Growing Our Faith Together

What About Saturday?

We celebrate Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and, of course, Easter Sunday. But what about Saturday? What must it have been like for Jesus’ followers on the day after he was crucified? The day before His resurrection?

Scripture doesn’t reveal much about this time, but we do know that some of the disciples had gathered together. Here’s how I imagine the scene.

Grief and fear covered the room like a cloak pulled tightly on a bitter cold day. Small groups of men and women huddled together in the room.

Mary sat in a corner, surrounded by her friends. Her face, blotched from crying all night, reflected the depth of her sorrow. The once-bright eyes that had shone with life and love were swollen and puffy from her deep pain.

She stared emptily at her sandals, then sighed deeply and raised her head, noticing the friends surrounding her, put their comforting arms around her, and sharing her grief.

“In God’s hands. He is in God’s hands now and out of pain.” The ladies surrounding her nodded in agreement. “Once the Sabbath is over,” she said, her hands clasped on her lap, “we must work. We will need to gather and prepare the spices for his…his…,” she stifled back her sobs and continued. “Spices for his body. We must get them ready. First thing in the morning, we must go and anoint my son’s body.”

The ladies huddled together in the corner of the large room, making their plans for the next day, the day we now call Easter Sunday.

In another part of the room, John sobbed openly. His brother James stood beside him, his large, weathered hand on his brother’s shoulder. “How could He be gone,” wailed John. “He was to rule, and we were to rule with him, beside him.”

Sobs bent him double. After a few moments, he straightened up and looked at his brother through his tear-reddened eyes. “I don’t understand. He spoke wisdom, He healed people.” He wiped the sleeve of his cloak across his nose. “He was to be our Messiah. And now He’s gone. Gone. All we dreamed of, gone.”

Several in the room looked furtively about them, startling at every sound. Fear controlled them. With any noise, they were sure that soldiers were coming. Their hearts raced, for they expected to be arrested and nailed to a cross. Trembling, they feared they would suffer the same horrible fate as their friend Jesus.

Over all the quiet talking and tears, Peter’s voice rang out. He smashed his fist on the wooden table. “Why?” he cried out. “Why did I deny him? I deserted him in his time of need!” He tore at his cloak in anguish. “If only I’d stood up for him. If only I’d fought for him! Perhaps he’d still be alive today.”

If only they had known what we know. If only they had listened to Jesus, who told them He would rise again. If only they had trusted him.

But aren’t we the same as Jesus’ early disciples? Don’t we worry and cry when things don’t go as we thought they would? We cry, we stay busy to forget our troubles, we long for what we thought would happen, we tremble in fear, we become angry at missed opportunities, we lack trust in our Savior.

He told us He would see to our every need. He promised us abundant life. He sent His spirit to live within us, to guide us and help us. Yet we worry. Yet we doubt. Yet, just like the disciples, we too are human.

Resurrected Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for understanding our fears and lack of faith. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for Easter Sunday.

Judas at the Last Supper

My name is Judas; you may have heard of me. Yes, I attended the “last supper.” But my mind was elsewhere. How desperately I wanted our promised land back! Because of that, three years previously, I’d been drawn to Jesus. I was so tired of the Roman rule that I was ready to do anything to foster rebellion.

Jesus seemed such a great candidate to lead that rebellion. His ideas were new and He constantly talked about His kingdom. Everywhere He went, people followed Him. They listened to His every word, ready to follow wherever He might go.

But He didn’t go where I wanted Him to go. I didn’t hear him preach against Rome. I didn’t hear him call people to arms and action. I started wondering if I had followed the wrong man.

Fortunately, He trusted me, and He put me in charge of the group’s treasury. Dutifully I gathered all the coins donated for His cause. With that money I purchased food and other necessities for the group.

But as I carried those money bags, something changed. With every step I took, that money jingled. It called to me. “Jingle…jingle…jingle. Judas, just think what you could do with all this money!” The longer I managed the money, the more it called to me.

I began stealing from the group treasury, just a few coins at a time. No one would ever notice. A few coins here, a few coins there, and suddenly I had acquired a great amount of money.

No longer would I waste my time watching Jesus heal the mobs of people who followed him wherever he went. No longer did I hang on every word Jesus spoke.

All I listened to was the jingling call of the coins. “Judas, Judas, take me. Take me! Think of all you can do with just a little more money.” Before long I had gone to the high priest and offered to betray Jesus. In exchange, he would give me thirty beautiful, jingly silver coins! I couldn’t wait.

