John 17:1-11 (12-26)
1After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ¡°Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. 5So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. 6¡°I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; 8for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. 10All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. 11And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
DG Comment: On Maundy Thursday we celebrate that Jesus came into the world but is not of the world. That Jesus loves us and gives us a new commandment to love each other. Let us do so today, on Good Friday, on Easter and beyond. Thank you for joining us for this Lenten journey of lectio divina. See you in church!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
April 20
John 12:27-36
27¡°Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say. Father, save me from this hour.? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.¡± Then a voice came from heaven, ¡°I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.¡± 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ¡°An angel has spoken to him.¡±30Jesus answered, ¡°This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.¡± 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34The crowd answered him, ¡°We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?¡± 35Jesus said to them, ¡°The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.¡±
After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.
DG Comment: As we move to the end of Lent, we look to the culmination of Jesus' saving ministry on the cross and the completion of Christ's work in rising and ascending so that we might rise too.
27¡°Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say. Father, save me from this hour.? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.¡± Then a voice came from heaven, ¡°I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.¡± 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, ¡°An angel has spoken to him.¡±30Jesus answered, ¡°This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.¡± 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. 34The crowd answered him, ¡°We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains for ever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?¡± 35Jesus said to them, ¡°The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. 36While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.¡±
After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.
DG Comment: As we move to the end of Lent, we look to the culmination of Jesus' saving ministry on the cross and the completion of Christ's work in rising and ascending so that we might rise too.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April 19
Philippians 3:15-21
15Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.
17Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.
DG Comment: As challenging as our lives can be, our citizenship ultimately is in Heaven, and that is never more clear than at Easter. Cant wait for Sunday!
15Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.
17Brothers and sisters, join in imitating me, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us. 18For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. 19Their end is destruction; their god is the belly; and their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will transform the body of our humiliation so that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, by the power that also enables him to make all things subject to himself.
DG Comment: As challenging as our lives can be, our citizenship ultimately is in Heaven, and that is never more clear than at Easter. Cant wait for Sunday!
Monday, April 18, 2011
April 18
Philippians 3:1-14
Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard. 2Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! 3For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.
4even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
DG Comment: A powerful statement by Paul to begin Holy Week. I pray for God to make me his. Make me his. Make me his!!!!! This week I put down my pride and confess my shortcomings and open my heart to Christ. Lord, make me his!
Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard. 2Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! 3For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.
4even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
DG Comment: A powerful statement by Paul to begin Holy Week. I pray for God to make me his. Make me his. Make me his!!!!! This week I put down my pride and confess my shortcomings and open my heart to Christ. Lord, make me his!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
April 17
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!!! Hosanna on Palm Sunday. See you in church!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
April 16
Psalm 149
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron,
to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the LORD!
DG Comment: The Psalmist calls with much optimism, hope and joy. This is a powerful and positive way to begin the weekend. Praise the Lord!!
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron,
to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the LORD!
DG Comment: The Psalmist calls with much optimism, hope and joy. This is a powerful and positive way to begin the weekend. Praise the Lord!!
Friday, April 15, 2011
April 15
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than
those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him
is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
DG Comment: "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than
those who watch for the morning." I begin this morning waiting and watching with hope for the Lord. For Hold Week is coming and salvation to follow.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than
those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him
is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel from all its iniquities.
DG Comment: "I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning, more than
those who watch for the morning." I begin this morning waiting and watching with hope for the Lord. For Hold Week is coming and salvation to follow.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
April 14
Psalm 126
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
DG Comment: I love this phrase, "May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy." Those who suffer now I hope have an opportunity to shout with joy. This is what we hope our Lenten journey results in at Easter. When we take Maundy Thursday and Good Friday seriously, this is what we look forward to.
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us, and we rejoiced.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb.
May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves.
DG Comment: I love this phrase, "May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy." Those who suffer now I hope have an opportunity to shout with joy. This is what we hope our Lenten journey results in at Easter. When we take Maundy Thursday and Good Friday seriously, this is what we look forward to.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
April 13
John 10:1-18
“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but
climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.
The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep
hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.When he has
brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because 20
they know his voice.
They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him
because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
Jesus used this figure of speech
with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All
who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.I
am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and
find pasture.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they
may have life, and have it abundantly.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the
sheep.
The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees
the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away — and the wolf snatches them
and scatters them.
The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care
for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know
me,just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for
the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them
also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one
shepherd.
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order
to take it up again.No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I
have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this
command from my Father.”
DG Comment: The pastoral image of the shepherd resonated with Jesus' audience. God cares for us like a shepherd and guides us. And through Christ sacrifices for us.
“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but
climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit.
The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep
hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.When he has
brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because 20
they know his voice.
They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him
because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
Jesus used this figure of speech
with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All
who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them.I
am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and
find pasture.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they
may have life, and have it abundantly.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the
sheep.
