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Lent: More Than a Prophet

3/29/2023

Wednesday’s Word
By Dorette Saunders

Everyone loves a parade.

In the final week of his life, Jesus makes his way into Jerusalem riding on a donkey. He has been telling his disciples repeatedly that he will be arrested and killed. It saddens them each time he speaks of his impending death, and their fear looms large.

But today is different. Jesus rides into the city on a donkey to the cheers of an ecstatic crowd. Walking before and behind him, this motley crowd forms a retinue of sorts. They cut down palm branches and wave them joyfully. They throw their clothes in the path, so he can ride on it. No doubt, Jesus’ disciples are also caught up in this time of adulation.

The people are shouting:

“Hooray for the Son of David!
God bless the one who comes
    in the name of the Lord.
Hooray for God
    in heaven above!” (Matthew 21:9, CEV)

When they get to Jerusalem the people there share in the excitement and ask:
“Who can this be?”
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee” (Matthew 21:10,11).
As we approach Holy Week, signifying the death and resurrection of Jesus; as we recall Jesus’ journey to Calvary, the question comes to us even now.
“Who can this be?”
Do we, like the crowd, respond: “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee”?
Or do we acknowledge Jesus as Messiah, the Promised Son of God? Do we see Jesus as Savior, Redeemer, Lord?
Do we rattle off the names and titles given to Jesus, yet have not been personally acquainted with him?
As this scene unfolds, we learn that Jesus is more than a prophet. In fact, in the Old Testament Zechariah prophesies this event would take place, and he testifies to Jesus’ deity (See Zechariah 9:9):
“Announce to the people
    of Jerusalem:
‘Your king is coming to you!
He is humble
    and rides on a donkey.
He comes on the colt
    of a donkey.’ ” (Matthew 21:4, CEV)

“Who can this be?”
This is Jesus! It is he who would humbly wash the feet of his disciples, even the one who would later betray him.

This is Jesus who would forgive the disciple who disowned him.

This is Jesus who, in loving obedience to God, would lay down his life for his friends (and his enemies)…for all of us.

This is Jesus who offers us eternal life through his death and resurrection.

This is Jesus, the Holy One, the Messiah, the Son of God, our soon-coming King!

PRAYER: Lord God, our hearts burst with gratitude when we think of the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. As we look toward the cross, despite the shame and suffering, we see mercy and grace, love and forgiveness. We are not deserving of so great a love, but you loved us beyond words and we are grateful. Help us to tell others of your great love and of Christ’s great sacrifice. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

                                                                                     ©M©dytations 2023

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Lent: Jesus Is Here!

3/22/2023

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Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders

Over and over Jesus tells us that his purpose is to glorify his Father in heaven. When Jesus healed the man who was born blind, he specifically told his disciples that God would receive glory on account of that healing.

In the narrative about the raising of Lazarus (Read: John 11:1-45), Jesus purposely delays rushing to see his sick friend saying, “His sickness won't end in death. It will bring glory to God and his Son” (v. 4, CEV).

No doubt Lazarus’ sisters, Martha and Mary, sent for Jesus the moment they realized that their brother, Lazarus, was not getting better. As friends of Jesus, they knew his power. If anyone could heal Lazarus or prevent him from dying, it would be Jesus. Imagine the turmoil in their spirits after they had prayed, had sent a message to Jesus, and time passed. No sign of Jesus. Hours turned into days. And with the passage of time, Lazarus grew worse and eventually died.

Put yourself in their place. How would you react? Perhaps the sisters walked the tight rope of frustration, anger, and grief. Frustration because they did everything they knew to do. Anger (controlled, perhaps) because the one who held the key to Lazarus’ healing did not show up on time. And grief because Lazarus was dead. In fact, he had been dead for four days, and buried, by the time Jesus got there.

Yet, we who live in this day and age, and have been given the Scriptures and the gift of God’s Spirit know this: God is never late. God is never absent from our lives. And God never goes back on his word.

Did not Jesus tell his disciples that Lazarus’ sickness would not end in death?

The sisters did not know this. And as each met Jesus, separately, they said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (vv.21, 32, CEV).

God was working his purpose out. Lazarus’ body was already decaying. Those who did not believe in Jesus could not write this off as a hoax. Lazarus was sick and ultimately died. But in all this, God would get the glory. Jesus had tried to comfort Martha with that thought (v. 40). Jesus himself had wept when they took him to Lazarus’ tomb.

Yet that was not the end. Imagine the collective thought: “Lord, if you had been here….”  Aren’t we guilty of that sometimes? Closing the curtain, and ignoring the “making of a miracle”? Don’t we sometimes see death as the final act? Don’t we sometimes give up on Jesus who never gives up on us?
We, in post-resurrection times, know that death isn’t our final end if we know Jesus, and have confessed him as Lord.

