Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church Wichita, Kansas, United States - Daily Devotional for Wednesday, 11 February 2015
Wichita Mt. Vernon
Wichita East District
|  Cheryl Wertheimer Religion Inst., Butler County Community College Wichita East District |
Daily Devotional for Thursday, 12 February 2015
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Today please be in prayer for
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5th Sunday after the Epiphany – Green
Lectionary Scriptures:
Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas
Malachi 3:1-4
Psalm 24:7-10
Psalm 84
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
Malachi 3:1 Look, I am sending my messenger who will clear the path before me;
suddenly the Lord whom you are seeking will come to his temple.
The messenger of the covenant in whom you take delight is coming,
says the Lord of heavenly forces.
2 Who can endure the day of his coming?
Who can withstand his appearance?
He is like the refiner’s fire or the cleaner’s soap.
3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver.
He will purify the Levites
and refine them like gold and silver.
They will belong to the Lord,
presenting a righteous offering.
4 The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord
as in ancient days and in former years.
Psalm 24:7 Mighty gates: lift up your heads!
Ancient doors: rise up high!
So the glorious king can enter!
8 Who is this glorious king?
The Lord—strong and powerful!
The Lord—powerful in battle!
9 Mighty gates: lift up your heads!
Ancient doors: rise up high!
So the glorious king can enter!
10 Who is this glorious king?
The Lord of heavenly forces—
he is the glorious king! Selah
Psalm 84: For the music leader. According to the Gittith. Of the Korahites. A psalm.
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
Lord of heavenly forces!
2 My very being[a] longs, even yearns,
for the Lord’s courtyards.
My heart and my body
will rejoice out loud to the living God!
3 Yes, the sparrow too has found a home there;
the swallow has found herself a nest
where she can lay her young beside your altars,
Lord of heavenly forces, my king, my God!
4 Those who live in your house are truly happy;
they praise you constantly. Selah
5 Those who put their strength in you are truly happy;
pilgrimage is in their hearts.
6 As they pass through the Baca Valley,[b]
they make it a spring of water.
Yes, the early rain covers it with blessings.
7 They go from strength to strength,
until they see the supreme God in Zion.[c]
8 Lord God of heavenly forces,
hear my prayer;
listen closely, Jacob’s God! Selah
9 Look at our shield, God;
pay close attention to the face of your anointed one!
10 Better is a single day in your courtyards
than a thousand days anywhere else!
I would prefer to stand outside the entrance of my God’s house
than live comfortably in the tents of the wicked!
11 The Lord is a sun and shield;
God is favor and glory.
The Lord gives—doesn’t withhold!—good things
to those who walk with integrity.
12 Lord of heavenly forces,
those who trust in you are truly happy![Footnotes:
Psalm 84:2 Or soul
Psalm 84:6 LXX; Vulg Valley of Tears
Psalm 84:7 Correction; MT the God of gods will be seen in Zion]
Hebrews 2:14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he also shared the same things in the same way. He did this to destroy the one who holds the power over death—the devil—by dying. 15 He set free those who were held in slavery their entire lives by their fear of death. 16 Of course, he isn’t trying to help angels, but rather he’s helping Abraham’s descendants. 17 Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way. This was so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, in order to wipe away the sins of the people. 18 He’s able to help those who are being tempted, since he himself experienced suffering when he was tempted.
Luke 2:22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (23 It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) 24 They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.[a]
Simeon’s response to Jesus
25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Anna’s response to Jesus
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. 37 She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Jesus as a child in Nazareth
39 When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.[Footnotes:
Luke 2:24 Lev 12:8; 5:11 LXX
John Wesley Notes-Commentary for Presentation of the Lord/Candlemas
Malachi 3:1-4
Verse 1
[1] Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
I — The Messiah.
My messenger — John the Baptist.
The Lord — The Messiah.
Whom ye seek — Whom ye, who truly fear God, long and wait for.
Suddenly come — After the coming of his fore-runner.
To his temple — That which was the second temple at Jerusalem, lately built by Zerubbabel and Joshua.
The messenger — The angel of the covenant, the Messiah, in whose blood the covenant between God and man was confirmed.
Whom ye delight in — You Jews, among whom, few there are, who do not please themselves to think of his coming, tho' from various motives.
Verse 2
[2] But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Abide — Who shall be able to stand under the weight of those crosses which in that day, will fall on all sorts of men? The day - This day was from his preaching, 'till the utter destruction of Jerusalem, about seventy years after the birth of Christ.
A refiner's fire — Some are like metals, which nothing but a fierce fire can purge, such fire shall the troubles of these days be.
Fuller's soap — As boiling waters, into which, spotted cloaths are thrown, and as the rubbing of them with soap; so that day will prove to all, a day of great trial, to purge and refine.
Verse 3
[3] And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
He shall fit — As resolved to attend his work and finish it.
He shall purify — The effect of this fiery trial, shall be the thorough cleansing of the persons that are to pass through it.
Sons of Levi — Either the Jewish Levites, or all Christians, who are made priests unto God.
In righteousness — That they may offer themselves, their souls and bodies to God, in righteousness and true holiness.
Verse 4
[4] Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
The offerings — The services and duties of the whole Christian church.
Pleasant — Well pleasing to him.Psalm 24:7-10
Verse 7
[7] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up — He speaks here of the gates and doors of the temple, which by faith and the spirit of prophecy, he beheld as already built, whose doors he calls Everlasting, not so much because they were made of strong and durable materials, as in opposition to those of the tabernacle, which were removed from place to place. These gates he bids lift up their heads, or tops, by allusion to those gates which have a portcullis, which may be let down or taken up. And as the temple was a type of Christ, and of his church, and of heaven itself; so this place may also contain a representation, either of Christ's entrance into his church, or into the hearts of his faithful people, who are here commanded to set open their hearts and souls for his reception: or of his ascension into heaven, where the saints or angels are poetically introduced as preparing the way, and opening the heavenly gates to receive their Lord and king, returning to his royal habitation with triumph and glory.
The king — The Messiah, the king of Israel, and of his church, called the King, or Lord of glory, 1 Corinthians 2:8; James 2:1, both for that glory which is inherent in him, and that which is purchased by him for his members.
Verse 8
[8] Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.
The Lord — He is no ordinary person, no other than Jehovah, who hath given so many proofs of his almightiness, who hath subdued all his enemies, and is now returned in triumph.
Verse 9
[9] Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.
Lift up — The same verse is repeated again, to awaken the dulness of mankind, who are so hardly brought to a serious preparation for such solemnities; and to signify the great importance of the matter, contained under these expressions.
Verse 10
[10] Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. /*Selah*/.
Of hosts — Under whose command are all the hosts of heaven and earth, angels and men, and all other creatures.Psalm 84
Verse 4
[4] Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. /*Selah*/.
They-That constantly abide in thy house; the priests and Levites, or other devout Jews who were there perpetually, as Anna, Luke 2:36-37.
They will — They are continually employed in that blessed work.
Verse 5
[5] Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
Whose strength — Who trusteth in thee as his only strength.
Thy ways — Blessed are they whose hearts are set upon Zion and their journey is thither.
Verse 6
[6] Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools.
Baca — A dry valley in the way to Jerusalem, here put for all places of like nature.
Make a well — They dig divers little pits or wells in it for their relief.
The rain — God recompenses their diligence with his blessing, sending rain wherewith they may be filled.
Verse 7
[7] They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.
They go — They grow stronger and stronger.
Appeareth — This is added as the blessed fruit of their long and tedious journey.
Verse 9
[9] Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
Look — Cast a favourable eye towards him.
Anointed — Of me, who though a vile sinner, am thine anointed king.
Verse 10
[10] For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Than dwell — In the greatest glory and plenty.
Verse 11
[11] For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
A sun — To enlighten and quicken, and direct and comfort his people.
Shield — To save his people from all their enemies.
