The Ripple Effect Starts Monday, April 5

Thanks for joining me this Lent as we walked through Luke.  Get daily devotions from Luke's Second Edition, the Book of Acts, starting Monday, April 5.

http://www.ripplingout.blogspot.com/
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Pastor Dave

CROSSING OUR PATH---- Day 40-- Saturday April 3 2010

Day 40 Saturday April 3 2010


TODAY’S INTRO

Day 40! The entire way through Luke.  Death does not have the final answer. 

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 24

24But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. 5The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. 6Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” 8Then they remembered his words, 9and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. 10Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. 11But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

13Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” 19He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” 25Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. 28As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

36While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate in their presence. 44Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

50Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

Here’s a strange way to begin. Do you remember the movie ELF. It is one of my favorite movies of all time. Elf is the story of a baby who snuck into Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve and got taken back to the North Pole. The elves fell in love with the kid and one of them (played by Bob Newhart) took him in as his own son. The elf grew up to be enourmous. After all, he was human. Buddy (played by Will Ferrell) grew up with the elves but always was “different”. Buddy was given the job in the toy factory (after failing as a toy maker) of testing the quality control of the jack in the box toys. He’d crank be turning the crank on the side of the box and you’d hear the familiar tune (around and round the mulberry bush, the. . . ..and pop goes the weasel). At “pop” the jack in the box was supposed to explode out. So, over and over Buddy tested each one. If it worked, he put a check. If it didn’t it got an X. As only Will Ferrell can do, he somehow made the testing of this seem hilarious.

My point is simple- each time the hope was that things would be predicatable, that “Jack” would appear at the same exact time, every single time.

At Easter, we are reminded that for as much as we would like to have Jesus in a box and that he would come into our lives in a nice, neat, predictable, and orderly way ---he does not! At Easter, we are reminded that Jesus loves to show up and disappear and reappear . He likes to meet us on the road and journey with us and then leave us. Does he do that to keep us on our tows? Does he do that to keep us looking? Does he do that because he’s always one step ahead? Yes. Yes. Yes. Ultimately, we realize Jesus can’t be confined. When we try and confine him, we can’t stop him. When we invite him in, he’ll come and hang out (for a while). But, he is too busy to stay put. There’s a whole world out there to be reached. His resurrection is like a pebble dropped into a still pond. It starts a ripple effect that won’t be finished till it reaches the ends of the earth. May we be part of the Ripple effect of Jesus reaching out in this generation. May we be an active part of that Ripple Effect.



*Thanks for walking with me this Lent through Luke. I hope you will do a few things:

1) Join me for a daily walk through Acts starting on Monday, April 5—www.ripplingout.blogspot.com (note that this blog appears on my facebook page as well as “good shepherd Lutheran Gaithersburg “ facebook page.







2) I hope that you will provide me with some feedback on this experience.  Click this link to provide me with feedback.  Your comments can be anonymous.  https://goodshepherdlc.wufoo.com/forms/feedback-for-jesus-facebook-page-devotion-series/

Until the Bitter End Day 39- Friday April 2 2010

 Day 39 Friday April 2 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

On this Good Friday, many of us will go to worship services and hear the final words of Jesus. The Tenebrae service is one of my favorites- the service of shadows. Read through Luke’s account of the crucifixion below. (You might also read the other accounts in Matthew, Mark, or John to compare)



TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 23: 32 to 56

32Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. 35And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” 36The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, 37and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, “Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

44It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Having said this, he breathed his last. 47When the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God and said, “Certainly this man was innocent.” 48And when all the crowds who had gathered there for this spectacle saw what had taken place, they returned home, beating their breasts. 49But all his acquaintances, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

50Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, 51had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. 52This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. 54It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. 55The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56Then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.



TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

Hanging in with someone to the “bitter end” is a tough thing. Yet, Luke makes it chrystal clear that there was a group of women who did. They followed him from Galillee. They listened to his teaching. They provided from their resources to further his ministry. When he was taken into custody and then sentenced to death, they marched behind him. They weeped and wailed and were not afraid to be seen as his followers. They stayed there as he was nailed to the cross and stayed there until he died. They stayed there after he died and were there until he was put in the grave.

We so often emphasize the total abandonment Jesus experienced. Luke makes the case that even as Jesus went through agony, devoted followers were still present. They were surely helpless to do much other than be a witness but. .. . . ..isn’t that what we are supposed to do for the dying.

Death is awkward. People don’t know what to say or do or think or . . . .whatever. People apologize for not knowing what to say or do. Step one—be there! It’s the greatest gif t you can offer. To die well takes courage (Jesus certainly demonstrated that) but so does walking with someone who is dying. It takes love and compassion and the willingness to suffer as well (albeit in a different way than the one who physically dies).

I am very thankful for the witness of these women this day. They loved Jesus to the bitter end. I only hope and pray that at the end of my life they say, “he was so stirred up that he loved the Lord till the bitter end”. May that be said for all of us.




Thanks for walking with me this Lent through Luke. I hope you will do a few things:

1) Join me for a daily walk through Acts starting on Monday, April 5—www.ripplingout.blogspot.com (note that this blog appears on my facebook page as well as “good shepherd Lutheran Gaithersburg “ facebook page.




2) I hope that you will provide me with some feedback on this experience. Click this link to provide me with feedback. Your comments can be anonymous.
https://goodshepherdlc.wufoo.com/forms/feedback-for-jesus-facebook-page-devotion-series/

STIRRING THINGS UP--- Day 38 Thursday April 1 2010

Day 38 Thursday April 1 2010

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 23: 1-31

23Then the assembly rose as a body and brought Jesus before Pilate. 2They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the emperor, and saying that he himself is the Messiah, a king.” 3Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” He answered, “You say so.” 4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man.” 5But they were insistent and said, “He stirs up the people by teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee where he began even to this place.” 6When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. 8When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long time, because he had heard about him and was hoping to see him perform some sign. 9He questioned him at some length, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11Even Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him; then he put an elegant robe on him, and sent him back to Pilate. 12That same day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; before this they had been enemies.

13Pilate then called together the chief priests, the leaders, and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. 16I will therefore have him flogged and release him.” 18Then they all shouted out together, “Away with this fellow! Release Barabbas for us!” 19(This was a man who had been put in prison for an insurrection that had taken place in the city, and for murder.) 20Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again; 21but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.” 23But they kept urgently demanding with loud shouts that he should be crucified; and their voices prevailed. 24So Pilate gave his verdict that their demand should be granted. 25He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished.

26As they led him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. 28But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

Stirring is important. Stirring is an act that mixes things up; it agitates, it prevents the status quo from remaining in effect. When we cook, stirring up multiple ingredients enables a new and exciting mixture.



So it is in life. The Pharisees were happy with the existing mixture and they didn’t like people to come in and stir up crowds. For that matter, neither did Roman leaders. Stirred up people in Jesus’ day were people who might potentially be dangerous. Leaders who stirred up others needed to be put in place. They as the “straw” that stirs up the drink (if you will), needed to be trashed. That is what happens to Jesus. He is deemed too much of a threat and therefore, he is sent to be “trashed” on the cross. Yet, from the trash heap of the cross and the grave, Jesus will re-emerge and get back to work. The gift of the spirit (as we will see in the book of Acts)- Jesus’ spirit- will stir things up over and over and over again.

We have a lot of work in our world. We have a lot of people who have yet to hear or experience the saving love of Jesus. We have a lot of Christian people who are fairly comfortable with the status quo. I’m 41 now. I’m at the point where I feel a sense of urgency. I don’t want to a safe faith or be part of safe Christianity. I want Jesus to stir up a tsunami in my soul and a tsunami in the people of my church so that the world around us will never be the same. Status quo will not reach the world around us. Stirred up, charged, up , and re-energized people will if we let Jesus do the stirring!



Jesus, stir away. Stir up the Tsunami within us. Even though the world tried to throw you to the trash heap, we know that nothing can stop you.




Thanks for walking with me this Lent through Luke. I hope you will do a few things:

1) Join me for a daily walk through Acts starting on Monday, April 5—www.ripplingout.blogspot.com (note that this blog appears on my facebook page as well as “good shepherd Lutheran Gaithersburg “ facebook page.




2) I hope that you will provide me with some feedback on this experience. Click this link to provide me with feedback. Your comments can be anonymous.
https://goodshepherdlc.wufoo.com/forms/feedback-for-jesus-facebook-page-devotion-series/

The Embrace that Could Have Been--- Day 37 Wednesday March 31 2010

Day 37 Wednesday March 31 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

Intro—yesterday we read the story of Jesus’ final meal with the disciples. Today, we hear Jesus’ heart wrenching prayers in the garden and his arrest. In many ways it is so tragic.

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 22:39-71

39He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” 41Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.” 43Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. 45When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”

47While he was still speaking, suddenly a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him; 48but Jesus said to him, “Judas, is it with a kiss that you are betraying the Son of Man?” 49When those who were around him saw what was coming, they asked, “Lord, should we strike with the sword?” 50Then one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple police, and the elders who had come for him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as if I were a bandit? 53When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness!”

54Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” 57But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 59Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.” 60But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. 61The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62And he went out and wept bitterly.

63Now the men who were holding Jesus began to mock him and beat him; 64they also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65They kept heaping many other insults on him. 66When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people, both chief priests and scribes, gathered together, and they brought him to their council. 67They said, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68and if I question you, you will not answer. 69But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70All of them asked, “Are you, then, the Son of God?” He said to them, “You say that I am.” 71Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips!”

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

He just stopped following at some point! Unless I have totally missed it, this is the final time Judas’ name is mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. There is no mention of tragic death or sorrow or heartache. He simply stopped being a disciple of Jesus and instead turned away. Was it the comment at the last supper that “greatness comes from serving others” not in living for self? Was it Jesus failure to take up the sword? Whatever the case, he was turned off to Jesus. The connection became distorted or altogether lost. The tragedy is that others turned away—Peter, the other disciples--- they all ran away in the heat of the moment. Yet. .. they all returned. They all would be restored. They all would be forgiven. But, Judas remains out of the picture. I would with 100% certainty imagine Jesus would have greeted Judas like the Father did to the prodigal son (back in Luke 15). We remember in that story the younger son took matters into his own hands, sought control, yet failed miserably and let the father down. He treated the Father as if he was already dead, yet the Father runs to meet him. The Father throws a party. The Father yearns to forgive. I suspect that kind of greeting would have been for Judas yet, he just goes on from this point totally away and never returns.



Let us always remember that even if we let Jesus down, he will be ready and willing to bring us back into his fold. As the song goes, “return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. “

TRUE GREATNESS Day 36 Tuesday March 30, 2010

Day 36 Tuesday March 30 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

It is fitting for us to read this as Passover 2010 is now underway.

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 22: 1-38

Now the festival of Unleavened Bread, which is called the Passover, was near. 2The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they were afraid of the people. 3Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; 4he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. 5They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. 6So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present.

7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.” 9They asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations for it?” 10“Listen,” he said to them, “when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him into the house he enters 11and say to the owner of the house, ‘The teacher asks you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12He will show you a large room upstairs, already furnished. Make preparations for us there.” 13So they went and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal. 14When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. 15He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; 16for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; 18for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” 19Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 20And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

21But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. 22For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!” 23Then they began to ask one another, which one of them it could be who would do this. 24A dispute also arose among them as to which one of them was to be regarded as the greatest. 25But he said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those in authority over them are called benefactors. 26But not so with you; rather the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28“You are those who have stood by me in my trials; 29and I confer on you, just as my Father has conferred on me, a kingdom, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 31“Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, 32but I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33And he said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death!” 34Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the cock will not crow this day, until you have denied three times that you know me.” 35He said to them, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “No, not a thing.” 36He said to them, “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. 37For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; and indeed what is written about me is being fulfilled.” 38They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” He replied, “It is enough.”

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

The disciples were participating in the annual Passover meal with Jesus- a meal full of ritual, storytelling, and great meaning. During the course of this lengthy meal, the disciples would have had time to talk with Jesus and each other in addition to the formal rituals, words, and readings. I find it interesting that, according to Luke, the disciples got into a dispute as to which of them was the greatest. Although there is no footwashing story (only in John’s Gospel, chapter 13), Jesus makes it chrystal clear—greatness is found only in those who are willing to serve! Greatness is setting aside our hunger for riches, rewards, and recognition in favor of a hunger to enrich the lives of other people.

As Martin Luther King once said, “everybody can be great because everybody can serve”.

As this is one of Jesus’ final teachings before his death, we would do well to stand up and pay attention. May God’s greatness be seen in your life as you set aside ego in favor of a life of humble service.

NO ELEPHANT CARRYING-- Day 35 Monday, March 29, 2010

Day 35 Monday March 29 2010



TODAY’S INTRO

Sorry for posting this late. The combination of being exhausted and having workers arrive at our house early kept me from my normal early AM writing.

Yesterday, we celebrated Palm Sunday at church- joining our brothers and sisters all over the world in that celebration. I pointed out the reality that in Luke, there was no mention of Palms being spread on the ground. In Luke, what people put on the ground was the “coat off their back”- something that is far more sacrificial that ripping off a part of a tree! Are we willing to give the coat off our back/to sacrifice to see Jesus’ mission advance in this day and age?

I like the Lukan version of Palm Sunday much better for radical generosity and concern for others goes much further in building the world God intends. Today, we find Jesus in the temple teaching. Like a conference where you are spellbound by the presentations, the crowds listen all day and are eager to return the next day. Read on friends.

TODAY’S TEXT- Luke 21:5- 37

5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6‘As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.’

7 They asked him, ‘Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?’ 8And he said, ‘Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, “I am he!”* and, “The time is near!”* Do not go after them.

9 ‘When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.’ 10Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; 11there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

12 ‘But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defence in advance; 15for I will give you words* and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.

20 ‘When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.* 21Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; 22for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfilment of all that is written. 23Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; 24they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 ‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. 28Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

29 Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; 30as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. 31So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

34 ‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, 35like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

37 Every day he was teaching in the temple, and at night he would go out and spend the night on the Mount of Olives, as it was called. 38And all the people would get up early in the morning to listen to him in the temple.

TODAY’S STATUS UPDATES

Have you ever tried to carry and elephant? The average weight of an adult African elephant is 4.6 tons (9,200 pounds). Of course, we have never literally carried an elephant but so many of us carry on “spiritual and emotional elephants”. Worry and stress and the concerns of everyday living have a weight that can be back breaking for so many.

People say things that offend us or they are quick to complain or quick to find fault and it can quickly derail us from living the faith. What Jesus reminds tells us today is that “life is not easy” and you will need strength beyond yourself. Jesus doesn’t promise that the problems of life will go away or the pessimistic and angry people will disappear. He simply promises to provide for us and to carry the weight for us. Endurance in life comes from saying to God- “I can only go so far in being faithful. I can’t take another step without you.”