It was just the eleven of them now, listening to Jesus. What Jesus was saying was stirring up many emotions for them so four of the disciples spoke up, asking Jesus for clarification.

Peter wanted to know where Jesus was going and why he could not go with him. Thomas wanted to know how they could be expected to find the way to where Jesus was going if they did not know where he was heading. Philip wanted Jesus to show them the Father before he left, and Judas (not the one who already left the room but the other one) wanted to know why Jesus was choosing them to reveal all of this information instead of sharing it with the whole world.

LOSS OF ACCESS

For three years, Jesus had just been an arm’s reach away. He had been available to answer their questions and teach them through parables. They had left their families and their lives to be wherever Jesus was, and they were now very accustomed to his presence. If Jesus was leaving them and they were not allowed to follow, that meant Jesus would no longer be accessible to them whenever they wanted to talk to him or listen to him or just sit quietly in his presence.

LOSS OF DIRECTION

For three years, the disciples had followed Jesus wherever he led them. They did not have to decide where to go because they had already decided who to follow. But if they did not know the way to where Jesus was going, how were they going to be able to follow him? They were sitting across the table from him, yet they were already feeling lost and alone.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” – John 14:1-4

The disciples were not going to have to guess how to find the way to Jesus, because he had already taught them the way. They did not need to come to him, because Jesus was going to come back for them; the groom would return for his bride. They knew the way because Jesus was the way, and he had just spent the last three years allowing them to get to know him.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!” – John 14:6-7

Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do.” – John 14:9-11

Just as the disciples had watched God work through Jesus over the last three years, they would now have the opportunity to watch God do amazing things through them. God was going to give them the words to say; God was going to heal the sick and deliver those who were possessed by demons by working through them.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” – John 14:12-14

The disciples were not losing access to Jesus, because all they had to do was ask for anything in the name of Jesus and it would be done. They were not going to lose direction because the power of the Spirit they had witnessed and experienced was going to be living within them, guiding them and directing them according to the will of God. Jesus was leaving them fully equipped to do ministry, because he was not leaving them alone.

“If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” –John 14:15-18

HE WILL NOT ABANDON US. HE WILL COME BACK FOR US. JESUS IS WORTHY OF MY TRUST AND IT IS IN HIM THAT I PUT MY HOPE…ALL DAY LONG!

When what is ahead is unknown, we can submit to God’s sovereignty and say – I trust you, Lord. Show me your perfect ways and teach me how to walk the path you have set before me. Guide me in what is true and teach me what you need me to learn. You are my God and you are my Savior. I place my hope in you no matter what today brings. I trust you — all day long (Psalm 25:4-5).

My Hope is in You

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Today’s Reading: Mark 14:22-31; Luke 22:7-38; John 13:31-38; Psalm 33

Jesus, our Savior, was about to pour out his life as a sacrifice for our sins. He knew what was ahead and willingly accepted the role of the sacrificial lamb. His body would be broken, and his blood would confirm the covenant between Creator and creation. The next few days would be difficult and he encouraged his disciples to trust God through the pain.

When the time came, Jesus and the apostles sat down together at the table. Jesus said, “I have been very eager to eat this Passover meal with you before my suffering begins. For I tell you now that I won’t eat this meal again until its meaning is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.”

Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. – Luke 22:14-20

HOW COULD HE?

Peter was so upset. How could Jesus keep talking about leaving them, about dying? He did not understand why all of this was happening. He had more questions than he had answers. He wanted to know where Jesus was going. He couldn’t imagine life without his friend, his teacher, so he desperately tried to come up with a way to stop his world from spinning. He tried to negotiate and volunteered to die in Jesus’ place.

“I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.”

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter – before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” – John 13:34-38

HOW COULD HE?

How could Peter deny knowing the One who loved him so much? It did not seem possible. Betrayal was the last thing Peter could imagine; it was something he could not even begin to wrap his mind around. As much as he was willing, It was not part of the plan for Peter to die for Jesus. Jesus was going to die for Peter, for the rest of the disciples, and for all of us. God sent His Son as the Passover Lamb and as a sacrifice for all of our sins; it was God’s plan to save the world and there was nothing Peter could do to keep Jesus physically with him.

“If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark.” – John 12:44-46

At times, we struggle to understand what is happening around us and how it fits into God’s big plan for mankind. But we are His children and He is our Savior, and in that we find our HOPE. Let’s sit at His feet and learn from the One who willingly died for us. Let’s trust God and allow Him to be the light that shines into our situation; let’s pray for Him to replace our confusion with clarity.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Sing a new song of praise to him;
play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.
For the word of the Lord holds true,
and we can trust everything he does.
He loves whatever is just and good;
the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth…
The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations
and thwarts all their schemes.
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken…
We put our hope in the Lord.
He is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in you alone. – Psalm 33:3-5,10-11,20-22

For You Are God My Savior

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Today’s Reading: Matthew 26:1-5; Mark 14:1-2, 10-21; Luke 22:1-6; John 13:1-30

When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he said to his disciples, “As you know, Passover begins in two days, and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

At that same time the leading priests and elders were meeting at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest, plotting how to capture Jesus secretly and kill him. “But not during the Passover celebration,” they agreed, “or the people may riot.” – Matthew 26:1-5

HOW COULD HE?

