A Father's Loving Words

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17)

Anyone who has had a difficult childhood, longs to hear these words. What a priceless moment for Jesus, but also for those who witnessed it. 

Society today encourages us to achieve more and more. We tend to believe that our lifestyle, when successful, defines us. Things are important as we feel the need to acquire the latest gadget or sport the newest styles, drive the fastest car. Living an unobtrusive life isn’t an option for many.

Look now to Jesus, the one who truly is above all and is to be considered superior in every way. Jesus lowered himself to be one of us, to take on human form. Reading the scripture selection for today, it is striking how very powerful these words are; a tremendous witness to the world.

Jesus asked John to baptize Him, as he had been baptizing those who were following him. (Matthew 3:13 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.”) John wasn’t prepared for this and he told Jesus that it should be Him baptizing John. Jesus in all humility responded and asked John to do it anyway. (Matthew 3:15 “Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.”)

Dear God, I want to hear you say the words to me which you said to Your Son, Jesus. I want you to be pleased with me too. Lord show me how to live as Jesus did, with humility and grace. Amen




Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus’ Authority Questioned

JANUARY 3                                                                          

Scripture Reading
Read Mark 11:27-33 and reflect on the passage.

Every few years you hear a story about someone who feels the U.S. Government has no authority to collect personal income taxes.  April 15 comes and goes and in an act of defiance, no tax check is sent. How do you think this turns out?  As much as someone might not like it, believes it is bogus, wishes it weren’t so, there is an entity called the IRS that will settle the matter.

There exists in human nature a tendency to vilify authority.  We don’t want anyone telling us what we can and cannot do.  To undercut authority, we will rail against it attempting to declare it in some way illegitimate.  But, what if most of the problem resided with us?  What if in fact, the authority is completely legitimate? 

In our scripture reading, the chief priests, scribes and elders haughtily approached Jesus. Was it a real question they asked or was it more, "Just who do you think You are?"  It did not matter what they thought, felt or believed, they were speaking to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  To avoid His authority they even killed him.  How do you think this turned out for them?

QuestionsWhat do you think was Adam and Eve’s largest character flaw and how does it relate to authority?Are there any areas of your life where you are hesitant to acknowledge God’s authority?

Prayer

Lord, search, test, and show me anything in my life that refuses to acknowledge Your authority as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

                                                                                                                                    Lee Miller

King of Kings

December 21                                                                                             

Scripture Reading
Read Revelation 19:11-16 and reflect on the passage.

A tiny, little baby born, entering the world without much fanfare, in a simple stable. No waiting room filled with excited grandparents and friends – only Mary, Joseph, and some animals were present. No balloons, banners, nor perfectly decorated nursery. The Son of Mary, no ordinary baby, He was born King of Kings! The song says:

“Mary, did you know that your baby Boy would one day walk on water? Would save our sons and daughters? Has come to make you new? This Child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know that your baby Boy will give sight to a blind man? Will calm the storm with his hand? Has walked where angels trod? When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb!

Mary, did you know that your baby Boy is Lord of all creation? Would one day rule the nations? Is heaven's perfect Lamb? That sleeping Child you're holding is the great I AM.”

The King of Kings arrived…the world, and we, would never be the same!

Questions

“King of Kings” – no higher authority; His reign over all things is absolute. What in your life currently competes for that place of authority?

How does the text imagery make you feel? What difference does the promise of the King of Kings coming make in your everyday life?

Prayer

In this Advent season may we watch and wait with anticipation and hope to the promised and glorious coming of the King of Kings! Amen.

                                                                                                                                    Becki Bork

Right in Front of our Eyes

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
    righteous and victorious,
lowly and riding on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)

Anticipation is often as much fun as the actual awaited day. Sometimes we fill our head and our hearts with such images of grandeur and happiness, that reality takes a hit; disappointment overtakes us.

As we walk through the season of Lent, observing in whatever fashion is our norm, we reflect on Jesus and all His coming means. We think of the different lives we live because of our salvation. We are blessed because we are His; He claims us as children and heirs. I am reminded of the words to a song which go like this: "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow," and my heart is filled with expectancy.

Jesus entered Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of 500 years ago in Zechariah. The King arrived and bondage was over. They celebrated and honored Him with a parade to end all parades! But their love and affection became short-lived. The got what they wanted, what they anticipated for centuries, but they didn't recognize the blessing in their midst.

Isn't it often that way? Don't we get what we desired only to be filled with disappointment or regret? The Jewish nation, was looking for a King, a military leader who would free their physical bodies from oppression, one who would wage war and kill their enemies.

What did they get? The King of Kings who would free them from sin, rode before them on a donkey. What they got was a Redeemer King who would set them free for all time. What they got was more than they could ever have imagined dreamed, and they missed it!

Let's conclude our Lenten preparations and enter Jerusalem with Jesus this year.  Let's be part of the joyous crowds shouting, Hosanna! Let's welcome Jesus as our Savior - the One who will free us forever; the One who will be with us in eternity. Let's not miss it.
Zechariah 9:9-17

Matthew 21:1-11

Isn't it amazing that the holiest and most somber of weeks begins with an event like Palm Sunday.  The week we prepare our hearts and minds to walk the path of pain and anguish alongside Jesus, that week begins with a great big parade!  Palm Sunday brings out hundreds if not thousands of people who are proclaiming Jesus to be their king.  They are treating him like royalty, preparing a path with their coats for His colt and donkey to walk upon.

Palm branches are waving and songs of praise are heard along the path.  Hosanna! "They all shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!"
"Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" —(Psalm 118:26)
"Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

I find myself getting caught up in the excitement at the worship service on this thrilling day.  I love to wave my palm branch high in the air, recognizing Jesus is King!  The feeling of awe and wonder is all around; even knowing Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are waiting in the wings.

Won't you join in the celebration, add your voice to the voices across the world who are singing, "Hosanna! Hosanna!"


Read the text for Palm Sunday here at Biblegateway.