Grace — His favour, which is better than life.
Glory — The honour which comes from God here, and eternal glory.
Hebrews 2:14-18
Verse 14
[14] Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Since then these children partake of flesh and blood — Of human nature with all its infirmities. He also in like manner took part of the same; that through his own death he might destroy the tyranny of him that had, by God's permission, the power of death with regard to the ungodly. Death is the devil's servant and serjeant, delivering to him those whom he seizes in sin.
That is, the devil — The power was manifest to all; but who exerted it, they saw not.
Verse 15
[15] And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
And deliver them, as many as through fear of death were all their lifetime, till then, subject to bondage - Every man who fears death is subject to bondage; is in a slavish, uncomfortable state. And every man fears death, more or less, who knows not Christ: death is unwelcome to him, if he knows what death is. But he delivers all true believers from this bondage.
Verse 16
[16] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
For verily he taketh not hold of angels — He does not take their nature upon him.
But he taketh hold of the seed of Abraham — He takes human nature upon him. St. Paul says the seed of Abraham, rather than the seed of Adam, because to Abraham was the promise made.
Verse 17
[17] Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
Wherefore it behoved him — It was highly fit and proper, yea, necessary, in order to his design of redeeming them.
To be made in all things — That essentially pertain to human nature, and in all sufferings and temptations.
Like his brethren — This is a recapitulation of all that goes before: the sum of all that follows is added immediately. That he might be a merciful and faithful High Priest-Merciful toward sinners; faithful toward God. A priest or high priest is one who has a right of approaching God, and of bringing others to him. Faithful is treated of, Hebrews 3:2, etc., with its use; merciful, Hebrews 4:14, etc., with the use also; High Priest, Hebrews 5:4, etc., Hebrews 7:1, etc. The use is added from Heb 10:19.
In things pertaining to God, to expiate the sins of the people — Offering up their sacrifices and prayers to God; deriving God's grace, peace, and blessings upon them.
Verse 18
[18] For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
For in that he hath suffered being tempted himself he is able to succour them that are tempted — That is, he has given a manifest, demonstrative proof that he is able so to do.
Luke 2:22-40
Verse 22
[22] And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
The days — The forty days prescribed, Leviticus 12:2,4.
Verse 23
[23] (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)
Exodus 13:2.
Verse 24
[24] And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.
A pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons — This offering sufficed for the poor. Leviticus 12:8.
Verse 25
[25] And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
The consolation of Israel — A common phrase for the Messiah, who was to be the everlasting consolation of the Israel of God.
The Holy Ghost was upon him — That is, he was a prophet.
Verse 27
[27] And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,
By the Spirit — By a particular revelation or impulse from him.
Verse 30
[30] For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
Thy salvation — Thy Christ, thy Saviour.
Verse 32
[32] A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.
And the glory of thy people Israel — For after the Gentiles are enlightened, all Israel shall be saved.
Verse 33
[33] And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.
Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken — For they did not thoroughly understand them.
Verse 34
[34] And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;
Simeon blessed them — Joseph and Mary.
This child is set for the fall and rising again of many — That is, he will be a savour of death to some, to unbelievers: a savour of life to others, to believers: and for a sign which shall be spoken against - A sign from God, yet rejected of men: but the time for declaring this at large was not yet come: that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed - The event will be, that by means of that contradiction, the inmost thoughts of many, whether good or bad, will be made manifest.
Verse 35
[35] (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
A sword shall pierce through thy own soul — So it did, when he suffered: particularly at his crucifixion.
Verse 37
[37] And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Fourscore and four years — These were the years of her life, not her widowhood only.
Who departed not from the temple — Who attended there at all the stated hours of prayer.
But served God with fastings and prayers — Even at that age.
Night and day — That is, spending therein a considerable part of the night, as well as of the day.
Verse 38
[38] And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
To all that were waiting for redemption — The sceptre flow appeared to he departing from Judah, though it was not actually gone: Daniel's weeks were plainly near their period. And the revival of the spirit of prophecy, together with the memorable occurrences relating to the birth of John the Baptist, and of Jesus, could not but encourage and quicken the expectation of pious persons at this time. Let the example of these aged saints animate those, whose hoary heads, like theirs, are a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness. Let those venerable lips, so soon to be silent in the grave, be now employed in the praises of their Redeemer. Let them labour to leave those behind, to whom Christ will be as precious as he has been to them; and who will be waiting for God's salvation, when they are gone to enjoy it.
Verse 40
[40] And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
And the child grew — In bodily strength and stature; and waxed strong in spirit - The powers of his human mind daily improved; filled with wisdom - By the light of the indwelling Spirit, which gradually opened itself in his soul; and the grace of God was upon him - That is, the peculiar favour of God rested upon him, even as man.
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Lectionary Scriptures:
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39
Lectionary Texts:
Isaiah 40:21 Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
Wasn’t it announced to you from the beginning?
Haven’t you understood since the earth was founded?
22 God inhabits the earth’s horizon—
its inhabitants are like locusts—
stretches out the skies like a curtain
and spreads it out like a tent for dwelling.
23 God makes dignitaries useless
and the earth’s judges into nothing.
24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,
scarcely is their shoot rooted in the earth
when God breathes on them, and they dry up;
the windstorm carries them off like straw.
25 So to whom will you compare me,
and who is my equal? says the holy one.
Power for the weary
26 Look up at the sky and consider:
Who created these?
The one who brings out their attendants one by one,
summoning each of them by name.
Because of God’s great strength
and mighty power, not one is missing.
27 Why do you say, Jacob,
and declare, Israel,
“My way is hidden from the Lord
my God ignores my predicament”?
28 Don’t you know? Haven’t you heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the creator of the ends of the earth.
He doesn’t grow tired or weary.
His understanding is beyond human reach,
29 giving power to the tired
and reviving the exhausted.
30 Youths will become tired and weary,
young men will certainly stumble;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will fly up on wings like eagles;
they will run and not be tired;
they will walk and not be weary.
Psalm 147:1 Because it is a pleasure to make beautiful praise!
2 The Lord rebuilds Jerusalem, gathering up Israel’s exiles.
3 God heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.
4 God counts the stars by number,
giving each one a name.
5 Our Lord is great and so strong!
God’s knowledge can’t be grasped!
6 The Lord helps the poor,
but throws the wicked down on the dirt!
7 Sing to the Lord with thanks;
sing praises to our God with a lyre!
8 God covers the skies with clouds;
God makes rain for the earth;
God makes the mountains sprout green grass.
9 God gives food to the animals—
even to the baby ravens when they cry out.
10 God doesn’t prize the strength of a horse;
God doesn’t treasure the legs of a runner.
11 No. The Lord treasures the people
who honor him,
the people who wait for his faithful love.
20 God hasn’t done that with any other nation;
those nations have no knowledge of God’s rules.[a]
Praise the Lord![Footnotes:
Psalm 147:20 LXX, Tg, DSS (11QPsa) God hasn’t let those nations know his rules.]
1 Corinthians 9:16 If I preach the gospel, I have no reason to brag, since I’m obligated to do it. I’m in trouble if I don’t preach the gospel. 17 If I do this voluntarily, I get rewarded for it. But if I’m forced to do it, then I’ve been charged with a responsibility. 18 What reward do I get? That when I preach, I offer the good news free of charge. That’s why I don’t use the rights to which I’m entitled through the gospel.
19 Although I’m free from all people, I make myself a slave to all people, to recruit more of them. 20 I act like a Jew to the Jews, so I can recruit Jews. I act like I’m under the Law to those under the Law, so I can recruit those who are under the Law (though I myself am not under the Law). 21 I act like I’m outside the Law to those who are outside the Law, so I can recruit those outside the Law (though I’m not outside the law of God but rather under the law of Christ). 22 I act weak to the weak, so I can recruit the weak. I have become all things to all people, so I could save some by all possible means. 23 All the things I do are for the sake of the gospel, so I can be a partner with it.