Caiaphas had been set apart from the rest of the community to carry out duties of worship and sacrifice. He was called to be a mediator of God’s presence. How many times had he heard or spoken the Ten Commandments? Did he hear the words “Thou shalt not murder” when he joined in with the others in this plot to kill Jesus.

Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted when they heard why he had come, and they promised to give him money. So he began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus. – Mark 14:10-11

HOW COULD HE?

Judas had been chosen among all of Jesus’ followers to be one of the elite Twelve. They did not come to him, he went to them. He went out seeking an opportunity and found it. Judas had spent all of that time following Jesus without ever becoming a true follower of Jesus.

It was time for the Passover Lamb to be sacrificed, so the disciples asked Jesus where he wanted them to prepare the Passover meal. He sent them ahead of him and they found a room already set up for this ceremonial moment. They began their preparations for this special time in the Jewish tradition – the Festival of Unleavened Bread.

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end…So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him…

“No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” – John 13:1, 4-5, 8

HOW COULD HE?

How could the Son of God stoop down to the level of a servant? How could the King of Kings humble himself to clean the dirty feet of those who were there to serve him? But here he was, in a room full of those who had answered the call to follow him, once again teaching them how to follow his example by serving others.

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that is what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” – John 13:12-16

Jesus turned to his disciples and told them that one of them would betray him. They were confused and wondered who it would be. Jesus dipped a piece of bread in the bowl and gave it to Judas. Judas ate the bread and scripture says that Satan entered into him. Jesus told him to hurry and do what he was going to do. No one understood but Judas, who left at once, going out into the night (John 13:21-30).

HOW COULD HE?

How could Judas miss this opportunity to change his mind? How could he look into the eyes of Jesus and still walk away with a plan to betray him? There was a bigger plan in place – a battle waging around them that they were unaware of. Jesus was more than just a carpenter and a teacher, he was their Savior and the time had come for him to give his life for our salvation.

We often walk away not understanding the bigger picture of God’s plan and the battle raging around us in the spiritual realm. We struggle to understand why He allows some things to happen and why He does not allow others. But we are His children and He is our Savior; we are His creation and He is our Creator. Let’s sit at His feet this morning and learn from the One who was willing to suffer for us — who was willing to die for my sins and for yours.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. – Psalm 25:4-5

Watch for Him

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Today’s Reading: Mark 13; Psalm 121 & 123

“Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near.” – Mark 13:28

That is exactly where we are right now, isn’t it? The weather fluctuates between warm and cold from day to day, but there are signs all around us that summer is approaching. The calendar tells us it is spring, and the budding trees remind us that nature is waking up, even while we still see occasional snowflakes in the air. The bulbs have pushed new growth above the surface of the earth, and the birds are singing in anticipation. Spring is here and summer is near.

“In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that his return is very near, right at the door. I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene before all these things take place. Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” – Mark 13:29-31

Jesus was speaking about the day he will return to earth, and today we join his disciples in trying to comprehend everything he was saying. There is a sense of warning in his words regarding the future, but also a promise that brings hope to the hearts of those whose eyes are fixed on Jesus.

THE SON OF MAN WILL RETURN AGAIN.

“Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds with great power and glory. And he will send out his angels to gather his chosen ones from all over the world — from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.” – Mark 13:26-27

What a magnificent moment this will be! I close my eyes and attempt to picture what this day will look like but, even on my most imaginative days, I cannot comprehend the majesty of Christ’s return. I do know that I don’t want to miss it, for it will be unlike anything we have ever experienced before. The anticipation of Christ’s coming is growing as the darkness of sin presses in and the glory of revival breaks out across our nation.

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” – Mark 13:32-33

BE ON GUARD! STAY ALERT! WATCH FOR THE SON OF MAN!

“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” – Mark 13:34-37

While we wait for the return of Jesus, there is work to be done — work Jesus assigned to us while here on earth. We are to preach the message of salvation to others; we are to live each day allowing the Spirit of God to speak through us so that others may know the good news — that Jesus died so that our sins can be forgiven, that Jesus rose so that we can experience life, and that Jesus is coming back again to gather his chosen ones from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven!

