Easter Sunday

Mark 16:1-8

Pastor Scott McAnally

In my life there have been many moments where I have felt like those gathered around the tomb on that Easter morning as Mark’s Gospel reports. I have felt alone and been afraid, not knowing what’s going to come next. I’m sure that all of us at one time or another have felt this way. With challenges facing us as a society today in the economic and political spectrums, it’s easy to get ourselves down and to lose hope. The world wants us to look at the empty tomb and ‘be afraid.’ (vs. 8)

But that’s not the end of the story. Here we stand some 2000 years later because those disciples refused to let fear ‘seize’ them. They went and they told the story…

Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Today is the day we celebrate that amidst the fears and uncertainties in our lives, there is one certainty that we can proclaim, that Christ has risen from the dead! “This is the feast of victory for our God! Alleluia!” Amidst your doubts, your fears, and your sorrows, Christ comes to you, risen and alive…and raises you up to a new creature in Christ, alive, forgiven, and comforted. Today you are not alone, you are Christ’s and have been named and placed in Christ’s care and love. So…on this day…on the day of Resurrection, know that no matter where you are, where you might be, what challenges might be facing you, and no matter what is ailing you, Christ is with you…Christ is present…and Christ will be with you always! Hallelujah!

PRAYER: God of mercy, we longer look for Jesus among the dead, for he is alive and has become the Lord of life. Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ, and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Easter Vigil: Do Not Fear

Exodus 14:15 - 15:1

Pastor Scott McAnally

All around the world on this day as the sun sets, communities of faith will gather around a fire and keep watch, holding a vigil. From a small fire, congregations will re-light their paschal candle (the big baptismal candle) and process into a darkened sanctuary, with the shadows of Good Friday still lingering. And under the light of the baptismal promise, up to 12 stories will be told of God’s remarkable activity in the lives of the people of the Old Testament.

Our text today is one of those stories. The story of the Red Sea Crossing is one of the most miraculous stories of scripture. But to get a full reading of it, I urge you to read it beginning with verse 1 of chapter 14. Pharaoh is in hot pursuit. The Exodus journey is losing its ‘newness’ as the days go on and the travel begins to wear on some of the Israelites. Some begin to look back at Egypt, fearing the unknown journey ahead…some even wish for the days of slavery, because at least they had a roof over their head and three square meals a day. And who could blame them? Following God often entails leaving what’s comfortable and stepping out in faith…and the good news my friends is that as God parted the Red Seas, God doesn’t forsake you. God never asks you to do anything that God hasn’t done already.

Faith journeys have lots of twists, turns, and bumps in the road. Mine certainly has. Sometimes I even feel as though there have been some switch-backs and u-turns. Yet the promise as revealed in Exodus, and in all of the 12 lessons read in the Easter Vigil Liturgy, is that God is with me…and God will deliver me. And God is with you. God delivers you…so step out in faith, know that you are loved, claimed, saved, and forgiven.

PRAYER: Eternal giver of life and light, this holy night shines with the radiance of the risen Christ. Renew your church with the Spirit given to us in baptism, that we may worship you in sincerity and truth and may shine as a light in the world, through your Son, Jesus Christ out Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Good Friday: Willing

Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Caroline Hawkins

What this passage means is: “Though he was innocent, Jesus freely died to save the world from sin.” That means that when I sin, Jesus will forgive me. I know Jesus will forgive me, because he loves Earth, he loves Heaven, and he loves me.

PRAYER: Lord God and Jesus, Thank you for giving your holy forgiveness. We all pray that we give you our love with our whole, holy hearts. Amen.

Maundy Thursday: Teacher

John 13:1-15

Steve Wilson

One of the greatest lessons in the gospels is the value of being a servant: the strength, glory, and impact we can have, not from being served, but in serving others. In John 13:1-15, Jesus is the model servant, washing the feet of his disciples. Such a humble act. Something the lowliest slave would do. However, Jesus says, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” This was one of Jesus’ last teachings to his Disciples on the night of the Last Supper.

I often think when I feel I’m losing perspective, wrapped up in worldly things, “what have I done to help others?” We should all look at opportunities in our lives to imitate Jesus the servant. What a special blessing to gain wisdom, humility, and a life well-lived – just from serving others. As the proverb goes, “I raise my children not for themselves but for the impact they will have on those they serve.”

PRAYER: Lord, you give us such great examples that show the truth and glory of your word. Life is fuller…with more spirit…and we are rewarded many times over…if we follow your word and imitate your actions. Amen.

Surely Not I

Matthew 26:14-25

Steve O'Connor

Betrayed. Most of us have experienced a betrayal of some sort in our lives. It hurts. Especially when the betrayer is someone we love.

This passage from Matthew recounts the betrayal of Christ by someone close to him, his disciple Judas, in exchange for thirty silver coins (according to my Bible, the price of a slave). For that price, Judas agreed to hand Jesus over to the religious leaders who opposed his teachings and sought his death. At the Last Supper, after the money was paid, Jesus announced that one of the twelve would betray him. Each of the disciples in turn questioned Jesus, in effect denying that he was the one. Even Judas had the audacity to ask “Surely not I, Rabbi?” But Jesus answered with the truth, telling Judas what he already knew—he was the one.