Mark 1: Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law
29 After leaving the synagogue, Jesus, James, and John went home with Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once. 31 He went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.
Jesus’ ministry spreads
32 That evening, at sunset, people brought to Jesus those who were sick or demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered near the door. 34 He healed many who were sick with all kinds of diseases, and he threw out many demons. But he didn’t let the demons speak, because they recognized him.
35 Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. 36 Simon and those with him tracked him down. 37 When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”
38 He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” 39 He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31
Verse 21
[21] Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Known — God to be the only true God, the maker and governor of the world.
Verse 22
[22] It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Sitteth — Far above this round earth, even in the highest heavens; from whence he looketh down upon the earth, where men appear to him like grasshoppers. As here we have the circle of the earth, so elsewhere we read of the circle of heaven, Job 22:14, and of the circle of the deep, or sea, Proverbs 8:27, because the form of the heaven, and earth and sea is circular.
Spreadeth — For the benefit of the earth and of mankind, that all parts might partake of its comfortable influences.
Verse 24
[24] Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble.
Sown — They shall take no root, for planting and sowing are in order to taking root. They shall not continue and flourish, as they have vainly imagined, but shall be rooted up and perish.
Verse 26
[26] Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
Bringeth — That at first brought them out of nothing, and from day to day brings them forth, making them to rise and set in their appointed times.
Faileth — Either to appear when he calls them; or to do the work to which he sends them.
Verse 27
[27] Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
What — Why dost thou give way to such jealousies concerning thy God, of whose infinite power and wisdom, and goodness, there are such evident demonstrations.
Is hid — He takes no notice of my prayers and tears, and sufferings, but suffers mine enemies to abuse me at their pleasure. This complaint is uttered in the name of the people, being prophetically supposed to be in captivity.
Judgment — My cause. God has neglected to plead my cause, and to give judgment for me against mine enemies.
Verse 30
[30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
The youths — The youngest and strongest men, left to themselves.
Verse 31
[31] But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Wait — That rely upon him.
Renew — Shall grow stronger and stronger.
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
Verse 4
[4] He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.
Calleth them — He exactly knows them as we do those whom we can call by name.
Verse 9
[9] He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.
Ravens — Which he mentions because they were most contemptible, especially to the Jews, to whom they were unclean: and because they are not only neglected by men, but also forsaken by their dams as soon as ever they can fly, and so are wholly left to the care of Divine providence.
Verse 10
[10] He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.
Delighteth not — As if he needed either the one or the other for the accomplishment of his designs.
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Verse 17
[17] For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
Willingly — He seems to mean, without receiving anything. St. Paul here speaks in a manner peculiar to himself. Another might have preached willingly, and yet have received a maintenance from the Corinthians. But if he had received anything from them, he would have termed it preaching unwillingly. And so, in the next verse, another might have used that power without abusing it. But his own using it at all, he would have termed abusing it.
A dispensation is intrusted to me — Therefore I dare not refrain.
Verse 18
[18] What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
What then is my reward — That circumstance in my conduct for which I expect a peculiar reward from my great Master? That I abuse not - Make not an unseasonable use of my power which I have in preaching the gospel.
Verse 19
[19] For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
I made myself the servant of all — I acted with as self-denying a regard to their interest, and as much caution not to offend them, as if I had been literally their servant or slave. Where is the preacher of the gospel who treads in the same steps?
Verse 20
[20] And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
To the Jews I became as a Jew — Conforming myself in all things to their manner of thinking and living, so far as; I could with innocence.
To them that are under the law — Who apprehend themselves to be still bound by the Mosaic law.
As under the law — Observing it myself, while I am among them. Not that he declared this to be necessary, or refused to converse with those who did not observe it. This was the very thing which he condemned in St. Peter, Galatians 2:14.
Verse 21
[21] To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To them that are without the law — The heathens.
As without the law — Neglecting its ceremonies.
Being not without the law to God — But as much as ever under its moral precepts.
Under the law to Christ — And in this sense all Christians will be under the law for ever.
Verse 22
[22] To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
I became as weak — As if I had been scrupulous too.
I became all things to all men — Accommodating myself to all, so far as I could consistent with truth and sincerity.
Mark 1:29-39
Verse 29
[29] And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.
Matthew 8:14; Luke 4:38.
Verse 32
[32] And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.
When the sun was set — And, consequently, the Sabbath was ended, which they reckoned from sunset to sunset.
Verse 33
[33] And all the city was gathered together at the door.
And the whole city was gathered together at the door — O what a fair prospect was here! Who could then have imagined that all these blossoms would die away without fruit?
Verse 34
[34] And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.
He suffered not the devils to say that they knew him — That is, according to Dr. Mead's hypothesis, (that the Scriptural demoniacs were only diseased persons,) He suffered not the diseases to say that they knew him!
Verse 35
[35] And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Rising a great while before day — So did he labour for us, both day and night. Luke 4:42.
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Sermon Story "The Infant Jesus Presented in the Temple" by Gary Lee Parker with Sermon Test for Monday, 2 February 2015
Scripture Texts: Luke 2:22 When the time came for their ritual cleansing, in accordance with the Law from Moses, they brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. (23 It’s written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord.”) 24 They offered a sacrifice in keeping with what’s stated in the Law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.[a]
Simeon’s response to Jesus
25 A man named Simeon was in Jerusalem. He was righteous and devout. He eagerly anticipated the restoration of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26 The Holy Spirit revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Led by the Spirit, he went into the temple area. Meanwhile, Jesus’ parents brought the child to the temple so that they could do what was customary under the Law. 28 Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God. He said,
29 “Now, master, let your servant go in peace according to your word,
30 because my eyes have seen your salvation.
31 You prepared this salvation in the presence of all peoples.
32 It’s a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and a glory for your people Israel.”
33 His father and mother were amazed by what was said about him. 34 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “This boy is assigned to be the cause of the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that generates opposition 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your innermost being too.”
Anna’s response to Jesus
36 There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, who belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was very old. After she married, she lived with her husband for seven years. 37 She was now an 84-year-old widow. She never left the temple area but worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 She approached at that very moment and began to praise God and to speak about Jesus to everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Jesus as a child in Nazareth
39 When Mary and Joseph had completed everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to their hometown, Nazareth in Galilee. 40 The child grew up and became strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him.[Footnotes:
Luke 2:24 Lev 12:8; 5:11 LXX
Joseph and Mary was good Jews. They were married even though they both had a vision that Mary would be pregnant without any help from a man, but conceived by the Holy Spirit of God. We know that Joseph followed the Law or torah because when he heard that Mary was pregnant, but not by him, he wanted to put her away quietly without her being stoned for adultery until God revealed to him that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit of God. Now, Mary and joseph both knew that the first child born to a woman, even though Joseph was not the physical father, that the child was given to the Lord for God's Holy puposes. After 40 days of being unclean according to the Torah, they went to the Temple to give the burnt offerings as required by the Torah to make Mary, the woman, clean according to the Torah. At this time, they were surprised by an old man, Simeon, and an old woman, Anna. First, simeon say Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus saying that God can let him dy because he has seen the Promise Messiah of God who will redeem His people, Israel, from their sins. He went on to prophesy that Jesus would cause many Israelites to rise or fall according to their own faith that Jesus is the Messiah. Then, he turned to Mary and said that the suffering of Jesus would pierce her own heart, but be not afraid. Next, Anna came and began to prophesy of Jesus being the Messiah and blessing Mary and Joseph as Simeon did. How would you respond if your were in Mary and Joseph's shoes? How would you respond if you were in Simeon or Anna's shoes? How do you respond to Jesus as the Messiah for the Jews and all the Gentiles as well? We come to sing the Hymn "Long-Awaited Holy One" by Delores Dufner, O.S.B. (b.1939)
1. Long-awaited Holy One,
Simeon hailed you as God’s Son.
