Daily Devotion for April 28, 2006 - Lutheran Church Charities

Second Nature

 

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?     When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?     When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'     "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'    Matthew 25:37-40

 

When I was learning how to drive my father taught me on a tractor which had a manual transmission. I was scared because I thought I was going to blow the thing up by missing a shift, but I eventually learned how to drive the stick shift. My first car was also a stick shift, which I owned for about 3 years. Driving a stick shift had become second nature to me. Later, I bought a new car with an automatic transmission. When I tried to start it I would catch myself trying to depress the clutch. It took some time before I was able to break that habit.

 

Doing the will of God should be second nature to us. We should die to our old self and become a new creation in Jesus. As we mature in our faith the things we do for Christ come naturally. We become the instruments through which God works his will. In today's Scripture, those who were blessed by God did not realize that they were doing the Lord's work. Instead, it had become second nature to them. They did not think they had done anything, yet they were blessed by the Father and allowed to take their inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. It is not our will that is to be the driving force in our Christian lives, but instead it is God's will which is to be our agenda. We should give ourselves totally to God so that his work may be done through us.

 

Prayer
Heavenly Father we thank you for loving us so much. May the love that you have given us be the motivation for the things we do. May your will become second nature to us so that we automatically seek to do your will. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 27, 2006 from Lutheran Church Charities

Taking some Time

 

"Sir," the man replied, "leave it alone for one more year, and I will dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down." Luke 13:8-9

 

So many times I hear Christians say that you will know other Christians by their fruits. While I agree with this, one thing I see is that it may take time for this fruit to come about. Many Christians have the expectation that once one is saved there will be instant fruit borne. We must remember that before fruit can be borne a seed must be planted and then the seed must grow.

 

One cannot just plant the seed and then walk away. Instead, once the seed is planted, one should stay with it and watch it and help it grow. It’s called discipling the person.

 

In today's Scripture, Jesus tells a parable about a man who has a fig tree which is not producing any fruit. He tells the gardener to cut it down, but the gardener wants to give the tree one more year in which he can work with the tree so that it may produce fruit. I have learned that the fruit may take a little while before it is produced and also that it may take more work than just planting the seed for that fruit to be borne. Patience and love will not only nurture the other's relationship with God, it will also nurture one's own.

 

Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for being the patient gardener. You are not willing to give up on us so easily. Instead, with your great love you work with us so that we may bear the fruit you created us to bear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

 

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 26, 2005

The Cracked Pot

 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  2 Corinthians 4:7 -

 

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

 

Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the poor cracked pot was ashamed and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.

 

"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."

 

"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"

 

"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts."

 

Then the water bearer said the old cracked pot, "As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path."

 

Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on its side of the path, but there were no flowers at all on the other side. The bearer said to the pot, "Because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it, I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my masters table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."

 

(Author Unknown)

 

Prayer
Loving God, we are all cracked pots, so make each of us aware of our own unique flaws. In your caring hands, even our flaws can be used to grace life's table. In your love's economy, nothing goes to waste. May we have the grace to know that in our weakness you find our strength.  Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 25, 2006

Cleaning up the Mess

 

But me he caught -- reached all the way from sky to sea; He pulled me out of that ocean of hate, that enemy chaos, the void in which I was drowning. They hit me when I was down, but God stuck by me. He stood me up on a wide-open field; I stood there saved -- surprised to be loved! God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him.    Psalm 18:16-19

 

I recently was trying to clean up around the house (my first mistake) and I ended up knocking something down and breaking it.  Realizing that no one noticed, I decided that I would quickly clean it up and toss it away.  Carefully cleaning up all the slivers, I had destroyed all the evidence!  A few minutes later I was back as if nothing happened!  No one would know anything had ever occurred.

 

Later I got thinking, isn't this true of us? When our lives are shattered, we quickly clean away the slivers lest someone see the mess, even God. The irony is that when we really think we've got it all together is precisely the time we begin to fall apart.

 

Our first step toward becoming the people the Father would have us be is when we are willing to put down the pieces instead of picking them up, when we are willing to give God the pieces instead of handling the mess ourselves. It's when we are willing to take such a step of faith that God will handle the mess and give us back our lives, shiny, new, and changed.

 

Prayer
Father, thank you for rescuing us from certain death. How often we want to handle all of the messes we make of our lives all by ourselves. Here are the pieces of our broken lives. Take them, Lord. Put them back together as only you can. Make our lives what they need to be. Change us so it's no longer our will but your will at work. In the name of the One who loved us before the world was. Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 24, 2006

What Has It Caused You To Do?