“Betray” has a number of definitions in my dictionary. One of those definitions, “to deliver to an enemy by treachery,” perfectly fits the actions of Judas in this passage of Scripture. “Betray” also means “to fail or desert,” which not only applies to the actions of Judas (and to the eleven other disciples after Jesus is taken into custody), but also to our actions. This is the betrayal that occurs when we act contrary to our faith. It happens in what we think, say and do. We are creatures of sin. Choosing not to attend church. Selfishly not supporting the ministries of God’s Church on Earth. Treating others badly. Jesus said “[i]f you love me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:15. But in these, and so many other ways, we fail to obey. When that happens we betray God by failing to stay on the path He wants us to walk.

“Betray,” however, has another definition, which is “to lead astray.” Does that definition also apply? Maybe. Perhaps by failing to obey what God commands, we betray ourselves in that we lead ourselves astray from the relationship God wants to have with us.

PRAYER: Gracious God, Grant us by your grace the strength to remain steadfast in our faith, so that we may seek not to betray you by what we think, say or do. Amen.

Rock of Refuge

Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17

Joni Holeman

This is an Old Testament psalm written by David before he became Israel’s king. David never knew Jesus, but God considered David a good friend because David listened and consulted with God whenever he faced decisions. Well, almost always—David only made terrible choices when he did not ask God for help!

“Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;

Give the command to save me,

For you are my rock and my fortress.”

The heartfelt prose in Psalm 71 has maintained its popularity for centuries.

“You have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord,

My confidence since my youth.”

Looking introspectively, I can discern a few parallels from Psalm 71 in my life. I’ve trusted God and prayed daily since childhood, even through my un-churched years from 16-42 (yep, I was one of those teen dropouts!).

“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

And to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.”

God and his Holy Spirit have been a fortress to me, especially since becoming a Stephen Minister. It’s the Spirit who gives me the right words to say. And if I listen carefully, I’ve learned that the Spirit will even shut my mouth when there are no right words.

It’s taken me a surprisingly long time to learn how to pray to Jesus, though. Maybe I’ve had a God-as-authority-figure neurosis going on because of those un-churched years! The wonderful Bible studies we’ve shared here at Christ the King have taught me the healing redemption of Christ. Now I know that I can trust in Jesus, my Savior, every day until eternity. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

PRAYER: Father, we use David’s words in prayer: “Who, O God, is like you? Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; Turn your ear to me and save me. Do not cast me away when I am old; Do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” We place our trust in your blessed Son Jesus, Amen.

Eyes For Others

Isaiah 42:1-7

Rob Loesch

Upon my first read, I found these paragraphs very disturbing. They can be interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on one’s current circumstances and personal objectives. In good times, the passages can lead one toward humility and compassion. In bad times, they could be a call for us to enforce God’s righteous justice through violence and religious warfare.

Pastor Gysan was kind of enough to provide additional information about the context of Isaiah’s writings, as well as a historical understanding. This passage is considered to be one of the four servant songs in Isaiah. He noted Isaiah 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12 to fill in the context. Taken all together, I have a better understanding. In paragraph 2 through 7, guidance is being provided on what our personal mission should be, including our behavior toward others. The idea is to not Lord over others, but to act as a servant to one another, helping each other as Jesus helped us on earth and continues to help us from heaven above.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Please hear the voice of those desiring peace. Please open the minds and souls of those who are blinded by their extreme positions and lead them toward compassion and reconciliation. We pray that all may live free of tyranny and injustice. Amen.

Passion

Isaiah 50:4-7

Adriana Lundgren

In the sight of such great suffering, we find the strength to drink our cup. What that means to me is that no matter what happens, we will have the strength to recover, because God will help us. There are things that happen in the world that are very sad, and God helps us get through them.

PRAYER: God, Please help everyone who is going through a hard time, so they will find the strength to drink their cup.

Entrance

Ezekiel 37:21-28

anonymous

In my opinion, this passage shows Jesus bringing his people, the Israelites, to him. He is proclaiming that they will have one leader and “shepherd” and can come to his sanctuary whenever they feel down and want to pray.

PRAYER: Please God, let us come freely to your house every Sunday and be able to pray. Amen.

Not To Us

John 10:31-42

Jeanne McKinley

In this passage, Christ tries to enlighten a crowd of men who want to stone him. He says that if they don’t believe in him, they could believe in his works that were done for God.

As a professional school counselor, I cannot preach Christ to students at my Fairfax County Public Elementary School. But every day I wear my cross. Sometimes children initiate a conversation, and I can respond fully, lovingly, from a historical perspective. And all I do, I do with love for God in my heart. I pray that everyone might see the reason and know that my God is great because of His love.

PRAYER: Dear God, May our actions always glorify you. May we remember that our talents were a gift from you, so that we could fulfill the purpose you gave us for our lives. Amen.