This message won’t be accepted by all. There will be many who do not want to hear about the hope of salvation, and we will be persecuted for our faith. Our freedom of religion is already fading as the world loses patience with our moral standards. But Mark 13 is a good reminder for us that this intolerance for Christianity is a great opportunity to allow the Spirit to move through us in ways we cannot produce of our own human efforts.

“When these things begin to happen, watch out! You will be handed over to the local councils and beaten in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. For the Good News must first be preached to all nations. But when you are arrested and stand trial, don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” – Mark 13:9-11

So do not worry in advance, but rather respond in each situation to what God is telling you to say. Be on guard, stay alert, and watch for the moment when Jesus will return. Keep your eyes on God and know that He never sleeps nor slumbers. He is watching over us; the God of mercy is standing beside us.

I lift my eyes to you,
O God, enthroned in heaven.
We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy,
just as servants keep their eyes on their master,
as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy,
for we have had our fill of contempt.
We have had more than our fill of the scoffing of the proud
and the contempt of the arrogant. – Psalm 123:1-4

The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever. – Psalm 121:5-8

The Wedding Date

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Today’s Reading: Matthew 24:1-51; 25:31-46; Psalm 16

As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”

Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” – Matthew 24:1-3

WHEN IS JESUS COMING BACK?

It’s a question the disciples asked Jesus then and a question we still hear today. When will the bridegroom return? What signs will reveal that the time has come so that we don’t miss this moment? Jesus described what this world will be like before he comes back, and so we often find ourselves looking around to see if our current world resembles what Jesus described.

“Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.

“Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:9-14

YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT DAY YOUR LORD IS COMING!

“Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left.

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.” – Matthew 22:40-44

So if we do not know the day or the hour that the bridegroom is returning, what should we do in the meantime? We should prepare ourselves for his return so that we will be ready. We should do what God has called us to do; we should be responsible with the life God has given us, treating those around us with love like Jesus has taught us to do.

“A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 24:45-51

“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” – Matthew 25:31-33

Consider with me this passage in Matthew 25 that we looked at a few days ago. Jesus spoke of a separation of the people into two groups. To the group on his right, the King will give an inheritance. Why? Because their response to those who were hungry was to give them food, and their response to those who were thirsty was to give them a drink. When they saw some in need of clothing, they gave them clothes; they cared for those who were sick and visited those who were in prison. Each time they responded to the needs of others, it was if they were responding to the needs of Jesus. He will describe them as “the righteous ones” and bless them with their eternal inheritance.

But those who ignored the needs of others will be gathered on the King’s left. He will refer to them as the cursed ones and send them into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. Why?

“And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”<.em> – Matthew 25:45-46

Lord, when my heart longs to do something for you in return for all you have done for us, remind me of the many who are in need all around me. Instead of focusing on when you will return, give me a deep ache to make sure that those around me are ready. Cleanse my heart so that it reflects the desires of yours. I want to be ready when the bridegroom returns for his bride; I want to be among the righteous ones who hear you say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-36). Amen.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever. – Psalm 16:9-11

The Wedding Attire

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Today’s Reading: Matthew 22:1-14; 23:1-39; 25:1-30

The Pharisees had the opportunity to learn from Jesus and to celebrate the coming of the Messiah. But in their arrogance, they looked for fault in what Jesus did or did not do. Knowing they had become comfortable in their own habits of self-righteousness, he pointed out to them the condition of their hearts. Although they took pride in their spotless perfection, Jesus pointed out to them the obvious stains of their spiritual condition.

THEY WERE CLOTHED IN THEIR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS INSTEAD OF HIS.

“The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son… – Matthew 22:2

Invitations were sent to all the guests and, as was the custom in those days, a second invitation went out to let all of the guests know that the banquet was prepared and they were ready for everyone to arrive. The decorations were up, the food was prepared, and the wedding clothes were laid out but the guests refused to come.

So the king sent his servants out once more, extending grace to those who had so rudely refused his invitation. But some guests were too busy to be bothered and other guests were so bold as to insult and kill the messengers. So the king sent out his army to destroy them and burn down their town.

The king sent his servants back out to the street corners to invite anyone they saw. Everyone was invited to this great wedding feast, whether they had the reputation of being good or bad. The king was extending grace to all who were willing to come and enjoy the banquet he had prepared. As was the custom, wedding clothes were provided and it was an insult not to wear the gift so generously given.

“But when the king came in to meet the guests, he noticed a man who wasn’t wearing the proper clothes for a wedding. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” – Matthew 22:11-14

The guests had the opportunity to share a meal with the king, to sit around the table and enjoy the celebration that had been prepared. They did not have to prove their worthiness or their religious status; it did not matter if they had a good or bad reputation. They were being given the opportunity to accept the invitation extended in grace and the gift of the king’s righteousness was offered.