 

All things work together for good to those who love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

 

What trial are you going through right now? Better yet, what has it caused you to do? Has it moved you to draw closer to the Lord, or caused you to wander off the path a bit? Has it caused you to dive into the Word, or have you tucked your Bible up on the shelf? Have you reached out to others who have gone, or are going through what you're experiencing, or have you tossed up those walls we're so great at putting up when we get hurt?

 

The circumstances we deal with can bring us up or tear us down in our walk with Christ. It is in our ability to make them or break them. We have the free will to do so. God has His perfect will, and it's not for us to wander away from Him. Paul wrote in the New Testament that God allows us to experience these trials in order that we will be able to minister to others. In the end, it works together for good, because ultimately we learn more about ourselves and more about God. And we will be able to sit next to that quiet, hurting person who became angry and bitter, who tucked their Bible on the shelf, who put up the walls, who wandered away. We'll be able to tell them it truly will be okay, because we've been through it.

 

Prayer
Lord, help us to learn whatever it is we need to learn during this particular time in our life. It hurts, and there are days we don't know up from down. Help us to remember that all things will work out for good because you love us beyond what we could ever imagine. Teach us to be patient and to look for your will.  Amen.

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 21, 2006

A Note Never Sent

 

What is your life? It is even a vapor that vanishes away. James 4:14

 

I grew up on a farm in Michigan.  It was outside a large city which was surrounded by little cities or communities.  Every time I go home it is always interesting to see how many of the “original” families are left living in their original homes from the time when I grew up.  Many have died or moved on.

 

For those I do see when I go home, well they are wonderful visits!  I often say to myself after I have made a visit, I should keep in contact with them, I should drop them a note, or give them a call.

 

But then I get busy.  Then I find out that someone has suddenly died and I think to myself, I should have sent that note!

 

A minister friend of mine used to say "Most of us have no idea how much pain each of us is carrying around inside. If we did, I think we'd all be a lot gentler with each other." He’s right! As I've walked with the Lord these years, heaven knows my discipleship is nowhere near what it should be, but one thing I have tried to do is practice random acts of kindness. A kind word to someone.  A "thank you very much for your help" to a frazzled store clerk.  A card or doing something special, unexpected for someone.  Even better when it is done in secret!  You know as well as I do that there are all sorts of unkindness in this world. Let's swim against the tide.

 

Prayer
Lord, help us always to remember that the word of Scripture reminds us that "The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from every eye." (Isaiah 25:8) and that "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 126:5) Help me to see and appreciate those around me who may not show it but NEED a healing word or act from you.  Let me be that vehicle of your grace, mercy and love.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 20, 2006

Low Ink

 

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 

When we make photocopies of documents we can only make so many copies before the ink in the copier must be replaced. If we do not replace the ink cartridge with a new one, the copies will begin to fade and get lighter until all we get is blank pieces of paper.

 

In our Christian life, Christ is trying to make copies of himself, to reproduce his life in us. Today's verse tells us that the "ink" is that "Christ lives in me." How important it is to remember that we have died with Christ. Since we have died with Christ we have died to sin. But we need to remember to die to sin daily. If we remember this, it can strengthen us and help us in our relationship with God. If we choose to forget this, it can affect our ability to hear God's will. We can listen to God, but we may not hear him. If we are running on a low ink cartridge, our copies will be weak, but if we renew the cartridge the copies will be very clear and crisp. Sharing in Christ's crucifixion, we have a unity with him, and the more this is true, the more our copy should be like Christ.

 

Prayer:
Lord, we thank you for the opportunities we have to associate with you through the sacraments, fellowship, prayer and Bible study. May you continually fill us with your presence so that we may be clear copies for others to see.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 19, 2006

SMALL CHANGE

 

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands.    Psalm 90:17
 
I love to see the dew drops glisten as they cling to the bare branches of a tree in the early morning. I love the way the water whooshes up around the wheels of a car driving in the rain. I love to walk out in forty below weather, when the cold crisp air frosts up any moisture on my face. I love to listen to the little stream rushing over the rocks in the gully.

 

I once saw someone wearing a tee shirt saying, "Got any spare change?" The shirts were promoting a small-production movie and suggested that even our small change contributed to producing bigger things.
 
I like to read church signs.  Sometimes they make me cringe thinking – “What were they thinking?” when I read what is put up.  However, sometimes they make me think, like the one I saw recently, "We must be the change we want to see in the world."