Anna welcomed you with praise,
Glad fulfillment of her days.
2. Light of all the nations, shine!
Show, to those who wait, a sign:
God on earth, our host and guest,
In our flesh made manifest.
3. Radiance of God’s holy face,
Shine your love in ev’ry place.
Splendor of God’s glory bright,
Lead us to eternal light!
Sermon Story "Called to Go Beyond the Boundaries" by Gary Lee Parker with Sermon Test for Sunday, 8 February 2015Scripture Texts: 1 Corinthians 9:16 If I preach the gospel, I have no reason to brag, since I’m obligated to do it. I’m in trouble if I don’t preach the gospel. 17 If I do this voluntarily, I get rewarded for it. But if I’m forced to do it, then I’ve been charged with a responsibility. 18 What reward do I get? That when I preach, I offer the good news free of charge. That’s why I don’t use the rights to which I’m entitled through the gospel.
19 Although I’m free from all people, I make myself a slave to all people, to recruit more of them. 20 I act like a Jew to the Jews, so I can recruit Jews. I act like I’m under the Law to those under the Law, so I can recruit those who are under the Law (though I myself am not under the Law). 21 I act like I’m outside the Law to those who are outside the Law, so I can recruit those outside the Law (though I’m not outside the law of God but rather under the law of Christ). 22 I act weak to the weak, so I can recruit the weak. I have become all things to all people, so I could save some by all possible means. 23 All the things I do are for the sake of the gospel, so I can be a partner with it.
We have the Apostle teaching about the call of God upon his life to preach the Gospel of the Messiah. Yes, we know from Paul's testimony that he was called to be a religious within Judaism as a Pharisee and held true to his word defending The Torah where fringe groups would abuse the Torah as he thought the Messianics were doing until Jesus revealed Himself to Paul. He spoke as though he was destined to preach the Good News of the Pronised Messiah to all people, both Jews and Gentiles. He says that God has allowed him to cross boundaries to become as other people are that some would come to a redemptive knowledge of Jesus, whether Jews or any Gentile people group. How do understnd what Paul was saying to the Messianic community in Corinth? How do you understand his call and the people of Corinth's call? How about now, are you able to grasp your call for proclaiming the Message of Jesus as a preacher, teacher, or other employment opportunity or even in your everyday life? There was a young man I knew who received a call from God to prepare for pastoral ministry to reach the counter-cultural or marginalized people with the Message of Jesus. This man did not realize until after graduating from a seminary and returning to the city and state where he first received God's call his life that this God Vision could not be done by one man or one group of people or even one church or even one denomination, but this meant to embrace the Vision of God to allow two denominations with the Wesleyan Theological background to work together for the growth of the Kingdom of God to reach the counter-cultural and marginalized, but especially the people who are differently abled to be fully involved in the church as clergy or laity to proclaim the Message of Jesus to all other people no matter what culture or sexual orientation or immigrant status or Ability. How do you see this as crossing boundaries as the Apostle Paul was talking about himself being as other people to allow them to become redemptive people of Jesus? We will sing this Hymn "Ye servants of God! Your Master proclaim" by Charles Wesley (1744)
1. You servants of God, your Master proclaim,
and publish abroad his wonderful name;
the name all-victorious of Jesus extol;
his kingdom is glorious and rules over all.
2. God rules in the height, almighty to save;
though hid from our sight, his presence we have;
the great congregation his triumph shall sing,
ascribing salvation to Jesus our King.
3. "Salvation to God, who sits on the throne!"
let all cry aloud, and honor the Son;
the praises of Jesus the angels proclaim,
fall down on their faces and worship the Lamb.
4. Then let us adore and give him his right:
all glory and power, all wisdom and might,
all honor and blessing with angels above
and thanks never ceasing for infinite love.
____________________________Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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This Week's Lectionary
Last Sunday after the Epiphany – White
Transfiguration of the Lord
Lectionary Scriptures:
2 Kings 2:1-12
Psalm 50:1-6
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9
Lectionary Texts:
2 Kings 2: Elijah goes to heaven
1 Now the Lord was going to take Elijah up to heaven in a windstorm, and Elijah and Elisha were leaving Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, because the Lord has sent me to Bethel.”
But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives and as you live, I won’t leave you.” So they went down to Bethel.
3 The group of prophets from Bethel came out to Elisha. These prophets said to Elisha, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?”
Elisha said, “Yes, I know. Don’t talk about it!”
4 Elijah said, “Elisha, stay here, because the Lord has sent me to Jericho.”
But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives and as you live, I won’t leave you.” So they went to Jericho.
5 The group of prophets from Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord is going to take your master away from you today?”
He said, “Yes, I know. Don’t talk about it!”
6 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, because the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.”
But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives and as you live, I won’t leave you.” So both of them went on together. 7 Fifty members from the group of prophets also went along, but they stood at a distance. Both Elijah and Elisha stood beside the Jordan River. 8 Elijah then took his coat, rolled it up, and hit the water. Then the water was divided in two! Both of them crossed over on dry ground. 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “What do you want me to do for you before I’m taken away from you?”
Elisha said, “Let me have twice your spirit.”
10 Elijah said, “You’ve made a difficult request. If you can see me when I’m taken from you, then it will be yours. If you don’t see me, it won’t happen.”
11 They were walking along, talking, when suddenly a fiery chariot and fiery horses appeared and separated the two of them. Then Elijah went to heaven in a windstorm.
12 Elisha was watching, and he cried out, “Oh, my father, my father! Israel’s chariots and its riders!” When he could no longer see him, Elisha took hold of his clothes and ripped them in two.
Psalm 50: A psalm of Asaph.
1 From the rising of the sun to where it sets,
God, the Lord God, speaks,
calling out to the earth.
2 From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines brightly.
3 Our God is coming;
he won’t keep quiet.
A devouring fire is before him;
a storm rages all around him.
4 God calls out to the skies above
and to the earth in order to judge his people:
5 “Bring my faithful to me,
those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”
6 The skies proclaim his righteousness
because God himself is the judge. Selah
2 Corinthians 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are on the road to destruction. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of those who don’t have faith so they couldn’t see the light of the gospel that reveals Christ’s glory. Christ is the image of God.
5 We don’t preach about ourselves. Instead, we preach about Jesus Christ as Lord, and we describe ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake. 6 God said that light should shine out of the darkness. He is the same one who shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
Mark 9: Jesus transformed
2 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, 3 and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He said this because he didn’t know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified.
7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Human One[a] had risen from the dead.[Footnotes:
Mark 9:9 Or Son of Man]
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for
2 Kings 2:1-12
Verse 1
[1] And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.
About to take, … — It is supposed, (tho' not expressly revealed) that Elijah flourished about twenty years, before he was translated, body and soul, to heaven, only undergoing such a change, as was necessary to qualify him for being an inhabitant in that world of Spirits. By translating him, God gave in that dark and degenerate age, a very sensible proof of another life, together with a type of the ascension of Christ, and the opening of the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
Verse 2
[2] And Elijah said unto Elisha, Tarry here, I pray thee; for the LORD hath sent me to Bethel. And Elisha said unto him, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they went down to Bethel.
Tarry here — This he desires, either, 1. That being left alone, he might better prepare himself for his great change. Or, 2. Out of indulgence to Elisha, that he might not be overwhelmed with grief at so sad a sight. Or, 3. That he might try his love, and whet his desire to accompany him; it being highly convenient for God's honour, that there should be witnesses of so glorious a translation.
To Beth-el — Which was truth, tho' not the whole truth: for he was to go a far longer journey. But he was first to go to Beth-el, as also to Jericho, to the schools of the prophets there, that he might comfort, and strengthen their hearts in God's work, and give them his dying counsels.
