Skip to main content

Lent Day 41


Scripture Reading

John 12:27-38


This passage reminds us of the importance of the death of Christ while at the same time reminding us of the lack of belief in Jesus' day and ours. The crowd had witnessed several miracles, most recently hearing a voice from heaven (vs. 28-29). The crowd still refused to believe in Jesus and his coming kingdom. 


When we speak of the death of Christ we must understand that Christ's death was the way in which God chose to make peace between us and him. God could have chosen another way to restore our relationship with him but he did not. He chose to offer his son as a sacrifice, so that we might experience the wonder of a relationship with God. 


Jesus promised that through his being lifted up, meaning his death by crucifixion, that he would draw people to himself. The violence of the cross brings peace to all who desire to lose their life for Christ's sake and follow him. God has shown the world how much he loves us by sending his son to die for us. The question for each of us is "Are we going to believe in the miracle of the cross or will we fail to believe in Jesus just like the people of his day did?"


Prayer: Lord, help me to accept the miracle of the cross. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross. I pray that you will continue to perform the miracle of salvation throughout your world. May you be lifted up for all the world to see. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Lent Day 40

Scripture Reading Matthew 21:1-9 Today is Palm Sunday, the day that we prepare for Easter by celebrating Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Some churches celebrate Palm Sunday by having children enter the sanctuary waving palm branches as a reminder of this sacred day. Other churches will have people waving palm branches lining the center aisle of the church as someone dressed as Jesus enters the sanctuary. In both instances, what is happening is a visual reminder of the majesty of Jesus Christ who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  The reaction of the crowd represents their acknowledgement of Jesus as the long-expected Messiah. The greeting that Jesus received (vs.9) was used in Psalm 118 to greet pilgrims as they entered Jerusalem during the Feast of the Tabernacles. Hosanna essentially means "save," but was probably used here as an exclamation of praise to Jesus. The phrase Son of David describes Jesus' fulfillment that the Messiah would be a descendant ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sermon Soundtrack Vol. 3

 I've been listening to my usual eclectic variety of music the past few weeks. I did want to mention two new releases that intrigued me this week.  Penny and Sparrow released a new album, Olly, Olly. Cyd and I saw them in concert in Savannah several years ago opening for a couple of other bands and we really like their sound.  Johnny Swim is another band I've been listening to again. They are a mainstay in my study playlist.  I pulled up the Mumford an Sons live album at Red Rocks too. Pedro the Lion is a band fronted by David Bazan. I like some of David's early solo work and the older catalogue of Pedro the Lion. This new disc seems to be an exploration of reflective music. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Grieving With Hope

This past week has brought a sense of heaviness in my heart. My oldest child graduated from high school. She has achieved all that I could have possibly dreamed she would up to this point in life. To say I'm proud is an understatement. Completion of high school also means that life in our family is shifting. It won't quite be the same because she will experience a new season of life that will bring fresh experiences and countless life lessons. As I've talked to Cyd the last few days we both agree we feel a sense of sadness while simultaneously finding our hearts filled with hope for what is to come for our graduate.  Truthfully, the heaviness I feel is linked to other factors. For starters, this week marks 11 years since my Dad died from pancreatic cancer. I'm not a big death anniversary kind of person, but reaching a milestone with a child makes you miss a parent even more. The interesting thing about grief is that for most people, not a day goes by that you don't ...
Post a Comment
Read more