Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Jn 11:25–26

It's Sunday. We do church on Sunday because it is resurrection day. The day of the week when the stone was rolled away and an empty tomb was on display for all to see. Even more than that, it is the day when the testimonies that He was alive began with angels and the resurrected Jesus was first seen (Lk 24:6,31/Mt 28:6,9). All week we have been preparing to be Resurrection Ready and here we are on the big day. The conversation in the above text took place about a week before resurrection day. Jesus was always preparing people, redirecting and setting their minds on things above (Col 3:2). This occasion was the raising of his friend Lazarus and a discussion beforehand with his sister Martha. Jesus was careful to explain that the miracles He performed had greater and deeper meaning. Each and every miracle was designed to point people to Him (Lk 5:24/Mt 9:6/Lk 7:22).

I saw part of a movie in which likeness of Jesus was discovered on the wall of a man's house. The stucco had not dried right or something and it looked like Jesus - I guess. And then it got weirder yet, supposedly the likeness began to drip blood and people were healed of various issues by touching it. Naturally, people came from miles around to kneel before it and bring offerings. In all the hype, no one seemed to be pointed to the real Jesus. They were only attracted to a wall and an image. And that's very different from the Biblical accounts. God's word even calls the miracles of Jesus, "signs" (Jn 20:30). Signs point to something more - the sign is not the main event, Jesus is. And you clearly see that where He uses the pronouns "I" and "me" three times in talking about resurrection. “I am the resurrection and the life." You see we can believe in life after death and we can believe in heaven and we can even believe in God, but we dare not miss place Jesus as the center most piece of it all. All signs point to Him. Jesus is the whole point.

Look to Jesus or you miss the promises that come with Him. The first of which is, "Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live…" Life after death. Physical death is not the end. In fact, it's in dying that you live forever. Look to Jesus and you no longer need fear death (He 2:15/1Co 15:55). The second promise is better yet because it begins now. "…and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." A new life now. New desires, new hopes… a new heart and a new mind. In fact, the life of a believer is of such a quality that he will never die spiritually. From the moment he trusts in Jesus, he has eternal life (Jn 3:16, 5:24, 10:28), and the end of physical life is only a sleep for his body until the resurrection. The spiritual part of a believer, his soul, goes immediately to be with the Lord (2Co 5:6, 8/Ph 1:23). Promises, if you are Resurrection Ready.

And then comes the test… This one question determines if you are Resurrection Ready: "Do you believe this?” Now the question is not, do you believe in the resurrection or do you believe you will never die? No, the question Jesus poses, is about Himself. “I am the resurrection and the life… Do you believe this?” Jesus is the whole point. Today is about Him. Are you Resurrection Ready?

Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” Mt 27:63–64
 
It's really thought provoking that this is the only record we have of any events that took place that Saturday other than the procurement of the burial spices after 6pm that night (Mk 16:1/Lk 23:56/Jn 19:40). Friday Jesus died, Sunday He rose. What about Saturday? Well according to the evidence of the whole counsel of God, Jesus spent Saturday victoriously leading a host of captive saints out of the good side of Old Testament Sheol to the third heaven, (2Co 12:2/Ep 4:8/Ro 3:25). one of those saints would have been the thief whom He promised to be with today in paradise (Lk 23:43). The world didn’t know it yet, but the victory had already been won.
 
When considering where Jesus is and what He is doing on Saturday it’s all the more fascinating that the religious leaders are still conspiring, accusing and trying to cement their silly little plan. Seems a little foolish don’t you think? Doing everything within their power to secure a tomb that has already been vacated. Working tirelessly to keep His disciples out, when the real challenge was keeping Him in. Hypocrites calling Him an impostor and accusing His disciples of fraud. Now that's funny. But let's not let the joke be on us.
 
Resurrection Ready means living with the knowledge that Jesus has indeed been raised. Is that how you are living? Everything we do, every plan we make, ought to be done in light of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Someone once asked Reggie White how he could ruthlessly flatten a running back and then turn and help the player to his feet? White said, "It's my job to flatten running backs but I live for Jesus Christ, so I make sure the guys I flatten are okay after I do my job. When I do that I am testifying for Jesus." Whatever we do, we ought to do it in light of the resurrection. Paul wrote, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Col 3:1). Seek the things that are above… Seek Jesus, seek to be filled at all times with the Spirit of God, and seek life and peace. (Ro 8:6). Get alone with God and stay there until you have set your mind(s) on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Col 3:2). Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for you - are you Resurrection Ready? (Jn 14:2-3).

"For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” Jn 10:17–18

No doubt, Jesus was Resurrection Ready. He was fully prepared to lay down His life and to take it up again. But have you considered what was involved in Jesus truly being Resurrection Ready? You and I are saved by grace through faith (Ep 2:8-9). Jesus was saved entirely on His own merit and by saved I mean He was raised from the dead or saved from death. The Father loves us because we trust in the merit of His Son and not our own. The Father loves Jesus all because of His own merit, because He was perfectly obedient even to the point of torture and death. …it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief (Is 53:10/Ac 4:28/Lk 22:42). It was God's will, the Trinitarian plan, that Jesus suffer and die and be raised (2Ti 1:9/Tt 1:2/Lk 18:33). And Jesus, in the flesh, was obedient to that plan. "For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again." You might say, well Jesus knew that He would be resurrected, that’s why He could willingly die. But we ought to understand that it was the Father who would or would not give Jesus the authority, once He had died, to take up His life again (Ph 2:8-9). Jesus had to be supremely certain that His own obedience had been flawless - and He was because it was. God's testimony is that Jesus' obedience was perfect. …and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17). …one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. (He 4:15). For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin… (2Co 5:21). Perfect, sinless obedience. And so God gave Him the authority to lay down His life and to take it up again. Jesus merited resurrection. He was worthy and so He was Resurrection Ready.