 

Some people think that all change begins with us. Although it may seem like that, real change begins with God working in our lives!  On our own, why would we change?  But we can surrender and allow God to change us (always for the better).  They needn't be big changes right away. Small changes work wonders: changes in attitude; changes in appreciation of the beauty around us, of others, of all that we have, of all that we are given, of all that is ours to share; changes in our perception of what others are saying, of what we think they mean, and how we react. They all count.

 

If we let “the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us ", if we appreciate it, and reflect it, others will see it in us. We can "show" the change we want to see in the world.

 

Prayer:
May we strive, each day, to remember that even our smallest changes contribute to bigger and better things. Father, let me be willing to change so that you can work and shine through me!  In Your name we pray. Amen.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 18, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 49

 

I Need a Shepherd

 

The twenty-third psalm begins with,
"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want...."  Psalm 23:1

 

I have heard sermons, discussions, read books, and reviewed explanation after explanation of the deep spiritual meanings of this passage. I have heard it read and quoted in funerals, I have used it myself on more occasions than I can recall to comfort, encourage, and remind people of the constant presence of the Lord during times of crisis and loss.

 

Though the lessons and applications are diverse and deep, when I read the words of this passage, the message for me is simple: I need a shepherd. In spite of all the other meanings that apply at one time or another, the consistent message for me is that I need a shepherd. God knew me well enough, long before I was ever born, to know that I need a shepherd, and to provide me with a shepherd. I need a shepherd.

 

When times are difficult and I struggle to feel His presence, I need a shepherd.

 

When my children are struggling to find their way and I struggle with how to best help them, I need a shepherd.

 

When a decision has to be made and I am not sure how to decide, I need a shepherd.

 

When life is going so well that I cannot believe it is real, I need a shepherd.

 

When life is not going well and I cannot believe it is real, I need a shepherd.

 

When I think that I have everything under control, I need a shepherd.

 

When I feel that I have nothing under control, I need a shepherd.

 

When I am lonely, I need a shepherd. When I am surrounded by friends, I need a shepherd.

 

When I am on the right course, I need a shepherd. When I am not sure where the course is, I need a shepherd.

 

When I am rising in the morning, resting in the evening, eating my meals, enjoying a walk, playing with children, reading a book, watching television, or listening to music, I need a shepherd.

 

I need a shepherd. Every day, every night, every minute of every hour, I need a shepherd.

 

Whatever the interpretation or the insight, for me the message is simple: I need a shepherd, and I have a shepherd.

 

I need a shepherd!
I need The Shepherd

I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak…. Ezekiel 34:16

Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for being my shepherd, one who is always there for me.  Help me to always follow you and your voice.  Amen

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 17, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 48

The Journey From The Tomb on the Road

 

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.  They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.  As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; Luke 24:15 

 

They were talking about everything that had happened!  I'm curious.  Will your conversations today include the Good News of the empty tomb?  Is Easter just a day once a year for dressing up and family dinners -or is it something that you will talk about with others – how the tomb is empty and how that makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the World?
 
The empty tomb is only a part of the reality.  What makes the difference in the disciples' lives are the conversations with the Risen Savior.  Jesus is alive.  His victory over sin has a lasting impact in our lives.  Everything is different from this day on.  Nothing will ever be the same!
 
Please take the opportunity today to talk to others along the road, so that they too can see Jesus. 

 

The empty tomb – ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD

 

Prayer: 
Risen Jesus, I give thanks that through Your death and resurrection, I have new life in You.  Please keep the reality of the Empty tomb alive in my life.  Please give me the opportunities and the words to share with others the New Life I have because of You.  Because You live I too shall live – WITH A PURPOSE.  Amen 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 16, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 47

 

Resurrection Day

 

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.  Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"  But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.  As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.  "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.  But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"  Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.  Mark 16: 1-8

 

With the dawning of the first Easter Day, the world awoke to a completely new era. As dark and restless as the previous day had been, Sunday dawned with a new light and a new peace. It was the light of resurrection, of the death of despair and the birth of joy; the death of fear and the birth of hope; the death of the old covenant and the birth of the new. At Calvary, more than a man died: death itself died, and for it, there would be no rising.

 

The women were coming to anoint His body with fine spices, to perform one last service for their Lord. As they made their way to the tomb they worried about how they were going to roll away the stone, but when they arrived they were horror stricken to discover that it had already been moved, and that the gravesite lay open! Had someone stolen His body?

 

As they entered the sepulcher, trembling with fear, apprehension, and an element of anger at what they saw as theft, they saw a young man clothed in white. He startled them and they were even more afraid; but he comforted them and gave them amazing news. The One whom they sought, who had been dead, was now wonderfully, amazingly alive. They were to go and tell others and to prepare to meet Jesus. They received a promise, "You shall see Him." And they did. And so shall we.

