It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
TO PONDER
I don't think there is too much I want to say today. I think that it is important that we take time on a day like Good Friday to just sit with the pain and suffering which Jesus endured for our sake.
We have a tendency as New Testament Christians to want to rush towards the Resurrection of Easter Sunday. In fact many modern evangelical churches do not even hold services on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday any more. But it is important for us to remember that the suffering and death of Jesus is what paid the price for our sin. It was our rebellion against God which nailed Jesus to the cross. In the words of the song, "In Christ Alone", it was my sin that held him there, until it was accomplished. His dying breath has bought me life, I know that it is finished.
Friday is good because Sunday is coming, but don't rush through today. Take the time to sit and reflect deeply on all that Christ has done for you. Thank of what it means that Jesus, the Son of God died so that you could be free because that deserves some thinking about.
PRAYER: Jesus, there is so much to consider and think about when I stop and read the accounts of your final moments on the cross. The temple curtain was torn and we were granted for the first time since the beginning of creation free access to God the Father. Even though following the Father's will led you through all the pain and suffering of crucifixion, you still placed your life and spirit in the Fathers hands as you took your last breath. Jesus, help me to have that same trust that will put my soul in your hands even when following you takes me into painful and difficult places. I ask that you would help me to know what it is to live in the freedom that your death has won for me each day so that my life might more clearly reflect yours to all the world. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
TO PONDER
We are talking about authority this week but also as we approach Easter Sunday, want to look at the story of Easter.
Maundy Thursday celebrates the night Jesus instituted the Lord's supper. And while I can't believe I'm doing this, there is a comparison to be made between Jesus actions at this special Passover meal, and current US President, Donald Trump.
Now before you all start sending me angry emails, let me explain. The passover meal was a reminder and part of the deal that God made with the Israelites when he rescued them from slavery in Egypt. They were to celebrate this meal as an annual reminder of what God had done for them. But on this night, Jesus is sent with the authority to renegotiate the terms of the deal.
Now whether or not you agree with Trump's approach or whether his policies will have the outcomes he desires, I'm sure he believes that renegotiating America's international trade is going to make things better for Americans, and as President, he has the power and authority to do that.
Jesus was sent to renegotiate the terms of God's promise of salvation and he did it for the benefit of his people. No longer would an annual sacrifice need to be made so that sins could be forgiven. God was upping the ante, he was offering his son as a once and for all sacrifice for all human sin and Jesus was the one who would offer himself as that sacrifice. No one else had the authority to reestablish God's promise with different parameters than God himself and a Human representative that could stand before God in perfect righteousness. Jesus fulfilled both those criteria and because of him, a new covenant, a new promise has been established in which God has provided the means for all people of all nations to be saved by the blood of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. That's the promise you receive every time you come to the Lord's Table, "given and shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins."
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for inviting me to receive this new promise and to be part of this new covenant for which you gave your own body and blood as the atoning sacrifice for my sin. Help me to live each day in the freedom of your promise of mercy and forgiveness. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
TO PONDER
The rise and advances of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in recent years is an interesting phenomenon. For decades, science fiction stories and movies such as "The Terminator" franchise, "I, Robot" , "The Matrix", and countless others, have warned of a time when AI robots will rebel against those who created them, usually borne out of a cold application of logic which causes them to arrive at the conclusion that the world would be a better place without humanity.
It's funny, because most of these stories are just a retelling of the fall of creation. Today's reading tells us that we were created through Christ and for Christ. The word of God made flesh, Jesus Christ, is the one through whom all things were made (Nicene Creed). But we were also made for him, just as the robots in these stories were made by humans and to serve and work for humans. And just like the robots inevitably decide they'd be better off without their makers, we decided that we'd be better off without God.
It's only in Christ, that things make sense, "in him all things hold together". In most of these Sci-Fi robot movies, the humans usually manage some way to reassert their authority over their creations. It's usually that part of the movie where we as the audience cheer because we know that the robots should not rule over those that created them. But how many people in the world today would seriously cheer at handing their power and authority back to Jesus and to stop living in open rebellion to the one who created them?