Verse 3
[3] And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.
And said — This was revealed to some of the sons of the prophets, and by them to the whole college. In the kingdom of Judah they had priest and Levites, and the temple service. The want of these in the kingdom of Israel, God graciously made up by these colleges, where men were trained up and employed, in the exercises of religion, and whither good people resorted, to solemnize the appointed feasts, with prayer and hearing, tho' they had not conveniencies for sacrifice.
From thy head — Heb. from above thy head: which phrase may respect, either, the manner of sitting in schools, where the scholar sat at his master's feet. Or, the manner of Elijah's translation, which was to be by a power sent from heaven, to take him up thither.
Hold you your peace — Do not aggravate my grief, nor divert me with any unseasonable discourses. He speaks as one that was himself, and would have them calm and sedate, and with awful silence waiting the event.
Verse 7
[7] And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
To view — To observe this great event, Elijah's translation to heaven, which they expected every moment: and whereof they desired to be spectators, not to satisfy their own curiosity, but that they might be witnesses of it to others.
Verse 8
[8] And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
Smote the waters — These waters of old yielded to the ark, now to the prophet's mantle; which to those that wanted the ark, was an equivalent token of God's presence. When God will take his children to himself, death is the Jordan, which they must pass through. And they find a way thro' it, a safe and comfortable way. The death of Christ has divided those waters, that the ransomed of the Lord may pass over.
Verse 9
[9] And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me.
A double portion — Or, rather double to what the rest of the sons of the prophets receive at thy request. He alludes to the double portion of the first-born, Deuteronomy 21:17. But though Elisha desired no more, yet God gave him more than he desired or expected; and he seems to have had a greater portion of the gifts of God's Spirit, than even Elijah had.
Verse 10
[10] And he said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so.
A hard thing — A rare and singular blessing, which I cannot promise thee, which only God can give; and he gives it only when, and to whom he pleaseth.
If thou seest — This sign he proposed, not without the direction of God's Spirit, that hereby he might engage him more earnestly to wait, and more fervently to pray for this mercy.
Verse 11
[11] And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
A chariot of fire — In this form the angels appeared. The souls of all the faithful, are carried by an invisible guard of angels, into the bosom of Abraham. But Elijah being to carry his body with him, this heavenly guard appeared visibly: Not in an human shape, tho' so they might have borne him in their arms, but in the form of a chariot and horses, that he may ride in state, may ride in triumph, like a prince, like a conqueror. See the readiness of the angels to do the will of God, even in the meanest services for the heirs of salvation! Thus he who had burned with holy zeal for God and his honour, was now conveyed in fire into his immediate presence.
Verse 12
[12] And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces.
My father — So he calls him for his fatherly affection to him, and for his fatherly authority which he had over him, in which respect the scholars of the prophets are called their sons. He saw his own condition like that of a fatherless child, and laments it accordingly.
The chariot, … — Who by thy example, and counsels, and prayers, and power with God, didst more for the defence and preservation of Israel than all their chariots and horses. The expression alludes to the form of chariots and horses which he had seen.
Psalm 50:1-6
Verse 1
[1] The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
Called — All the inhabitants of the earth, from one end to the other: whom he here summons to be witnesses of his proceedings in this solemn judgment, between him and his people, which is here poetically represented. For here is a tribunal erected, the judge coming to it, the witnesses and delinquents summoned, and at last the sentence given.
Verse 2
[2] Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.
Zion — The place where he was supposed to reside, and where he would now sit in judgment.
The perfection — The most amiable place of the whole world, because, of the presence and worship, and blessing of God.
Shined — Hath manifested himself in a glorious manner.
Verse 3
[3] Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.
Our God — The prophet speaks this in the persons of the worshippers of God. Though he be our God, yet he will come to execute judgment upon us.
Cease — Or delay to sit in judgment.
Tempestuous — This is a farther description of that terrible majesty, wherewith God would clothe himself when he came to his tribunal.
Verse 4
[4] He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
Call — To the inhabitants of them, all angels and men, whom he calls in for witnesses of the equity of his proceedings.
Verse 5
[5] Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.
Gather — O ye angels, summon and fetch them to my tribunal. Which is poetically spoken, to continue the metaphor, and representation of the judgment.
My saints — The Israelites, whom God had chosen and separated them from all the nations of the earth, to be an holy and peculiar people to himself, and they also had solemnly devoted themselves to God; all which aggravated their apostacy.
Those — Who have entered into covenant with me, and have ratified that covenant by sacrifice. This seems to be added, to acquaint them with the proper nature, use and end of sacrifices, which were principally appointed to be signs and seals of the covenant made between God and his people; and consequently to convince them of their great mistake in trusting to their outward sacrifices, when they neglected the very life and soul of them, which was the keeping of their covenant with God.
Verse 6
[6] And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. /*Selah*/.
Declare — God will convince the people of his righteousness, and of their own wickedness, by thunders and lightnings, and storms, or other dreadful signs wrought by him in the heavens.
Himself — In his own person. God will not now reprove them, by his priests or prophets, but in an extraordinary manner from heaven.
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Verse 3
[3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
But if our gospel also — As well as the law of Moses.
Verse 4
[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
The God of this world — What a sublime and horrible description of Satan! He is indeed the god of all that believe not, and works in them with inconceivable energy.
Hath blinded — Not only veiled, the eye of their understanding.
Illumination — Is properly the reflection or propagation of light, from those who are already enlightened, to others.
Who is the image of God — Hence also we may understand how great is the glory of Christ. He that sees the Son, sees the Father in the face of Christ. The Son exactly exhibits the Father to us.
Verse 5
[5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
For — The fault is not in us, neither in the doctrine they hear from us.
We preach not ourselves — As able either to enlighten, or pardon, or sanctify you.
But Jesus Christ — As your only wisdom, righteousness, sanctification.
And ourselves your servants — Ready to do the meanest offices.
For Jesus' sake — Not for honour, interest, or pleasure.
Verse 6
[6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
For God hath shined in our hearts — The hearts of all those whom the god of this world no longer blinds. God who is himself our light; not only the author of light, but also the fountain of it.
To enlighten us with the knowledge of the glory of God — Of his glorious love, and of his glorious image.
In the face of Jesus Christ — Which reflects his glory in another manner than the face of Moses did.
Mark 9:2-9
Verse 2
[2] And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.
By themselves — That is, separate from the multitude: Apart - From the other apostles: and was transfigured - The Greek word seems to refer to the form of God, and the form of a servant, {mentioned by St. Paul, Philippians 2:6,7,} and may intimate, that the Divine rays, which the indwelling God let out on this occasion, made the glorious change from one of these forms into the other. Matthew 17:1; Luke 9:28.
Verse 3
[3] And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
White as snow, such as no fuller can whiten — Such as could not be equalled either by nature or art.
Verse 4
[4] And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.
Elijah — Whom they expected: Moses, whom they did not.
Verse 7
[7] And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.
There came a (bright, luminous) cloud, overshadowing them - This seems to have been such a cloud of glory as accompanied Israel in the wilderness, which, as the Jewish writers observe, departed at the death of Moses. But it now appeared again, in honour of our Lord, as the great Prophet of the Church, who was prefigured by Moses.
Hear ye him — Even preferably to Moses and Elijah.
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Sermon Story "Being Transformed" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 15 February 2015 Text to read: Mark 9: Jesus transformed
2 Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and brought them to the top of a very high mountain where they were alone. He was transformed in front of them, 3 and his clothes were amazingly bright, brighter than if they had been bleached white. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared and were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter reacted to all of this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it’s good that we’re here. Let’s make three shrines—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He said this because he didn’t know how to respond, for the three of them were terrified.
7 Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice spoke from the cloud, “This is my Son, whom I dearly love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.