 

Make no mistake, without Resurrection Day we would, of all people, be most to be pitied for our faith would be founded upon a fable and we would still be dead in sin. "But," says Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who sleep." What more is there to be said? Except, maybe, "Alleluia!"

 

I know that my Redeemer lives;
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;
He lives, my ever living Head.
He lives to bless me with His love,
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed,
He lives to help in time of need.
He lives triumphant from the grave,
He lives eternally to save,
He lives all glorious in the sky,
He lives exalted there on high.
He lives to grant me rich supply,
He lives to guide me with His eye,
He lives to comfort me when faint,
He lives to hear my soul’s complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears,
He lives to wipe away my tears
He lives to calm my troubled heart,
He lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly Friend,
He lives and loves me to the end;
He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing;
He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath;
He lives, and I shall conquer death:
He lives my mansion to prepare;
He lives to bring me safely there.
He lives, all glory to His Name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
I know that my Redeemer lives!

 

Prayer
Amen, Amen – Let it be so!!!

 

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 15, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 46

 

A Stone-Cold Tomb

 

So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.  Mark 15: 46-47

 

Taking fine linen, such as was used for ministering to the dead, they wrapped Jesus’ body when it had been delivered to them, and they laid Him in Joseph’s own tomb. This would have been a single room cut out of the rock, possibly an enlargement of a natural cave, or of a fissure in the rock face. It would have had two benches, one at either side, upon which the bodies of the dead were laid until, their flesh taken with time, their bones were interred elsewhere. It was a rich man’s tomb and it is further proof of Joseph of Arimathea's devotion to our Lord, that he should risk the wrath of both his colleagues and his family by placing a crucified man where the honorable would normally have lain. Then they rolled the stone across the entrance and sealed it. Further work was needed, the body really required anointing with oil, but time was hastening on. It was almost the Sabbath; it would have to wait. Two of the Marys noted where the tomb was, so that they could return.

 

Doubtless, outside the tomb, as night brooded over the land, some watched and waited, not knowing quite what for. At last the anxiety and weariness of the last days was over. Though they mourned His passing they would not wish Him back if He had to suffer such pain again. His light had illuminated their lives for three short yet glorious years; they did not understand, but they were grateful that they had known Him, and glad that He could not suffer any more.

 

Inside the tomb, the One who had had no home on earth, and whose resting place was a borrowed sepulcher, lay bound by bonds of linen, and by the bands of death, and by that love which had brought Him thus far. The One who had flung stars into space, having surrendered to the cruel nails and to the violence of men, awaited His Father’s will.

 

Prayer
Dear Lord, between death and life, there is a stone cold silence, a silence of waiting, of hoping, of longing for better to come.  Grant me patience in silence, grant me solitude to be still, and know that You are God.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
		(866) 455-6466 • Fax: (866) 451-1476
		Web Site: lcc.LutheranChurchCharities.org
		E-Mail: TimHetzner@LutheranChurchCharities.org
At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

3rd of 3 GOOD FRIDAY Devotions for April 14, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 44 – 3:00 P.M.

 

‘At Even’, When Sun was Set

 

It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached,  Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.  Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died.  When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph.  Mark 15: 42-45

 

It was the evening of the day before the Sabbath, a special Sabbath, the Passover, and so it was necessary for those who loved Jesus to prepare His body quickly for the tomb, before the day of rest should come. An unlikely ally entered the scene, risking the abuse of his colleagues, to claim the body of our Lord, and to bury Him decently. Though he could not protect Him in life, He could at least prevent His body from being thrown to the dogs. That ally was Joseph of Arimathea, a member of that same Sanhedrin that had condemned Jesus. We can only imagine that Joseph, and other supporters like Nicodemus, had been kept in the dark about those extraordinary proceedings.

 

Joseph, a wealthy man, as well as an honorable one, is described as ‘waiting for the kingdom of God.’ He was a student of prophecy and had seen, in the extraordinary events of the last days and hours, overwhelming evidence that God was at work. His understanding of the coming reign of God’s Messiah may have been incomplete; he may have retained some notions of an earthly kingdom, but nevertheless, he saw in Jesus the fulfillment of all of his dreams. Or, at least he had, until his own people took the preacher and hung Him on a Cross. Who knows what Joseph thought as he saw the object of all of his hopes with the life wrung out of Him. Perhaps, like the disciples, he didn’t really know what to think. At least he had the decency to petition Pilate for the body.

