Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,
‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord
and of his Messiah,*
and he will reign for ever and ever.’
Do you remember yesterday I wrote about the scroll and eating it? There were a series of scrolls and a series of angels and a series of trumpets. Now this is the last. This is the culmination. This is God's promised culmination of all of human history:
‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord
and of his Messiah,*
and he will reign for ever and ever.’
All the authority that seems to be spread around the earth and seems to be vested in a variety of rulers, who do good things with that authority to varying degrees: all of that authority will finally rest wholly and completely with the Lord. And he will reign for ever and ever.
How long, O Lord, how long!?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com Worship with us at 8:30 and 11.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Revelation 10:10 So I took the little scroll from the hand of the angel and ate it; it was sweet as honey in my mouth, but when I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.
This is part of John's very strange vision that we call the Book of Revelation. As part of his vision there is a revealing of a series of scrolls, God's unfolding plan for all of creation. And this is my favorite part of the scroll portion of the book, because it involves eating. John is told to approach the angel, to ask for the scroll, and to put it in his mouth. Then the angel gives him the good news and the bad news... it'll taste like honey, but it won't feel so good going down.
Symbolism of course. God's calls us to eat in God's Word. Now please don't go tearing the pages out of your Bible and popping them in your mouth. I can almost guarantee they won't taste like honey. But the word of the Lord is sweet. It is lifegiving and it is holy. And sometimes lifegiving things that are good for us don't feel so good... sometimes lifegiving things that are good for us don't affirm everything we thought we knew. Sweet and bitter. The Word of the Lord. Eat it up!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
This is part of John's very strange vision that we call the Book of Revelation. As part of his vision there is a revealing of a series of scrolls, God's unfolding plan for all of creation. And this is my favorite part of the scroll portion of the book, because it involves eating. John is told to approach the angel, to ask for the scroll, and to put it in his mouth. Then the angel gives him the good news and the bad news... it'll taste like honey, but it won't feel so good going down.
Symbolism of course. God's calls us to eat in God's Word. Now please don't go tearing the pages out of your Bible and popping them in your mouth. I can almost guarantee they won't taste like honey. But the word of the Lord is sweet. It is lifegiving and it is holy. And sometimes lifegiving things that are good for us don't feel so good... sometimes lifegiving things that are good for us don't affirm everything we thought we knew. Sweet and bitter. The Word of the Lord. Eat it up!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 100:3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;*
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Yesterday I wrote about the land that we have and the gifts that we have from God. Those gifts come with a challenge, to ensure that there is enough for all, just as God created.
Today I write with a promise.
God will take care of you... all of you. God will make sure you have enough. God will make sure you have what it takes to ensure that all have enough.
Because you are God's sheep. And so is your neighbor. So is the PADS guest and the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. You are God's sheep.
Baaa!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
It is he that made us, and we are his;*
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Yesterday I wrote about the land that we have and the gifts that we have from God. Those gifts come with a challenge, to ensure that there is enough for all, just as God created.
Today I write with a promise.
God will take care of you... all of you. God will make sure you have enough. God will make sure you have what it takes to ensure that all have enough.
Because you are God's sheep. And so is your neighbor. So is the PADS guest and the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. You are God's sheep.
Baaa!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Ezekiel 45:9 Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right. Cease your evictions of my people, says the Lord God.
The important thing about this verse, from my perspective, is the context. You're going to have to trust me... or you can read it for yourself at http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=139036859
The first 8 verses of Ezekiel 45 describe a Holy District that the people should set aside in the capital. It's urban planning 101. You've got your commercial district, your palace compound, your judicial area, and your Holy District. Then Ezekiel links the Holy District with faithful and just ruling. Stop violence and oppression, he says. Do what is just and right, he says.
It all comes down to enough. God's given us enough. God's given us enough land to live on, enough food to eat, and enough to have a Holy District. So stop taking what hasn't been given to you. Stop taking what someone else needs to live. Because God's given you enough.