He Is Eternal

John 8:51-59

Greg Maxwell

In this passage from Saint John, Jesus promises eternal life for those who believe in him and follow him. He even tells the Jews that he existed before Abraham. This is one of the most powerful statements made by Jesus, because it undeniably acknowledges and proclaims his divinity. Jesus not only claims to know Abraham, but uses God's holy name ("I am") for himself. This claim invokes a natural response by the Jews who accuse him of blasphemy and try to stone him on the spot.

Eternity means having an infinite duration. Eternity is characterized by abiding fellowship with God. Eternity continues without intermission and is endless. We humans struggle with eternity. It is so difficult to fathom. In our society, everything has a limit. Our games and sports have a time limit, even a "sudden death" rule. Our careers end, our childhood ends, our innocence ends, our weekends end, our days end, and ultimately our life here on earth ends. In my high school math class, I remember struggling with the concept of infinity, when finally my teacher told me that I just had to accept it and move on. Our faith is a lot like that . . . we just have to accept it and believe in Jesus' promise of eternal life.

Newsweek once had an entire issue devoted to Science versus Religion, and one article featured a debate between a renowned atheist and Pastor Rick Warren, the author of "A Purpose Driven Life." The pastor and the atheist went back and forth trying to prove their position and defeat their opponent. Finally, Pastor Warren stated that one simply has to believe in God and have faith. He closed with saying that if he was wrong it wouldn't matter when he died, but if the atheist was wrong, it certainly would matter when he died! I don't know about you, but I am not willing to take that chance! Are you?

PRAYER: Oh dear Lord, we pray for your support; help us to have faith in you, live your word, and respond to your love. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Promised Heirs

John 8:31-42

David Whelan

Jesus said to Jews who believed in him “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Does each of you know that you are Ministers of Christ the King Lutheran Church? No, the answer is not APRIL FOOLS!! We have all been brought together through many walks of life because we believe in the Word and want to share it with others. We are seeking the freedom to be what God has meant for each of us to be. Jesus promises that when you truly believe in him, when you follow him, hear his Word, and continue in it, a wonderful thing will happen -- "the truth will set you free." I would like to stress the words “continue in it.” Our church needs to grow in its membership, benevolence, and stewardship. Our pastors and church council can only do so much. Each of us is a disciple of Jesus Christ and Christ the King Lutheran Church. What have you done recently, within your own family, business place, grocery store, or neighborhood to be a disciple of Christ? If your answer is “very little”, please take a moment to decide how you can become a better disciple. Try it – you’ll like it!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the first day of April, with spring in full bloom. We realize that you have meant for us to be your disciples, but we also realize that we have not performed as well as we are capable. Please continue to guide and strengthen us daily, through your Word, so that we will know the truth and that the truth will set each of us free. In God’s name we pray. Amen.

Together Forever

John 8:21-30

Jennifer Hanna

Is God with us forever? He may not reveal His presence with a Biblical flourish-- no modern burning bushes or voices in the night-- but He is there in subtle ways. Do you notice situations where you can't devise a solution, yet hours or days later a simple, even elegant answer comes to you? That is God with you.

As a child, prayers consisted of "please get me a bike" or "let me ace this test". As a young adult, less selfish and more idealistic, it was "please help the needy" or "help my friend recover from illness". As a mature adult, I still pray for the well-being of others but find myself returning to personal (less materialistic) needs as well. There are also many prayers of thanks. I believe God listens, and responds.

During my morning commute I listen to a radio station that gives an inspirational thought, then plays a gospel song. (Not what you would expect from a hip-hop station...) They often play "Jesus Can Work It Out", by Dr. Charles Hayes. When life's struggles become difficult to bear alone-- family relationships, health scares, career challenges-- I remember the lyrics to the song. "Gave it over to Jesus, I stopped worrying about it." Simple and true. He is there for you. He is there with you. No matter what.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for your guidance and presence in the beginning, now, and forever. Amen.

Justice

John 8:1-11

Peter Hilgartner

We have a monetary recession taking place right now. It has adversely affected many of us. Many of us are frightened, asking ourselves ‘will it ever end?’ How badly will I be hurt before it does? What’s our new President going to do to steady the ship of state? Uncertainty runs rampant.

Bad things were happening in Jesus’ time. Whenever he encountered someone in distress, he took action to help that person. On the right side of the sanctuary in our church, there in a window, is a depiction (John 18:5) of the story about a man who had been sick for 38 years. He believed he needed to get someone to put him in the nearby waters to heal. Jesus saw him and told the man, “Get up, pick up your bedroll and walk.”

John 8:3-11 tells the story of an adulteress who was about to be stoned to death until Jesus rescued her, simply by telling those who were about to stone her, “let the one who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” When they heard this, they left one by one, until only Jesus was left with the woman. His admonition to her was “go and sin no more.”