 

The Roman expressed surprise that Jesus was already dead, forgetting that his latest statistic was a preacher, not a battle hardened zealot. But once he was sure that Jesus was dead he had no objections. It was all over now, SO THEY THOUGHT!

 

Prayer
Lord, help me always to see that in the darkest of moments, at the times of greatest distress, there is always a future ahead.  It may be hidden from me at the time, but faith causes me to continue to act in obedience, with the assurance of what is to come.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

2nd of 3 GOOD FRIDAY Devotions for April 14, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 45 – Noon

 

The Curtain Rent

 

The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"  Mark 15: 38-39

 

In the temple, a heavy curtain separated the inner sanctuary from the ’holy of holies.’ Only the Chief Priest could go beyond that barrier, and then only once a year. God’s Spirit was thought to dwell in that holiest of places, for anyone other than the Chief Priest to venture there would mean instantaneous death, so they thought. When the Greek armies had conquered Israel some centuries before, they had deliberately desecrated the temple and won the hatred of devout Jews. A sincere Hebrew would defend the holy of holies with every last breath.

 

As Jesus died, and as the crowds of bewildered people milled about in the streets, looking at the sky and wondering what portent it contained, the temple curtain was torn in two. From top to bottom it split, and not by any human agency. That, and the darkness over the land, must have terrified those who served in the temple on that day. But what did it signify? The writer of the letter to the Hebrews tells us that the rending was a divine object lesson, to show us that the way to God was no longer confined to the select few, but open to all who will follow Christ (Hebrews 9:7-8).

 

A Roman centurion was the first that we know of who joined these incredible events with the death of the Galilean rabbi. It could not have been a coincidence that the sky should darken and the curtain tear at the moment of this man’s death. There had to be a connection; there was. The Roman unbeliever saw it first: "Truly, this man was the Son of God."

 

Prayer
Dear Lord, the joy to know that I have direct access to You – to talk to anytime I want!  What a deal – and paid in full by a price that only You could pay.  Help me never to ignore the great advantage, advocate, and friend I have in You.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

1st of 3 GOOD FRIDAY Devotions for April 14, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 44 – 9:00 A.M.

 

Ministering to Our Lord

 

Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.  In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.  Mark 15: 40-41

 

On the outskirts of the crowd at Calvary some women had come to look on from afar. Love for Jesus had brought them to that forsaken spot, but modesty had prevented them from pushing to the fore. Clearly, Jesus could have seen them, when He lived, because He took the trouble to commend His mother to the Beloved Disciple. Mary Magdalene was there, one of our Lords’s most devoted disciples. She had received a great deal from Jesus (Luke 8:2), and was clearly the better for it, so she had come, as faithful women often will, to pick up the pieces left by the butchery of men. Mary, the mother of James the less was there also, identified by her son’s smallness of stature and by her other son, Joses, a fairly common name. Salome is also mentioned. She was the wife of Zebedee, the mother of James and John and may have been related to Mary, Jesus’ mother (John 19:25). That these three are named does not mean that all others were absent. Some, doubtless, such as Mary herself, did not need to be named. She too saw, and wept.

 

Just as once these faithful women had served Jesus during His earthly ministry, now they continued their ministrations to His broken body. ‘Many other women’ were also there, having followed Jesus to Jerusalem. Fools may read into this what they will; we should see only a wonderful example of faithful, gracious discipleship. Love always has something vulnerable about it, like a baby in a manger. These women had simply responded as nature led them: love answered love’s appeal.

 

 

Prayer
Dear Jesus, may I have the faith and the courage to follow You no matter what and not be like the male disciples, hiding fearfully behind locked doors.  Amen

 

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 13, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 44

 

The End

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.  Mark 15: 37

 

Even as the crowds were scanning the clouds above, Jesus gave out one last cry, and died. The reed and sponge were thrown down in disgust. He could not even live long enough for them to see Elijah…

 

Luke tells us what that last cry was (23:46). Jesus lifted His voice and exclaimed, "Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit." In the moment of death, Jesus reverted to the familiar ‘Father.’ The time for ‘My God, My God’ had passed. Jesus knew that it was all almost over, and that He had been found faithful. Despite the cutting agony of the Cross, and the fearful distress of bearing the consequences of sin, Jesus knew that He had won, and that it was almost over. Did He long for the cool solitude of the tomb?

 

Mark uses the archaic phrase, "He gave up the ghost" to describe Jesus’ passing. This has absolutely nothing to do with disembodied spirits and the paraphernalia of spiritualism. It simply means that Jesus died, and that His spirit left Him. The word ‘ghost’ has too many ugly connotations for us to employ it usefully today.

