Luke 19: 28-34 “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8: 32 Intentionally or intuitively we all search for truth. Right now we are searching for practical truth in relation to COVID 19: how long will it last; will our loved ones be OK; what is the cure; what financial help is there for us; and so on. Such a serious situation probably causes many of us to think about the truth and purpose of life. We may hear explanations that everyone can have their own truth….can there be more than one absolute truth though? You may hear some say that there is no real truth….surely by definition this statement can’t itself be true if there is no truth? Jesus told us that He Himself is the ‘truth’ of life,’ (John 14: 6) and that if we know Him He will set us free (John 8: 32). This Sunday the Church begins the celebration of Eastertide with Passion or Palm Sunday. Step by step, through the following week, we will unpack the Good News (the Gospel) of Jesus Christ which explains why there is truth and why Jesus is that truth. Palm Sunday, and our reading in Luke’s Gospel, recalls Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and signals the start of His journey to the cross. Jesus’ self-sacrifice led to the defeat of death through the power of God that raised Him to life. This enables us to enter by His Grace through faith into an eternal relationship with our Creator; real truth. On that first 'Palm Sunday' many believed Jesus to be the Saviour, some had doubts and some simply did not believe and told Jesus to rebuke His followers for their praise of Him (Luke 20: 37-39). Many of those who praised Him that day, later in the week, called out, “Crucify Him!” So what was and is the real truth? Jesus replied to His critics, as He entered Jerusalem, that even if the people were silent ‘the stones would cry out,’ (vs. 40); we see that creation shouts out the truth of Jesus Christ. God has made His truth known to us even if we do no acknowledge or believe in Him (Romans 1: 19-20). It is a beautiful and wonderful truth to reside in the freedom of God. I pray that all our journeys through Eastertide will lead us into that freedom through the truth of Jesus Christ. To Ponder: What do you believe to be true in your life; does it give you freedom, even from death itself? Which reaction to Jesus, in today’s reading, best reflects your view of Him; what do you believe to be true about Him? Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, who in your tender love towards the human race sent your Son Jesus Christ to take upon Him our flesh and to suffer death on the cross: grant that we may follow the example of His patience and humility, and so be made partakers of His resurrection. May this truth, truly set us free. Amen Praise: If we keep silent (With the permission of D Bruce Moore) As I recorded Pastor Dave’s message to the congregation on Monday, a part of his message really resonated with me. The part of the message that really resonated with my heart was when he said “I am not thankful for the situation we are in but I am thankful and praising God for what He is doing within the situation”. This immediately had my mind racing to think about all the ways God is working in this time, how He will guide us and how He will make a way out of this situation for us all. Throughout scripture we see story after story of God leading His people through tough times and making a way for them. One clear example of this is in the book of Exodus as God was leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Guided by a pillar of cloud away from Egypt, the Israelites found themselves in a very vulnerable position; trapped between the impassible seas to the east, the mountains to the south and west, and Pharaoh’s armies to the north. We read in the book of Exodus: Moses told all the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm”….. Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side. (Exodus 14: 13-14, 21-22) God had shown himself as Redeemer when his people were purchased out of Egypt by the blood of the Passover lamb. Now God was showing himself as Savior as he demonstrated his power, ushering his people through the clutches of death. In opening up the Red Sea to make a way through death for his people, God was foreshadowing how He would one day miraculously make a way through death for all those who come to Him by faith through His Son, Jesus. Just as God destroyed the power of Pharaoh over the Israelites at the Red Sea, so the resurrection of Jesus broke the power of death over His people. Although it is not always crystal clear in the midst of the situation, we can be certain that God is with us and that He is at work. As we face this time of challenge, let us praise God for all that we know He is doing and be thankful. Let us trust Jesus in this time and seek His way. Our Deliverer has raised His rod against all powers that are against us and He will provide a way forward. Prayer – Lord Jesus; When I come to my own Red Sea, may I trust that you are my Deliverer. Help me to walk forward with you through the Sea of troubles in the way that you provide. May I always trust in the power of your resurrection. Luke 10: 38-42 “….the Lord answered,’ you are worried and upset about many things but few things are needed – or indeed only one’.” Luke 10: 41b-42a There’s a song by Harry Chapin, called, ‘The cat’s in the cradle,’ which tells the story of a father who is too busy for his son; so busy that a legacy is passed down, the tables are turned, and the son becomes too busy for the father. It’s a tale that is probably true for many of us; we are often too busy in life with ‘doing.’ On Monday we thought about the truth that we not only need to hear God’s Word but do it; put it into practice. There is another principle connected with this truth; we are often too busy to hear God’s Word in the first place. It therefore becomes difficult to ‘do’ because of our ‘doing!’ In our Gospel reading today Jesus visited the home of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to Him (vs. 39). Martha acted as host and became distracted with the preparations to provide for the Lord. She was frustrated with the lack of help from her sister and complained (vs. 40). Jesus gently challenged Martha and explained that Mary had found all that she needed in Him. It is too simplistic to say that Martha was wrong and Mary right; after all there are ‘things’ that need doing. What I believe Jesus is teaching us here is this. There will always be busyness but in the midst of it all we need to stop and kneel at His feet to find exactly what we need in Him…our relationship with God and His sovereign provision whatever the situation. In this time of crisis we may well have more time on our hands for others and especially for the Lord. May we make time to kneel before Him (in His Word and in prayer) to receive that which is better, that which is all we need (vs. 42) – Jesus Christ. To Ponder: What distracts you most in your life? How can you make time to ‘kneel’ at Jesus’ feet and receive from Him as you give Him adoration? Prayer: Father, you are our refuge and strength; an ever present help in trouble. Even though the world may be in uproar help us to ‘be still’ and know that you are God, you will be exalted. As we see who you are and receive from you give us the faith therefore not to fear. Amen From Psalm 46 Praise: |
Preachers BlogIn 2024, each week's blog is a follow-up reflection written by the preceding Sunday’s preacher to dig deeper into the sermon topic and explore engaging discussion questions. Archives
April 2024
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