During that “last supper” I had trouble concentrating. My mind kept wandering to the clink of the 30 pieces of silver dropping into my money bag. I knew just the time and place to betray Him, when no crowds could surround and protect him. Oh, I could almost hear the jingle of that money falling into my hands.

Jesus’ voice pulled me from my reverie. He was saying something about betrayal. All the other men started babbling at once. “Is it me?” “Not me, Lord?”

He looked at me and I quickly said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”

He answered, “Yes, it is you.”

Clearly, Jesus knew. I gathered my money bag and left the room, hurrying toward my silver and my future.

Matthew 26:21-25 And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.

They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”

Jesus answered, “You have said so.”

Food for thought: Like Judas, am I allowing the things of this world to become more important than of the creator and savior of the world? What things am I allowing to distract me from Jesus? Money, fame, power, beauty, pleasure? In what ways do I betray Jesus by my actions or lack of action?

Father God, reveal my innermost thoughts. Show me the ways that I betray my Savior. Forgive me and cleanse me. Enable me to serve and worship you with a clean heart.

A Work of Art

Many admire the beauty of glass, its colors sparkling. Stepping stones, with embedded glass, decorate gardens. Stained-glass windows inspire awe and reverence.

To make the stained-glass, the artist first breaks the glass, leaving tiny splinters and sharp edges. Next, she grinds the edges smooth. Once shaped and smoothed, the artist solders the pieces together to create a stained-glass window. After the stained-glass is completed, its beauty is far greater than the original uncut glass. The artist transforms the glass into a work of art, matching the image seen in her mind.

Like the artist, God forms us into his image, creating our unique stained-glass. Before crafting us, God sees the finished product—more beautiful than we can imagine. Just as the artist arranges the glass, so God shapes us. This may not always be pleasant, but God, our designer and artist, completes the work he has begun. The more we yield to his touch, the more his light shines through. Someday all the jagged edges of our lives will be smoothed by God’s touch; someday he will shape us into his perfect work of art, allowing his love to softly glow through the colors of our lives.

May he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13: 21b (NIV)

Father, thank you for the work you are creating in me. Thank you for grinding my edges smooth and forming me into your image.

How has God been smoothing out your edges lately?

Tending the Garden: a Parable

There once was a woman who married, had children, worked hard to provide a pleasant home for her family and raise her children in a loving manner. She worked in her church and did her best to serve her God in the ways she could. After her children matured, this woman went to work and enjoyed meaningful labor. In short, she was very typical: She worked hard, enjoyed leisure time, and honored God.

But deep down inside her was a secret: nestled within the folds of her soul resided two tiny seeds: seeds of doubt and faith. Even she didn’t know those two seeds hid in her soul.

She went to church every Sunday, and she said her prayers. Her tiny seed of faith opened and grew miniscule hair-like roots. She joined a bible study, and a small shoot emerged, opening tiny, green leaves. Her faith grew. But before long her life became so hectic she was unable to attend bible study, and she fell asleep before saying her prayers. Life didn’t seem to be the way it should, for a normal woman.

Soon the little seedling of faith withered and drooped. The seed of doubt opened and sent out strong roots. The plant grew tall and sprouted many green leaves. The woman grew restless and discontented. Praying became difficult. Doubt grew strong and vigorous, a flourishing weed.

A few weeks later, she tried to pray to God. “God, where are you? Why can’t I pray to you?” Then God allowed her to see the weed of doubt and the tiny seedling of faith struggling in its shadow.

“Oh God!” She cried out. “Show me how to eradicate the weed of doubt! How can I get rid of it?”

“Keep praying and spending time with Me,” a still, small voice seemed to say. But the weed of doubt flourished and the tiny seedling of faith struggled to stay alive.

The next day she cried out to her God. “Father, make that weed wither up and die! Cause the seedling to grow and flourish.”

“Be patient, my child,” came the answer. “Even though you do not feel my presence, I am here, and I love you.” The tiny seedling of faith raised its leaves heavenward.

Father God, show me ways to nourish the seed of faith.

Proverbs 22:5 “In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.”

What are you currently doing to nourish the seeds of faith?

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning. It’s a time to sort through the clutter in my house, designating some items to give away and others to trash. It’s a time to scrub all the surfaces and wipe down the dusty corners. Sometimes I avoid the tasks at hand, wishing instead to relax and enjoy myself. But I know it must be done. So I check my attitude, gather my supplies, and roll up my sleeves, ready to get the job done. With thoughtful preparation and lots of hard work, my house becomes sparkling clean.