Jesus will come back and exercise his authority to judge all things and to establish his kingdom for all eternity. The question is who will oppose him and who will welcome his return?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you are worthy of it all; you are worthy of it all. For from you are all things, and to you are all things. You deserve the glory. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."
TO PONDER
These are the words of Jesus to his disciples just before he gives them the mandate to go and make disciples of all nations.
I know that this task can seem so huge and unachievable at times. Even as a pastor, I sometimes wonder if all the preaching, teaching and pastoral work ever makes much of an impact when it comes to the task of making disciples in all the world.
But what a difference it makes to remember that we are sent by Jesus, to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given, and whose authority has been vested in us for that specific purpose. If we go where he sends us and do what he shows us, then we have no need to fear because his power and authority is with us.
The only time we have any reason to be concerned is when we take that authority and try to use it for other purposes. It has been given to us to go make disciples of all nations, if we expect the power and authority of Jesus to be visible and at work in us for any other purpose, then we really are setting ourselves up for disappointment.
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus. Therefore, go and make disciples in his name and surely he will be with you, even to the very end of the age.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, when it comes to my salvation, I know you have done all that is required through your suffering, death, and resurrection. And yet the work of reconciling all the world to yourself is not yet complete. Help me to see the times and places where you are calling me to exercise your authority to call people to yourself and help me each day to walk more in step with you as your disciple. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
“Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”
TO PONDER
Apologies to any one who heard my sermon on Sunday, you'll probably recognise most of today's devotion.
Reading this verse for this week I was struck by two things which I had never directly considered before. Authority is something that is always given. The Pharisees and the temple priests ask Jesus the question, "who gave you this authority". And it is true, the manner in which authority is given and by whom might be different in various circumstances but authority is always given by someone (or a group of people) to another individual or group of people. Not only that, it is given for a purpose.
These same temple officials ask Jesus what authority he has to be doing these things. If you read the surrounding context of this verse, you'll realise Jesus has just turned over the tables of the vendors and money changers in the temple courts.
When Jesus tells his disciples at the end of Mathew's gospel that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, and with that authority he sends them to make disciples of all nations, Jesus gives them the necessary authority to do exactly as he said. To employ the power and authority of Jesus to make disciples of others.
Too often, Christians have been tempted to act in the power and name of Jesus simply for their own benefit. That's not the purpose for which it was given.
Too often, Churches have been caught out insisting that thing be done 'their way' and according to 'their rules and traditions'. That is not what the authority which Christ gave to the church is for.
It is to make disciples of others, baptising and teaching them everything Jesus said and did and taught to us. Things like how to love and serve one another, how to practice mercy and forgiveness, how to encourage and support one another in prayer and in practice. These are the things for which Jesus gives his authority to his disciples. So what are you waiting for?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you that you send us out as your people with your power and authority to do the work you have called us to do. Help me to get busy at the work you have left for me and help me to be confident in your power and authority as I strive to follow you as your disciple. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
TO PONDER
It always astounds me the different reactions of people to Jesus.
I had the privilege to be invited to an advanced screening of the first instalment of season 5 of 'The Chosen' in a local cinema in Newcastle this week. What it highlighted for me in a way I have never quite taken the time to consider were the varying levels of complexity behind people's reactions to Jesus. Some obviously counted him as friend and rabbi; others saw him as a political threat, a theological problem, a heretic and blasphemer, a worker of signs and wonders, and for many - a king, the long awaited descendant of King David come to establish a kingdom that will never end.
Of course that is exactly what Jesus did, and yet, he did not do it in the way the people expected.
Maybe your week has not turned out how you had expected. Perhaps your prayers have not bee answered the way that you had hoped for, but Jesus is still the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Maybe your family relationships are difficult and strained at the moment. Perhaps your financial situation is being strained to breaking point, but Jesus is still the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Don't let the events of the past week, or the plans and events of the week to come distract you or change your perspective on who Jesus is and what he has done. May your reaction to Jesus always be, "Hosannah! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, forgive me when I lose sight of who you are and why you lived, died and rose again among us, your people. Forgive me when my faith is shaken by things not turning out the way I hoped or planned. Help me to remember that you can bring life even from the jaws of death and to look for your help in all circumstances. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Whatever you do work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord, not men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ that you are serving.