 

What is often overlooked is that Jesus did not die of crucifixion.  He willfully gave up His life, willfully handed His life over to His Father.  No one could take His life – this solely was an act of His will, the Fathers Will, an act of pure LOVE.

 

In a few stark words Mark tells us of the culmination of Jesus’ life story. Resigning His fate to His Father’s will Jesus calmly, and with grace, inclined His sacred head, and died. The throbbing brow ached no more. The rasping, labored breathing drew to a close. Bending beneath our sorrow’s load He received peace at last. May that peace be ours also; His sacrifice our only boast. All, all is finished now.

 

Prayer
Agape love, an act of the will and not of the emotions.  The love You have for me.  Thank you Jesus for willfully giving Your life so that I may have life.  Amen

 

There will be three devotions tomorrow for Good Friday. The first will be sent at 9:00 A.M. then Noon and 3:00 P.M.

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 12, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 43

 

Calling on Elijah

 

When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."  One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.  : Mark 15: 35-36

 

As darkness fell, and at such an hour, the people must have wondered what on earth was going on. Actually, they should have wondered what in heaven was going on. Some drew nearer to the Cross, though they may not have been aware of the connection between the sky and the Savior. They heard His cry and, since they were more concerned with the gathering gloom than with the half-dead criminals, they missed what He said. Someone heard the word ‘Eloi’ and misinterpreted it to mean that Jesus was calling upon Elijah. They grasped the half-truth as a possible explanation of the weather conditions and eagerly began to scan the skies, waiting and watching for the appearance of the prophet. The more astute among them would have known that the appearance of the Messiah was linked to the return of Elijah (Malachi 4:5) so they took a renewed interest in Jesus.

 

Abruptly, startlingly, the abuse ended. Perhaps, after all, this man really was the Messiah. No one could remember the sky turning such an awful shade before, and they were sure that He had called upon Elijah. Perhaps at any moment the clouds would part and the prophet would return to claim God’s chosen One. Amazingly, stupidly, their next action was unbelievably self-centered. If Jesus was the Messiah they should have rushed to His aid, but they did not. Instead they took a reed, soaked a sponge in sour wine and lifted it to His lips. This was not compassion; it was the desire to prolong the spectacle, to keep Jesus alive long enough so that Elijah would come. Meanwhile, sorrow and love flowed from His open wounds, and the end drew nigh.

 

Prayer
Whenever I take my eyes off You Lord, I can’t hear Your voice as clearly as I should and I miss the truth You speak.  Help me to stay focused, ON YOU, and to hear and heed Your voice.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 11, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 42

My God, My God

 

Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.  At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.  And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  Mark 15: 33-34

 

It was the sixth hour from the dawn, about mid day, when darkness descended upon the earth, lasting until the ninth hour. Some have conjectured that this was an eclipse, but it seems unlikely. The Hebrew calendar is a lunar one; that is, it is determined by the stages of the moon. At Passover, the moon is full; it is not possible for a full moon to cause an eclipse. So what happened? We do not know, but it was no coincidence. We might suppose that the hand of God, which sets and sustains the natural ordering of our world, was overruled by the love of God. There may not have been a lunar eclipse, but the darkness of sin moved between Father and Son, casting its long shadow upon the earth. What happened? God broke in.

 

At the ninth hour, at just about the time of the sacrifice in the temple, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani." ‘Eloi’ is the Aramaic version of ‘Eli’, which means ‘My God.’ The whole is a direct quotation from Psalm 22. Even in death, Jesus depended upon the promises of the Word, and upon the God who made them.

 

To those unfamiliar with the source of His words, it may have sounded like Jesus was suffering from doubt in His last moments. "Why have You forsaken Me?" It sounded as though Jesus was hurling questions and accusations at the One He had once called Father. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus’ quote from Psalm 22:1 was to bring one’s attention to the bigger picture.  Even though Jesus appeared to be forsaken by His Father, HE WAS NOT!  When one reads on in Psalm 22, verse 24, For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. 

 

Jesus recognized His forsakenness as the result of His sacrifice. A holy God could have nothing to do with the sin His Son now bore. As He died, Jesus suffered the rending of His relationship with the Godhead; His agony must have been more than we can comprehend. Yet love cried out, as only a Messiah could; and it did not cry in vain.  GOD HAD NOT FORSAKEN HIS SON – and because of that – neither does He forsake us! 