The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees
the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away — and the wolf snatches them
and scatters them.
The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care
for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know
me,just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for
the sheep.
I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them
also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one
shepherd.
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order
to take it up again.No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I
have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this
command from my Father.”
DG Comment: The pastoral image of the shepherd resonated with Jesus' audience. God cares for us like a shepherd and guides us. And through Christ sacrifices for us.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
April 12
Romans 10:1-13
Brothers and sisters, my heart‟s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may
be saved.
I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened.
For,being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish
their own, they have not submitted to God‟s righteousness.
For Christ is the end of
the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who
does these things will live by them.”
But the righteousness that comes from faith
says, “Do not say in your heart, „Who will ascend into heaven?‟” (that is, to bring
Christ down)
“or „Who will descend into the abyss?‟” (that is, to bring Christ up
from the dead).
But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in
your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
because if you confess
with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from
the dead, you will be saved.
For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and
one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
The scripture says, “No one who
believes in him will be put to shame.”
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all
and is generous to all who call on him.
For, “Everyone who calls on the name of
the Lord shall be saved.”
DG Comment: The hope filled word of the Lord as we approach Easter. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Let it be so.
Brothers and sisters, my heart‟s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may
be saved.
I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened.
For,being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish
their own, they have not submitted to God‟s righteousness.
For Christ is the end of
the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that “the person who
does these things will live by them.”
But the righteousness that comes from faith
says, “Do not say in your heart, „Who will ascend into heaven?‟” (that is, to bring
Christ down)
“or „Who will descend into the abyss?‟” (that is, to bring Christ up
from the dead).
But what does it say? “The word is near you, on your lips and in
your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);
because if you confess
with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from
the dead, you will be saved.
For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and
one confesses with the mouth and so is saved.
The scripture says, “No one who
believes in him will be put to shame.”
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all
and is generous to all who call on him.
For, “Everyone who calls on the name of
the Lord shall be saved.”
DG Comment: The hope filled word of the Lord as we approach Easter. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Let it be so.
Monday, April 11, 2011
April 11
Psalm 119:73-80
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn
your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have humbled me. Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Let the arrogant be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as 19
for me, I will meditate on your precepts. Let those who fear you turn to me, so that they may know your decrees. May my heart be blameless in your statutes, so that I may not be put to shame
DG Comment: The Psalmist upholds the tradition on learning and keeping God's commandments. As we near the end of Lent, let us use this remaining time to think about how our lives can be more consistent with what we know of God's revelation.
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn
your commandments. Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word. I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have humbled me. Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your servant. Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Let the arrogant be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as 19
for me, I will meditate on your precepts. Let those who fear you turn to me, so that they may know your decrees. May my heart be blameless in your statutes, so that I may not be put to shame
DG Comment: The Psalmist upholds the tradition on learning and keeping God's commandments. As we near the end of Lent, let us use this remaining time to think about how our lives can be more consistent with what we know of God's revelation.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
April 10
As we march towards Holy Week, we begin to explore the resurrection power of God through Lazarus's story. That impacts that happens on Palm Sunday in a significant way. See you at church.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
April 9
John 6:60-71
60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”
66Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” 70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” 71He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
DG Comment: A hard passage on this Saturday. But Holy Week and the passion of Christ begin soon, leading all the way to the cross. But fortunately Sunday comes tomorrow, a mini Easter! And Easter itself comes soon.
60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” 61But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you? 62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”
66Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” 68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” 70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” 71He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
DG Comment: A hard passage on this Saturday. But Holy Week and the passion of Christ begin soon, leading all the way to the cross. But fortunately Sunday comes tomorrow, a mini Easter! And Easter itself comes soon.
Friday, April 8, 2011
April 8
Friday April 8 Jeremiah 23:1-8
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the
LORD.
Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds
who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven
them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil
doings, says the LORD.
Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of
all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and
they shall be fruitful and multiply.
I will raise up shepherds over them who will
shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be
missing, says the LORD.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a
righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute
justice and righteousness in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will
live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The LORD is our
righteousness.”
Therefore, the days are surely coming, says the LORD, when it shall no longer be
said, “As the LORD lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of
Egypt,”but “As the LORD lives who brought out and led the offspring of the house
of Israel out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven
them.” Then they shall live in their own land.
DG Comment: When Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd, we know there is Old Testament basis and powerful symbolism for the metaphor. We are Christ's flock. God cares for us.
Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the
LORD.
Therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds
who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven
them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil
doings, says the LORD.
Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of
all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and
they shall be fruitful and multiply.
I will raise up shepherds over them who will
shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be
missing, says the LORD.
The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up for David a
righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute
justice and righteousness in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will
live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The LORD is our
righteousness.”
Therefore, the days are surely coming, says the LORD, when it shall no longer be
said, “As the LORD lives who brought the people of Israel up out of the land of
Egypt,”but “As the LORD lives who brought out and led the offspring of the house
of Israel out of the land of the north and out of all the lands where he had driven
them.” Then they shall live in their own land.
DG Comment: When Jesus says he is the Good Shepherd, we know there is Old Testament basis and powerful symbolism for the metaphor. We are Christ's flock. God cares for us.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
April 7
Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the
stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they
shall stumble and fall.Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the
LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his
temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his
tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, LORD, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who 17
have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen
against me, and they are breathing out violence.
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD
DG Comment: In the time when the broader church in our area struggles with revelations about past abuse at another congregation, let seek God's face, rely on God's comfort and seek to act as God would have as act.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the
stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they
shall stumble and fall.Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.
One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the
LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his
temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his
tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me!
“Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, LORD, do I seek.
Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who 17
have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation!
If my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will take me up.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen
against me, and they are breathing out violence.
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD
DG Comment: In the time when the broader church in our area struggles with revelations about past abuse at another congregation, let seek God's face, rely on God's comfort and seek to act as God would have as act.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
April 6
John 6:27-40
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal
life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has
set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of
God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him
whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then,
so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing?
Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, „He gave them bread
from heaven to eat.‟” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not
Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the
true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from
heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread
always.”Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that
you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will
come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have
come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent
me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that
he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my
Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will
raise them up on the last day.
DG Comment: Jesus is the bread of life. What really has potential to sustain our deepest need is the word and spirit of Christ if we take it and eat.
“Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal
life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has
set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of
God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him
whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then,
so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing?
Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, „He gave them bread
from heaven to eat.‟” Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not
Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the
true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from
heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread
always.”Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that
you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will
come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have
come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent
me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that
he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my
Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will
raise them up on the last day.
DG Comment: Jesus is the bread of life. What really has potential to sustain our deepest need is the word and spirit of Christ if we take it and eat.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
April 5
John 6:16-27
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had
rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.25When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
DG Comment: Building on our sermon on Sunday about food, spiritual food doing the will of God, and bread of life, here is again another focus on food of the spirit and our focusing on things that last, things that last from God. I say over and over:
"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."
16When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19When they had
rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. 20But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there. They also saw that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus.25When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
DG Comment: Building on our sermon on Sunday about food, spiritual food doing the will of God, and bread of life, here is again another focus on food of the spirit and our focusing on things that last, things that last from God. I say over and over:
"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you."
Monday, April 4, 2011
April 4
Psalm 119:73-80
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn
your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have
humbled me.
Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your
servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Let the arrogant be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as
for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you turn to me, so that they may know your decrees.
May my heart be blameless in your statutes, so that I may not be put to shame.
DG Comment: God's steadfast love is our comfort in times of sorry and hardship. The comforting wisdom, care and love of God through Christ is a gift. Remember that gift this week.
Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn
your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have
humbled me.
Let your steadfast love become my comfort according to your promise to your
servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.
Let the arrogant be put to shame, because they have subverted me with guile; as
for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you turn to me, so that they may know your decrees.
May my heart be blameless in your statutes, so that I may not be put to shame.
DG Comment: God's steadfast love is our comfort in times of sorry and hardship. The comforting wisdom, care and love of God through Christ is a gift. Remember that gift this week.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
April 3
John 4: 31-38
We think about God's will being our food. The Lenten value of discerning and doing God's will for our lives. See you in church today!
We think about God's will being our food. The Lenten value of discerning and doing God's will for our lives. See you in church today!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
April 2
Psalm 149
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron,
to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the LORD!
DG Comment: Sing to the Lord a new song. In gratitude to God, sing a new song to God with your life. Turn over a new leaf. Spring has come. The buds are opening. Sing a new song with your life.
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King.
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre.
For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with victory.
Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches.
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples,
to bind their kings with fetters and their nobles with chains of iron,
to execute on them the judgment decreed. This is glory for all his faithful ones. Praise the LORD!
DG Comment: Sing to the Lord a new song. In gratitude to God, sing a new song to God with your life. Turn over a new leaf. Spring has come. The buds are opening. Sing a new song with your life.
Friday, April 1, 2011
April 1
Romans 6:1-11
What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may
abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united
with him in a resurrection like his.We know that our old self was crucified with
him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved
to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we
believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the
dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he
died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
DG Comment: No April Fool, Paul was serious minded and focused on the glory of God through Christ. As we begin April, where we'll connect with Easter in a few weeks, we look forward to being "united with (Christ) in a resurrection like his." Because Christ was raised we shall be raised also.
What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may
abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united
with him in a resurrection like his.We know that our old self was crucified with
him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved
to sin. For whoever has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we
believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the
dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he
died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
DG Comment: No April Fool, Paul was serious minded and focused on the glory of God through Christ. As we begin April, where we'll connect with Easter in a few weeks, we look forward to being "united with (Christ) in a resurrection like his." Because Christ was raised we shall be raised also.
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