Chapter 27 - The Resurrection

Matthew 27-28

Mark 16

Luke 24

John 19-21

Introduction to the Reading:
If you were to pick a portion of one of the New Testament books other than the Gospels to read on Easter Sunday, what scripture lesson would you pick? I know I might choose something from Paul's great "resurrection chapter" (1 Corinthians 15) or maybe Romans chapter 8 where he explains that we are more than conquerors in Christ.

Interestingly enough the traditional reading for Easter in the Christian church comes from 1 Corinthians 5:6-8.  There Paul writes, "Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast permeates the whole batch of dough? Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch. You are indeed unleavened, for Christ our Passover has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us observe the feast, not with old yeast or with the yeast of malice and evil but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. " (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

So what in the world do those verses have to do with Easter? Personally I've come to realize how these verses are perfect for Easter. Maybe it's because I understand the context in which they are written - or maybe it's because of my friend’s new interest in making bread.

To begin with, let me start by explaining some bread making basics. Typically, as most of you know, when you make bread you need yeast. In the recipe that my friend most often uses, it calls for 4 teaspoons of yeast (He eats quite a lot so he makes large batches!) Here's a picture of the amount of yeast you are supposed to put in:

Now let me tell you a little secret. It's actually no secret at all since people have known it for literally millennia, but somehow we as a society have almost forgotten it. Do you know how much dry yeast you need to add to a batch of dough? NONE! The secret, if you make bread every week like my friend does, is simply to save some of the dough from your last batch (see below), mix in some warm water, and put it into the new batch. The amazing thing about yeast is that it multiplies all on its own. As it feeds on the sugars in the grains it spreads throughout the whole batch. Thus, as Paul said, "A little yeast permeates the whole batch of dough!"

Great to know, but what is the connection with Easter and what is the "feast" that Paul wants us to observe. Well before we read our chapter today let's venture back to chapter 4. Yes I said chapter 4. Do you remember that far back? At the time you probably skimmed over the phrase that unlocks what Paul is talking about. You probably remember how the Lord sent plagues on the land when the Israelites were in Egypt. The final plague was the death of all the firstborn. The only way to prevent this tragedy was to slaughter a sheep or goat without defect and put the blood over their door frame. Then the Lord would pass over their house and not kill the first born male in the family. They were also supposed to eat the meat from the lamb, along with bitter herbs, and bread made without yeast. Why bread without yeast? Although not included in chapter 4, the Lord gives specific commands that they cannot have yeast in their house for 7 days straight.

According to Wikipedia, "Traditionally, Jews do a formal search for remaining leaven (Hebrew chametz, as in bedikat chametz) after nightfall on the evening before Passover. A blessing is read, and one or more members of the household proceed from room to room to check that no crumbs remain in any corner. In very traditional families, the search may be conducted by the head of the household; in more modern-style families, the children may be the ones who do the search, under the supervision of their parents...On the morning of the 14th of Nisan, any leavened products that remain in the householder's possession, along with the 10 morsels of bread from the previous night's search, are burned (s'rayfat chametz)."

To sum up where we are at: yeast multiplies on it's own within bread. In order to make a new batch you only need to take some of the old batch, which has yeast and mix it in with the new batch. When Jews celebrate Passover they remove all yeast from their house for a week. At this point you may still be trying to figure out the connection with Easter and at this point, I'm going to leave you hanging. Let's read about the resurrection, and as you read, try to connect the dots between bread making, the Passover celebration, and the resurrection.

When You're Done Reading:
It never gets old, does it? I found it fun reading a number of the resurrection accounts packed into one chapter. I can just picture the disciples running back and forth, talking back and forth, and debating back and forth about exactly what had happened. Let me ask you this question: what did the resurrection mean to the disciples? Spend a minute or two and try to list five things:

1.              

2.             

3.             

4.             

5.             

Want to hear my list? Alright, what I noticed first is that the disciples were filled with hope. They weren't "down in the dumps" any more. Although they hadn't put it all together yet the mood was definitely positive.

Secondly, it proved that Jesus was who he said he was: the Messiah. I've been asking the last few weeks who Jesus was, and the resurrection assures us that Jesus is truly God. Who else could raise themselves from the dead!

My third and fourth points are very closely related to the above: the truth that Jesus rose like he said he would means that everything else Jesus told the disciples they could also trust was true. Therefore also all the promises that he made to them they could rely upon as well.

Finally their purpose in life completely changes. We see glimpses of it already in our chapter, but in the remainder of the story it is going to become extremely evident. No longer were they just disciples or followers, they would now be witnesses. Did you notice how the disciples are relating their experiences in this chapter so that others would know the story?

You see, the resurrection quite literally changed everything for the disciples. A number of years ago, Sports Illustrated listed the greatest comebacks in history. I was pleasantly surprised when I got to number 1, "Jesus Christ, 33 A.D. Defies critics and stuns the Romans with his resurrection." It literally was a come back - coming back from the dead. It might be called the biggest game changer in history. Where Satan and death seemed to be in the lead and in fact seemed to conquer by bringing down God himself on the cross, they were ultimately crushed by Jesus' resurrection. I will say it again: the resurrection changed everything.  It changes the disciples lives. It changed HIStory and it changes our lives.

Making it My Own:
Which brings me back to yeast, Passover, and Easter. Once again: how do the three connect? Well the lamb that was sacrificed to save the firstborn children in Israel clearly pictures Christ, the lamb of God, whose death on the cross saves us from eternal death.

The yeast was a picture as well: a picture of how our lives are to be changed by Christ's death and resurrection. Whereas we had once been filled with sin and evil, these things are to be wiped out of us. "You are a new batch!" says Paul. We've been completely cleaned. Like Jews today still look through the cracks in their cabinets with flashlights just to make sure there isn't any yeast, we are encouraged to look at our lives and get rid of any sin. We are to be completely new - living lives dedicated to witnessing the resurrection.

The resurrection changes everything. Someone much wiser than I realized that and chose to read the verses I quoted earlier on Easter Sunday. They realized that we need to be reminded that the effects of the resurrection impact our every day life. Yes the truth that Jesus rose impacts eternity. Yes, it has profound impacts on the future of the universe. But it also impacts me, today. Over the next few weeks we will see many more examples of how the disciples' lives were changed. Today I'd like you to make one more list. How has the resurrection changed your life ... today:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Hymn:
(Leave it to Martin Luther to write such a great hymn for Easter. He obviously is bringing out the scripture lessons for Easter Sunday, including 1 Corinthians 5, and connecting the Old Testament pictures of Jesus with their New Testament fulfillment.)


Christ Jesus lay in death’s strong bands,
For our offenses given;
But now at God’s right hand He stands,
And brings us life from Heaven.
Wherefore let us joyful be,
And sing to God right thankfully
Loud songs of Alleluia! Alleluia!

It was a strange and dreadful strife
When life and death contended;
The victory remained with life;
The reign of death was ended.
Stripped of power, no more it reigns,
An empty form alone remains
Death’s sting is lost forever! Alleluia!

Here the true Paschal Lamb we see,
Whom God so freely gave us;
He died on the accursed tree—
So strong His love!—to save us.
See, His blood doth mark our door;
Faith points to it, Death passes over,
And Satan cannot harm us. Alleluia!

So let us keep the festival
Where to the Lord invites us;
Christ is Himself the joy of all,
The Sun that warms and lights us.
By His grace He doth impart
Eternal sunshine to the heart;
The night of sin is ended! Alleluia!

Then let us feast this Easter day
On the true Bread of Heaven;
The Word of grace hath purged away
The old and wicked leaven.
Christ alone our souls will feed;
He is our Meat and Drink indeed;
Faith lives upon no other! Alleluia!

Chapter 26 - The Hour of Darkness

Matthew 26-27
Mark 14-15

 Luke 22-23
John 13-14; 16-19

Introduction to the Reading: 

Whenever you read about an accidental death of someone, it’s a good reminder how miraculous it is that we make it through any given day.  Our entire life is a miracle of God - a time of Grace that comes generously from his hand - and how quickly that time can come to an end.

As you will read, in our chapter this week we also read about another death - the death of Jesus. Jesus' death wasn't justified - he did nothing wrong. While each of us mourns the loss of loved ones and struggles to see others taken from us, why do we celebrate Jesus death? What makes his death special? In spite of the millions and billions of people who have died over the course of history, why do we pay so much attention to one man dying?

I hope you already know the answer, but sometimes we need to be reminded of what we already know. I've probably read some of these verses hundreds if not thousands of times, but yet as I read these words of scripture this time, I was reminded of what made Jesus' death different. As we read this week, let's stop and pay attention to what made the death of the one man, Jesus Christ, so special.

Moments to Pause:

·                     Bottom of page 368: In one sentence, using your own words, what did Jesus mean that " Unless I wash you, you have no part with me?" What does Jesus' death do for us, making it so important?

·                     Bottom of page 369: The body and blood of Jesus, shed on the cross and present in the Lord's Supper, are the signs and seals of his new covenant with us. What is a covenant? Unlike the covenant the Lord made with Moses and the Israelites that he would bless them if they kept his commands, the covenant Jesus makes is one sided: it is simply God's promise to us. What is that promise? In the supper Jesus instituted, the forgiveness of sins won on the cross is sealed - made certain - to us as individuals. Jesus assures me that the punishment he took on - even though it happened nearly two millennia ago - impacts me. This isn't just any death - this is a death he died for me. He took on the punishment of sins for me.

·                     Bottom of page 370: At times Jesus spoke quite openly about who he was, and yet his disciples still didn't fully comprehend it (at least at the time). Who does Jesus say he is? What sentences in this section do you think most clearly explain who he is?

·                     Bottom of page 373: What evidence is there that Jesus is going willingly to his death? It's almost comical how no one really gets it! What do you think the "mob" thought about Jesus when they saw the miracles? How does Peter respond?

·                     Bottom of page 374: Who does Jesus clearly claim to be before the religious leaders?

·                     Bottom of page 377: Before Pilate, Jesus is not only called a king, but what else?

When You're Done Reading:
Finally someone gets it - really gets it! What made Jesus death different? For the last few weeks the underlying question I've been asking - and the ongoing question of those who met Jesus - has been, "Who is this?" Jesus' death is special - is memorable - is crucially important because it isn't just the death of some man. It is the death of the Son of God!

I can't understand how Jesus could be both human and God. I don't get how his death could be the substitute for the death I deserve for my sins. I don't know why he would even die for me. But he was, and it did, and he has. The whole Story - for that matter all of HIStory - has been leading up to this. With his death on the cross, Jesus crushed the head of Satan once and for all as prophesied all the way back in the garden of Eden.

Each day we face any number of ways to die.  We read about deaths in the newspaper and visit funeral homes. We are reminded constantly of our mortality. But the most important death to remember is that of Jesus - not just an ordinary man - but the Son of God. His death sets us free from eternal death so that we can enjoy the mansions he promised to prepare for us.

Hymn/Prayer:

by Johann Heerman

O dearest Jesus, what law have you broken
That such sharp sentence should on you be spoken?
Of what great crime have you to make confession—
What dark transgression?

Whence come these sorrows, whence this mortal anguish?
It is my sins for which you, Lord, must languish;
Yes, all the wrath, the woe, you do inherit,
This I do merit.

The sinless Son of God must die in sadness;
The sinful child of man may live in gladness;
Man forfeited his life and is acquitted—
God is committed.

Whate’er of earthly good this life may grant me,
I’ll risk for you; no shame, no cross, shall daunt me;
I shall not fear what man can do to harm me
Nor death alarm me.

And when, dear Lord, before your throne in Heaven
To me the crown of joy at last is given,
Where sweetest hymns your saints forever raise you,
I, too, shall praise you.

Chapter 25 - Jesus, the Son of God

Matthew 17; 21
Mark 8-12; 14  
Luke 9;22
John 7-8; 11-12

Introduction to the Reading:
You probably understand celebrating Christmas and Easter every year, but why transfiguration?

Some of you might even be asking, "What is transfiguration?" Well we are going to hear about it towards the very beginning of the chapter this week. Jesus is with his disciples Peter James, and John on a mountain when all of a sudden he is transfigured - his appearance changes. He suddenly appears glorious. The disciples notice something else: two men are with him. Now don't ask me how, but they recognize that the men are Moses and Elijah. Suddenly they hear a voice speaking from the cloud that enveloped them, "This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"

I guess I should let you read it for yourself. I'll meet up with you on the middle of page 355. As you read, ask yourself, "Why celebrate the Transfiguration?"

Time to Slow it Down - Middle of Page 355: 
The last couple of weeks I've asked two somewhat similar questions: "Who is Jesus?" and "How did people respond to Jesus?" Both questions come together at the beginning of our lesson. Jesus asks his disciples the question point blank, "Who do you say I am?" And what is Peter's response? "You are the Messiah!" Woohoo! They get it, right? Well...no. Not quite exactly. Well the answer is correct, but the meaning is wrong. They get that he is the Messiah, but they don't understand completely what that means. Are you confused yet? Don't worry, so are the disciples. Let's go up the mount of transfiguration with them. Jesus will shed some light on things (pun intended).

So who is the Messiah? Well through The Story we have heard promises about the one who would come to defeat the serpent - the Devil - all the way from the beginning in the book of Genesis as Moses recorded the events that had taken place in the Garden of Eden. The prophets spoke of the suffering servant who was to come. Why have Moses and Elijah miraculously appear on the mountain? It was a visible way of showing what Jesus had been telling his disciples all along: he was the one who had been talked about from the beginning of the story. The one that prophets like Elijah knew was coming.

But as if the glory wasn't enough...even if the very words of the prophets aren't sufficient testimony...God the Father speaks. The case is settled. The question that we've been asking the last couple of weeks, "Who is this?" The question that possibly you've had roll through your mind now and then is answered. What further evidence do you need? Jesus truly is the Son of God, the one anointed to carry out his Father's task of saving the world from sin - the Messiah.

But this is where the events to me get really interesting. Peter says, "The is amazing! Let's put up tents. Let's make this last a little longer." What a great response, right? Absolutely not. You applaud his enthusiasm. You empathize with his desire. Hey, I know I'm jealous - I would have loved to have been there myself. But one thing is missing: it's not just who Jesus is...it's what he does. See to me the most amazing thing about the Transfiguration is what happens right after: Jesus comes down the mountain. Here he is, the Son of God, and he continues on the journey to the cross to suffer and die. He knows exactly what's going to happen. He even tells his disciples. Yet, he knows that he must suffer in their place and in ours. What amazing love!

There is plenty I could comment on in today's reading. But today I encourage you to let the Transfiguration set the tone for your reading. How did Peter see the events that we read about differently as he followed Jesus to Jerusalem? Why, considering what events the disciples are about to see, was the Transfiguration a moment for them to hang on to in their memory? How often did they think about it? When they saw the people debating, wondering, following, rejecting Jesus, how would the Transfiguration impact how they processed what everyone else was saying?  Walk with the disciples down from the Mount of Transfiguration and up to the Mount of Calvary.

When You are Done:
So what does the Mount of Transfiguration mean for me? Why do I like celebrating Transfiguration? This is my answer: because I know that like the disciples there are going to be valleys ahead. Will people question if what I believe about Jesus is true? Absolutely! They will argue it and debate it and question it. Will there be times of confusion? I'm almost positive. Will there be times when I'm glad that I had my faith to hang on to? Sure - like Mary in the midst of Lazarus' death. Will my faith be tested, like Peter's was (as we will hear about next week)? I'm sure it will.

But when it's all said and done, I know that Jesus went down the mountain. He went down not so that I could have someone to commiserate with about how tough life is down here. He went down so that he could go up another mountain I could never go up on my own: Mt. Zion - the New Jerusalem - heaven. He died so that he could also rise again, as he stated over and over today. He rose so that he might have power over death and guarantee that I will rise again.

I can't help but think that in spite of all the events that took place those days before the crucifixion that the Transfiguration was constantly on the minds of Peter, James and John. It had to be on their mind every time they saw a miracle, or heard Jesus make a claim about who he is, or heard someone argue that he wasn't really the Messiah, or watched the leaders try to arrest him. I don't know what tomorrow brings, but tonight I'm going to sleep and I hope tomorrow that the transfiguration is on my mind as well.

Prayer/Hymn:
by Joseph A. Robinson

’Tis good, Lord, to be here,
Your glory fills the night;
Your face and garments, like the sun,
Shine with unborrowed light.

’Tis good, Lord, to be here,
Your beauty to behold
Where Moses and Elijah stand,
Your messengers of old.

Fulfiller of the past,
Promise of things to be,
We hail your body glorified
And our redemption see.

Before we taste of death,
We see your kingdom come;
We fain would hold the vision bright
And make this hill our home.

’Tis good, Lord, to be here.
Yet we may not remain;
But since you bid us leave the mount,
Come with us to the plain.

Chapter 24 - No Ordinary Man

Matthew 5-7; 9; 14

Mark 4-6

Luke 10; 15

John 6

Introduction to the Reading: Last week I left you with the question, "How would you respond if someone asked, 'Who is Jesus?'  Today I have a similar question: How do people respond to Jesus?  It's amazing to me how differently people respond when they meet Jesus in the Word. Today we are going to read about people who met Jesus in person.

Before You Read:  
Jesus himself address this question in a number of parables. In fact, in the first parable we read today, Jesus used an illustration from farming to teach us about how people respond to the Word. Jesus often spoke about things from everyday life to help us understand spiritual truths in simple terms. Pay attention as you read this first section - in how many of these parables is Jesus explaining how faith grows? What is the main point of each illustration?

Time to Slow it Down - Top of Page 339:
Although the Word can produce a faith as large as a mustard tree, some reject the Good News about Jesus. Many Pharisees and teachers of God's word actually didn't believe that Jesus was their Savior. They thought that they were better than everyone else because they were very religious. They realized that what they needed to do to earn eternal life is to keep God's law perfectly. How does the parable that Jesus is about to tell point out how impossible this is? How is it that they can't earn eternal life, but only inherit it through faith in Jesus?

Bottom of Page 341:
God's kingdom is often defined as Christ’s rule over our hearts. In the Lord's prayer we ask that God would send his kingdom - that he would rule over our hearts - that the faith would spread! Luther explains the Second Petition of the Lord's Prayer this way: What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may come to us as well. How is this done? When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe His holy Word and lead a godly life here and in eternity.

Top of Page 344: 
Although many of the Pharisees and teachers of the law didn't confess that Jesus was God, it's interesting that the demons had to admit plainly that they recognized him as such. When the demon-possessed man was spared from his bondage, what did he do? Why do we naturally tell others when we are freed from our slavery to Satan?

Middle of Page 349:
Although the crowds flocked to hear Jesus, even his own disciples often struggled in their faith. It is a comfort for me to hear this since I at times myself often have doubts. Like Peter, I get distracted by the world around me, take my eyes off Jesus, and begin to sink. However, when we learn to trust Jesus, we too are led to proclaim, "Truly you are the Son of God!"

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:
Peter's words have been etched in my memory. As I've met Jesus through his word, I too can't help but repeat with Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God."

As we have seen throughout our reading, however, not everyone will come to that conclusion. Even on the very heals of Peter's confession, we hear how Judas would betray Jesus.

How do people respond when they meet Jesus? Well, Jesus told us himself in the very first parable we read today, didn't he? Some people will hear the Word, but for various reasons will fall from the faith. Others, however, will come to faith and produce a harvest of good works pleasing to God. Who will that be?

So what do I learn from Jesus' parable of the Sower? This is what I personally take away: Sow the seed! I don't know who will come to faith. But I can be a lamp on a stand - a city on a hill - the salt of the earth, whatever illustration you want to use. I can be like the demon possessed man, or John the Baptist, or the blind men who received sight, or the disciples who witnessed to what they had seen and heard. How will people respond when they meet Jesus? I honestly don't know - but it really shouldn't impact what I do. How will people respond when they meet Jesus? I don't know - but that doesn't stop me from introducing him to them!

Prayer/Hymn:
by John S.B. Monsell

Lord of the living harvest
That whitens o’er the plain,
Where angels soon will gather
Their sheaves of golden grain,
Accept these hands to labor,
These hearts to trust and love,
And deign with them to hasten
Thy kingdom from above.

As laborers in your vineyard,
Lord, send them out to be
Content to bear the burden
Of weary days for Thee.
To ask no other wages
When you will call them home
But to have shared the travail
Which makes your kingdom come.

Be with them, God the Father;
Be with them, God the Son;
And God the Holy Spirit,
Most blessed Three in One.
Make them your faithful servants
You rightly to adore
And fill them with your fullness
Both now and evermore. 

Chapter 23 - Jesus' Ministry Begins

Matthew 3-4; 11

Mark 1-3

Luke 8

John 1-4

Introduction to the Reading:
As we will read today, we get to witness people's reaction to Jesus. Many people didn't know what to think the first time they heard him. They could tell by the way he talked and the things that he did that he was definitely more than average. They knew that this was someone special, someone important. As you witness Jesus today through the pages of scripture, what impression do you have? How do you answer the question, "Who is this?"

Before You Read: Today we start by reading about one my favorite people: John the Baptist. John is quite the character: eating locusts and honey, wearing camel's hair, living out in the wilderness. Yet for all of his eccentricities, the last thing he wants is the focus on him. He isn't shouting out in the wilderness, "Hey! Hey! Look at me!" His message isn't about himself.

What a great reminder for us. People may think we are unique. They may even think we are "Jesus freaks." Our message shouldn't be, "Hey! Hey! Look at me!" It shouldn't even be, "Hey! Hey" Look at my church." Our message should be the same as that of John, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Stops Along the Way:

•  Middle of page 322: What truth(s) does the Father's testimony teach us about Jesus?
• Top of page 323: How could Jesus resist the Devil's temptations? What does this teach us about him?  Why was it necessary for our sakes that he resist the Devil's temptations?
•  Middle of page 324: What does the title "Lamb of God" teach us about Jesus' work and purpose?
•  Top of page 326: What do Jesus miracles reveal to us about who he is?
•   Middle of page 327: How does Jesus himself summarize his purpose?
•  Middle of page 329: The woman at the well realized there was something special about Jesus. Jesus' miracles tipped her off. What brought them to believe in him as the Messiah though?
•  Middle of page 331: Jesus miracles proved that he spoke with authority and gave evidence that he was truly God. But his authority went beyond just power over physical health. What greater authority did Jesus have as the Son of God?
•  Bottom of page 334: We will explore this more over the next couple of weeks, but what various responses did people have to Jesus? How did different people answer the question, "Who is this?"

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:
So who do people say Jesus is? How do they answer the question, "Who is this?" We will continue to look at this question over the next few weeks. Even many unbelievers today will call him a great philosopher. Muslims respect him as the greatest messenger of God. What do your friends and family think of Jesus?


And who do you say Jesus is? It's a question that Jesus will ask Peter next week. It's a question that I'd like you to think about personally over the next week. How would you answer the question, "Who is this?'



Prayer/Hymn:

Beautiful Savior,
King of Creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love Thee,
Truly I'd serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown.


Beautiful Savior,
Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine!

Chapter 22 - The Birth of the King

Matthew 1-2

Luke 1-2

John 1

Introduction to the Reading: 

Have you ever sat down and read the Christmas story? It sounds silly, but really, when was the last time you just read the whole Christmas story? From little on, at least for many of us, we have either heard the Christmas story at church or read bits of it with our families. I'm sure nearly everyone has seen some version of it on television. But let me ask again, when was the last time you just read the Christmas story?

There’s something amazing about reading the Christmas Story out of the context of all the busyness and distractions normally associated with the Christmas season.  Today we get to read the Christmas story without all the "distractions of Christmas." We get to read the story not from the perspective of the calendar year, but from the time frame of The Story - History. As you read today I won't interrupt, but I ask you to keep this in mind: What struck you differently today? Try to read the Christmas story as if it were your very first time hearing about it. What stood out that you may have not noticed before? Let God's grace overwhelm you once again.

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:

So what did you notice? What struck me as I read the Christmas story this week was how surreal it seemed. Then again, I don't know if surreal is the right word at all. Everything was so real! What do I mean? Well, for centuries, no millennia - believers waited for the coming Messiah. As the time got closer, there were more and more prophesies. On top of it, the people of Israel through whom the Messiah would come, had some exciting times - kings, wars, deportation, re-habitation... Then there was silence. For 400 some years everything was quiet: no prophecies, no water being divided, nothing. 

Finally, on what I'm sure felt like a normal day, an angel appears to a normal girl in a normal city. Yes, angels appear to announce the birth, but to shepherds in a field, not to the crowds in the Coliseum in Rome. The baby is born in a feeding trough. Jesus’ own parents even seem to forget who their child is as they rebuke him for spending too much time in the temple. In many ways, it all seems so normal. Could this really be God in the flesh? Could the Upper Story come crashing into the Lower Story with so little of a bang?

Then again, I'm not really surprised at all. Having been following God's story over the last 21 weeks, it's interesting how God doesn't do things in the normal way, or I should say, how he does things in the seemingly normal way. For us, it would be normal to have such a huge event plastered on every television and computer screen. It would be normal to send up fireworks for such an event. It would be normal to pick Hollywood stars or at least those who have auditioned before a live television audience to be the stars.  But as we've read over the weeks, how often does the Lord use regular people - like Abraham or David or even me - to carry out his work?

Just because in many ways the Christmas story isn't spectacular, does it make it any less real? Not at all. Yet there are some miracles here, aren't there? God takes on human flesh! God leaves the glories of heaven to dwell on earth! And perhaps the greatest miracle: God does this for me!

Making it My Own:

So what do you do with the Christmas story? You tell it! My friend who originally wrote this blog tells the story of travelling Europe and staying at a hostel in Berlin over Christmas.  He and a friend were simply reading the Christmas Story.  They had met people from all over the world at this hostel.  As they talked, many of the people there had no idea what to do to celebrate Christmas. He made a suggestion: go to church! They all were amazed since they had not thought of it. Soon there were a dozen people trampling through the snowy streets walking to church. People who wouldn't have even thought about church had he not brought it up were going. People want to hear the story of Christmas. People are interested in hearing the Gospel that is proclaimed in worship. Sometimes, we just need to invite them!

Hymn:

by A. Katherine Hankey

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story, because I know it's true;
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, ’twill be my theme in glory,
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love

.

I love to tell the story; ’tis pleasant to repeat
What seems, each time I tell it, more wonderfully sweet.
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.

Refrain

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest.
And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song,
’Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Refrain

Chapter 21 - Rebuilding the Walls

Ezra 7
Nehemiah 1-2, 4, 6-8
Malachi 1-4

Introduction to the Reading: 

When I read this chapter, one word came to mind. It's not a word that most people probably would have thought of, but nonetheless, I find this chapter filled with references to it. What is the word? When I read this chapter, I think "Worship." 

Maybe it is because I've always been fascinated with the way we as Christians have worshiped over the centuries. Maybe it's simply because I had just gotten back from worship when I read this chapter. Either way, bear with me this week as I point out what I see as an interesting connection between the history of the Israelites in this chapter and the way we worship the Lord today.

Before You Read - Background of the Reading:

Ok, for those of you who aren't big into timelines, this is the last time with this timeline...

You will notice that the Jews living in captivity returned in waves. If you remember, the first group came back under Zerubbabel around 536 B.C. and rebuilt the temple. We will be reading about the 2nd and 3rd waves today. We begin with a reading from Ezra, a priest who returns to Jerusalem with the permission of Artaxerxes, the new Persian ruler. (And quite possibly the son of Vashti or Esther - either way he would have grown up around Esther as the queen which may explain his kindly disposition to Ezra.)

Breaks Along the Way - p. 294 :

It's interesting how the Lord provided for the exiles who returned home. This Persian ruler gives in abundance not only supplies for those returning, but even money for the offerings. As much as I could comment on this aspect, I don't want to overlook another amazing gift the Lord had given the people: Ezra himself!

It reminds me of all the spiritual leaders the Lord has blessed us with in our churches, and in particular the gift that God has given us in our pastors. While the Lord was with Ezra, his learning was acquired through many hours of long study. Remember how we read, "Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord." The pastors in our churches are not newbies to the faith. They have spent years studying the scripture in preparation for teaching them to us. Your pastors not only learned the scriptures from their parents and teachers as children, they continued their study through college and later at the seminary in order to grow in their understanding of God's Word. It's easy to take for granted the great blessing the Lord has given our church body in the educational system we have for our spiritual leaders in the public ministry. What a blessing!  

In addition, the Lord blessed his people with other church leaders; "Priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, temple servants and other workers at this house of God." The Lord has blessed us to with individuals from our congregation who serve in various capacities: from those who teach our children to those who play violin, flute, and French horn, from ushers to people who run audio and video - all blessings the Lord has provided us!

Thank the Lord that as we gather for worship and Bible study, like the Israelites we have Ministers of the Gospel who can share genuine insights into the scriptures and proclaim the scriptures in truth and purity!

Let us pray a prayer of thanks for the spiritual leaders God has given us!

Bottom of p 299:

"Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other..." Can you imagine? At Hope, if we were ever to build on or build in a new location, there would certainly be challenges, but we probably wouldn’t be hiring security guards to stand around us while we built.

Yet while we can be thankful, not all of our brothers and sisters have the same level of safety.  I could give you examples I've heard from distant places like China or instances from the past where our fellow Christians in Latvia had terrible experiences during communism, but there are even examples closer to home. A couple years ago, my friend lived in Flint, Michigan. If you've heard of Flint you probably know that that a couple years ago it was the most violent city in the nation. While the congregation he was a member of wasn't targeted per se, it was certainly impacted by the community around it. The large glass doors were shattered by a large rock one Sunday morning. The shed was broken into twice - in the same night. Just a couple of months ago the pastor's home was broken into. Safety is always a concern. The organists have to take special precautions when practicing late at night. When the pastor was at the church building late into the evening he would bring his dog along to keep watch. Like Nehemiah did when he heard the report from Jerusalem, we weep along with our fellow Christians in other places who face bodily danger in carrying out the task of spreading the Gospel. 

Yet, like the people of Jerusalem, the members of the congregation didn't let the circumstances deter them from spreading the Gospel. Like the Jews, they took precautions for their safety, but they also trusted the Lord. They joined the community watch in order to make a difference in the community. They didn't rebuild walls, but they did refurbish vacant lots to improve the neighborhood. In spite of the dangers, they walked door to door handing out fliers about the church.

Let us pray for all believers that the Lord be attentive to our prayer to keep his protective hand over our brothers and sisters who risk their physical safety for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel, and let us thank the Lord that we can worship him in safety and security.

Bottom of p 301:

Alright, this is where the parallels to worship are so evident to me: We gather around to hear the Word of the Lord read. Then, like the Levites who "instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there," Pastors through their sermons helps us understand the context and helps us apply it to our lives. (I also noticed that the people were not only nourished spiritually, but they also had physical nourishment. I smiled as I read this thinking about the wonderful spread of food that the volunteers prepare every Sunday or at fellowship gatherings) Finally, notice how the Word produced an effect. While we aren't commanded to celebrate special festivals like the Feast of Tabernacles like the Israelites had to, we too naturally want to celebrate when we hear about what the Lord has done for us. The Feast of Tabernacles which is described here was a remembrance of how the Lord was with them as they lived in tents in the wilderness and how he delivered them from the slavery in Egypt. We celebrate Christmas as we remember how God came to live with us and Easter when we remember how we have been set free from our slavery to sin, death and the Devil.

Let us pray that the Lord continues to work through his Word to move our hearts to celebrate what wonderful things he has done for us!

Bottom of p 303-

What does the Lord have to say about our offerings? Well to sum it up, he wants first-fruits that come from a heart of faith. In fact, he wants our whole lives as a living offering! You will notice that Malachi writes in a very unique pattern: 

·                     The Lord makes a statement. 

·                     The people deny it questioningly. 

·                     The Lord answers their question briefly. 

·                     The people have a follow-up question. 

·                     The Lord gives a detailed response.

In this first section, the Lord says that he is not pleased with their offerings because they are what you might call "leftovers" - blind, lame and diseased animals for sacrifice. Yet I know exactly how tempting it is to give the leftovers: sometimes when we sit down to pay the bills our first thought usually isn't, "What can we give to the Lord." Our first thought is usually, "Do we have enough money to pay for these things we wanted to buy." Can you see the parallel?

Then, when the people ask why the Lord doesn't accept their offerings, he goes even deeper: because he wants their whole life to be an offering. Have you ever had someone give you a birthday gift or Christmas gift who you knew didn't like you and may have even been bad mouthing you behind your back? The gift doesn't mean much if it's not given in love, and it especially doesn't mean much if you act disrespectfully right after you give it! If we don't seek to live lives according to God's will, then our offerings don't mean much, do they? God wants us not only to offer our treasures, but our lives as well!

In the final part of this section, we are reminded to trust the Lord with regards to our ability to give offerings. This passage is a favorite of mine when I'm trying to budget. I'm not saying we go hungry in our household just so that we have offerings to give. Yet as I try to figure out how everything will work out in the long run, it's often easiest to start the cutting in the budget in the donations column. It's easy to think, "Well at least if I cut offerings, this will have a minimal impact." But what is the impact really? "Test me in this," says the Lord almighty," and see if I will not throw open the flood gates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." 

Let us pray that the Lord move our hearts to worship him not only by bringing the best of our treasures, but also by offering our very lives as a living sacrifice to him.

When You're Done Reading - Thoughts to Ponder:

So what does the Lord do for us in worship? He turns our hearts! Malachi prophesied that "Elijah" would come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. The prophet he was speaking of was John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the coming of Jesus. John preached a message of repentance that the people would turn from sin and trust in Jesus the Lamb of God.

Through the prophets of our day - those who proclaim God's word to us - the Lord turns our hearts as well as we await the day of the Lord and Jesus appearing. As we walked through the history of the Old Testament, we've seen how time and time again the Lord called his people to repentance through his Word. We've seen how important it was that the people be reminded over and over of God's promises and his upper story. We too, as we await the coming of Jesus, gather regularly to be reminded of God's promises and how our lower story is connected to that even greater upper story.

Let us pray, "Come, Lord Jesus! Come!"

Prayer/Hymn:

by James Montgomery

To your temple I draw near;
Lord, I love to worship here.
Here are sacrament and Word;
Here believers meet their Lord.

I through Christ am reconciled;
I through Christ become your child.
Abba, Father, give me grace
In your courts to seek your face.

While your glorious praise is sung.
Touch my lips, unloose my tongue,
That my joyful soul may bless
Christ the Lord, my righteousness.

While the prayers of saints ascend,
God of love, to mine attend.
Hear me, for your Spirit pleads;
Hear, for Jesus intercedes.

While I listen to your law,
Fill my soul with holy awe
Till your gospel brings to me
Life and immortality.

While your ministers proclaim
Peace and pardon in your name
Through their voice, by faith, may I
Hear you speaking from the sky.

From your house, when I return,
May my heart within me burn,
And at evening let me say,
"I have walked with God today."