 

Prayer
Father, because of Your Son, and what He went through for me, I am not forsaken but embraced by Your outstretched arms on the cross.  No Greater Love!  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 10, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 41

 

Come On Down

 

In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself!  Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.  Mark 15: 31-32

 

It was not only the casual passers by who added to Jesus’ agony with their taunts and jibes, their leaders also joined in. They had won. They had gotten their own way. The troublesome rabbi from the uncouth north had been arrested on trumped up charges, he had been tried and somehow found guilty, and the Romans had been persuaded to do what the Romans did best: kill people. Yes, they had won; but did they have to rub salt in the wounds by crowing about it? Couldn’t they have allowed their adversary to die in peace? Obviously not.

 

Once again, however, God used their words to press home eternal truths, though they were not at all conscious of it. "Look," they said, "He saved others, can He not save Himself?" And they were right, for Jesus had saved others, and would keep on doing so long after these doubters had descended into dust. Furthermore, in order that He might keep on saving others, He could not save Himself. It was not His business to save Himself; it was His business to sacrifice Himself, so that others might be saved.

 

Even as they called Him the Christ, the King of Israel, their words were truer than they could ever have imagined. If the work of the Christ was to be completed, Jesus had to stay on the Cross. To come down would have been for Him to snatch defeat from the very jaws of victory. So, He stayed where He was, despite the sticks and stones and cruel words of those about Him. Thank God that He did!

 

Prayer
Lord, help me to remember that one can never go forward by coming down, can never overcome by succumbing to others taunting.  Thank You for saving me, by going the full distance so I can have eternity with You!  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 9, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 40

 

Mocking Scorn

 

Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, come down from the cross and save yourself!"  Mark 15: 29-30

 

We sometimes are tempted to imagine that Calvary was in the middle of nowhere, and that the Savior suffered alone. No doubt the hill of crucifixion itself was a place set apart and shunned by the respectable, but Mark tells us that the passers by railed at Him. This must mean that Jesus suffered a horrible death within sight of a thoroughfare, perhaps one of the roads into the city. Even in the act of dying they stripped Him of His dignity.

 

Passers by found it good sport to shout insults at the crucified ones, and especially at Jesus. Their taunts were mirror images of those false accusations brought to the court that met at Caiaphas’ home. With jeering irony and wicked sarcasm they laughed at Jesus. "Hey! You boasted that you could demolish the temple and build it up again in three days, how about saving yourself. Come on! Get down from that Cross!" It is interesting to know that the word Mark chooses to describe their insults, ‘railing’ really means ‘blaspheming.’ The joke is actually on them! They had been the ones who had accused Jesus of blasphemy, and by their limited knowledge they had been right, because it had never entered their heads that Jesus could be telling the truth, and that He could be the Messiah. As His death approached, a death brought about by their false accusations, they themselves fell into blasphemy. The point is well made: when we pass judgment on Jesus, we are really passing judgment upon ourselves.

 

“destroy the temple and build it in three days” Little did they realize that Jesus had replaced the physical temple in Jerusalem which had become an idol to them with the true temple, Himself.  Truth is always tested in time, and time (three days later) would show the truth of Jesus’ statement that He was the true Temple.  Some 40 years later would show the truth of Jesus saying He would destroy the physical temple in Jerusalem (70 AD), and remove the idol that kept so many from seeing the true temple. 

 

What about us?  Do our temples, church buildings, get in the way of being the true church Christ has intended us to be?  Do we seek the good of the Kingdom of God or do we serve the buildings that we think house the people of God.  Let us learn from Jesus what happens to earthly things!

 

Prayer
Jesus, help me always stay focused on Building Your Kingdom.  Help me see the “eternal” in all that I do.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 8, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 39

 

Between Thieves

 

They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. And the Writing was fulfilled that is saying, 'And with lawless ones he was numbered.'  Mark 15: 27-28

 

Mark, in his narrative, slips into the present tense as if to show the deed still in progress. Though he makes no mention of it, presumably the executioners were the soldiers sent on detail by the garrison in what was called a quaternion. In a bloody society, where justice was often both summary and swift, theirs was still a thankless task. As long as society decides that judicial execution is necessary, someone has to perform the deed.

 

Jesus was crucified between two ‘robbers.’ The word is, literally, ‘lawless men,’ which could mean that they had been convicted of insurrection, like Barabbas. Some commentators have even suggested that they were members of Barabbas’ lawless crew, and that Jesus was crucified where He was so that Pilate could make the point that this innocent man had taken Barabbas’ place. It would seem more likely that they were just ordinary criminals, paying for their offences. Nevertheless, Jesus did take Barabbas’ place, just as He took ours.