If you and I are to be Resurrection Ready, the exact opposite approach is required. First, I must forsake any idea of earning Resurrection through my own merit (Ga 3:10/Jam 1:15). My own merit is a disgusting afront - like a polluted garment (Is 64:6). IN fact, I must have a clear reality of my own failure and inability to merit any good thing from God. My eyes must be open wide to my sinful condition and the wages that my sin has rightfully earned - not resurrection but rather death and eternal punishment (Ro 6:23/Ge 3:19). I must hate my sin and my sinful condition and be grieved over my sinful state, repenting and forsaking both the practice and love of sin. And this clear sight of my sin must then cause me to run from my own merit into the perfect merit of Jesus, trusting that on the cross He has taken my sin upon Himself, and being punished for my sin and paying for it with His life, in turn He has graciously replaced my worthless merit with His own perfect merit (Ph 3:19/2Co 5:21/Col 2:14).

My merit is worthless, but see how perfect and worthy is His merit? Have you forsaken any and all thought and affection for your own merit before God? And have you clearly seen your sin, hated it, repented of it and run to Jesus as your one and only hope? "Come to me…" He calls you away from yourself and to Him (Mt 11:28/Mt 16:24)). All of the authority over sin and death is in Jesus Christ (Ro 8:2/Mt 28:18). Only in His perfect merit are you Resurrection Ready. Be sure you are ready right now.

And he took 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.” 20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood…" Lk 22:19–20
 
How many reminders do you have in your life? I have never had a good memory but the older I get the more systems are required to remember important things. Paper calendars, phone calendars, computer calendars and alarms and buzzers and bells. We need reminders, especially when it comes to spiritual things. The Lord's Supper helps us remember the right things to be Resurrection Ready. I recently read a public confession from a Christian leader who had been caught in sin some months earlier. He wrote about the repentance, accountability and counseling that he now had in place and then he mentioned one last thing… "And I am taking communion weekly." As I considered what he had written, a crucial truth came to my mind. The reason we fail and sin, is because we are not remembering the right things. In fact the believer's biggest problem is that we forget to think about the right thing. And that’s what communion is, remembering the right thing. When we were first justified, we knew we were sinners and we looked to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. "This is the will of the Father …everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life…" (Jn 6:40). And Paul writes, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him… (Col 2:6). But we have trouble with that, don’t we? We forget and we walk without remembering His sacrifice. And we walk into all kinds of trouble. Forgetting is what gets us into ruts that can be difficult to steer out of and sins that should have been overcome and in some cases major falls (2Pe 1:9).
 
And so as a remembrance of Him, on this very day of the week, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Two simple elements, bread and cup. Bread represents His broken body. A body was necessary for an actual sacrifice. Jesus did not come as a spirit (1Jn 4:2). He was fully man and He had a real body and suffered real pain and real death. …when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; 6 in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’ ” and then Vs.10 And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (He 10:5–10). So at the table, the broken bread reminds us of His body, broken for us. He is the bread of life come down from heaven, perfect, sinless and whole given into the hands of sinful men to be broken, marred, and made sin for us. (Jn 6:48/Lk 24:7/1Co 11:24/2Co 5:21). And then there is the cup which He says is "poured out for you". "Poured out" was the language of the Old Testament drink offering and in addition the sacrificial blood of the bulls and goats were "poured out" at the base of the alter (Lev 8:15/Ezek 20:28). When Jesus used that familiar phase, there was no doubt about what He was saying. This was the vivid representation of the life blood of Jesus poured out as an offering to God and a sacrifice for you. That’s what He says you know, "This cup that is poured out for you…" The life was drained out of Him, for you (Lev 17:11). And this He says is the new covenant in His blood. Jesus’ blood was necessary to institute a wonderful New covenant. He was the Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). The Lamb who was slain (Re 5:12). And a covenant made in blood is binding (He 9:12). And this covenant was new in part because it would be written not on tablets of stone, but upon the hearts of its people and sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit (Je 31:31-34). His body broken for you, His blood shed for you and sealed or guaranteed by the Spirit. The Lord knows those who are His (2Ti 2:19).
 
So you see, under this wonderful New covenant you can never be forgotten, but you can forget. So, we do this in remembrance of Him. It is preferable to build the good habit of remembering and avoid a fall, as opposed to falling and then remembering. Paul says that’s why so many Christians are spiritually sick - they don’t remember Jesus’ sacrifice (1Co 11:30). A habit of remembering makes us Resurrection Ready. What are you thinking about today?

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide... Jn 15:16
 
A fruitful life is a life well used. A long time ago I knew a man named Joe who worked hard to provide for his family. He believed that he had a fruitful life- until he came to know Christ. And it wasn’t that he left his vocation, he just understood that a fruitful life involves more important things.
 
Peter was there and he heard his Lord say that He chose you (believers) to go and bear lasting fruit. And yet by all outside estimations, his life was nearly wasted. You remember… Peter was so sure that he would go and bear fruit that he made an oath, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” Mk 14:29 (let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1Co 10:12). It was that very night that Peter had his big opportunity to put his money where his mouth was. Jesus was arrested and was hurried off to a midnight makeshift court proceeding at the home of the High priest. Peter followed then watched from a distance while comforting himself by the courtyard fire. It was there, in the flashing light of the flames, Peter was recognized. “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus,” came the accusation of a servant girl. (Mk 14:67). But Peter denied it. Three times similar accusations came and three times, with more passion each time, he denied knowing his Lord. That’s when the rooster crowed a second time and Peter remembered how he had been so sure that he could never do such a thing as this. Jesus had warned him, before the rooster crows a second time you will deny me three times. (Mk 14:72). Peter wept.

He was sure this life of serving Jesus Christ was over. Where could he go from here except back from where he had come… Back to fishing… (Jn 21:3). Back to something he could do right. Those next days were miserable for Peter. They had to be. Oh how he must have grieved for his sin, his choice, his hard heart. And so it was one day when Peter had gone back to fishing that the resurrected Jesus showed up. Now, to be fair, fishing wasn’t going very well either. How peculiar, it's as if God is sovereign over everything and nothing is going to work until he quits trying to escape and does the right thing (sarcasm intended). Jesus confronted Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” (Jn 21:15). The Lord presented the same question three times, and you guessed it, each time more passionately. Each time, Peter insisting that he does indeed love Jesus, and each time Jesus replied with some variation of, "feed my lambs." (Jn 21:15). As if to say, if you love me, get back to what I called you to do. Get back to the main thing, bearing fruit that will last.
 
Well… there is a lot to learn there. First we ought to understand that we can really mess up and that can derail us and dethrone us. I would venture to say that Peter was a far better man than I am and certainly better trained. Denying Jesus under certain pressures is a common temptation as well as a common failure with many variations in our lives and experience (1Co 10:13). But here is the beauty of it all. We did not choose Him, He chose us and He chose us to go and bear lasting fruit. And that makes you fail-proof. This is God's plan, not yours. Like Peter, you will fail but know this; He chose you to go and bear fruit that will last. You are not done and He is not done with you. Do you love Him? Then go in grace and serve Him. Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes (Lk 12:43). That's Resurrection Ready.

Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. Mt 26:14–16

Good people are Resurrection Ready. But Judas makes us wonder, what turns good men bad? The answer? There are no good men who have turned bad. Only bad men who have turned good and bad men who worsen (Mt 12:33/Ro 3:10-11). Judas is the latter. He has the distinction of bearing the name most commonly associated with evil, and for good reason. While Jesus went about preaching the Gospel, healing the sick and raising the dead, His disciples witnessed it all. And that was by design you know. Jesus was training up the men who by the power of the Holy Spirit would take the Gospel to the world (Ro 1:16/1Co 15:3). And while all twelve men heard and saw it all, eleven were transformed from bad men to good men and one was not. Why was the Gospel incredibly fruitful in the life of the eleven, while the same Gospel was unfruitful in the life of Judas? In a word, greed. While the Gospel was preached and signs preformed, Judas had his mind set on something else. It was always money; having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. (Jn 12:6). This was a regular occurrence. He helped himself… as if it was his for the taking. Judas was a man of enterprise and of opportunity… If there was money to had, he would have it. And that's why when he caught wind that Jesus was a "wanted man", the first thing he thought was how he could capitalize on what he knew. And although he was one of the twelve, he went to the chief priests and said, What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” What will you give me? What is He worth to you? You see the seed of the Gospel, the power of God for salvation, was never going to get into the soil of the heart of Judas because it there were just too many thorns already occupying it. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. (Mt 13:22). One thing Jesus does in the Parable of the Sower, is that He puts the responsibility for the condition of the heart, directly upon the individual. And we ought to understand that every time Jesus preached and ministered, Judas chose what to set his heart and mind upon. (Ro 8:6). And there is one thing in particular that turns a bad man into a worse man and that is exposure to the truth and the rejection of it. Jesus said the servant who knows his master's will, is worthy of a more severe beating because everyone to whom much is given, much will be required. (Lk 12:47-48).

Here is my encouragement to you. Get rid of the thorns that get in the way of the word of God. This week set out to be very intentional about putting away all filthiness and rampant wickedness so that you may receive with meekness the implanted word. Any and every weight and sin - put it away by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ's finished work. Be done with it, choosing to be good soil and enjoy the fruitful results. (Jas 1:21). Take some practical steps to get Resurrection Ready.

I am happy to be writing this devotional again. It feels right and good. As you know, last Christmas we used an outside devotional and it was great, but I love to seek God for what to say to you - my family. Our theme for this year's Easter devotional is "Resurrection Ready". Gallup says that 81% of Americans celebrate Easter. How do they celebrate? Well, at least in part they celebrate by spending 6.58 billion dollars on food. 2.6 billion of those dollars will be spent on the necessity of Easter candy. What does all that mean? Well, it means loads of people are getting ready for Easter… But I would ask, are they Resurrection Ready? Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and that really is the pinnacle of all celebrations. There is no greater event in all of history. In raising Jesus from the dead, His Father validated every claim and promise Jesus ever made. At an auction a man began bidding on a one of a kind 1968 custom built Mustang. They call them Resto-mods. Restored with modifications that make them drive and function like modern vehicles. This Mustang is something to behold and so when the bidding got toward one million dollars, they momentarily paused the auction and made phone calls to banks to verify the bidders ability to pay. When they got off the phone with one man's bank, you could hear them say, "he's good for any amount." The man's claim and promise was validated. Jesus made far greater claims than that and the resurrection was the bank saying “He’s good for any amount.” Anything and everything He said or did was validated. One such claim, in fact the central claim of His ministry, is that by believing in Him you to will be resurrected. (Jn 6:29, Mt 11:28, Jn 5:38, Mk 1:15, Jn 3:18, Jn 8:24, Jn 11:25). He’s good for the promise but are you ready to receive it? Are you Resurrection Ready?

Next Sunday is Easter and wouldn’t it be nice to be ready for it?

So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy… Matthew 28:8

Jesus had been crucified, was certified dead and was laid in the tomb on Friday. Saturday was the Sabbath, a day of complete rest from labors. So, it was Sunday morning when a group of women, who had followed and supported Jesus and His ministry, went to the tomb to finish the somber job of mummifying His body. The mood was low. Everything they had invested their lives in for the last three years was gone and the one they loved was tortured, discredited, and died in the worst way.

But it was there at the tomb that instead of finding more death and a body riddled with the sickening evidence of misery, they were shocked to see wide open tomb and a dazzling lightning bright angel sitting on the now rolled out of the way stone. The only death here were the seasoned Roman guards frozen with fear as if dead. God can increase fear in people to the point that they are unable to function Jos 2:11. That’s when the angel spoke to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has risen…" Mt 28:5–6 So God calmed the fears of the women and heightened the terror of the guards. And once the women had received the angelic invitation to look in the tomb and see that the body of Jesus was NOT there, they were again told that Jesus had risen from the dead and not only that, but they would soon see Him with their own eyes. The word of God plus the empty tomb was enough for these deeply depressed souls to instead experience great joy.

It is often said that happiness is based on happenings while joy is based on truth. But there are other fundamental differences between happiness and joy that cause people to chase happiness and for-go joy. For one, happiness is quick. It usually involves instant gratification and what you soon find is that it goes about as fast as it came. Another reason we chase happiness is that it seems more tangible. It makes people happy, for example, to buy new things or get into new relationships. These are things it seems you can control and touch and see. But again, that which is new is soon not so new. Joy is fundamentally different because it is slow to arrive, cannot be controlled, touched, or seen and once you have it - it never goes away. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit Ga 5:22/Ac 13:52. You see that means it has to be produced by the Holy Spirit through the process of progressive sanctification (growth). You say, well the women had it instantly. Sure, believers have some real spikes in joy at times but that doesn’t mean we are cratered the rest of the time. And we can have some deep sorrows, like when we lose someone we love, but resurrection always turns deep sorrows into great joys. Joy is permanent and trustworthy because its foundation is not in you, what you can do or what you can get. Joy's foundation is in the faithful promises of Jesus Christ Himself. And so we rejoice in the Lord always Phil 4:4/1Th 5:16.

      You make known to me the path of life;
      in your presence there is fullness of joy;
      at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps 16:11
 
Resurrection turns the deepest of sorrows into the greatest of joys. So then, focus your attention on Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection for you.

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:40–41

Well, we have arrived at the cross. It is Good Friday and Jesus has been railroaded, sentenced to death, and is now suspended on a Roman cross by nails driven through His hands and feet. On crosses to His right and on His left are two men described as robbers. A large crowd has gathered to see the spectacle and to the understanding of most, three criminals are dying for their crimes. We know, as do a few others who are there, that the man in the middle is not dying for His own crimes, as He has never so much as sinned in any measure, but is a sacrifice for the sins of the world 1Jn 2:2/Jn 1:29. He is so hated for His righteous deeds that even while He suffers, the religious leaders heap insults and blasphemies upon Him Jn 15:25/1Jn 3:12. The enduring desire for acceptance is astounding as we witness the two robbers join in reviling this perfect lamb of God Mt 27:44. The chief priest mock as they look on saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him." Mt 27:42 and one of the thieves gathers just enough breath to add, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” Lk 23:39 And that is when something quite unpredicted occurs… The other robber rebukes his partner in crime.

Look carefully once again at this inspired rebuke; First he says, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?" I confess, I have often wondered, in talking to some who are very near to death's door, where is the fear of God? The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and only God can teach us to number our days right that we may gain wisdom in our hearts Pr 9:10/Ps 90:12. One thief clearly has gained the wisdom of one who sees the reality of death closing in. He understands his sentence is one of condemnation. But notice too, that this criminal believes that the sentence of death is just. Vs.41 "And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds…" Now we have entered on holy ground. The Spirit of God has shown His presence for who can see the sinful condition of their soul apart from the work of the Holy Spirit 2Co 4:4/Jn 16:8? And even beyond having eyes opened to his own sinful condition, he confesses what is happening to him is no injustice. It is, rather, his due reward and not just from fate or government - but this death penalty is direct judgement from God. Now, in this next phrase we are made to understand what the Spirit has used to bring such strong conviction on this poor sinner. "but this man has done nothing wrong.” We deserve it - but this is a perfect man.

The robber saw the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ tested under the most appalling of circumstances. Jesus laid down His life, no one took it from Him - He laid it down of His own accord Jn 10:18. And When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten…1Pe 2:23 And right there, Jesus did what He came to do… He saved a sinner 1Ti 1:15. And he (the robber) said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he (Jesus) said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Lk 23:42–43 Yep, holy ground.

Resurrection Day is near… What do you believe about salvation? What do you believe about yourself and about Jesus? The robber had some pretty good theology concerning salvation. Spend some quiet time in secret with God specifically confessing the truth of who you are or were and who Jesus is. Glorify Him in this. Focusing attention on Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection for you.

And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. Matthew 26:40

You might object to sleep falling into the category of emotions and I am with you. Sleep is not an emotion, but it can be a symptom of emotions as it is in our text. You remember the scene… Jesus and the eleven disciples left the upper room headed for the Mount of Olives - a regular place of prayer for Jesus. And coming to a garden area, He instructed eight disciples to sit down while He took Peter, James, and John with Him a bit further. These three then witnessed Jesus becoming distressed and extremely sorrowful. And He offered this explanation, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” Mt 26:38 So you see, a deep dark depression came upon Jesus as the time of His suffering drew near. And going a little further, Jesus fell on His face and prayed Mt 26:39. We read a couple of short excerpts from His prayer, but these are certainly not His entire prayer because the following verse indicates He was about an hour before returning to check on the three disciples and when He came to them, He found them sleeping. Luke adds an important detail; He found them sleeping for sorrow Lk 22:45. The Master whom they followed so closely was very sorrowful and this caused the disciples to become sorrowful with Him. As a child reflects the emotions of the parent - so the disciples reflect the emotion of their Lord. Both were sorrowful but the response to that sorrow was polar opposite. Jesus took His sorrow to prayer, crying out with loud cries and tears, to him who  was able to save him from death… He 5:7 While Jesus took His sorrow to prayer, the disciples took their sorrow to sleep.

No temptation had overcome the disciples that is not common to man 1Co 10:13. Who doesn’t want to escape sorrow and suffering? And many find escape in sleep… Not from sorrow only, but from a verity of emotions. But what does it mean when emotions overwhelm, and we go to sleep instead of to prayer?

First it means we are setting ourselves up for a fall. You see when you sleep instead of praying, you take God for granted. Don’t believe that? Look at what Jesus said to the disciples when He found them sleeping; "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Mt 26:41 Jesus had no doubt that their intentions were good, but the disciples did not realize just how weak was their flesh. They needed divine help, or they would fall and they just assumed they would have it - without asking. You do not have, because you do not ask. Jas 4:2 When emotions overwhelm, and we sleep instead of pray - you really are setting yourself up for a fall. (see also 1Co 10:12)

Second, when emotions overwhelm and we go to sleep instead of to prayer, it means our habits need to change. Our habits reflect our character. About twenty-five years back, I fell into a pattern of escape. Things were overwhelming and I did not have the character habits to deal with it. Practically every afternoon I would sneak off and sleep. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 11 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. Pr 6:10–11 And that is exactly what happened to me. My life was stolen from me while I slept. You see, no one changes in their sleep - but other things do - like your problems. They keep progressing while you are escaping. The challenge is that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character - so if you are finding ways to escape the suffering, you are never learning endurance and character is never produced Ro 5:3–4 I once heard a very famous pastor say, "sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is sleep." I would add, only under the Lordship of Christ and never in response to overwhelming emotions. The only acceptable productive escape is God Himself, our refuge and ever-present help in trouble Ps 46:1.  

As God prepares you for Resurrection Day, what character habits need to be submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Remember, He knows that your spirit is willing, but He also knows that your flesh is weak, and He has encouraged and invited you to watch with Him and pray. Finish your prayer time focusing your attention on Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection for you.

Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Matthew 26:33

You know the scene. The twelve plus Jesus were in the upper room sharing the sign of the new covenant. It was an intensely intimate time. According to Luke it was there at the Lord's table that Jesus said, "one of you will betray me." The discussion apparently continued on the short hike to the Mount of Olives and along the way Jesus added, “You will all fall away because of me this night." Mt 26:31 That’s when Peter, compelled by pride, made his remarkable declaration; “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”  By the way, we should remember that Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Pr 16:18 It's easy to be critical of Peter's statement since we know that he soon denied even knowing Jesus. But what is the underlying problem with what he said? May I offer three observations that I believe expose the pride in what he said?

First, he did not take heed of Jesus warning. “You will all fall away because of me this night."  Did the one who knows what is in a man need to specify, "that includes you Peter"? So many times when the word of God is preached, read or studied our thoughts are, yes that is how "they" are, or, I sure hope so and so hears this. When we hear the warning of our Lord's voice in scripture we ought to fall to our knees in response saying, "You are right Lord, I need you, help me, strengthen me, restrain me, keep me…" Every believer should feel as though they have two broken legs and only one crutch. In everything, I need Him under the other shoulder, or I cannot do it.

Second, Peter set himself above the others. “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”  That is to say, "others might, but not me!" As if to say, "Don’t you know who I am Lord?" How many times had Jesus addressed this very thing? You remember, A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. Lk 22:24 Wonder who started that? We know for sure that Jesus ended it. "For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” Lk 9:48 Jesus washed their feet, laid down His life, took the abuse of sinful men and died a sinners death for us… He is the least among them - He is the greatest.

Third, Peter used the word "never". "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.”
 
When speaking of things like serving, faithfulness and conquering sin - believers ought to avoid words like "never" and "always". Oh, I would never do that… "Never" like "always" are words overflowing from a heart filled with wicked self-righteous pride. It is a boast of confidence in the flesh. Ph 3:4 I ought to, instead, live in an awareness that I am quite capable of any and every manner of sin. My dependence, therefore, must be entirely in Jesus Christ and His keeping me. "Never" and "always" will not be a reality until in glory I am finally like Him. 2Co 3:18

Amazing, isn't it, how pride is so difficult to detect in oneself? That's because, as with Peter, pride is often masked with religious sounding declarations. How could it be wrong to simply say, I will never fall away? But God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble. Jam 4:6 Pride is simply not allowed in the life of a true believer… God will always root it out - just as He did with Peter… The fall came just as Jesus said it would, and it was painful - but absolutely necessary. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Pr 16:18

As we move toward Resurrection day, seek to get on God's team with your pride so that Jesus Christ may be truly exalted. Ask Him to show you where pride maybe lurking and the moment He exposes it (do not deny it like Peter), put it to death. Confess and repent of it. Think carefully about what Jesus said about the least and greatest. Lk 9:48 and begin focusing your attention on the greatness of Jesus Christ… His death, burial and resurrection for you.

…they were indignant… Matthew 21:15

The religious leaders of Israel had always been set against Jesus, but the day after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He gave them some further motivation. This is the day Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple. There were those who sat at tables and exchanged Roman currency for the required Jewish half-shekel and there were those who sat and sold doves or pigeons - a poor man's sacrifice Ex 30:11-16/Lev 14:22. It had become a lucrative business for everyone involved and there was no shortage of price gouging or taking advantage of the poor. While this conduct will always be repulsive to God, the greater issue was the temple's purpose in comparison with what it had become. Jesus did not go down to the marketplace and drive out the merchants, although He would certainly find plenty of dishonesty on those scales. No, Jesus went to the temple and as He drove out those buyers and sellers, He said, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” Mt 21:13 And once the temple was cleansed of what did not belong there, He invited that which did belong there; the blind and lame came to Him there in the temple, and He healed them. And we are told that when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things He did, they were indignant. Indignant is not a word we hear much in modern English. The Greek word is ἀγανακτέω pronounced ag·an·ak·teh·o. It signifies “feeling a violent irritation, physically”. It’s the same word used for when wine ferments in the pouch and the pressure violently blows the bag apart. Yep, they were pretty upset at Jesus and the cork was about to pop. What can we learn from these religious yet indignant people?

The first thing is this; Jesus did "wonderful" things and they were indignant about it Mt 21:15. Sometimes anger is warranted but it is always wise to get the facts before popping your cork. A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back. Pr 29:11. Perhaps the foolish man’s house fell with a great crash because anger was often lord over his house Mt 7:24.

As believers we ought to be careful to investigate things before we speak or act. Things are often not what they appear. Wonderful acts in God's eyes, may appear to be sinful without all the facts, such as driving people out of the temple. This is especially true when we view things through our own sin corrupted lens. Develop a habit of running to God when you are hurt or bothered by something that seems wrong or even sinful. Is there an old log in your eye that may cause you to see things inaccurately Mt 7:4? The fact that you are offended does not mean that a sin has been committed.

Another lesson we might glean is this; when our priorities do not line up with God's priorities, God may very well come in and clean house. "My house will be called a house of prayer." The temple made of stone by human hands is obsolete and you a born-again believer, are now the temple of the Holy Spirit 2Co 6:16/1Co 6:19. You are His house. You therefore are a house of prayer… but what have you made it? We can become quite indignant when fighting to keep our house for our purposes. Someone will come along and suggest a need for change and oh boy! Here they are doing wonderful things and we are indignant toward them. Man’s anger does not bring God’s righteous results- but prayer can Jam 1:20. Things get to the point of indignation when we continually let the sun go down on our anger without getting it to God Ep 4:26. Few things are as damaging to your prayer life as anger that has become bitterness. Amazing isn't it, if the religious leaders would have used their temple for its intended purpose, they would not have become indignant with Jesus.

As we move toward Resurrection Sunday start intentionally building your house into a house of prayer. Begin with confession of misusing your temple and repent by coming into agreement with God concerning the purpose and priority of His blood bought temple (a house of prayer). Bring any anger that you are aware of to the throne of grace and turn your attention to Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection for you.

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel” John 12:13

The account of celebration surrounding Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is found in all four gospels. What are we to learn from it?

First let us note that emotional hype is contagious. John tells us that crowds from Jerusalem came out to meet Him while Matthew and Mark speak of crowds who followed from Galilee and accumulated as they went. As the crowd increased so did their celebration. Given their quick turnabout by the end of the week, we can safely conclude that many of the people who are now celebrating have no genuine love for Jesus. Crowds and majorities present a challenge to honest human emotions. One woman told me that she didn’t care much for watching football until she went to a Nebraska game at Memorial Stadium. She said the “mood was irresistible”. You see the point? She didn’t love football or even Nebraska football, she loved the atmosphere of the stadium - the excitement. I remember back in the 1990s hearing a pastor preach of his concerns about Promise Keepers events. He articulated well the fact that when thousands of men are yelling, "I love Jesus, yes I do, I love Jesus how about you?", the truth is, you may not know whether you love Him or not until you get home and alone. Jesus was forever thinning out the crowd that followed Him (Jn 6:66/Mt 19:22). He knew many people follow Him for the wrong reasons, including the flurry of emotional excitement. Emotional hype is contagious.

A second lesson is this; since emotional hype is contagious, it is also dangerous. Many people attend church and because it is church, they assume the feeling they get there is the Holy Spirit. While certain ministries of the Holy Spirit may involve feelings, such as conviction of sin, comfort, and empowerment, Scripture does not instruct us to base our relationship with the Holy Spirit on how or what we feel. Every born-again believer has the indwelling Holy Spirit, but a feeling of excitement or celebration is not necessarily the Holy Spirit. Stadiums full of people at football games have exactly the same feeling of excitement that some in church use as a measure the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The question we need to work out with fear and trembling is this; am I genuinely celebrating Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection for my sake, or am I celebrating the feeling of a crowd, good music/preaching and of crowd-excitement? The first is Spirit and the latter is flesh (Phil 2:12/Jn 4:23/Ga 5:17).

As you begin your week of preparation leading to Resurrection Sunday, take some time now to repent of any desires of the flesh, especially those that you have confused with the Holy Spirit. Begin focusing your attention on Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection for you.

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5:16

The Easter week narrative is filled with a wide array of emotions. From the celebration on Palm Sunday to the dismal sorrows of Good Friday to the joy of Resurrection morning - every possible human emotion is represented. Now, emotions are an interesting thing. We have them because we are made in God's image. God is portrayed in His God breathed word as having emotions - feelings. God is said to be delighted, joyful, jealous, compassionate, angry, and much more. And as imitators of God, we should note that God's emotions are always, always under control (Ep 5:1). God's word teaches that the world - that is those who do not know Christ - live entirely in passions and desires (Ep 2:3). This is a kind of slavery to the evil one as people are essentially dragged around by the nose - or by their emotions. But emotions ought to be a gauge not a guide.

The world is in trouble because they have given in to emotions over and over again. The result is greed, sexual immorality, broken families, phobias, paranoias, strife, bitter jealousy, rivalries and even murder. Emotions are God given, but like everything else they have been corrupted by sin's curse and must be brought under the Lordship of Jesus Christ in order to glorify God and benefit His kingdom. And I will tell you the truth… many people claim that Jesus is their Lord until some emotion grabs them and then that emotion is given lordship.  
  
As we count down to Resurrection Day, let's take a ride together on the emotional rollercoaster of those who experienced firsthand the highs and lows of the days leading up to the greatest event in history. And while we are at it, let's take a closer look at how we might better submit our emotions to the one who gave them to us. 
  
As we go through this devotional, my prayer is that we grow in the Lordship of Jesus Christ over our emotions and lives. For today, take some time alone and ask God to prepare your heart to submit to Him. In that quiet place of solitude, slow down… slow down, slow down… humble yourself asking Him to show you, as you go through this devotional, what triggers your damaging emotional responses. Tell Him that you want His will and you do not want to live in your emotions like the rest of the world. Begin focusing your attention on Jesus Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection for you.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us… Jn 1:14
 
These first fourteen verses of John's Gospel make it quite clear that the Word that came from heaven and became flesh to dwell among men, is God Himself; God in flesh. Isaiah said He would come with a sign that proved His divinity. Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Is 7:14). The virgin birth is God's sign that it is He who dwelt among us. How so? Though He was born of a woman, before she had been with anyone, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit (Mt 1:18). So that the child is fully-God and fully-man. God becoming flesh so that He might dwell - that is, make His home - among us. Matthew expressly states that the birth of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Mt 1:23).

Why is that so critically important? Because, as John writes, "No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known." (Jn 1:18). No one has ever seen God - in fact, Jesus clarifies saying, "no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone whom the Son chooses to reveal Him…”  (Mt 11:27). You see, God became flesh and dwelt among men to make Himself known or knowable to men who would know nothing of Him unless He revealed Himself in this way. You may say, "But men had His word - the law and the prophets". Ah, yes, they did, and the majority were greatly confused about its purpose and meaning - completely missing the shadows and types of Christ they portrayed. And so, in wondrous condescension and love, the Word became flesh and dwelt among men. Jesus, God in flesh, descended from heaven, bringing every Word of God to full expression, in view of men through life-giving fulfillment.
 
You see, it is not enough to be religious. It does not make one acceptable to know the law. Performing any number of sacraments, sacrifices and dutiful disciplines will not save one hair of a single soul. (He 10:4/Ps 51:16-17). You must KNOW Him. You must personally know the living God. And He has exhausted every effort so that you may know Him. Jesus is the Word of God become flesh. Let us not allow this Christmas Day to pass without opening His word that we may know Him.

Merry Christmas, dear ones!

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Mt 1:18
 
Long before the first Christmas, God arranged every detail of it. We read in Titus that it was planned and promised before the ages began (Titus 1:2). Way back in Genesis when man fell hopelessly into sin, God promised it again (Ge 3:15). Eight hundred years before the first Christmas, Isaiah shared the striking details (Is 7:14,9:6). And then, in the fullness of time when the first Christmas had almost arrived, God raised up an amazing woman named Mary and an incredible man named Joseph to carry and care for the coming Son of God. God was building the anticipation of His people.
 
When my kids were small, anticipation for Christmas was often at a fevered pitch. And most of the time it wasn’t in a good way. The grandparents got them so much stuff and so did we. It was a sea of toys and shredded wrapping paper on Christmas morning. They were so wound-up about Christmas that it was tough to get them settled down on Christmas Eve. We
would come home from Christmas Eve service and they would be climbing the walls, and the problem was that Mr. and Mrs. Claus still had not just a few presents to wrap. It was crucial to the plan that they go to bed. So, we came up with a compromise to get them settled down a bit. The kids could open one gift on Christmas Eve if they would go to bed afterward. It worked well, even though we were a little sneaky. You see, we made sure the gift they opened was pajamas.
 