We don't set aside Holy Districts in our cities. But we do set aside residential zoning and plots of housing that are far MORE than we need, don't we? Enough, O princes of the northwest suburbs! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
The important thing about this verse, from my perspective, is the context. You're going to have to trust me... or you can read it for yourself at http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=139036859
The first 8 verses of Ezekiel 45 describe a Holy District that the people should set aside in the capital. It's urban planning 101. You've got your commercial district, your palace compound, your judicial area, and your Holy District. Then Ezekiel links the Holy District with faithful and just ruling. Stop violence and oppression, he says. Do what is just and right, he says.
It all comes down to enough. God's given us enough. God's given us enough land to live on, enough food to eat, and enough to have a Holy District. So stop taking what hasn't been given to you. Stop taking what someone else needs to live. Because God's given you enough.
We don't set aside Holy Districts in our cities. But we do set aside residential zoning and plots of housing that are far MORE than we need, don't we? Enough, O princes of the northwest suburbs! Put away violence and oppression, and do what is just and right.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Monday, April 26, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Ezekiel 37:24 My servant David shall be king over them; and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall follow my ordinances and be careful to observe my statutes.
Ezekiel is proclaiming a promised future for God's people. He did this thousands of years ago. And I don't know about you, but I'm still waiting.
I'm still waiting for God's people to be united, to all have one shepherd. I'm still waiting for God's people to follow God's ordinances instead of things that feel good to themselves. I'm still waiting for all God's people to be careful to observe God's statutes.
OK, let me be a bit honest with and about myself with you all. Today I'm going to try to worry a little bit less about all of God's people and worry a little bit more about myself.
I'm still waiting for me to be united with all of God's people, even the ones who hear God saying very different things than I hear. I'm still waiting for me to follow God's ordinances instead of just the ones that make me feel good about myself. I'm still waiting for me to be at least as careful about observing God's statutes as I am careful about reading the nutritional packaging on a box of crackers.
Maybe today. With God's help.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Ezekiel is proclaiming a promised future for God's people. He did this thousands of years ago. And I don't know about you, but I'm still waiting.
I'm still waiting for God's people to be united, to all have one shepherd. I'm still waiting for God's people to follow God's ordinances instead of things that feel good to themselves. I'm still waiting for all God's people to be careful to observe God's statutes.
OK, let me be a bit honest with and about myself with you all. Today I'm going to try to worry a little bit less about all of God's people and worry a little bit more about myself.
I'm still waiting for me to be united with all of God's people, even the ones who hear God saying very different things than I hear. I'm still waiting for me to follow God's ordinances instead of just the ones that make me feel good about myself. I'm still waiting for me to be at least as careful about observing God's statutes as I am careful about reading the nutritional packaging on a box of crackers.
Maybe today. With God's help.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
For more information about all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org. To read past devotional messages or to leave comments and conversation, visit http:aslcdevotions.blogspot.com
Thursday, April 22, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Psalm 19:1-4
1The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament* proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
4yet their voice* goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
Today is Earth Day, a day that has been around for awhile, and on which we hear a lot more about care for the environment, about little and big things that we can do to change our impact on Earth. While we know, as Christians, that our final hope is in the resurrection, and that our ultimate home is with Christ, we are also called to be stewards of all that God has given to us -- including the world.
I invite you to begin your day (or end it, or interrupt it -- whenever you're reading this!) by giving thanks to God for indeed, the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
"When we wake up in the morning and turn our soul toward You, You are there first." Soren Kierkegaard
1The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament* proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
4yet their voice* goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
Today is Earth Day, a day that has been around for awhile, and on which we hear a lot more about care for the environment, about little and big things that we can do to change our impact on Earth. While we know, as Christians, that our final hope is in the resurrection, and that our ultimate home is with Christ, we are also called to be stewards of all that God has given to us -- including the world.
I invite you to begin your day (or end it, or interrupt it -- whenever you're reading this!) by giving thanks to God for indeed, the firmament proclaims God's handiwork.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
"When we wake up in the morning and turn our soul toward You, You are there first." Soren Kierkegaard
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 121:1-2
1I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
2My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
There are few questions that invoke such a sense of despair as the first verse of Psalm 121. From where will my help come? Whether uttered in the dark soul of the night, all alone, or in a time of distress, we can probably all relate to a time when we've looked around for our help to come. We all know that our help comes from the Lord, but I love the way the psalmist not only immediately answers the question, pointing to God, but also acknowledges that God made heave and earth.
We struggle every day with the need for help. Some needs are small and pass quickly, others continue -- often longer than we would like them. But always we have the assurance that our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
1I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
2My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
There are few questions that invoke such a sense of despair as the first verse of Psalm 121. From where will my help come? Whether uttered in the dark soul of the night, all alone, or in a time of distress, we can probably all relate to a time when we've looked around for our help to come. We all know that our help comes from the Lord, but I love the way the psalmist not only immediately answers the question, pointing to God, but also acknowledges that God made heave and earth.
We struggle every day with the need for help. Some needs are small and pass quickly, others continue -- often longer than we would like them. But always we have the assurance that our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Ezekiel 1:26-28
26 And above the dome over their heads there was something like a throne, in appearance like sapphire;* and seated above the likeness of a throne was something that seemed like a human form. 27Upwards from what appeared like the loins I saw something like gleaming amber, something that looked like fire enclosed all round; and downwards from what looked like the loins I saw something that looked like fire, and there was a splendor all round. 28Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all round. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.
26 And above the dome over their heads there was something like a throne, in appearance like sapphire;* and seated above the likeness of a throne was something that seemed like a human form. 27Upwards from what appeared like the loins I saw something like gleaming amber, something that looked like fire enclosed all round; and downwards from what looked like the loins I saw something that looked like fire, and there was a splendor all round. 28Like the bow in a cloud on a rainy day, such was the appearance of the splendor all round. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.
These descriptions of the likeness of the glory of the Lord contain elaborate images and often inspire artistic renditions. The images are impressive to try to imagine, or even to picture. Sapphire and amber and fire... Wow. People point to passages such as this one to help inform an image of God. But what I'm realizing again about this account of the Lord's appearance is that it's pretty uncertain: our prophet sees "something like..." or "something that seemed like..." several times.
So, do we dismiss this as an account that is sketchy at best? Well, that's certainly an option. But it also gives us the opportunity to acknowledge just how amazing and awe-inspiring this experience must have been for Ezekiel, and how completely beyond our limited descriptions God truly is. However we vision God, we are always limited by our own experiences, our own world-view, our own prejudices.
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Monday, April 19, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Ezekiel 1:1-3
In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the river Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 2On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), 3the word of the Lord came to the priest Ezekiel son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was on him there.
In the two thousand and tenth year, in the fourth month, on the nineteenth day of the month, where are you and what visions will you see?
These descriptions of where and when the visions of God came to people intrigue me to no end. Of course if something of that significance happened, we would remember exactly where and when, who was standing next to us, and what was happening around us. But we don't need to wait for such a stunning occasion.
Look around. Listen closely. Where are the visions of God's kingdom around you? Where do you hear the word of the Lord? On this April 19, 2010, how are the heavens being opened around you?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
In the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the exiles by the river Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God. 2On the fifth day of the month (it was the fifth year of the exile of King Jehoiachin), 3the word of the Lord came to the priest Ezekiel son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was on him there.
In the two thousand and tenth year, in the fourth month, on the nineteenth day of the month, where are you and what visions will you see?
These descriptions of where and when the visions of God came to people intrigue me to no end. Of course if something of that significance happened, we would remember exactly where and when, who was standing next to us, and what was happening around us. But we don't need to wait for such a stunning occasion.
Look around. Listen closely. Where are the visions of God's kingdom around you? Where do you hear the word of the Lord? On this April 19, 2010, how are the heavens being opened around you?
Peace,
Pastor Jenn
Friday, April 9, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Acts 5:25 Then someone arrived and announced, ‘Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’
As the apostles were out doing wonders and signs and preaching the message about the resurrection of Jesus (see yesterday's message), the authorities got nervous. So the authorities did what authorities do when they get nervous. They threw the apostles in prison. But an angel showed up and let them out... right through the prison wall. The apostles were released from prison so they could go back and tell the story to those who need to hear it.
I don't know what this means in your life. I don't know what prisons you're in that need breaking down. But I know that it means something about the message of hope and life in the risen Christ. Nothing can defeat the message. The message will always get out. Hope will always triumph. Life is stronger than death. Goodness is stronger than evil. No matter what.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
As the apostles were out doing wonders and signs and preaching the message about the resurrection of Jesus (see yesterday's message), the authorities got nervous. So the authorities did what authorities do when they get nervous. They threw the apostles in prison. But an angel showed up and let them out... right through the prison wall. The apostles were released from prison so they could go back and tell the story to those who need to hear it.