“Jesus looked up toward heaven and prayed, ‘Father, I thank you for answering my prayer.  I know that you always answer my prayers. But I said this, so the people here would believe you sent me.’
“When Jesus had finished praying, he shouted, ‘Lazarus, come out!’  The man who had been dead came out” (vv.41-43, CEV).

Glory! Glory! Glory! That was a shouting moment. God was indeed glorified. There was no denying that God was at work. Many of those who had come to mourn with the sisters saw the things Jesus did and put their faith in him.

It’s a lesson for us today. God will do what he said he will do. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so we can be assured of God’s divine presence with us. We don’t have to worry. We will never have reason to say, “Lord, if you had been here…” because Jesus never leaves us.

He is here!

PRAYER: Lord God, even when things look as if they are not working in our favor, we know that you are working everything out for our good. Help us to trust you as we wait for the manifestation of all that you have for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

                                                ©M©dytations 2023

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Lent: Speaking the Truth

3/15/2023

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Wednesday’s Word
By Dorette Saunders

Careful reading of the Scriptures will yield insight into the human condition and discovery of biblical truths that will put us in right standing with God.

The apostle John records Jesus’ healing of a blind man (Read John 9:1-41). It is significant for several reasons. First, the man was born blind at birth—not from an accident or disease. No one who had been born blind had ever had their sight restored before this! Secondly, Jesus plainly told his disciples that this man’s condition happened so that God would get glory. And lastly, the onlookers, and we, the readers, would “see” how an encounter with Jesus can lead to new perspectives and an understanding of the truth of the gospel.

While the people were mostly amazed at this healing (wondering how it happened, who Jesus was, and what did it all mean), the legalistic temple clergy were more focused on when it happened--the fact that it occurred on the Sabbath. Who would commit such a sacrilegious act on a holy day? Never mind that a healing of great import took place.

Are we not guilty of such behavior at times? We nitpick at some insignificant thing while ignoring the miracles that God has placed in our lives. Here was Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah, the Holy One of God walking among them, healing and preaching the Good News of the kingdom of God. And yet, the temple leaders’ eyes were blind. And not just their eyes, but their hearts.

There’s a proverb which states, “There is none so blind, as those who would not see.” It is likely an adaptation of the Scripture

“You will listen and listen,
    but never understand.
You will look and look,
    but never see.”
                    (Isaiah 6:9, CEV)

God wants us to open our eyes to revealed truths. He has given us Jesus and the Holy Spirit to accomplish this. But, the choice is ours. We can stubbornly refuse to admit and acknowledge that Jesus is Christ is Lord. Or, we can open our eyes and see Jesus as the One who God sent to redeem us from sin, to bring us salvation.

How’s our vision? What are we missing? Are there truths God wants to teach or show us that we are ignoring? Are we holding tightly to old ways of thinking that we are missing the new things God is doing? Will we stand up for God’s truth no matter the cost?

The formerly blind man was harassed by the temple leaders, over and over again. They who were leading the people were disputing an undeniable miracle that took place in a public space, at the hands of Jesus, the Son of God.

“The leaders called the man back and said, “Swear by God to tell the truth! We know that Jesus is a sinner….
“What did he do to you?” they asked. “How did he heal your eyes?” (vv. 24, 26, CEV).
Listen to the truth that God reveals to the man who was healed of blindness. The man said to the leaders,
“He healed my eyes, and yet you don't know where he comes from. We know that God listens only to people who love and obey him. God doesn't listen to sinners. And this is the first time in history anyone has ever given sight to someone born blind. Jesus could not do anything unless he came from God” (vv. 30-33, CEV).

Truth!

Not everyone wants to hear the truth. Rather than admit Jesus came from God, the leaders resort to bullying the man, and finally excommunicating him from all their synagogues.

Denying the truth never changes it. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32, CEV). Let’s take time to know the truth, and to speak the truth in full confidence.

PRAYER: Lord God, you are the way, the truth, the life. We honor you and give you glory for all that you do in our lives. Open blind eyes and stubborn hearts that people all around us may see the truth of your Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

                                                                                            ©M©dytations 2023

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Lent: Woman's Work

3/8/2023

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Wednesday’s Word
by Dorette Saunders

The writer of Proverbs 31 has several interesting ways to describe the characteristics of the ideal woman. While no human being, male or female, is perfect, these descriptions present us with a standard. Just before the close of the chapter, the writer pens these words:

Charm can be deceiving,
    and beauty fades away,
but a woman
who honors the Lord
    deserves to be praised.
                           (Proverbs 31:30, CEV)

Perhaps as a woman reading through the entire chapter you instinctively tell yourself that you cannot aspire to the level of the woman being described. The work she did, and the things she accomplished seem awesome. Yet, verse 30 reminds us that while we may consider ourselves a work in progress, God’s Word gives us hope.

We don’t have to be charming, poised, or beautiful. While these are wholesome attributes, they will eventually grow stale or ultimately vanish. What is important, however, is our relationship with God. If we serve and honor the Lord, we will gain God’s favor.

A simple tip: Put God first, and everything we desire will follow when it fits God’s plan (Matthew 6:33). We are designed exquisitely by God (Psalm 139:14) with a distinct purpose—which is to serve and glorify God.

In Bible times, women were not empowered the way we are today—and we still have a very long way to go. Yet, in several narratives we get glimpses of women’s wisdom, wit, and resilience as they battle the norms of a patriarchal society. They were relegated to do, even as many of us are today, what society considered woman’s work.

When Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well at Sychar (John 4:5-42), he ignores cultural and ethnic codes and strikes up a conversation with her. In turn, the woman verbally spars with Jesus about getting water from the well. Jesus then invites her to “draw” water from him, the living well. As their conversation continues, she correctly concludes that Jesus is a prophet, and proceeds to tell him what she knows about Messianic prophecy.

‘The woman said, “I know that the Messiah will come. He is the one we call Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
“I am that one,” Jesus told her, “and I am speaking to you now.”’
                                                            (John 4:25-26, CEV)

Imagine, in that unconventional setting, while she was doing “woman’s work,” Jesus reveals his deity. Although she may have been marginalized because of her lifestyle, yet she was affirmed by Jesus.
At that moment, it didn’t matter that the woman had been married five times and was now living with a man who was not her husband. What mattered was that her encounter with Jesus would change her life forever. What mattered was that she had now become an on-the-spot evangelist, willing to run back to tell others in her town the Good News of Jesus. Her zeal caused many to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
How has honoring God changed your life? When was the last time you told someone the Good News of Jesus? Sharing your testimony is important work, not just for women, but for everyone.

PRAYER: God, you are with us even as we do the most mundane tasks. Help us to do all our work well. Enable us to have an open mind as we seek you and as we put you first in all our endeavors. Remind us that you have made us all in a wonderful way. And help us to celebrate our differences, even as we honor you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

                                                                                         ©M©dytations 2023

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Lent: Looking In, Reaching Out

3/1/2023

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Wednesday’s Word
By Dorette Saunders

As we journey through the Lenten season, it is imperative that we carefully examine ourselves, how we interact with others, and even stop to question if the doctrines we follow align with the Word of God. In the 7th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches on several topics that catch his listeners off guard (Read Matthew 7). Perhaps, we, too, may be caught off guard, but it is instructive to our Christian growth that we recognize obedience as the mark of a mature believer.

“Don't condemn others, and God won't condemn you. God will be as hard on you as you are on others! He will treat you exactly as you treat them…Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about” (Matthew 7:1-2; 12, CEV).

Hearing God’s response to our behavior, we sputter, “What!? But I thought God was love…?” And, yes, God is love. The “Golden Rule” as we know it, finds its origin in the Bible. Have you noticed that Jesus has not told his hearers to retaliate when they are treated badly? In fact, the apostle Paul follows Jesus’ pattern and says:

“Don't mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others” (Romans 12:17, CEV).

And while we are taking that introspective look, Jesus cautions us about having a “holier than thou” attitude towards others. We often see their wrongs but neglect to view our own. Jesus spares no one when he says, “You're nothing but show-offs! First, take the log out of your own eye; then you can see how to take the speck out of your friend's eye” (Matthew 7:5, CEV).

Many of us are guilty as charged, falsely believing that our position in church or the length of time we’ve been saved, our education, or status in society, makes us better Christians than others.

One way to overcome such faulty belief is to earnestly pray and ask God to let us abstain from being judgmental, and to begin praying for others. We must set the standard, which we learn from Jesus.

Jesus ends his discourse telling the people the importance of godly obedience. Don’t get caught up in the religious fluff, he warns. Be obedient to God’s Word.

“Not everyone who calls me their Lord will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only the ones who obey my Father in heaven will get in. On the day of judgment many will call me their Lord. They will say, “We preached in your name, and in your name we forced out demons and worked many miracles.” But I will tell them, “I will have nothing to do with you! Get out of my sight, you evil people!” (Matthew 7:21-23, CEV).

Are we reaching out to God for more of his anointing? Are we treating those around us with respect? Are we being obedient to the Word of God? Do we see the Word of God as having complete authority over our lives? These are questions no one can answer for us.

PRAYER: God, we would follow you, yet our flesh still stands in the way of total obedience. Help us to obey your voice; to treat others as we would be treated; and to see the joy that lies before us—the celebration of our resurrected Lord.
©M©dytations 2023

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Lent: More Than a Prophet

Lent: Jesus Is Here!

Lent: Speaking the Truth

Lent: Woman's Work

Lent: Looking In, Reaching Out

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