Month: March 2021

Our epistle this week is Acts 10:34-43.

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Peter has learned that God loves and calls all people, not just the nation of Israel. He gives his testimony about Jesus to those gathered that they may know the Good News. This is a turning point in his faith and in the spread of the Gospel.

Earlier in Acts 2 we hear that Peter became a powerful and eloquent voice for Christ in Jerusalem. Here in Acts 10 he is called to see a Roman centurion and his family. Observant Jews did not associate with Gentiles, especially members of the Roman legion, but Paul obeys God’s command and visits. He finds a God-fearing group of people and later in the story, the Holy Spirit comes upon them and they are baptized in the name of Jesus.

Peter now sees that the gift of salvation is offered to all people, no matter what our nationality, location or social position. He travels to other Gentile communities and later writes letters encouraging these new communities of believers. He is blessed and a blessing through his discipleship, as we may be also.

Loving Lord, we are grateful to be called as part of Your saving work in the world. Help us to be the messengers of Your love to everyone. Amen.

Our Old Testament lesson is Isaiah 25:6‭-‬9.

On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine— the best of meats and the finest of wines. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove his people’s disgrace from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

The prophet Isaiah writes of God’s saving grace for all people. Everyone is eligible for God’s mercy if they put their trust in Him (v. 9). We are told that He will wipe away our tears and remove our disgrace.

What must we do to earn this blessing? There is nothing we can do, it is God’s free gift to us. After we accept His offer we are called to love Him and each other, and share the Good News.

There are no prerequisites, no entry fee, no act we can accomplish to win God’s approval. God loves and calls each of us without qualification. When we say yes to Him we become part of His plan, responsible to Him and each other for making disciples of all nations.

Loving Lord, we are not worthy to receive the wonderful gift You offer, but You reach out to us anyway. Help us to use our faith to reach others that all may enter Your kingdom. Amen.

Our call to worship is Psalm 118:14‭-‬19.

The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.

The psalmist sings of God’s omnipotent strength, but also of the blessing of His mercy. We hear that the Lord is mighty and “has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death” (v. 18). God disciplines those He loves for correction, not punishment.

This psalm speaks of our salvation and our obligation as God’s people – “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done” (v. 17). God has offered us eternal life through Jesus Christ, and in turn we are to tell others about the relationship we have with Him. He wants all of His children to return to Him and we are called to be part of His plan.

Don’t let the evil of this world prevent your witness or distract you from your heavenly connection. God is with us even in the most difficult times. Let His love strengthen you to accomplish the task to which He calls you.

Heavenly Father, in our weakness we cry out to You. Help us to see past our current trials to the eternal promise You offer us all. Amen.

Our Gospel lesson for Palm Sunday is Mark 11:1-11, taken today from the New International Version (NIV).

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’ ” They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, “Hosanna! ” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Jesus came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover in accordance with God’s plan. Everything He has done has been in accordance with what God has asked of Him. All the teaching and healing and His entrance to Jerusalem is according to the Father’s plan as well.

The prophet Zechariah was given these words some 500 years earlier: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). God had planned for Jesus to enter Jerusalem in this way long ago. It is intended to point out the stark difference between the rule of King Jesus and that of human kings.

Jesus offers us a place in His heavenly kingdom. It us not forced on us by conquest, as earthly rule is often carried out. Jesus invites us to repent and enter His kingdom through His mercy and love. May we hear His gentle call and obey humbly as He has shown us.

Loving Lord, You came as one of us to lead us back to the relationship intended at Creation. Help us to see the blessings in store for us and follow the path You have prepared. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is Mark 11:1-11, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ you say, ‘The Lord has need of it’; and immediately he will send it back here.” They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. Some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it. And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields. Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord ; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!” Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.

Jesus knew exactly what was asked of Him as He came to Jerusalem. He had told His followers before “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed and be raised on the third day” (Luke 9:22). Many who heard didn’t understand – how could the one who came to save them die?

Jesus knew God’s plan because He was in connection with the Father constantly. Jesus knew the importance of prayer, He practiced it and taught it to us. Prayer is the only way to share our lives and our concerns with God, not that He doesn’t already know but when we pray, we become part of the process.

People often say “I wish God would speak to me!” not realizing that He is waiting for us in prayer. When we open ourselves to God, He will open Himself to us. “Take time to be holy, speak oft with the Lord” says the old hymn. Spend time in prayer and you will begin to see the plan God has for you.

Loving Lord, we waste our time on idle pursuits and unfulfilling speech. Help us to find You in prayer that we may be connected eternally. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is Mark 11:1-11, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” And they went away and found a colt tied at a door outside in the street, and they untied it. And some of those standing there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Hosanna is a Hebrew term that means “save us”. It seems the people might finally understand who Jesus is and why He has come. They are ready for the celebration of Passover and their expectations are high.

Unfortunately, most of them don’t really get it yet and what they expect is something quite different than what God has planned. Many are hoping for an overthrow of the Roman occupation and Israel’s return as a powerful monarchy under King Jesus. He has tried all through His ministry to teach us that it doesn’t work that way.

Jesus has come to save us from ourselves, from the sin to which we fall prey, and our separation from God. He conquers not through diplomatic negotiations or military might, but by the power of God’s love poured out for us all. We must give up our selfish expectations for getting what we want and follow His path to salvation.

Loving Lord, we are sorry when our earthly desire overrides our connection to You. Help us to see the blessings You have for us and follow Your path. Amen.

Our Gospel this week is Mark 1:1-11, taken today from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

“When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.’ ” They went away and found a colt tied near a door, outside in the street. As they were untying it, some of the bystanders said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” They told them what Jesus had said; and they allowed them to take it. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Then he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple; and when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.”

Jesus comes to Jerusalem for the Passover and the people hail Him as “the one who comes in the name of the Lord” (v. 9). It certainly sounds like they understand the teachings and why Jesus is there. However, in the next breath they shout “blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David” (v. 10).

People still have the wrong expectation of Jesus, that He has come to restore the kingdom of Israel. Even after His resurrection (Acts 1:6) His disciples still ask this! Jesus tells us time and again it is not an earthly kingdom, but the kingdom of God.

We must also understand what we are asking when we pray for restoration of our country and our world. We must change our hearts and lives to be His people. God doesn’t want us to be the way we were, He wants us to accept His call and become part of His new kingdom.

Loving Lord, we are wrapped up in our own desires and expectations. Help us to see the promise You have for us and fulfill the purpose for which we were created. Amen.

Our Epistle this week is Philippians 2:5-11.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Paul writes this beautiful piece of wisdom to show us the character of Jesus and encourage us to follow His example. Jesus came to be one of us, not using His power or position for His own gain, but for us. This is the model we are called to use in our lives as well, employing God’s gifts and our connection with Him that others might be saved.

We can be the ones who bring Christ’s love to all by sharing the joy of the Good News. He has called us to His service that all might hear the truth and choose salvation over the temporary pleasure of the world. Only He can save us but we must first accept the mercy He offers.

Jesus wants us all to be part of His kingdom, sharing God’s love here on earth and redeemed to be with Him eternally. Our task is to follow Him, carrying our own cross and showing the world a better way. May we be humble servants who exalt Christ our King.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the blessing of Your love given to us through Jesus. Help us to share this gift with the world that all may be brought into Your kingdom. Amen.

Our Old Testament reading is Isaiah 50:4-9.

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who will condemn me?

Isaiah reminds us that we are the recipients of God’s love and His promise, but only if we choose to obey His laws. The prophet speaks of God awakening us to hear His instruction, which make us strong in the face of adversity. Learning His ways may not keep us from earthly trouble but the blessing of salvation is not dependent on earthly things.

God has led and taught His people through difficult situations in the past. Even when we were disobedient, God still loved us and wanted to redeem us. Paul tells us “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

God calls us all back to the relationship for which we were created, to love Him and each other. His guidance shows us the way. We can stand against the troubles we encounter when we stand with God.

Loving Lord, we need Your help in all things. Our strength is not enough to resist the evil of this world, only through Your power and love can we be saved. Amen.

Our call to worship this week is Psalm 31:1-8, taken from the New International Version (NIV).

In you, Lord , I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord , my faithful God. I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord . I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.

The psalmist calls out to God for rescue and refuge. This prayer confirms our trust in God’s strength and acknowledges our inability to save ourselves. It is often hard for us to admit our weakness because we fear giving up the control we think we possess.

God gave us the gifts of reason and free will to make decisions and act on them. We are special to Him because of the way we are made. However, we know that our choices sometimes lead to failure.

Asking for God’s assistance doesn’t make us less worthy, it only proves we trust in His wisdom and not our own. He is always ready to hear and help us. Scripture tells us “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Give God your fears and He will give you His strength.

Gracious God, we are grateful that we can come to you when we need help. Show us the path You have for us and keep us in Your care. Amen.