9 As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Human One[a] had risen from the dead.[Footnotes:
Mark 9:9 Or Son of Man]
After a week, Jesus takes His three top disciples, James, John, and Peter, up to the Mountain Top. Here is where Jesus appearance is brigher than any cleaners could make while Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus talking with Him. We understand that Elijah was to return when the Messiah appeared, but just maybe Moses appeared because at his death God said that there would be a Prophet greater than he was. Peter, James, and John were speechless, but then Peter spokie up and said that it is good that they were there asking Jesus if we could build three shrines: One for Moses, One for Elijah, and One for Jesus. At this moment there was a very bright cloud saying that Jesus is his beloved Son and listen to Him. How many times to we have spiritual experiences and want to build something there to reminds us, but they become idols for us? I know that Jesus is fully God as He was fully human, but I wonder if Mohammed thought this when he so his people making idols and worshiping them even maybe those who were Jewish or Christians? Could it be that Mohammed was a true prophet of God to draw all his people, the Arabs to believe in the One True God and Jesus as the Messiah came to redeem us even though the Quran only calls Jesus a Prophet it does say that when Jesus returns all will worship Him as fully God or even cannot believe that God in His Holiness could ever stoop low enought to become a man? After all, did not Jesus say to baptize people in the Name of The Father, The Son, and Holy Spirit and if you baptize in only Jesus Name you actually are including The Father and The Holy Spirit? May we search out Scriptures to find all that God is asking us to do and be for the Kingdom of Love to be seen on this earth as well as in Heaven. May we sing this Hymn "Jesus! I am resting, resting"
1. Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon Thee,
And Thy beauty fills my soul,
For, by Thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.
Jesus! I am resting, resting
In the joy of what Thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of Thy loving heart.
2. Oh, how great Thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea:
Oh, how marvelous Thy goodness,
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in Thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is Thine,
Know Thy certainty of promise,
And have made it mine.
3. Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
I behold Thee as Thou art,
And Thy love, so pure, so changeless,
Satisfies my heart,
Satisfies its deepest longings,
Meets, supplies its every need,
Compasseth me round with blessings,
Thine is love indeed.
4. Ever lift Thy face upon me,
As I work and wait for Thee;
Resting ’neath Thy smile, Lord Jesus,
Earth’s dark shadows flee.
Brightness of my Father’s glory,
Sunshine of my Father’s face,
Keep me ever trusting, resting,
Fill me with Thy grace.
____________________________Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States “One Simple Prayer" for Wednesday, 11 February 2015 - Scripture: Romans 8: A Wonderful Future for God’s People18 I am sure that what we are suffering now cannot compare with the glory that will be shown to us. 19 In fact, all creation is eagerly waiting for God to show who his children are. 20 Meanwhile, creation is confused, but not because it wants to be confused. God made it this way in the hope 21 that creation would be set free from decay and would share in the glorious freedom of his children. 22 We know that all creation is still groaning and is in pain, like a woman about to give birth.
23 The Spirit makes us sure about what we will be in the future. But now we groan silently, while we wait for God to show that we are his children.[a] This means that our bodies will also be set free. 24 And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping. 25 However, we hope for something we have not yet seen, and we patiently wait for it.
26 In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. For example, when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. 27 All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God’s people. 28 We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him.[b] They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,[Footnotes:
8.23 to show that we are his children: These words are not in some manuscripts. The translation of the remainder of the verse would then read, “while we wait for God to set our bodies free.”
8.28 God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him: Or “All things work for the good of everyone who loves God” or “God’s Spirit always works for the good of everyone who loves God.”]
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.[Romans 8:28 (NRSV)]
My husband had returned from visiting his father who was in intensive care at a hospital three hours away. Sick for 18 years, my father-in-law seemed finally to be dying. After my family went to bed, I sat down to reflect on the stressful events of the day.
I prayed for my husband and then for other family members who had stayed behind at the hospital. But when I tried to pray for my father-in-law, I realized that I did not know how to pray for him. I couldn’t think of what to say, so I prayed for God’s will for him. I thanked God that I could pray that simple prayer in all situations and trust that God would work all things for good.
I picked up The Upper Room and turned to that day’s meditation. The first words I read were: Jesus prayed, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done . . .” (Matt. 6:10, kjv). The verse was exactly what I needed to confirm that God heard my prayer. I immediately felt peace and a renewed connection with God. I knew that God understood and had received my prayer.
Read more from the author, here.
"Another Devotional Published"
I live near the Everglades, and this photo of an alligator was taken from my backyard. I enjoy watching the birds and alligators that visit the lake next to my home.This devotional on February 11, 2015 is the second time that something I've written has been published in The Upper Room. (Thanks so much, Upper Room!) The first time was on March 3 in the March/April 2007 edition. The title was "Lunch with Jesus" based on Mark 6:30-34. The verse highlighted was Mark 6:31, "Jesus said to his disciples, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'" (NIV). The prayer focus was for those struggling to find time with God. At the time, my daughter was three years old and my husband was away traveling for his work. Our home was full of plumbers due to a difficult repair and the verse about a quiet place resonated with me. I still find myself struggling to find time to pray although my daughter is 13 now. The devotional for today is about a time when I could not figure out how to pray, but I was still able to connect with God and experience peace.[Cathy Taylor]
The Author: Cathy Lee Taylor (Florida, USA)
Thought for the Day: God hears our prayers, even when we have no words.
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for Jesus’ example of a perfect prayer. Help us to come before you with our burdens and concerns as we pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt. 6:9-13, NIV). Amen.
Prayer focus: Those with family in the hospital
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States “Leaving by Another Door" for Thursday, 12 February 2015 - Scripture: John 8:1 1 but Jesus walked out to the Mount of Olives. 2 Then early the next morning he went to the temple. The people came to him, and he sat down[a] and started teaching them.3 The Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses brought in a woman who had been caught in bed with a man who wasn’t her husband. They made her stand in the middle of the crowd. 4 Then they said, “Teacher, this woman was caught sleeping with a man who isn’t her husband. 5 The Law of Moses teaches that a woman like this should be stoned to death! What do you say?”
6 They asked Jesus this question, because they wanted to test him and bring some charge against him. But Jesus simply bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger.
7 They kept on asking Jesus about the woman. Finally, he stood up and said, “If any of you have never sinned, then go ahead and throw the first stone at her!” 8 Once again he bent over and began writing on the ground. 9 The people left one by one, beginning with the oldest. Finally, Jesus and the woman were there alone.
10 Jesus stood up and asked her, “Where is everyone? Isn’t there anyone left to accuse you?”
11 “No sir,” the woman answered.
Then Jesus told her, “I am not going to accuse you either. You may go now, but don’t sin anymore.”[b][Footnotes:
8.2 sat down: See the note at 6.3,4.
8.11 don’t sin anymore: Verses 1-11 are not in some manuscripts. In other manuscripts these verses are placed after 7.36 or after 21.25 or after Luke 21.38, with some differences in the text.]
Jesus said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”[John 8:7 (NIV)]
The costume party was enjoyed by all. Everyone, from the tiniest baby to the oldest grandfather, donned a disguise. There were games, food, and lots of fun. Toward the end of the evening, the organizer thanked everyone, especially those of us who had helped with the event. We waited to clean up as the boys and girls and their mums filed out in high spirits. The dads left by another door to return to their prison cells.
We volunteers are members of the local community; most of us are members of Christian churches. Sad to say, not all members of our local community approve of what we are doing. In fact, some are quite hostile toward the prisoners because of the wrong they have done. However, as the Bible reminds us, none of us is free from sin. Through Christ, we know that we have been forgiven, and we want to extend that love and acceptance to others. We hope and pray that we can help to convince the prisoners and their families of God’s love for them.
The Author: William Findlay (Glasgow, Scotland)
Thought for the Day: How can I share God’s love with others?