Even though I need to spring clean every year, the clutter in my mind needs even more attention. Some activities and habits need cultivating, others need to be thrown in the trash, eliminated from my life. It’s time to examine my words and deeds, to allow His grace to clean my thinking and wipe away the negative thoughts and attitudes lurking in the corners of my mind. Sometimes, I procrastinate, not willing to approach His throne, not willing to admit my internal messes or to clean them up. Eventually, I become more willing. With time spent in the word and in prayer, I prepare my mind to receive my savior and allow Him to make my soul sparkling clean.

What about you? Are you content to let your soul live without a good spring cleaning? Or, are you battling spiritual laziness? Are you willing to let your soul stagnate and let the clutter of sin pile up? What do you need to do to motivate yourself to go to your maker and allow Him to assist you in your soul cleaning? How will you make way for the Savior to cleanse you and abide in you?

A Child’s Walk

“Let’s go,” the father called to his four-year-old son.

Jimmy scampered over and reached his small hand up for his dad’s firm grasp. Eagerly he tugged on the strong arm, “Let’s go, let’s go,” he sang.

Small hand wrapped firmly in the larger hand, out the door they walked, down the sidewalk. Jimmy hopped and skipped and gleefully noticed everything. “Wow! Look at that bird. Look, look, an airplane.” He paused momentarily to point and stare skyward.

Soon a large German shepherd barked noisily at them. Jimmy jumped, edging closer to his dad. “Daddy, I’m scared, carry me,” he pleaded.

“Don’t worry; I won’t let that dog hurt you.” Dad scooped Jimmy up and swung him onto his broad shoulders.

Soon they came to an intersection. “Stop!” called Jimmy. “Look left. Look right. Any cars? No? Okay, go,” just as his father had taught him. Together they safely crossed the street.

“Daddy, I want down.” Once again, strong arms lifted Jimmy off his dad’s shoulders and set him safely on the sidewalk.

Jimmy, like most young children, loves to spend time with his dad. With childlike faith, he puts his hand in the strong hand of his father, trusting him completely. Together, they walk wherever the father chooses, knowing their time together is more important than the path they choose. Even though they utter few words, they communicate. In times of difficulties or danger, the son instinctively draws closer to his father, who carries him.

In the same way the small child trusts his father on his walk, so we trust our heavenly Father on our life’s walk. Trustingly, we place our hand in His. We talk to Him, expressing our delight in what we encounter, and our fears of what lies ahead. No matter what, we confidently walk with Him on whatever path He chooses. If we listen to His words and follow His advice, we know we will avoid danger, just like the child who learned to look both ways before crossing the street. Will our walk always be pleasant? No. Will we ever become fatigued or frightened? Yes. Will there be times of great difficulties? Of course. But like a small child, we confidently look up and say, “Daddy, I need help, carry me.” Whatever difficulties we face, our Father, who listens to our pleas, picks us up with his strong hands, swings us up on His broad shoulders, and carries us safely though life’s journey.

Father God, teach me to have child-like trust in You, even in the most difficult times.

Psalm 16:11 (NIV) “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

In what areas of life are you learning to place your hand in the Father’s and trust completely in Him?

Unexpected Blessings

Unexpected Blessings

Walking along the trail, I looked to my left. What I saw stopped me in my tracks. There, only ten to twelve feet away, stood four white-tailed deer, staring at me. I stopped, breathless, and stared back at them. They stood so close I could see the black markings on their faces. Behind them, on the other side of the creek, stood another deer. Five pairs of liquid brown eyes never wavered from my face. I could see the question in their eyes: should we run or stay? I whispered to them, “You are so beautiful.” Enjoying their exquisiteness for as long as I dared, I lingered for a few more seconds, then continued walking. What a stunning, unexpected blessing this was.

God provides many unexpected blessings on our life’s walk, if only we have eyes to see. How often do we pray to God and then fail to notice how He answers our prayers? How often do we fail to appreciate the ordinary, beautiful things that are all around us? The innocence of children, the fragrance of a flower, the beauty of a bright blue sky, the majesty of a thunderstorm: all of these are gifts from God. The blessings are there all along; we just fail to observe them. The deer were in the forest all along; I just happened to look over at the last minute to see them. Perhaps we would “see” more blessings if we opened our eyes to all that is around us.

Are you keeping your eyes open for those unexpected blessings?

What unexpected blessings have you experienced recently?