The two stories above illustrate two ways you can “extend your arm” to help someone. One is passive. The other is the active way. Which is the best way? It depends on the situation, but if you know or see someone in distress, as my Marine drill instructor once told me: “Don’t just stand there, Marine, do something!”

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, while I can never walk in your shoes, this sinner asks for your forgiveness. I ask you to point the way with your strong arm that I may be worthy of your blessing and everlasting love.

Silent Prayer

Jeremiah 31:31-34

David Tozer

In today’s passage, Jeremiah tells how God will put his law into the hearts of the people of Israel and Judah so that they will know God from within. God places that same knowledge and promise in each of our hearts today.

It is easy for us to forget how God is within us throughout our lives. In times of happiness or success we should remember a prayer to God, thanking Him for the guidance and commandments He placed in us, which helped steer us along the correct path to our achievement. Times of sadness or failure require a deeper introspection to try to determine what in God’s words within us have led to the current circumstances. And in regular, day-to-day life, we should take time to understand God’s laws which we carry and which should form the basis for our daily living.

PRAYER: Lord, Help me to remember that you are within me, guiding me with your commandments and promises. Through the power of prayer, especially the silent prayers that I speak to you from my heart, help me to learn the meaning of the promises you placed within me.

Heralds

John 7:40-53

Martina Goss

It is usually very difficult to encourage people to listen to God’s Word. As a child, I found it much easier -- perhaps because children haven’t yet been too burdened by life experiences, politics, prejudices, and the like. I had childhood friends of many backgrounds: Buddhist, Muslim, Shinto, and Jewish, to name a few. I invited friends often to attend church with me, hoping that if they heard the word of God spoken at church and Sunday School, and if they knew what I knew about Jesus, we could all be united as Christians. Many times these childhood friends would attend with me, and I hope they were able to understand some of God’s works, even if they didn’t become lifelong Christians.

As I became an adult, I still invited people to come to church. They declined more frequently, which was not surprising. Regardless, it is our responsibility to take every opportunity, through our thoughts, words, and actions, to model God’s Word for ourselves, our children, our community and the world. In the spirit of being “first on our streets to proclaim the mighty works of God” invite a friend -- and encourage your child to invite a friend -- to attend church with your family. Then watch with joy as God works in their hearts and yours.

PRAYER: Dear God, Help us to be the heralds of Your good works. Thank you for reminding us that our words and actions should reflect Your goodness and mercy for all people. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Redeemer of the World

Psalm 34:17-21, 23

Emily Sweet

I remember a time when I was tired and fed-up with school. We got our report cards that day, so we went out to eat (a reward for getting good grades). I was still grumpy from school, so I took it all out on my parents and sister. As usual, they tried to cheer me up with some jokes. After a while, I snapped out of it and we had a great time. This just shows how God (through my parents and sister not getting mad at me) is slow to anger, and never gives up on you.

PRAYER: God, please help us not to turn against you and sin.

Proof

John 5:31-47

Bill Wagner

In this reading, Jesus is attempting to convince his audience that He has been sent by God and is to deliver the message of salvation from God. For the Jewish community, a single witness was not sufficient in any legal matter; there had to be two witnesses. So Jesus refers to John the Baptist as confirmation of His true self. If one goes back to Deuteronomy 18:17-18, Moses states: “And the Lord said to me ……I will raise up a prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth”. It was unfortunate that many in the Jewish population, especially their leaders, did not see Jesus as fulfilling this prophecy, did not believe His message and would not accept Him as the Messiah.

How much proof do we need? Why do people struggle to believe that God and Jesus are real and that having faith in His grace and mercy can lead us to the fulfillment and contentment that we all are seeking? As a trained scientist, I look for proof of certain facts that can lead to confirming a possible hypothesis and eventually a solution. In this case, the proof was there in the scriptures that had predicted this prophet was going to appear and should have been apparent to anyone who was open to what was taking place. However, we also have to have faith, an allegiance to God. Faith is believing in something even when we do not have any proof of what we believe in.

PRAYER: Gracious God, help us to see your presence in our lives and recognize that Jesus was sent to us as our Savior. We thank you for your many blessings and ask that you continue to strengthen our faith and help us to live our lives as Jesus demonstrated in his life. Amen.

Like Father

John 5:17-30

Michael Brock

Who is your role model? Maybe it is your mother or father, or a teacher or coach. Who was Jesus’ role model? In John 5 (and throughout the Bible), we see that it was absolutely God, His Father. In these verses of John, we see Jesus working on the Sabbath – healing the sick. His words and acts would lead to grave consequences with the Jewish authorities, but he remained steadfast to his role model. His words read: “My Father is always working, and I too must work…The Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing.”

My role model was my father. Dad was a high school math teacher. He had high expectations of his students -- and even higher expectations of my two brothers and me. When the rules were broken, we were held accountable. When I was about seven years old, I remember having to serve time sitting in a corner chair for two weeks. Each day I’d come home from school, and instead of going outside to play, I found my way quickly to the chair to ponder my errant ways. I don’t even remember what I did wrong that time, but I certainly remember the lesson. Thereafter, I always worked hard to meet his complete expectations. But I always knew that he loved me unconditionally, even when I didn’t meet them.

Jesus said: “I am not trying to do what I want, but only what he who sent me wants.” What a wonderful model for us to follow.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank you for all the blessings you have given to us. Thank you for giving us your Son, Jesus Christ, as a model of love. Please forgive us for not doing the good things we know we should do, and for doing the bad things we know we should not do. Please continue to guide us, guard us, and bless us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Wellspring

John 5:1-16

Liz Spoto

In these verses of John, a paralytic lies at the edge of healing waters, waiting as others push ahead to enter the pool before him and be cured. Jesus sees the man and heals him, saying “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Jesus provided the opportunity for healing; and, importantly, the man obeyed the command.

Throughout our lives, God gives us daily opportunities to improve our lives. But those chances rely on our willingness to listen, to obey, and to have faith that the “cure” will follow. He gives the water of baptism to all, for the forgiveness of our sins. We don’t need to wait our turn, as the paralytic had been doing. No one can step ahead of us. We simply need to ask for God’s holy baptism and believe that it will heal us.

I learned recently that I have never been baptized. I was “dedicated to God” as a baby, which my family and I mistook for baptism. But I was never given the sacrament of holy baptismal water. Interestingly enough, the same is true for my father. We both asked Jesus to come into our lives many, many years ago. And we’ve certainly felt His loving presence within us for as long as we can remember. But something still doesn’t feel complete without his holy baptism. So, together this spring, we plan to obey God’s command and accept his most precious gift of true healing and forgiveness.

I’ll admit that it may feel a little awkward to walk forward as adults, amidst a group of white-gowned children. But we both believe it’s time that we listen to God, obey his command and fully accept his most generous gift to us.

PRAYER: Dear God, Thank you for the many blessings you give us freely every day. Please give us the wisdom, the courage and the faith to listen and obey when you speak, so that our lives may be as full and complete as you intend them to be.

Prophet

John 4:43-54

Bill Takis

In these verses of John, we learn of one of Jesus’ miracles – healing the son of a royal official. When one reads these passages – particularly where Jesus says “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe” – one may think that Jesus is angry at us for requiring proof of his divineness. I believe Jesus is merely taking a deep sigh and a gentle laugh, and accepting us for our shortcomings.

We are surrounded by miracles every day – whether they are the unexpected healing of a sick loved one, the symmetrical beauty of a spring flower, or the sweet smile of a small child. I believe Jesus is telling us that we should rejoice in all His miracles – big and small – and remember that He is with us, whether we recognize those miracles or not.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Please grant us the clarity to recognize the many miracles you create and the wisdom to accept them in whatever form they take. Amen.

Light of Christ

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Linda Goglia

On good days, it’s easy to feel Christ’s light in my life. I see Him in the beauty of nature. I feel Him in the love I share with family and friends. I experience His mercy and compassion in the many joyful moments He sends my way. Then I really know that God is there for me.

It’s the bad days that can really get to me. When life is the hardest; when I feel overwhelmed by grief, pain, fear and/or suffering; when I feel lost and alone. That’s when I struggle the most to experience Christ’s light in my life.

As a child, I’d learned a song that comforted me in these times. It always warmed my heart and helped me feel God’s love and support. I would sing it quietly to myself whenever I felt sad or overwhelmed: “Be Still, My Soul; the Lord is by thy side… Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain…” I loved this song. I really wanted to learn to play it on the piano. But I’d never been able to find a copy of the song anywhere. Then, one Sunday when I was especially low, I arrived for the church service early. I wanted time that day to think and pray while it was still quiet. As I knelt in prayer, the organist began his musical prelude. I could hardly believe it! He was playing the music from “Be Still, My Soul”, exactly as I had remembered it! What a great reminder that God is always with me, even in my darkest moments.

PRAYER: Lord, even in those moments of darkness, keep me open to your guiding light. Lead me through the darkness so that, even as the Prodigal Son, I can see my way back home to you.

Contrite

Luke 18:9-14

Lynne Roots

Remember those kids from high school who joined every club and activity so their photo in the yearbook would have the most stuff next to it? Well, they are probably still up to their old tricks. Only now they are into charitable donating, sitting on boards, volunteering, tithing, chairing this or that event….and because they do more and give more, they are the best. And they make sure everyone knows it. Did you read Luke 18:9-14? They are the Pharisees.

During the time we lived in Alaska, I was privileged to work with a number of community organizations. As the wife of an oil company executive, lots of doors were open to me for fund raising for these organizations. I had the best time over five years chairing the museum gala, raising money to build a new public broadcasting television station, chairing this ball and that. The list is long and impressive. It didn’t make me think, however, that what I was doing made me better or more worthy than those who chaired before me or those who would come after. But it sure was tempting. It was tempting to think like the Pharisee. It’s hard to look at a monument you were responsible for getting funded and constructed and not think, “Yea me! I did that”. I do think there is a difference between being proud of what you do, what you give, and where you serve, versus wanting/needing to lord it over others or think that what you did was better than the last guy. A fine line for sure, but a line all the same. I think the difference in which side of the line you are on has to do with humility.