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to help other people in kind and non-judgmental ways. Amen.
Prayer focus: Children of those in prison
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Loving Relationships" Friday, 13 February 2014 - Scripture: Matthew 22:34 but when the P’rushim learned that he had silenced the Tz’dukim, they got together, 35 and one of them who was a Torah expert asked a sh’eilah to trap him: 36 “Rabbi, which of the mitzvot in the Torah is the most important?” 37 He told him, “‘You are to love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’[a] 38 This is the greatest and most important mitzvah. 39 And a second is similar to it, ‘You are to love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All of the Torah and the Prophets are dependent on these two mitzvot.”[Footnotes:Matthew 22:37 Deuteronomy 6:5
Matthew 22:39 Leviticus 19:18]
Jesus said to the lawyer, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. . . . You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”[Matthew 22:37-39 (NRSV)]
As a retired scientist, I am enjoying taking a course on the history of science. I was intrigued by the instructor’s statement that one of the most important scientific ideas to emerge in the 20th century showed that all reality — from the atom to the universe — can be understood in terms of relationships. As a Christian, I was fascinated to learn that a concept that runs throughout the Old and New Testaments has a parallel in the latest scientific thinking.
Humans are spiritual and physical beings. Our relationship with God is our primary concern, and our relationships with other humans second only to that. Cultivating both these kinds of relationships is a lifelong challenge, requiring our constant attention.
How thankful we can be that God through Christ graciously offers us forgiveness when we fail to maintain our relationships with God and others! Only in God’s commandments do we find our ultimate reality in this life and in the life to come.
Read more from the author, here.
"Scripture Speaks to Anxiety"
As an adjunct professor, I am continuing to develop relationships as faculty sponsor for the campus chapter of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations (www.cmda.org). Last week I led a discussion on anxiety, a familiar topic for medical students. Together we studied Luke 12:22-31 and considered how to apply this and other scripture to life as a health professional. I asked my students many questions including the following: Do you experience anxiety or worry? Is that sinful? What physical symptoms may indicate anxiety rather than disease? What did Jesus' disciples have to be worried about? What things in life are out of our control? Do our goals, expectations, and self-assessments cause us anxiety? How can we cope with anxiety? How does God the Father, Son, and Spirit help us through our anxiety and worry? Have you memorized scriptures to meditate on? How should your stress tolerance influence your career choices?
Regarding our relationship with Christ, James Martin in his book Jesus: a Pilgrimage tells of his visits to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and reflects on the Crucifixion and Resurrection (as we all will be doing during the Lent and Easter season). He asks, "What does Jesus mean when he says, in the Synoptics, 'Take up your cross daily'? Martin offers these answers. Don't look for crosses. "Life gives them to you." God invited Jesus and us to accept our crosses. That means knowing that suffering is part of life and at some time we all will feel "shock, frustration, sadness and even rage." When it comes, will we accept it as Jesus and eventually the disciples accepted their crosses? Or will we become bitter and take our distress out on family members and coworkers? Will we graciously accept the help we need as Jesus allowed Simon of Cyrene to carry his cross? Will we lose our lives to save them by dying to sin like pride, envy, greed, and lust to live for God? Will we wait for our resurrection and the surprises God has in store, believing that nothing is impossible for God? I pray my students and all of us will.[Richard Gillum]
The Author: Richard Gillum (Maryland, USA)
Thought for the Day: How will I make time for my relationship with God and with others today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, help us to obey your commandments of love and remain in right relationship with you and others. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those who lack loving relationships
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States "God Sees, Hears, Loves" Saturday, 14 February 2015 - Scripture: James 5:13 Is someone among you in trouble? He should pray. Is someone feeling good? He should sing songs of praise.14 Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer offered with trust will heal the one who is ill — the Lord will restore his health; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Eliyahu was only a human being like us; yet he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and no rain fell on the Land for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the Land produced its crops.
Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise.[James 5:13 (NRSV)]
I confess that prayer is not the strongest of my spiritual disciplines. I am comfortable leading prayers in worship or praying for someone who is ill. But making a disciplined effort to spend a good amount of time in prayer is very difficult for me. I get anxious when I sit still; my mind is not one that easily goes quiet.
But that day was important. My husband had a big job interview, and we were both anxious. From the time he left the house until the time he returned, I prayed for him. I prayed through my morning routine of showering and dressing. I prayed while I brewed my coffee, and then I sat on the couch for an hour and poured my heart out to the Lord in intercession for my husband. It was an emotionally draining experience, but I believe it was the very best way I could have cared for my spouse.
It isn’t necessarily the way we pray that matters or whether we sit, kneel, or stand. It isn’t about whether we speak out loud in narrative or make lists, or say one-word prayers throughout the day. What matters most is that we do pray, intentionally and faithfully, pouring out all our joys and fears to God, who sees all, hears all, loves all.
The Author: Loren Tate Mitchell (Virginia, USA)
Thought for the Day: What matters most is not how, when, or where we pray but that we pray.
Prayer: Friend and Redeemer, thank you for the opportunity to communicate with you through prayer. Help us to find ways throughout the day to be in authentic relationship with you. Amen.
Prayer focus: Those looking for a job
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Hand-Me-Downs" Sunday, 15 February 2015 - Scripture: Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with feelings of compassion and with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with one another; if anyone has a complaint against someone else, forgive him. Indeed, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must forgive.14 Above all these, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together perfectly; 15 and let the shalom which comes from the Messiah be your heart’s decision-maker, for this is why you were called to be part of a single Body.
And be thankful — 16 let the Word of the Messiah, in all its richness, live in you, as you teach and counsel each other in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude to God in your hearts. 17 That is, everything you do or say, do in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Renew the thinking in your mind by the Spirit and clothe yourself with the new person created according to God’s image in justice and true holiness.[Ephesians 4:23-24 (CEB)]
When I was growing up, children wore hand-me-downs: clothes, often darned or patched and passed down from older brothers and sisters. Except at school, at church, and for special occasions, I often wore clothing that no longer fit my brother. I wore what my parents provided. Some hand-me-downs were better than others.
I also wore attitudes, behavior, beliefs, and responses that were handed down — received from my parents and other role models. Some were good and acceptable; others were not.
When I grew up and started to earn a living, I cast off my drab hand-me-downs, bought new clothes, and took responsibility for what I wore.
On the glorious day when I asked Jesus into my life, I prayerfully sorted through my spiritual and behavioral hand-me-downs and asked God to take away my soiled, broken, and destructive behavior, beliefs, and attitudes and to clothe me anew in the Spirit.
Read more from the author, here.
"And God Made Us"
The other night we babysat my 11-month-old granddaughter, Thea. The next morning Thea was crawling around on the living-room carpet, playing with the TV remote while we chatted. Waving it in the air, she accidently bumped her forehead and looked so surprised that we laughed spontaneously. She immediately copied us and laughed, which caused us to laugh again and she again echoed our action. Supposing that she had done something clever or amusing, she bumped her head with the remote, on purpose this time, and chuckled gaily—and of course we copied her.
I have heard other speak of someone beingconverted when they accepted Christ; notpurified, polished or refined. One definition of conversion implies “to change into a different form”.
When Val bakes a cake she buys the best ingredients that are available and mixes them carefully (according to a recipepassed down from mother to daughter for several generations) and produces a bowl of what can best be described as gunge.Because she has purchased the best and mixed carefully, it might be the best gungeon the planet but it is still gunge. It is only when these ingredients are subjected to the vital additional element of the controlled heat of the oven that the gunge is converted and a magnificent cake is produced. This cake might be further improved by icing and decoration.
Following a similar line of thought it might be that we, the best ingredients, were subjected to the vital “life-giving breath” as Genesis 2:7. and only then became human in God’s image. We have been further “beautified” by the Laws, Prophets and Christ’s Spirit and Teachings.