I don't know what this means in your life. I don't know what prisons you're in that need breaking down. But I know that it means something about the message of hope and life in the risen Christ. Nothing can defeat the message. The message will always get out. Hope will always triumph. Life is stronger than death. Goodness is stronger than evil. No matter what.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Thursday
Acts 5:12 Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico.
We sometimes act as if Easter were the end. Of course it's the pinnacle, it's the most important event in the history of the world according to our Christian faith. But it's not the end. It's not the end of God's work among God's people. It's not the end of God's power at work in the world.
The book of Acts takes place after Easter. The book of Acts tells us the story of what God's power did in the world through the disciples, through people a lot like you and I. "Many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles." It wasn't just Jesus doing signs and wonders. The apostles were doing them too.
It didn't end with the end of the book of Acts either. Signs and wonders are still being done by Jesus' followers today. You just have to open your eyes and know how to look. All around the world and in your neighborhood the hungry and being fed, the weak are being lifted up, and people are working for justice. Signs and wonders, I tell ya!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
We sometimes act as if Easter were the end. Of course it's the pinnacle, it's the most important event in the history of the world according to our Christian faith. But it's not the end. It's not the end of God's work among God's people. It's not the end of God's power at work in the world.
The book of Acts takes place after Easter. The book of Acts tells us the story of what God's power did in the world through the disciples, through people a lot like you and I. "Many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles." It wasn't just Jesus doing signs and wonders. The apostles were doing them too.
It didn't end with the end of the book of Acts either. Signs and wonders are still being done by Jesus' followers today. You just have to open your eyes and know how to look. All around the world and in your neighborhood the hungry and being fed, the weak are being lifted up, and people are working for justice. Signs and wonders, I tell ya!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Wednesday
Psalm 118:22 The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
Jesus is that stone for us, of course. Jesus is the stone that was rejected by all the builders. Jesus is the stone rejected by the people who "knew better" what a Messiah should look like. Jesus is the stone that was rejected because he wasn't strong enough, wasn't wise enough, wasn't from the right family, didn't have the right training. Jesus is the stone that God has turned into the chief cornerstone. Jesus is the one who shows us how different God's standards are from our own. Jesus is the chief cornerstone on which our faith, our life, and our hope are built.
And that's good news for you. Because if I'm guessing right, you've been rejected at some point. You've been judged not worthy. You've been judged as from the wrong side of the tracks or too young or too old or too something. God has a habit with people who are rejected. God likes to reclaim rejected stones from the scrap-heap. So what's God doing with you today?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
has become the chief cornerstone.
Jesus is that stone for us, of course. Jesus is the stone that was rejected by all the builders. Jesus is the stone rejected by the people who "knew better" what a Messiah should look like. Jesus is the stone that was rejected because he wasn't strong enough, wasn't wise enough, wasn't from the right family, didn't have the right training. Jesus is the stone that God has turned into the chief cornerstone. Jesus is the one who shows us how different God's standards are from our own. Jesus is the chief cornerstone on which our faith, our life, and our hope are built.
And that's good news for you. Because if I'm guessing right, you've been rejected at some point. You've been judged not worthy. You've been judged as from the wrong side of the tracks or too young or too old or too something. God has a habit with people who are rejected. God likes to reclaim rejected stones from the scrap-heap. So what's God doing with you today?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Tuesday
Psalm 118:17 I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
Jesus has risen from the dead. Good for him. Great! So Jesus wasn't defeated by death... what does that mean for the rest of us?
Everything.
It may go without saying, but today it won't. Today it'll be laid out plainly.
Because Jesus lives, you shall live also. "I shall not die, but I shall live." This Easter business is good news. It's not just good news for Jesus. It's not just good news in the abstract. It's very concrete good news for you. It's very concrete good news for anyone who mourns a loved one. Your loved one is living. It's concrete good news for you.
You shall not die, but you shall live.
Alleluia!!!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
Jesus has risen from the dead. Good for him. Great! So Jesus wasn't defeated by death... what does that mean for the rest of us?
Everything.
It may go without saying, but today it won't. Today it'll be laid out plainly.
Because Jesus lives, you shall live also. "I shall not die, but I shall live." This Easter business is good news. It's not just good news for Jesus. It's not just good news in the abstract. It's very concrete good news for you. It's very concrete good news for anyone who mourns a loved one. Your loved one is living. It's concrete good news for you.
You shall not die, but you shall live.
Alleluia!!!
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
Monday, April 5, 2010
ASLC Devotions -- Monday
Joshua 10:25 And Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous; for thus the Lord will do to all the enemies against whom you fight.’
Happy Easter Monday!
If Easter is about anything, it's about chocolate and peanut butter. No! That's not quite right.
If Easter is about anything, it's about an end to fear.
If Jesus is raised from the dead, what are you afraid of?
If death no longer means the end, what are you afraid of?
If even death has been defeated, what could possibly have any power over you?
What are you afraid of?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
Happy Easter Monday!
If Easter is about anything, it's about chocolate and peanut butter. No! That's not quite right.
If Easter is about anything, it's about an end to fear.
If Jesus is raised from the dead, what are you afraid of?
If death no longer means the end, what are you afraid of?
If even death has been defeated, what could possibly have any power over you?
What are you afraid of?
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Saturday-The Vigil of Easter
John 20:15b-16
15Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ 16Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher).
Have you ever lost something precious and then found it again, only to realize that things were different? When I was twelve, my family moved from Maryland to South Korea. Along with the excitement of a new adventure, I felt deeply the loss of my home, my friends and relatives.
It was wonderful to live in another culture. And after three years, we moved back home. But it was not the same. My friends and I no longer had much in common. Our house had shrunk. Relatives had died or moved.
Eventually I made new friends, we added on to the house, we visited relatives. Together, as a family we started over.
Mary Magdalene, grieving the loss of her friend and teacher, only recognized Jesus when he called her by name. And gradually it became clear that even though he was back, it wasn’t going to be the same. Beginning with Mary outside the tomb, Jesus called his disciples into a new community of
life together. He calls each of us by name into that community. We are bound together to share our sorrows and joys and to use our gifts and talents for all. We will never be the same!
Linda Foltz
For more on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship this Holy Week on Easter Vigil (TODAY) at 7 pm and Easter morning at 8:30 and 11.
15Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ 16Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher).
Have you ever lost something precious and then found it again, only to realize that things were different? When I was twelve, my family moved from Maryland to South Korea. Along with the excitement of a new adventure, I felt deeply the loss of my home, my friends and relatives.
It was wonderful to live in another culture. And after three years, we moved back home. But it was not the same. My friends and I no longer had much in common. Our house had shrunk. Relatives had died or moved.
Eventually I made new friends, we added on to the house, we visited relatives. Together, as a family we started over.
Mary Magdalene, grieving the loss of her friend and teacher, only recognized Jesus when he called her by name. And gradually it became clear that even though he was back, it wasn’t going to be the same. Beginning with Mary outside the tomb, Jesus called his disciples into a new community of
life together. He calls each of us by name into that community. We are bound together to share our sorrows and joys and to use our gifts and talents for all. We will never be the same!
Linda Foltz
For more on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship this Holy Week on Easter Vigil (TODAY) at 7 pm and Easter morning at 8:30 and 11.
Friday, April 2, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Good Friday
John 18:1 - 19:42
18 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he
and his disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas
brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches
and weapons. 4Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, ‘For whom are you looking?’ 5They
answered, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus replied, ‘I am he.’ Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he’, they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7Again he asked them, ‘For whom are you looking?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ 8Jesus answered, ‘I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.’ 9This was to fulfil the word that he had spoken, ‘I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.’ 10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. 11Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?’
12So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law
of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the
people.
15Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17The woman said to Peter, ‘You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ 18Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing round it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.
19Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20Jesus answered, ‘I have spoken openly to the world; I
have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21Why do you ask me?
Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.’ 22When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, ‘Is that how you answer the high priest?’ 23Jesus answered, ‘If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?’ 24Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, ‘You are not also one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’ 26One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with him?’ 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.
28Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so
as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, ‘What accusation do you bring against this man?’ 30They answered, ‘If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.’ 31Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.’ The Jews replied, ‘We are not permitted to put anyone to death.’ 32(This was to fulfil what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)
33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ 34Jesus answered, ‘Do you
ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ 35Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ 36Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ 37Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’ 38Pilate asked him, ‘What is truth?’
After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, ‘I find no case against him. 39But you have a custom that I release someone
for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?’ 40They shouted in reply, ‘Not this man, but Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was a bandit.
19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a
purple robe. 3They kept coming up to him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and striking him on the face. 4Pilate went out again and said to them, ‘Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.’ 5So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, ‘Here is the man!’ 6When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.’ 7The Jews answered him, ‘We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.’
8Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, ‘Where are you from?’ But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Pilate therefore said to him, ‘Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?’ 11Jesus answered him, ‘You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’ 12From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, ‘If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.’
13When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew
Gabbatha. 14Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, ‘Here is your King!’ 15They cried out, ‘Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but the emperor.’ 16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus; 17and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.
18There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ 20Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” ’ 22Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’ 23When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ 25And that is what the soldiers did.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ 27Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
28After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ 29A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was
a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32Then the soldiers came
and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already
dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35(He who
saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, ‘None of his bones shall be broken.’ 37And again another passage of scripture says, ‘They will look on the one whom they have pierced.’
38After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let
him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to
Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40They took the body of Jesus and
wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
I loved Good Friday as a child, and was especially fond of the Gospel of Mark’s version – the part recounting how the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died. I loved the utter despair, the solemnity of the day, preferring it to be cloudy and rainy, figuring it would not be Biblically correct to have a sunny Good Friday. One year when I was maybe, 8 years old, I sat waiting for the curtains in our living room to be split in half. After sitting for what I thought was at least 3 hours — it might have actually been thirty minutes — I left in utter disappointment.
John’s account doesn’t mention that curtain, but rather documents Jesus’ agonizing journey on Good Friday. One day and so much happened: Jesus is betrayed and arrested; he is handed from one High Priest to another, Peter denies his relationship with Jesus three times, Jesus appears before
Pilate and is questioned extensively and sentenced to death. Jesus is whipped and made to wear a purple robe and a crown of thorns. Pilate tries to convince the crowd to let him go, but the crowd demands Jesus’ death; Jesus carries the cross to Golgatha and is crucified. His clothes are divided
and soldiers hold a kind of lottery for those garments. Jesus makes sure his mother is taken care of. Jesus gives up His Spirit and dies. His side is pierced. He is buried in a new tomb - all in one day.
Today, on Good Friday, I sit in my living room, but this time I do not wait for the curtain to be torn asunder. Rather, I know that I am a part of this story: I have been Peter, denying my relationship with Jesus; I have been Pilate questing for truth, but following the dictates of the crowd, I have questioned God again and again. And sometimes, all in one day.
Jane Oppermann
For more on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship this Holy Week on Good Friday (TODAY) at 10 am (Children's Service) and 7 pm, Easter Vigil (Saturday) at 7 pm and Easter morning at 8:30 and 11.
18 After Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he
and his disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas
brought a detachment of soldiers together with police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches
and weapons. 4Then Jesus, knowing all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, ‘For whom are you looking?’ 5They
answered, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus replied, ‘I am he.’ Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6When Jesus said to them, ‘I am he’, they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7Again he asked them, ‘For whom are you looking?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ 8Jesus answered, ‘I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me, let these men go.’ 9This was to fulfil the word that he had spoken, ‘I did not lose a single one of those whom you gave me.’ 10Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. 11Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?’
12So the soldiers, their officer, and the Jewish police arrested Jesus and bound him. 13First they took him to Annas, who was the father-in-law
of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jews that it was better to have one person die for the
people.
15Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16but Peter was standing outside at the gate. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out, spoke to the woman who guarded the gate, and brought Peter in. 17The woman said to Peter, ‘You are not also one of this man’s disciples, are you?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ 18Now the slaves and the police had made a charcoal fire because it was cold, and they were standing round it and warming themselves. Peter also was standing with them and warming himself.
19Then the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his teaching. 20Jesus answered, ‘I have spoken openly to the world; I
have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21Why do you ask me?
Ask those who heard what I said to them; they know what I said.’ 22When he had said this, one of the police standing nearby struck Jesus on the face, saying, ‘Is that how you answer the high priest?’ 23Jesus answered, ‘If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong. But if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?’ 24Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
25Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They asked him, ‘You are not also one of his disciples, are you?’ He denied it and said, ‘I am not.’ 26One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, ‘Did I not see you in the garden with him?’ 27Again Peter denied it, and at that moment the cock crowed.
28Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so
as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. 29So Pilate went out to them and said, ‘What accusation do you bring against this man?’ 30They answered, ‘If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.’ 31Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.’ The Jews replied, ‘We are not permitted to put anyone to death.’ 32(This was to fulfil what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.)
33Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ 34Jesus answered, ‘Do you
ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ 35Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ 36Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ 37Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’ 38Pilate asked him, ‘What is truth?’
After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, ‘I find no case against him. 39But you have a custom that I release someone
for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?’ 40They shouted in reply, ‘Not this man, but Barabbas!’ Now Barabbas was a bandit.
19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they dressed him in a
purple robe. 3They kept coming up to him, saying, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and striking him on the face. 4Pilate went out again and said to them, ‘Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no case against him.’ 5So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, ‘Here is the man!’ 6When the chief priests and the police saw him, they shouted, ‘Crucify him! Crucify him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and crucify him; I find no case against him.’ 7The Jews answered him, ‘We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has claimed to be the Son of God.’
8Now when Pilate heard this, he was more afraid than ever. 9He entered his headquarters again and asked Jesus, ‘Where are you from?’ But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Pilate therefore said to him, ‘Do you refuse to speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and power to crucify you?’ 11Jesus answered him, ‘You would have no power over me unless it had been given you from above; therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.’ 12From then on Pilate tried to release him, but the Jews cried out, ‘If you release this man, you are no friend of the emperor. Everyone who claims to be a king sets himself against the emperor.’
13When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus outside and sat on the judge’s bench at a place called The Stone Pavement, or in Hebrew
Gabbatha. 14Now it was the day of Preparation for the Passover; and it was about noon. He said to the Jews, ‘Here is your King!’ 15They cried out, ‘Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!’ Pilate asked them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but the emperor.’ 16Then he handed him over to them to be crucified.
So they took Jesus; 17and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called The Place of the Skull, which in Hebrew is called Golgotha.
18There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus between them. 19Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.’ 20Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. 21Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, “The King of the Jews”, but, “This man said, I am King of the Jews.” ’ 22Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written.’ 23When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. 24So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfil what the scripture says, ‘They divided my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots.’ 25And that is what the soldiers did.
Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ 27Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.
28After this, when Jesus knew that all was now finished, he said (in order to fulfil the scripture), ‘I am thirsty.’ 29A jar full of sour wine was standing there. So they put a sponge full of the wine on a branch of hyssop and held it to his mouth. 30When Jesus had received the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews did not want the bodies left on the cross during the sabbath, especially because that sabbath was
a day of great solemnity. So they asked Pilate to have the legs of the crucified men broken and the bodies removed. 32Then the soldiers came
and broke the legs of the first and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already
dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once blood and water came out. 35(He who
saw this has testified so that you also may believe. His testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth.) 36These things occurred so that the scripture might be fulfilled, ‘None of his bones shall be broken.’ 37And again another passage of scripture says, ‘They will look on the one whom they have pierced.’
38After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let
him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to
Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40They took the body of Jesus and
wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
I loved Good Friday as a child, and was especially fond of the Gospel of Mark’s version – the part recounting how the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died. I loved the utter despair, the solemnity of the day, preferring it to be cloudy and rainy, figuring it would not be Biblically correct to have a sunny Good Friday. One year when I was maybe, 8 years old, I sat waiting for the curtains in our living room to be split in half. After sitting for what I thought was at least 3 hours — it might have actually been thirty minutes — I left in utter disappointment.
