EASTER SATURDAY NIGHT

BY STEVE DUNN

It was a grim night. The second night they had endured since Jesus had died on Golgotha. Only one of them had been there to witness the death. John in his youthfulness seemed to have no fear that the older men in their practicality had embraced. They were behind closed, locked doors. The Jewish leaders had seemed uninterested in pursuing them on that Sabbath evening when Joseph of Aramathea had hastily buried Jesus’ body. But now another day had passed and many sensed that the triumphant Sanhedrin might now turn a maliced eye towards the remaining disciples of that dead troublemaker.

The night of Jesus’ arrest had been one of turmoil and confusion. Then came word that Judas had hung himself. An impulsive Peter had followed Jesus, but by the dawn of Friday had denied Jesus three times. Then he had come slinking back in shame to join them in their grim gathering.

This night, Saturday night, a weariness had replaced some of the grief and even now some were asking if they should just slip out of Jerusalem. They were not sure of the welcome they would find in Galilee, but it might be safer for a time.

Desperate men, now discouraged and depressed.

It was Easter Saturday night.

IN OVER TTHEIR HEADS

This post originally appeared five years ago. - STEVE

 BY STEVE DUNN

Reading: Mark 11.27-33

Have you ever heard the expression, "He's in a battle of wits with an unarmed man"? It's Tuesday and Jesus is right back to the Temple. The first day it was for a demonstration of passion for God. Today it's about challenging the so-called Teachers of the Law. Like a Clint Eastwood western, Jesus strides into the Temple and various groups-Pharisees, religious seekers, Scribes, Sadducees--all come at him one at a time like so many spiritual gunslingers. One after another he sends them packing, stung by his answers.

Smarting from the previous day's demonstration and Jesus' obvious support from the people, the Pharisees take their first shot as soon as they see him. "By what authority do you do this and who gave you that authority?" They want Jesus to justify himself, hoping they can regain the upper hand.

But wisdom-wise they are unarmed men in the presence of the Christ. "Before I answer your question, answer one of mine. Was John's prophetic message and baptism from heaven or from men?"

His opponents now have a problem. The people clearly believed John was a prophet and many had turned to God because of him. If they acknowledge John was from heaven, then he's going to say "Why didn't you believe him?"

They're the keepers of heaven, so they think. how will it look if they appear disobedient to God. So their answer, "We don't know."

Jesus' response is basically "I won't bother to answer you because you wouldn't recognize heaven if you saw it."

Are you questioning God's authority or when you see Him working do you rush to His side?

(C) 2010 by Stephen L Dunn

HOLY MONDAY

This post was originally published five years ago. - STEVE

BY STEVE DUNN

 

Reading: Mark 11:12-19

Key Verse: "My house will be a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a 'den of robbers." - Mark 11:17

Most people think of Jesus as "little Jesus meek and mild." In fact, people today who want to emphasize Jesus' love (read, loving and non-threatening) are a bit troubled by this story, And people who want to justify their angry, confrontative tendencies use this story as their mantra.

Jesus was clearly disturbed at the marketing and profiteering that had been introduced into the Temple. It had become a place where people were being taken advantage of. Where the worshiper had come out of an honest desire to honor God, they were forced to engage in the purchase of "just the right sacrifice" rather than simply letting God see what was in their hearts. Haggling had taken the place of psalm singing. And the people doing the selling seemed to have little regard for the worshipers and for the worship.

Jesus' response is not an angry burst of a violent spirit, it is a passionate heart for God confronting those who really belittled the things of God. Instead of casually accepting things the way they were, Jesus challenged the assumptions and actions of those who hijacked the proess of worship.

Do you have enough passion for God that you would go out on a limb, risk ridicule or repercussion rather than simply let "business as usual" occur when the business ceases truly being God's business?

(C) 2010 by Stephen L. Dunn

BY HIS STRIPES

Intense week for me--Holy Week--three services in the week and three Sunday, plus an Easter Vigil Saturday night.  Counseling load is amped, too--so I turn to my friend and fellow blogger Tammie Gitt for a guest post from living3368.-steve

BY HIS STRIPES

by Tammie Gitt

The cup did not pass from him. The will of the Father was done. As the final “Amen” lingered in the air, the stillness of the night was broken by the clatter of shield against sword and the heavy footsteps of soldiers in motion. A question, a kiss and the Son of Man, who came to free the world, was placed in chains.

Every crack of the whip, every false accusation, every malicious taunt brought the prophecy of Isaiah to life as Jesus met them all with utter silence.

He was despised and rejected by men;
a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he has borne our griefs
and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
so he opened not his mouth.
- Isaiah 53:3-7 ESV

As the dawn broke, an illegally convened court turned Jesus over to a Roman leader all too willing to wash his hands of the whole affair. Pilate submitted to the will of the people and turned Jesus over to his soldiers to be crucified between two criminals.

In the early hours of a Judean spring morning, on a different hill, the One the people who had welcomed Jesus nearly a week ago was nailed to the cross. Our punishment became his to bear.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
-  2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

WASHING THE FEET OF JESUS - THE REPRISE

As we begin Holy Week, I have chosen to reach into the archives of THRIVING IN CHRIST.  This is the all-time most popular post for this devotional blog.  It was originally published April 1, 2010.