Not that I am all that humble a person. I am truly proud of what was accomplished in Alaska. Not because my name was the one listed as chair or project coordinator, but because of the ultimate benefit to the community. The reality is that I didn’t really do that much. God provided the opportunity, opened the doors and gave me the skills to see the projects through. I was just the vehicle He used to get the job done.

God doesn’t keep a tab of all we accomplish here. So we don’t need to either. Our “tab” isn’t our ticket to heaven. God accepts all of us, whether we build monuments or not. But when the time comes, He may have an extra smile for the humble tax collector.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Help us see that what we do and what we have are by your grace. Help us to think and be more like the tax collector and not the Pharisee. Please give us the wisdom to understand that being humble is a strength; not a weakness. Amen.

Gardener

Hosea 14:2-10

Donna Kiffe

Over the past several years, the Pastors and Church Council have allowed my sons to landscape the Church grounds by creating gardens as Eagle Scout projects to beautify the area. One of these was envisioned to be a meditation garden, with plants and flowers specifically noted in the Bible. To do this, Geoff took his Confirmation Bible and made a list of all the trees, plants and flowers he could find in its pages. He shared this with the landscape architect who was advising him on the design. She helped him place these plants and choose others from the same family, if those plants weren't available or wouldn't do well in this climate. You can see the small placards for "lily," "rose," "cypress," "myrtle," etc. that now dot the garden between the rear church doors.

Over the years, my sons and I have spent a lot of time as gardeners, helping all of these plants to grow and thrive. We have noticed the calming effect of working in the gardens and the serenity of listening to the birds serenade us as the sun sinks beneath the roofline. Sometimes there is a bonus…songs from the organ inside the Church drifting over the grounds while we work. Even when deer eat the buds, it cannot outweigh the joy of watching perennials bloom magically, year after year in the spring.

Plants and people are good for each other. Geoff just finished a college biology class, and we were talking over his break about how respiration in humans and photosynthesis in plant life are opposites, so as to support each other. We need the oxygen and energy that plants create. Humans then transform these products into carbon dioxide and water, which plants need to survive. This relationship is captured in stories throughout the Bible. It is not surprising that, in this passage, the discord throughout the rest of Hosea "dissolves into a series of serene images" (an analysis from his Confirmation Bible) of what Israel can become. These images are filled with trees and flowers…the very plant life to which mankind has been interconnected since the Garden of Eden.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, We don't always show it, but we appreciate the unbelievable beauty of everything green around us. Your world is so meticulously planned and perfectly executed that all living things rely on all other living things to survive. You have left us in charge of the stewardship of this planet we call home, our "Garden of Eden." Give us your guidance to do what we can, whether it is discovering fuel alternatives or planting a backyard garden. The sum of all our deeds will make a difference.

Submit

Luke 11:14-23

Victoria Wagner

Well, well, well … another story about Jesus performing a miracle, in this case to a mute (and probably blind, too, according to the Book of Matthew). And the people refuse to recognize it. How many of us read this account and think to ourselves, “Well they were just fools ~ of course, I’d know better!” Would we know better? Would we allow ourselves to submit fully to God so as not to miss the miracles that occur around us every day? It’s a thought-provoking question … I challenge you to submit fully to God during this Lenten season and allow yourself to see the beauty in submission. Allow God to do His work through you. He can and does do wonderful and marvelous things ~ not just in Bible times, but today, too. I invite you to join me ~ let’s submit to God and allow Him to use us. After all, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me, scatters.” Can I count you in?

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, Speak, for your servant is listening. I submit myself to you, Lord, to serve as your vessel in this place. I trust, I submit, I am yours, Lord. I believe. Amen.

God's Law

Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9

Gale Bobzien

God chose this devotional topic for me. You see, God and I have an on-going dialogue about wisdom. It started years ago when I took the Spiritual Gifts class. I wanted wisdom as one of my gifts. God had other ideas. God prevailed. He continues to remind me of this in various ways and at various times. When I bought the book, Proverbs for Teachers, which has a Proverb for each day of the year, I immediately looked up the Proverb on my birthday. I laughed when I read Proverbs 8:11. Yes, it talks about wisdom. When selecting a Lenten devotional, one of the first words that caught my eye was wisdom. I looked no further.

From these periodic reminders, I am learning to listen more to God, and I’ve needed lots of reminders. What does God want me to learn from this scripture reading? Maybe He is trying to redefine my concept of wisdom. The theme of this devotional is, “We do not reach wisdom in power, but in witness and obedience to the truth.”