John’s account doesn’t mention that curtain, but rather documents Jesus’ agonizing journey on Good Friday. One day and so much happened: Jesus is betrayed and arrested; he is handed from one High Priest to another, Peter denies his relationship with Jesus three times, Jesus appears before
Pilate and is questioned extensively and sentenced to death. Jesus is whipped and made to wear a purple robe and a crown of thorns. Pilate tries to convince the crowd to let him go, but the crowd demands Jesus’ death; Jesus carries the cross to Golgatha and is crucified. His clothes are divided
and soldiers hold a kind of lottery for those garments. Jesus makes sure his mother is taken care of. Jesus gives up His Spirit and dies. His side is pierced. He is buried in a new tomb - all in one day.
Today, on Good Friday, I sit in my living room, but this time I do not wait for the curtain to be torn asunder. Rather, I know that I am a part of this story: I have been Peter, denying my relationship with Jesus; I have been Pilate questing for truth, but following the dictates of the crowd, I have questioned God again and again. And sometimes, all in one day.
Jane Oppermann
For more on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship this Holy Week on Good Friday (TODAY) at 10 am (Children's Service) and 7 pm, Easter Vigil (Saturday) at 7 pm and Easter morning at 8:30 and 11.
ASLC Devotions -- Friday
Acts 5:25 Then someone arrived and announced, ‘Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!’
As the apostles were out doing wonders and signs and preaching the message about the resurrection of Jesus (see yesterday's message), the authorities got nervous. So the authorities did what authorities do when they get nervous. They threw the apostles in prison. But an angel showed up and let them out... right through the prison wall. The apostles were released from prison so they could go back and tell the story to those who need to hear it.
I don't know what this means in your life. I don't know what prisons you're in that need breaking down. But I know that it means something about the message of hope and life in the risen Christ. Nothing can defeat the message. The message will always get out. Hope will always triumph. Life is stronger than death. Goodness is stronger than evil. No matter what.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
As the apostles were out doing wonders and signs and preaching the message about the resurrection of Jesus (see yesterday's message), the authorities got nervous. So the authorities did what authorities do when they get nervous. They threw the apostles in prison. But an angel showed up and let them out... right through the prison wall. The apostles were released from prison so they could go back and tell the story to those who need to hear it.
I don't know what this means in your life. I don't know what prisons you're in that need breaking down. But I know that it means something about the message of hope and life in the risen Christ. Nothing can defeat the message. The message will always get out. Hope will always triumph. Life is stronger than death. Goodness is stronger than evil. No matter what.
In Christ,
Pastor Seth
To "talk back," visit http://aslcdevotions.blogspot.com or http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for more information on all of our ministries.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
ASLC Devotions-Maundy Thursday
John 13:33-35
33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’
So after all that, after Advent, after Christmas, after Epiphany, after Pentecost, after all the parables and after all the miracles, the Teacher sees we still need more. We still don’t seem to get it and there isn’t much time left. Little children indeed! So here it is, “Love one another,” that’s about as
simple as the Teacher can make it. They will know we belong to Jesus by our love!
It’s time to get the message and show the world our love! It’s time to reach out to others here at All Saints, here in Palatine, here in America, here in our World! It’s time for the Teacher to see that the little children have heard!
“They will know we are Christians by our love, by our Love. They will know we are Christians by our Love.”
We can get it, can’t we?
Jeff Witt
For more on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship this Holy Week on Maundy Thursday (TONIGHT) at 7 pm, Good Friday at 10 am (Children's Service) and 7 pm, Easter Vigil (Saturday) at 7 pm and Easter morning at 8:30 and 11.
33Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” 34I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.’
So after all that, after Advent, after Christmas, after Epiphany, after Pentecost, after all the parables and after all the miracles, the Teacher sees we still need more. We still don’t seem to get it and there isn’t much time left. Little children indeed! So here it is, “Love one another,” that’s about as
simple as the Teacher can make it. They will know we belong to Jesus by our love!
It’s time to get the message and show the world our love! It’s time to reach out to others here at All Saints, here in Palatine, here in America, here in our World! It’s time for the Teacher to see that the little children have heard!
“They will know we are Christians by our love, by our Love. They will know we are Christians by our Love.”
We can get it, can’t we?
Jeff Witt
For more on all of our ministries, visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org Join us for worship this Holy Week on Maundy Thursday (TONIGHT) at 7 pm, Good Friday at 10 am (Children's Service) and 7 pm, Easter Vigil (Saturday) at 7 pm and Easter morning at 8:30 and 11.
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