A Box of Chocolates

Imagine that someone has given you a big box of chocolates! What is the first thing you do? Most would probably say Thank you, open the box, and graciously offer the first piece to the giver of this scrumptious gift. Would you begrudge giving that first piece of chocolate to the person who gave you the whole box? No, of course not, for the rest of the candy would be yours to enjoy—to eat, to save for another day, or to share with others. I think this is the attitude God had in mind when he commanded us to tithe. He has created the world and all that is in it; everything is a gift from Him. He loves us that much. He has given us a gigantic box of chocolates. He would be pleased if we would, with cheerful hearts, say Thank you, and offer Him the first piece.

Shouldn’t this also be the attitude we exhibit when we serve God and others? All our gifts are God-given: intelligence, work, compassion. Our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual box is filled with delicious chocolates. Shouldn’t we show our love by graciously and humbly thanking God for our gift and offering Him the first piece?

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (II Cor. 9:7 NIV)

PRAYER: Oh God, we thank you for giving us many good gifts. May we cheerfully offer a portion back to you and share our sweet gifts with others.

The Ice Storm

On January 4, 2005, the worst ice storm in decades hit my town. Over three quarters of an inch of ice coated the area, downing power lines and plunging more than 60,000 homes and businesses into darkness.

The icy outdoors created a surreal fantasy world, with homes, grass, trees, streets, and mailboxes painted with a clear, icy glaze. Trees bent over, their limbs dragging the ground under their heavy loads. Many, unable to bear the load, snapped, littering roofs, yards, sidewalks, and streets with their crystal branches.

A few days later, the clouds cleared; nature’s ice castles sparkled brilliantly, their prisms of ice flinging crystal colors everywhere.

Saturday afternoon, I ventured outdoors to watch the sun glisten off the icy trees. Everything drooped under the weight of the ice—according to newscasters the ice was four times the weight of the trees it covered. The trees bent so far that the tips of their branches brushed the snow-covered ground.

I stood in the middle of the back yard and gazed at the trees surrounding me. The sun, striking the ice-covered branches, turned my back-yard world brilliant, but what really struck me were all the new sounds. As I stood there, a whole chorus sang. The main melody: the constant drip, drip, drip of water falling from thousands of icicles. All around me I heard this constant dripping as the sun melted the ice.

With the breeze, the click and clack of ice-covered branches brushing each other added to the tune. Plop! I turned and looked at trembling tree branches, freed from their weight of ice. Every few seconds I heard another plop as chunks of ice tumbled to the ground.

Occasionally a loud crash resounded as a large ice fragment hit the branch below and tumbled from branch to branch before landing on the softer earth. Before long, I noticed the lower branches of the mulberry tree no longer touching the ground. I wondered how long it would take before all the ice melted from the trees, and the branches, freed from their burden, would once more reach heavenward.

How often do our souls become ice-coated? We are burdened and bent over, not with the weight of ice, but with the weight of our guilt and our sins. Heavy with guilt, we labor to lift our arms heavenward. Some, unable to bear this burden, snap and break. Others merely look down, unable to praise God.

Fortunately, we can eliminate the burdens weighing us down. Like the sun shining on the ice-laden trees, God’s grace frees us from our burdens. When in repentance we sincerely beg God’s son to shine his light of forgiveness, the hard shell of guilt begins to crack. Before long, the ice coating our souls melts. Soon we can raise our arms heavenward, look up and praise our maker.

Father, thank you for melting away my heavy burden of guilt.

Returning to Joy

Walking the nature trails, I wander across a large meadow, at least ¼ mile long and just as wide. Everywhere I look across this open countryside, I see dead, dry, native grasses. Deciduous trees dot the landscape. Winter weather has shorn them of their green garments, and their barren branches stretch nakedly toward the wintry sky. A slight breeze blows, rustling the dried grasses. The scenery is dull and bare.

My soul feels as dry and barren as this meadow. The enemy has frosted the joy from my heart and I hear the rustling of negativity and loss of hope.

But then I think about the creator of the meadow, the grass, and the trees. I notice the graceful lines of the barren tree branches and the lovely contrast of those dark brown limbs against the pale blue sky. I look toward the light and watch the seed heads on the dried grasses shining in the winter’s low sun. In my heart I praise God for the stark beauty of this field. Without a whimper, the enemy slinks away. He’s no match for my creator.

Once again, joy blooms in my soul.

PRAYER: Thank you, Father, for opening my eyes to the beauty of your creation and restoring my joy in you.

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