In these verses in Deuteronomy, God is trying to teach the Israelites the importance of obedience as they enter the Promised Land. By obeying God’s statutes, they (and we) show wisdom and discernment. Disobedience has consequences. This is a timeless message. But God goes a step further. The importance of obedience is to be made known to our children and our children’s children. Parents and grandparents take note. We have a responsibility to future generations. Let us live our lives to be a witness to obedience and give the gift of God’s wisdom to our children and our children’s children.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your gentle reminders that help us learn and grow. Teach us to hear Your voice. Help us to be still and know that You are God. Grant that we may grow in wisdom through witness and obedience to Your word. This we pray in the name of our risen Lord, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Brothers

Matthew 18:21-35

Scott Miner

We all need to breathe a little deeper, stay a little calmer, and learn to forgive sooner. It doesn't matter if it's with someone in your family, a friend, or a stranger. It's okay to get upset. Just don't hold a grudge. Don't be vindictive. And don't stay mad. It'll just stress you out and hurt your health in the long run any way. We need to get better at forgiving as well as asking for forgiveness. God loves us all, and he wants us to care for each other. Learn to treat situations where disagreements arise as an opportunity for you and your "brother" to become closer together.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, teach me to learn to have patience with my "brothers". Whether they’re friends, family, or complete strangers, give me the courage to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others. Amen.

Put to Death

2 Kings 5:1-15

Susan Boroff

The story of Naaman’s healing from leprosy is full of human actions and reactions that are unexpected. First of all, you wouldn’t expect that Naaman, a great man and commander of an army, would have leprosy. You wouldn’t think that an Israeli servant girl, held against her will, would be willing to offer healing for her captor’s leprosy. We wouldn’t expect the king of Aram to willingly agree to allow Naaman to go to see the Israeli prophet and to send a letter on his behalf to the King of Israel. (You see, Israel and Aram were at peace, but border skirmishes still continued and the king was a non-believer in the one true God.) And who would have expected the king of Israel’s reaction of tearing his robes and thinking that the king of Aram was picking a fight with him? The one behavior that stands out as “expected” is Elisha’s, the great prophet, who immediately tells the king to allow Naaman to come to see the prophet. Naaman expected that he would actually see the prophet and went away angry when he could not. He expected magic and instead got a very simple command: “Go wash seven times in the Jordan.” Not what he expected at all! Was it an unexpected twist that Namaan’s non-believing servants would encourage him to follow the prophet’s command? And did Naaman really expect his leprosy to be healed by following God’s command? Would you??

Did we really expect the savior of the world to come in the form of a baby? Did we really expect his first apostles to be fisherman? Did we really expect his ministry to be one of self-sacrifice and humility, loving the unlovable, the unworthy, the lowly? What kind of king were we expecting? One that would eventually be put to death??? It was completely unexpected that he would be raised from the dead!

God works in mysterious ways, and we are called as believers to have hope in the unseen. Just like Naaman. Can we expect the same type of healing when we obey or listen to God’s word? Sure, but be open to the unexpected ways in which healing comes! It might not be what you think.

PRAYER: Creator and sustainer of the universe, help us to hear your word as it comes in unexpected ways. Help us open our hearts and minds and free us from obstacles that block our ability to see your presence in all things. Guide us on this mysterious journey we call life and help us imitate your son’s ways of humility, self-sacrifice and unconditional love. Create in us a thankful heart in knowing that this is accomplished only through your transformational love.

Eyes of Faith

1 Corinthians 1:22-25

Bob Hummel

What is the message of the cross? Indeed, why a cross? And why in Jerusalem? Why two thousand years ago? What was so important that He had to walk among us, and suffer on the cross?

It is hard to understand. Can Paul explain it? Perhaps there is a sign that will give me trust. Or perhaps, if I am smart enough, I can figure it out. After all, God gave us wisdom. He gave us a marvelous world. And we think we are so smart. Most of the time. So if I don’t understand, is it because I am not as wise as God thought I should be? Did I miss something about the message of the cross?

Not all the answers can be based on logic that we comprehend. Not all the signs, nor all the words in the Bible, can give us the strength and power of God. Ultimately, we must believe, because we are like children who are still learning: Learning basic things, but never learning so much as to understand everything. Indeed, if economists can’t understand the economic behavior of humans, how can I know the wisdom of God’s universe?

PRAYER: Lord, we know that Christ died for our sins, so that whoever believes can trust unconditionally in your everlasting love, as conveyed in Your Word, and in Your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Lost

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Dorothy Sorrell

We have heard this parable many times as pastors preach about the lost son, the loving father and the resentful older brother. In addition to verbal interpretations of the story, there are artists’ depictions of the narrative, and this is where Jerry Evenrud enters my thinking about the parable. Jerry is best known for his gift of music, having been Director of Music of the American Lutheran Church and later the ELCA. But for several years, he has also had a great interest in collecting and exhibiting more than two hundred pieces of fine art that express the timeless and universal theme of the Prodigal Son. It was during two of Jerry’s classes that I began to marvel at how the story could be told by color, positioning of people, ornateness and simplicity.

Recently I was happy to learn of a book that has been published containing pictures of fifty-two works of art from Jerry’s collection, along with essays and commentaries. Looking through the book, all the familiar characters are there - the lost son in his despair and return, the father in his warm and enthusiastic reception, the older brother in his anger and begrudging attitude. There are also the circumstances of receiving generous gifts, using and misusing these gifts, being lost and being found.

The book ends, as does the parable, with the homecomings. Plural, because there are three: the prodigal son returning home after thinking he didn’t want to be there, the father returning home with his lost son to celebrate their reunion, and the older brother returning home and learning that his life has changed. We don’t know what happens to the men after this reunion. What we do know is that they return to the home and a loving father. As an introduction to this last section of the book there is a quote from Helmut Thielicke’s book, “The Waiting Father”. In part it reads, “The ultimate secret of this story is this: There is a homecoming for us all, because there is a home.”

So now I come to the title of Jerry’s book. For me, it provides the understanding of how we (once lost) have come to be welcomed to that special home, our Father’s house. The book is called And Grace Will Lead Me Home.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you have created us and given us this, your earth, as a place in which to live. We know, however, that our true home is with you and that despite our failings and at times being lost, you will welcome us to come live with you. Thank you for all the blessings you give us each day through your eternal love for us. Help us to show your love to others. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Little Ones

Matthew 21:33-46

Annette Brady

This parable has six main characters: the landowner-God, the vineyard-Israel, the first tenant/farmers-the Jewish religious leadership, the landowner’s servants-the prophets who remained obedient and preached God’s word to the people of Israel, the son-Jesus, and the second tenants - us. In this parable, the landowner sends his servants to collect his portion of the harvest. They are cruelly rejected by the first tenants; some are beaten, stoned, and even killed. Then he sends even more the second time, and they receive the same treatment. Ultimately, the landowner sends his own son, believing that they will surely respect him. But the tenants believe that if they kill the son, they will receive his inheritance.

Jesus now asks the question, what will the owner do to the evil tenants? Jesus leaves open the question of what Israel’s leadership is going to do with the Son of God, which he refers to as the "cornerstone," the foundation of the church. The parable is explaining how Jesus will be rejected by the religious establishment and crucified.

The key to understanding this parable and what it says about the religious leaders is found where Jesus tells the leaders that, because of their disobedience, they will be left out of the Kingdom of heaven. He is saying that there will be a new people of God so that Jesus can establish his church. It will usher in a period of time where man will understand forgiveness of sins by the work of Christ on the cross.

Jesus continues the stone metaphor to show how a stone can be used to build something beautiful, such as his church, or it can be used to crush and destroy. This could be likened to God’s word -- to some it is salvation, peace and comfort. To others it is foolish and disconcerting because of its ability to convict man of his sins.

The chief priests are jealous of Jesus’ popularity with the common people. They realize that Jesus is talking about them. They understand the analogy of the son and that Jesus is referring to himself. The people think of Jesus as a prophet from God. Arresting Him could cause an uprising. And an uprising would jeopardize the leader’s relationship with the Roman authorities.

I apply this parable to my life by asking two questions. First, have I come to know Christ, or have I rejected him like the Jewish leadership did? Second, if I am a believer, what have I done with Jesus? Am I like the bad tenants, rejecting his Word and living a life of disobedience?

Like the tenants, we are free to choose, but we remain accountable to God. This story is a failure of stewardship and responsibility. The religious leaders failed to properly care for God’s people. They were entrusted with the care of the vineyard and mistakenly regarded it as their private business. We should be careful not to become so personally attached to a particular asset, lest worldly ideas replace those of the Holy Spirit. Any of us, with the best of intentions, can hinder God’s work and lose God’s will for our lives. To me, it is important to remember that we are trustees of God’s property in all areas of life and never its owner. We must give to others with the same generosity that God has generously and compassionately given to us. God generously provides for our welfare, is patient with our mistakes, and constantly appeals for us to change our ways. If you, as a parent, do not follow God wholeheartedly, how can you lead your children into obedient faith?

Being a good steward for me not only means being generous with others materially, but also being generous with my time. To me, where you spend your time most is really where your heart is. This is something I really struggle with. I am a very competitive person, and sometimes I get so caught up in learning a new technology or completing some milestone, that I forget about what really matters. I worry so much about how I appear that I overlook what is most important. As a result, I do not devote my time to things that I know I should as God's steward. Further, I use my abilities for things that are in my own self interest and not God's. I get the context of the message; I just don't always practice it.

As I get older, I have become keenly aware of my impact on others. The most specific impact I have is on my children. If I cannot, generously and compassionately, give my time to God's message, what legacy have I passed on to my children? More specifically, what tools have I given to them for spiritual survival? It is important to me to remember that as parental leaders, we are our children's first teachers.

PRAYER: Lord, giver of all, we enjoy greater privileges than Israel had and a higher standard of living than most in the world. Help us to bear the fruit that we should, and show our thankfulness to you by offering praises from the heart and by helping those who are in need. Help us to live a life devoted to your Word by giving of our time and our possessions compassionately and with empathy to others. Help us to be mindful not only of our actions, but of the impact of our actions on those around us.