 

Even in the act of dying, Jesus fulfilled Scripture. Mark reminds his readers of the prophecy of Isaiah (53:12) that the Messiah would die ‘numbered among the transgressors.’ Jesus Himself had made mention of the very same passage in Luke 22:37 It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”  The crucifixion, therefore, is an object lesson in obedience and duty, but more than this: He did not die for duty’s sake alone, but for love. This is the love, broad and deep and high, passing human thought and fantasy, that brought a child to Bethlehem and a man to Calvary.

 

Prayer
Jesus, You took my place, I belonged on a cross with the “lawless men” You died with.  Instead, You took my place, because of Your love for me.  Help me never forget what I deserve and what You paid for me.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom

Daily Devotion for April 7, 2006

To Jerusalem with the ComPassionate Christ
Day 38

I.N.R.I.   

 

It was the third hour when they crucified him.  The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS.  Mark 15: 25-26

 

An inscription was written on whitened board and placed upon the Cross, probably by or above His sacred head now, indeed, painfully wounded. It was intended to give the reason for the execution, the crime that had led to this sorry end. According to Luke (23:22), Pilate had had the charge written up. In a final act of defiance against the chief priests, he wrote that Jesus was guilty of being ‘Rex Ioudaeorum.’ Four letters summarized both His name and the charge: I.N.R.I., which means, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. This was the crime of which Jesus was found guilty.

 

Pilate had taken his petty revenge upon the chief priests by affixing to the Cross the very words to which they had objected. He might have done better to have upheld the Law. The inscription was even in three different languages (Aramaic, Latin and Greek) so that no one might miss the point (John 19:20). The chief priests were outraged (John 19:21), but Pilate would not change what had been written. So they began to taunt the Savior with the words, daring Him to come down from the Cross if He was, in fact, King of the Jews (Matthew 27:42).

 

The temptation must have been great for Jesus. All He had to do was to ask and legions of angels would have leapt to His command, but He knew that to do so would be to fail. Christ had not come in order to defeat evil and foolish men; He had come to defeat the entrenched power of sin, Satan, and death. He knew that to do the greater deed He would have to be obedient unto death, even death on a Cross. Yes, He was a king. He was the King, but one such as they had never imagined.

 

What do we do when people ridicule us?  Do we seek revenge?  Do we become angry?  Or do we leave judgment in the hands of God and stay focused on why God has us here – to reflect Him and tell others about Him.  To love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us, to be like Jesus.

 

Prayer
Jesus, help us always to see beyond our current moment and to see You and Your will in all that we do.  Help us to return evil with good, hatred with love.  Amen

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INRI: The Inscription Explained

On certain depictions of the Crucifix, both sculpted and pictorial, especially as related to the Catholic religion, one may see a stylized plaque or parchment with the letters INRI just above or below the figure of Jesus Christ. In some cases, these letters may be carved into the cross. 

 

In the Gospel of John (19:19-20) the inscription is explained: 

"Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.' Many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek." 

Latin for "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" is "Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Iudaeorvm" and the acronym for this title is INRI. Latin uses the letter "I" instead of the English "J", and "V" instead of "U" (i.e., Jesus Nazarenus Rex Judaeorum). The English translation is then "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."

Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, "Write not, 'The King of the Jews;' but that he said, 'I am King of the Jews'." Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."

Pilate was loathe to crucify Jesus without some strong justification. The one he used was the standing Roman treaty with the Jews which allowed them self-government. When it was complained that Jesus was interfering with that self-rule by holding himself to possess authority that He lacked, Pilate challenged him to deny that he was called "King of Jews." Jesus did not deny the accusation. 

 

Some believe that the justification for his crucifixion was that he claimed an illegitimate title. However John 19:21-22 states that Pilate rejected the charge that Jesus was crucified because he falsely claimed to be king and instead stated that the reason Jesus was crucified was because he was the King of the Jews. Thus, Pilate personally was convinced that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah. This is further corroborated by the Eastern Orthodox Feast of Saint Pontius Pilate on June 25 since early church histories state that after converting to Christianity, Pilate himself was martyred by double crucifixion. 

Masonically INRI is read: "Igne Natura Renovatur Integra". The regeneration of nature by the influence of the sun symbolizes the spiritual regeneration of mankind by the sacred fire (truth and love) of Masonry, a purely naturalistic institution. 

Some Eastern Orthodox depictions of the Crucifix have a slight variation, showing instead the letters INBI, based on the Greek text of the inscription on the cross (Iésous o Nazóraios o Basileus tón Ioudaión), rather than on the Latin text. 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
		333 W. Lake Street, Addison, Illinois 60101
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At the end of the day. . . Making A Difference In People's Lives and In God's Kingdom