TO PONDER
I have to admit that I knew nothing about Colossians except it was written by Paul from prison and it comes between Philippians and 1 Thessalonians in the Bible. So, I decided to read Paul’s letter to the Colossians completely from start to finish. The four chapters are easy to read but I found myself wondering where he was going in Chapter 3 under Rules for Christian Households because he covered these with one line but was very detailed about servants and masters. It all fell into place when I read the verses that are the basis of today’s devotion.
We were slaves to sin until Christ paid for our redemption on the cross. Each time we partake of Holy Communion, our sins are forgiven but we do not work in order for God to redeem us, we are saved by grace through faith. We work for the Lord for the joy it gives us to serve him, knowing our reward will be living with him in eternity.
How do we serve God? Wholeheartedly! It can't be an outward show that may impress those around us. God knows us intimately, so we put our full effort into it as if we were serving our earthly employer. We should approach our service with joy which results in fulfilment. We should not see it as a drudge or means to an end. This joy in service should flow over into all aspects of our lives, relationships, even our leisure time.
Sometimes, if you are like me, we can wonder “Am I doing enough?” The answer is usually simple; work well at what tasks you feel God has given you – one small task done well is worth more than many that are rushed over because there is not enough time or energy and always remember salvation does not come through works. When we serve Christ, as Christian believers, we demonstrate that our hearts are transformed and a new way of living our faith is reflected in our actions.
PRAYER: Gracious God, I thank you that I can express my joy in my salvation by joyfully serving you, I ask for your strength to do the work you set me honestly and well because I know that the reward is the inheritance promised to us, life in your presence forever. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.
TO PONDER
My Bible has the heading prior to verse nine – Love, and to the end of chapter twelve, Paul speaks about living in harmony with those around us based on Jesus’ teaching; our words and actions need to be authentic as we face situations that arise in our everyday lives.
Paul writes about ‘spiritual fervour’ in the text; it’s an active word, a bit like water boiling in a pot with bubbles bursting everywhere. When we totally embrace the Holy Spirit living within us and serve others using the gifts of the Spirit [Galatians 5:22-26] we can become like that pot of boiling water. Every word and action as we serve others has a richness of Holy Spirit coming from God’s word at work in us. We cannot catch one of those bubbles from the boiling pot of water but as they burst, we can feel some droplets; as we serve others, no matter what their need, may the droplets from our bursting spiritual enthusiasm infect them with a desire to know God and love him and grow in them a desire to serve him.
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for your gift of the Holy Spirit living in me. May I always cherish this gift and share it wholeheartedly with others as I serve you by serving others using the gifts of the Spirit. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for you O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
TO PONDER
This morning, I went to read my emails, only to find someone trying to scam me. It was not a pleasant experience giving rise to many negative thoughts; things I considered were interfering with my life; I just wished I was elsewhere.
King David expresses how his soul is thirsty, just as he can see the hunted deer in the desert panting and searching for water, so does he want refuge from his oppressors, and his soul thirsts for the living God. He wants to seek God in his temple, to be able to worship him and find rest.
I needed that comfort this morning; we all need that comfort at times. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, he made it easy for us to approach God. Jesus referred to himself as “Living water" [John 4:10] and the promise of eternal life. Jesus himself said his soul was troubled “to the point of death” [Mark 14:34] and again in John 12:27 “Now my heart is troubled and what shall I say….” Jesus’ reaction was to pray to his Father.
This is our starting point, taking those things that take our peace away to God in prayer. Like we said in yesterday’s devotion, have that deep truthful spiritual connection with God, share your cares with him. But like the psalmist we need more, we need to seek God, this God who is alive. King David sought God in his temple, we need to seek him through his word. By listening to his word and joining with other believers we are drawn into his presence and find our souls being sated. It becomes natural to want to give thanks and praise to God, to want to serve him, honour and obey him every day of our lives.
PRAYER:Gracious God, you are the person I flee to when pressures of this life burden me and I long to be in your presence. I thank you for Jesus death and resurrection so that I can bring my burdens to you and find peace as I share them with you. I ask for your forgiveness when I decide I can fix things on my own and usually end up making things worse. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle.