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"Galilee: It Continues"

4/25/2019

"But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you"
Mark 16:7

Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed!

So it begins -- where it began before. Jesus goes back to Galilee. Not the temple. Not Nazareth or Bethlehem. Galilee brings into the present all the disciples had experienced with Jesus: the calling to follow him and take up the ministry he had begun.

It was in Galilee that Jesus began his preaching and teaching and healing. It was in Galilee that he had called his disciples. It was in Galilee that Mary, Mary and Salome had themselves become disciples and from where they had followed all the way to the cross and now to the tomb. It was in Galilee that Jesus was baptized by John, and began preaching the Good News to the poor. In Galilee water was made wine, a withered hand restored, a blind man's sight returned, demons driven out and the lame leaped. It was in Galilee he called Israel to a law of love surpassing love of the law.

We are called to Galilee. Where ever someone is in need of healing, help, forgiveness; to hear Good News of God's love and mercy -- there is Galilee. The resurrection does not allow for complacency. Easter gives us marching orders to go to Galilee -- and bring resurrection to the living. Amen!

Listen : :

T
An "oldie but goodie": Keith Green singing, The Easter Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3StQfGXwKQ0

P "God, thank you that you sent Jesus ahead of us to Galilee to p

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"A Beautiful Thing"

4/1/2019

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"Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. Mark 14:3-9. Matthew 26:6-13. John 12:1-7 "
Listen: Phil Wickman, "You're Beautiful" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JP_HLFdfok
As we draw nearer to Holy Week, we can imagine Jesus anticipating what awaits him. He has foretold his suffering and death on several occasions to his disciples -- always met with denial and misunderstanding. The plots are thickening, the leaders are conspiring on how to bring Jesus down.

Our bible study this week finds Jesus in Bethany. The most surprising thing happens. An unnamed woman (although in John's gospel she is Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus) enters, carrying costly perfume. It was worth at least a year's worth of wages for the average man. Without saying a work she anoints Jesus' head -- a sign of consecration -- kings and priests and sacred objects are anointed in similar fashion. The title "Christ," which we use for Jesus, means in Greek the "anointed one."

This passage is stunning and has a lot to tell on several levels.

An unnamed woman anoints Jesus. Who has, thus far in the gospels, acted so boldly? Especially a female acting with such spiritual authority?

When has Jesus, to the date, proclaimed that someone has done something beautiful for him?
When did anyone ever do something beautiful for Jesus?

Jesus, defending her against the criticisms of the disciples, sees this as an anointing in preparation for his burial, which would happen in a few, short days. If we recall, Jesus received the gift of myrrh from the Wise Ones (the magi, "Three Kings"), an anointment used with the death, foreshadowed the prominence of his death.

There are people all around us who are facing difficult times. They are enduring uphill battles that show no signs of abating. Some are alone in their struggle, and sense the darkness closing in. Who will help them along the way?

This woman with the costly ointment couldn't stop Jesus from being killed. She did what was in her power to do. She went to Jesus, without a word and gave him what she had. She emptied out her savings and anointed him. Jesus, you are the Holy One. Jesus, you are God's Chosen. Jesus, you are not alone.

We are called to anoint those around us who are hurting, suffering, struggling. What does it cost us to take the time to be kind or to reassure someone of their worth? This act was one of the few beautiful gestures recorded in the gospels. No doubt it stayed in Jesus' heart during his trial and gave him strength as he was led to the cross.

Remember Psalm 23:5 "You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows." Being affirmed and loved adds meaning and comfort to our journey, especially when it turns rocky. It is a beautiful thing

Each of us has the power to anoint using, words, deeds or prayer. Let this unnamed female disciple inspire us in our own faith journey. Be lavish with someone today who is hurting. Do something beautiful -- affirm someone in doubt, make a difference and give strength, hope and love where it is needed.

Who will I reach out to this day?
How will I bring beauty to their life?

Pray: " Jesus, you have us the costly gift of your life, and the promise of eternity with you. Guide us to do beautiful things for your people in need."

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"Galilee: It Continues"

"A Beautiful Thing"

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