WASHING THE FEET OF JUDAS

Reading: John 13

John, chapter 13, records the feetwashing that took place at the Last Supper. When you put all of the accounts together from the four gospels something important emerges. Jesus washed the feet of disciples prior to the communion. Judas left during the communion but he was still present for the feetwashing. This means Jesus washed the feet of the one who was about to betray him.

This adds a whole new significance to this act of servanthood on Jesus' part. He wasn't just washing the feet of the men who he would make the first members of the Body of Christ, but also the one who would reject Jesus and never see that day of fruitfulness.

Servanthood is hard. We easily do it to those who love the Lord. We work a little harder at those who need help but may not be grateful. But washing the feet of one who would stab us in the back, who was an enemy? Perhaps that, too, is what John meant when he said that through this feetwashing Jesus was revealing the full measure of his love.

God's love loves and even serves God's enemies.

(C) 2010 by Stephen L Dunn

EASTER SATURDAY NIGHT

It was a grim night. The second night they had endured since Jesus had died on Golgotha. Only one of them had been there to witness the death. John in his youthfulness seemed to have no fear that the older men in their practicality had embraced. They were behind closed, locked doors. The Jewish leaders had seemed uninterested in pursuing them on that Sabbath evening when Joseph of Aramathea had hastily buried Jesus’ body. But now another day had passed and many sensed that the triumphant Sanhedrin might now turn a maliced eye towards the remaining disciples of that dead troublemaker.

The night of Jesus’ arrest had been one of turmoil and confusion. Then came word that Judas had hung himself. An impulsive Peter had followed Jesus, but by the dawn of Friday had denied Jesus three times. Then he had come slinking back in shame to join them in their grim gathering.

This night, Saturday night, a weariness had replaced some of the grief and even now some were asking if they should just slip out of Jerusalem. They were not sure of the welcome they would find in Galilee, but it might be safer for a time.

Desperate men, now discouraged and depressed.

It was Easter Saturday night.

AND THEY CRUCIFIED HIM

Reading: Mark 15:24

"and they crucified him ..."
Four words that bring us to a stark Judean hilltop called Golgotha.
Four words that bear a finality to the events of a week we now call holy.
Four words that only begin to describe the pain and the agony that was his death.
Four words that stab at our hearts ripping away any delusion of our righteousness.
Four words that describe full measure of God's love for a rebellious people.
Four words that haunt us with conviction whenever we belittle his amazing grace.
Four words ...

"and they crucified him ..."
Four words that change world history and our personal destiny.
Four words that build a bridge of reconciliation for people separated from God.
Four words that defy death to do its worst.
Four words that destroy the penalty or reigning sin.
Four words that cleanse the deepest sin in the darkest soul.
Four words that set the captive free.
Four words ...

(C) 2010 by Stephen L Dunn

WASHING THE FEET OF JUDAS

Reading: John 13

John, chapter 13, records the feetwashing that took place at the Last Supper. When you put all of the accounts together from the four gospels something important emerges. Jesus washed the feet of disciples prior to the communion. Judas left during the communion but he was still present for the feetwashing. This means Jesus washed the feet of the one who was about to betray him.

This adds a whole new significance to this act of servanthood on Jesus' part. He wasn't just washing the feet of the men who he would make the first members of the Body of Christ, but also the one who would reject Jesus and never see that day of fruitfulness.

Servanthood is hard. We easily do it to those who love the Lord. We work a little harder at those who need help but may not be grateful. But washing the feet of one who would stab us in the back, who was an enemy? Perhaps that, too, is what John meant when he said that through this feetwashing Jesus was revealing the full measure of his love.

God's love loves and even serves God's enemies.

AN ACT OF EXTRAVAGANCE

Reading: Mark 14.1-11

"She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial."

Jesus' appointment with Golgotha is now two days way. He knows that his journey will require him to go to the Cross. The disciples are still choosing to downplay his comments about his death. Together they go to home of Simon the Leper to enjoy a pleasant meal and a respite from the intensity of those two days in the Temple.

During the meal a woman (which we are told elsewhere is Mary, the sister of Lazarus) comes with an alabaster jar filled with incredibly expense perfume. She breaks the jar and pours the perfume on his head. Imagine its pungent aroma permeating the room as the perfume runs down over his face through his beard.

The disciples, especially, are upset. It is too extravagant a thing to do. They could have taken the money and fed the poor, thereby increasing Jesus' standing among the people. Yet Jesus defends her. "She understands," says Jesus. She recognizes the road I must take, the death to which it will lead, and the grace that it comes from. She has chosen to prepare me for that."

It is an extravagance that begins to approach the even greater extravagance of an unconditional love that will die for our sins. When was the last time you were extravagant in the service of Jesus?

IN OVER THEIR HEADS

Reading: Mark 11.27-33

Have you ever heard the expression, "He's in a battle of wits with an unarmed man"? It's Tuesday and Jesus is right back to the Temple. The first day it was for a demonstration of passion for God. Today it's about challenging the so-called Teachers of the Law. Like a Clint Eastwood western, Jesus strides into the Temple and various groups-Pharisees, religious seekers, Scribes, Sadducees--all come at him one at a time like so many spiritual gunslingers. One after another he sends them packing, stung by his answers.

Smarting from the previous day's demonstration and Jesus' obvious support from the people, the Pharisees take their first shot as soon as they see him. "By what authority do you do this and who gave you that authority?" They want Jesus to justify himself, hoping they can regain the upper hand.

But wisdom-wise they are unarmed men in the presence of the Christ. "Before I answer your question, answer one of mine. Was John's prophetic message and baptism from heaven or from men?"

His opponents now have a problem. The people clearly believed John was a prophet and many had turned to God because of him. If they acknowledge John was from heaven, then he's going to say "Why didn't you believe him?"

They're the keepers of heaven, so they think. how will it look if they appear disobedient to God. So their answer, "We don't know."

Jesus' response is basically "I won't bother to answer you because you wouldn't recognize heaven if you saw it."

Are you questioning God's authority or when you see Him working do you rush to His side?

(C) 2010 by Stephen L Dunn

HOLY WEEK - MONDAY

Reading: Mark 11:12-19

Key Verse: "My house will be a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a 'den of robbers." - Mark 11:17

Most people think of Jesus as "little Jesus meek and mild." In fact, people today who want to emphasize Jesus' love (read, loving and non-threatening) are a bit troubled by this story, And people who want to justify their angry, confrontative tendencies use this story as their mantra.

Jesus was clearly disturbed at the marketing and profiteering that had been introduced into the Temple. It had become a place where people were being taken advantage of. Where the worshiper had come out of an honest desire to honor God, they were forced to engage in the purchase of "just the right sacrifice" rather than simply letting God see what was in their hearts. Haggling had taken the place of psalm singing. And the people doing the selling seemed to have little regard for the worshipers and for the worship.

Jesus' response is not an angry burst of a violent spirit, it is a passionate heart for God confronting those who really belittled the things of God. Instead of casually accepting things the way they were, Jesus challenged the assumptions and actions of those who hijacked the proess of worship.

Do you have enough passion for God that you would go out on a limb, risk ridicule or repercussion rather than simply let "business as usual" occur when the business ceases truly being God's business?

(C) 2010 by Stephen L. Dunn

PALM SUNDAY

Reading: Luke 19.28-44

"I tell you ... if they keep keep quiet, the stones will cry out." - Luke 19:40

Have you ever been so excited about something that you just couldn't keep it to yourself? Perhaps you have seen the "Jared" commercials, where the young women coyly announces to her friends her engagement and new ring by saying "He went to Jared." The next thing you know she and her friends are bouncing and screaming excitedly, "He went to Jared! He went to Jared!"





You only have to be near a sport's bar when the Phillies hit a home run or the Eagles score a touch down and you will hear unrestrained shouts for joy. Pure praise can rarely be contained.

However, not always. Let someone shout "hallelujah!" or "amen!" these days and you would might get a different reaction, depending on whether their idea of church is reflective and restrained or exuberant and celebrative. Or let a child speak out while the preacher is preaching, and all sorts of glances are directed towards a parent who is "not exercising control" over their little one.

The people of Jerusalem had high hopes for Jesus. He already spoke as one with authority. His courage and winsome spirituality intrigued them. His miracles gave them hope. They had one more hope, that he might be the David king the prophets had promised that would finally free them from the Romans. So when he entered Jerusalem, they gave him a boisterous parade of praise.

The Pharisees were not pleased. Either because of their fear of Roman reprisals or their jealousy towards Jesus' following. They told Jesus, "Tell your disciples to be silent." And Jesus response was basically, "It's impossible. If they didn't the very stones would cry out."

Are we people of unrestrained and unashamed praise? Or are we people who fear what the world would think so we keep our opinions to ourselves?

(C) 2010 by Stephen L Dunn

COUNTDOWN TO THE CROSS

Lent is nearing its end. On Palm Sunday we begin what is called Holy Week. During Lent we have reflected on both Jesus' journey to the Cross and our journey from the Cross. He died so that we might live.

Abundantly and eternally.

Now that Christ has ended our separation from God by His death on the Cross, how will we choose to live?

To answer that question, we end Lent with Holy Week. Before we emerge with Christ from the Empty Tomb, we consider one more time what is called The Passion of the Christ. Oswald Chambers has written: "The Cross is the point where God and sinful man merge with a crash and the way of life is opened--but the crash is on the heart of God."

I invite you to join us in this Countdown to the Cross. Each day during Holy Week you can find this devotional by going to the church website (www.coglandisville.org) and clicking on the link for Dr. Steve's devotional. Or you can use the pink cards today to subscribe by email. Or on the website you can sign on as a follower. Whatever works for you, but we invite you to join us reflectively and prayerfully as we count down to the Cross by revisiting the events of that week we call holy because of the work done by a Holy God.