THEY WERE UNPREPARED FOR THE COMING OF THE BRIDEGROOM.

“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.” – Matthew 25:1

Five of the bridesmaids came unprepared and ran out of olive oil for their lamps, while the other five were wise enough to bring extra. As they waited for the bridegroom, they all fell asleep. At midnight they woke to the announcement that the bridegroom was coming. The five foolish bridesmaids did not have enough oil to light their lamps and they left to buy more oil. By the time they returned, the door was closed. Because they weren’t prepared, they missed the moment when the bridegroom had returned. It was too late.

THEY WERE IRRESPONSIBLE WITH THAT WHICH HAD BEEN ENTRUSTED TO THEM.

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.” – Matthew 25:14

When the master returned, he asked each servant to give an account of how they had used his money while he was gone. The one who had been given five bags of silver reported that he now had ten to give back to the master; the one who had been given two bags of silver now had four.

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” – Matthew 25:23

But the servant who had been given only one bag of silver reported that he had buried the silver. In fear and laziness, he had protected the money rather than using it to multiply the master’s profits. The master was angry and took the money away from the servant, giving it to the one who now had ten.

“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” – Matthew 25:29

Am I properly dressed today? Am I clothed in the kind of real faith that produces spiritual fruit? Have I accepted the gift of His righteousness, fully accepting my inability to earn my place at the table. Producing fruit is not something I can do on my own. I can try to be known for my good works, but my efforts will be like the Pharisees who clean the outside of the cup but are powerless to clean the inside (Matthew 23:25). I can clothe myself in generosity, but my attempts to produce fruit will be like the guests who came to the wedding feast dressed in their own clothes.

Precious Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation and the opportunity to work in your vineyard today. Empty me of my own selfish tendencies, fill me with your Spirit and work through me to produce fruit for you today. God, I come to you today just as I am, submitting who I am in order to be clothed with who you are. Amen.

The Evil Farmers

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Today’s Reading: Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19

“What sorrow awaits you! For you build monuments for the prophets your own ancestors killed long ago. But in fact, you stand as witnesses who agree with what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you join in their crime by building the monuments! This is what God in his wisdom said about you: ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them, but they will kill some and persecute the others.’” — Luke 11:47-49

Let’s consider again the story Jesus told about a man who owned some land. He could have done anything with this land that belonged to him, but he chose to build a vineyard on it. The man took great care of this vineyard by building a wall around it for protection, as well as building a lookout tower to be used for guarding against approaching threats. He even built a pit for pressing out the grape juice so that the workers of the vineyard would have what they needed to produce wine from the fruit that grew on the vines.

The landowner found some tenant farmers to lease his vineyard and an agreement or covenant was made to define how much of the profit the farmers would keep and how much they would pay the landowner. When the time came for the farmers to bring in the harvest, the man sent his servants to collect his share of the crop. But the farmers attacked the servants by beating one, killing one and stoning another. So the landowner sent a large group of servants to collect the agreed upon amount, but they killed them too.

Imagine the grief and frustration of the landowner. He had thoughtfully provided this beautiful vineyard and entered into a covenant agreement with those to whom he was entrusting his property, yet his tenants had broken their covenant and viciously killed his servants.

“‘What will I do?’ the owner asked himself. ‘I know! I’ll send my cherished son. Surely they will respect him.’

“But when the tenant farmers saw his son, they said to each other, ‘Here comes the heir to this estate. Let’s kill him and get the estate for ourselves!’ So they dragged him out of the vineyard and murdered him. – Luke 20:13-15a

The owner of the vineyard had equipped them with a watchtower to be used to protect the fruit of their labor, but they used it instead to plot against the son he had sent to make right all they had made wrong. Had they forgotten the promises they had made? Had they allowed their hearts to harden against the one who had been so generous towards them?

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO REJECT HIS SON?

“What do you suppose the owner of the vineyard will do?” Jesus asked. “I’ll tell you—he will come and kill those farmers and lease the vineyard to others. Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.’”
The religious leaders wanted to arrest Jesus because they realized he was telling the story against them—they were the wicked farmers. But they were afraid of the crowd, so they left him and went away. – Mark 12:9-12

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO DO NOT PRODUCE FRUIT?

There were times when those listening did not understand the meaning behind Jesus’ parable, but this day the religious leaders fully understood he was talking about them. They were the wicked farmers who were plotting against God’s son.

But what about us? Do we see ourselves in this story? We may not be plotting against Jesus but are we living out our covenant relationship with God as we promised Him we would do? Are we using the gifts He has given us and grateful for the territory He has provided for us?

Father God, give us hearts of obedience and hands willing to work for you. Renew in us a passion to walk in relationship with you, remaining faithful to our promises. Refresh a spirit of generosity and gratitude for all you have done for us and all you have provided. Amen.