Those, who by God’s Grace alone, have received “life-giving breath” should strive to be last; to be least proud; to be the slave of one Master; be pure in heart; peacemakers; to build our riches in heaven. We should strive to be happy when we are persecuted for God’s Kingdom.
I pray for Thea and have faith that she is a child of God. Her family are of God’s people; she has beenbaptized into God’s care and, learning by example, will, in God’s time, kneel before the cross and consciously confirm her Faith.
I have faith that we will all spend eternity in the presence of God.[Keith Honeyman]The Author: Keith Honeyman (Western Cape, South Africa)
Thought for the Day: Today I will take time to think before I speak or act.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please grant us forgiveness, strength, and grace to put aside hurtful attitudes, speech, and actions. Adorn us with the bright clothing of faith and love. Amen.
Prayer focus: For a willingness to change my attitudes
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States "No Source Signal" Monday, 16 February 2015 - Scripture: Isaiah 9:1 (2) The people living in darknesshave seen a great light;
upon those living in the land that lies
in the shadow of death, light has dawned.
2 (3) You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice in your presence
as if rejoicing at harvest time,
the way men rejoice
when dividing up the spoil.
3 (4) For the yoke that weighed them down,
the bar across their shoulders,
and their driver’s goad
you have broken as on the day of Midyan[’s defeat].
4 (5) For all the boots of soldiers marching
and every cloak rolled in blood
is destined for burning,
fuel for the fire.
5 (6) For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us;
dominion will rest on his shoulders,
and he will be given the name
Pele-Yo‘etz El Gibbor
Avi-‘Ad Sar-Shalom
[Wonder of a Counselor, Mighty God,
Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace],
6 (7) in order to extend the dominion
and perpetuate the peace
of the throne and kingdom of David,
to secure it and sustain it
through justice and righteousness
henceforth and forever.
The zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot
will accomplish this.
7 (8) Adonai sent a word to Ya‘akov,
and it has fallen on Isra’el.
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.[Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)]
I was going through a difficult time. My husband and I had divorced after 15 years of marriage. Then a year later he was killed in a motorcycle accident. I was struggling to keep myself and our teenage son on track. My faith in God was strong; but the day-to-day challenges of single parenthood, financial insecurity, and grief were taking their toll. Spending time with God had moved further down my to-do list.
A friend asked me to join her women’s Bible study group. Studying Isaiah 30:15 taught me the importance of listening for God’s direction: “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” I found comfort and strength as I renewed my relationship with God. How immediate and accessible is our God! Joining a Bible study helped to correct my priorities and to connect me with our all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present Lord.
The Author: Sara S. Orellana (Florida, USA)
Thought for the Day: How am I connecting to God, my source of strength, today?
Prayer: Dear God, forgive us when the demands of daily life become our idols. Help us always to put you first and to listen closely and quietly for your guidance. Amen.
Prayer focus: Single parents
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Father’s Loving Touch" Tuesday, 17 February 2015 - Scripture: Ephesians 3:13 So I ask you not to be discouraged by the troubles I endure on your behalf — it is all for your glory.14 For this reason, I fall on my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its character. 16 I pray that from the treasures of his glory he will empower you with inner strength by his Spirit, 17 so that the Messiah may live in your hearts through your trusting. Also I pray that you will be rooted and founded in love, 18 so that you, with all God’s people, will be given strength to grasp the breadth, length, height and depth of the Messiah’s love, 19 yes, to know it, even though it is beyond all knowing, so that you will be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who by his power working in us is able to do far beyond anything we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the Messianic Community and in the Messiah Yeshua from generation to generation forever. Amen.
The psalmist wrote, “My lips praise you because your faithful love is better than life itself!”[Psalm 63:3 (CEB)]
Yesterday in church I observed the family sitting in front of me. The son sat in a wheelchair beside the parents. He was throwing his head back and forth intensely, incessantly. As soon as they sat down, the father stretched out his arm, leaned his elbow against the wheelchair handle, and held the back of the boy’s head to calm the spasms. Throughout the sermon, I saw how the father’s hand held and caressed the boy’s head. Finally, the boy was pacified by his father’s touch; his head became still.
For me, the image of this father and son was a sermon in itself. The love that the father expressed was so patient, so enduring, and so great that I’m sure it came from God, transported through the father to his son. It seemed to me that the father realized that God had given him so much love for his son that it overcame the hardships of having a child with special needs. In that moment, the father opened up his heart for God’s love to flow through him.
The Author: Agneta Johansson (Jönköping, Sweden)
Thought for the Day: Today I will clear my heart of anything that stands in the way of God’s love.
Prayer: God of all comfort, help us to be a conduit for your love. Amen.
Prayer focus: Families of children with special needs
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Today's Devotional:
The Upper Room Daily Devotional Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Ash Wednesday" Ash Wednesday, 18 February 2015 - Scripture: Isaiah 58:1 Shout out loud! Don’t hold back!Raise your voice like a shofar!
Proclaim to my people what rebels they are,
to the house of Ya‘akov their sins.
2 “Oh yes, they seek me day after day
and [claim to] delight in knowing my ways.
As if they were an upright nation
that had not abandoned the rulings of their God,
they ask me for just rulings
and [claim] to take pleasure in closeness to God,
3 [asking,] ‘Why should we fast, if you don’t see?
Why mortify ourselves, if you don’t notice?’
“Here is my answer: when you fast,
you go about doing whatever you like,
while keeping your laborers hard at work.
4 Your fasts lead to quarreling and fighting,
to lashing out with violent blows.
On a day like today, fasting like yours
will not make your voice heard on high.
5 “Is this the sort of fast I want,
a day when a person mortifies himself?
Is the object to hang your head like a reed
and spread sackcloth and ashes under yourself?
Is this what you call a fast,
a day that pleases Adonai?
6 “Here is the sort of fast I want —
releasing those unjustly bound,
untying the thongs of the yoke,
letting the oppressed go free,
breaking every yoke,
7 sharing your food with the hungry,
taking the homeless poor into your house,
clothing the naked when you see them,
fulfilling your duty to your kinsmen!”
8 Then your light will burst forth like the morning,
your new skin will quickly grow over your wound;
your righteousness will precede you,
and Adonai’s glory will follow you.
9 Then you will call, and Adonai will answer;
you will cry, and he will say, “Here I am.”
If you will remove the yoke from among you,
stop false accusation and slander,
10 generously offer food to the hungry
and meet the needs of the person in trouble;
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your gloom become like noon.
11 Adonai will always guide you;
he will satisfy your needs in the desert,
he will renew the strength in your limbs;
so that you will be like a watered garden,
like a spring whose water never fails.
12 You will rebuild the ancient ruins,
raise foundations from ages past,
and be called “Repairer of broken walls,
Restorer of streets to live in.”
God said, “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice . . .? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house?”[Isaiah 58:6-7 (NRSV)]
I have always thought of Lent as a time of fasting in the sense of “giving up” something, either a lunch or some daily treat such as candy or coffee. The customary question in my faith community is, “What are you giving up for Lent?” I had never thought about doing anything else as a Lenten practice until one morning when I read the passage above from Isaiah, then later that same morning encountered a divine example of that passage.
While I was driving to work I noticed a drably dressed, bearded man standing at a busy intersection. He held a sign that read: “Homeless Veteran, need help!” Instantly, I recalled the words of Isaiah about what kind of fast God desires: “to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house.” I gave what help I could to that man.
My Lenten practice changed that very day. Now during Lent, my practice is not to give up something but to give something to someone in need.
The Author: Edward L. Kelly, Jr. (Iowa, USA)
Thought for the Day: When we fast, God helps us to identify with — and reach out to — those in need.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us during this Lenten season to look beyond ourselves and give to those in need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: The homeless in my community
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Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church
9440 E Boston, Suite 160
Wichita KS 67207
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
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