Over the years, as we were more conformed to Christ, our preparation for Christmas was radically altered. We intentionally took the focus from presents to Jesus - from getting to giving. One or more years each of our kids took one of their new toys and gave it to kids in need. We prayed with them and helped them decide what to give so that it was sacrificial. Another year we all volunteered at a huge homeless shelter. We spent time teaching them what we were doing and why. At some point we began reading the Christmas story from Luke before we opened presents. We did these things and more leading up to Christmas and God used it to truly modify our family holiday dynamic.
 
If all our preparation or even the bulk of our preparation has to do with lights, decorations, shopping and presents, do we really seek Him first? And what kind of results should we expect? (Don’t be surprised if your kids are selfish.) God prepared well for Christmas and so should we. What changes is God urging you to make in your preparation for Christmas?

Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” Mt 2:17–18
 
In cold hearted selfish jealousy, Herod ordered the killing of all the baby boys in the region of Bethlehem, and he did so because he hoped to kill the newborn king of the Jews - Jesus. Jeremiah supplies a vivid picture of the lamentation (Mt 2:17-18). Here was the most celebrated moment in history, angels bursting through the divide of heaven and earth, announcing the savior's birth, a caravan of Magi arriving gifts fit for a king, lowly shepherds worshiping and evangelizing… It is the overwhelming joy of the first Christmas… And yet with all the joy around them, these families of Bethlehem were weeping, refusing to be comforted from the imposing pain of loss.
 
Christmas is not easy for everyone. You may personally know this reality, or you may need to offer understanding and help to someone who knows this pain all too well (2Co 1:4). I have officiated many funerals in the later weeks of December. A couple of them were for people who had taken their own lives. That’s a lot for a family to live with anytime - but especially around the holidays. There are many kinds of loss that one may have experienced, but they all result in a similar aching sorrow. Every year when the world lights up your world grows darker. While everyone else seems to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year, for you it is the most depressing time of the year. Consider taking some real steps toward finding joy again.
 
First, be honest about your feelings and make a point of bringing them to God. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1Pe 5:6–7). Face it, some of your problem maybe pride. If you just think you can muscle through and lift yourself up - that’s pride. So humble yourself and cast all of your cares and anxieties on God so that He, (when He has done a work of healing in you) may exalt you - that is lift you up.

Second, look to the promises of God in His word. Thoughts become feelings, feelings become attitudes and attitudes become actions (Ro 8). When we dwell only on our sadness and the reason for it, sadness becomes our attitude and sad actions will result. Instead, saturate your mind with God's word. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Ro 8:6). I am not suggesting that you sweep your sadness under the rug. No, no, no. I know it is real. So cast it up on God with all honesty - but do not remain with only that sadness on your mind - cast it and look then to the promises of God.

Third, serve others. It is so easy, when sadness comes upon us, to focus only on ourselves. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Ga 5:13). Get out of your own head and serve. Think about needs in the body of Christ and provide for those needs.  

Dear ones, you are a child of God, filled with the comforter - the Holy Spirit, you have the mind of Christ - able to understand His word for you, and you are a vital member of the Body of Christ. It is not as though you are without help. Be encouraged today.

And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Mt 2:11
 
It is said that the tradition of exchanging gifts at Christmas finds its roots in the story of the Magi who offered their best gifts to the Christ child. It is truly amazing how twisted, and man centered this Christmas tradition has become. The Magi’s giving was centered entirely on Christ. They brought their very best in order to honor and worship this newborn King of kings. Think about that. This little baby is the creator of all things. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Col 1:16). The Magi could only give back what He had already created and given them. The same is true for you and me. Now when you ponder the gifts of the Magi, each was obviously carefully considered, sacrificially given, skillfully crafted and reverently offered. Each of us has been graciously given at least one gift that is to be carefully considered, sacrificially given, skillfully crafted and reverently offered back to Jesus Christ. (1Co 12:4-5).

Let me ask you something; does your heart burn with a passionate desire to bring a worthy gift - sometimes to the point that you cannot contain it? In the well-known Christmas song, “Little Drummer Boy” a child humbly plays his drum for Jesus because it’s the only gift he has to bring. When he finishes drumming, incredibly, Jesus smiles in approval at the boy’s gift. That’s when we see the most remarkable thing. The boy leaves his drum at Jesus’ feet indicating his desire that his gift belong entirely to Jesus and no one else. Now, by God’s most gracious providence, I was alone when I heard that song for the first time this season and I suddenly found myself broken and uncontrollably weeping before the throne of God, begging Him that He might make my preaching a carefully considered, sacrificially given, skillfully crafted - worthy gift - reverently offered back to Him. It is all I have.

What’s your gift? Have you offered it back to God? Would you be so moved at this moment to plead the same fervent prayer concerning your gift?
 
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1Pe 4:10–11

…saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel…” Mt 2:20
 
Some say Joseph raised Jesus as if He was his own. That’s not true. Joseph raised Jesus as if He were the Son of God. Joseph had done his job well. By faith, he had protected the child. When warned of a threat he obediently dropped everything. He was a working man, but all enterprise stopped. Plans for a new household and family life ceased. Play time with baby and romance with a new wife were set aside. All normal life was exchanged for yet another uncomfortable trip; the second in this short betrothal and marriage. This trip was a hurried midnight flight to the strange land of Egypt. But now having waited on God in Egypt for three years, the danger was passed. Wicked lethal Herod who had desired the life of the child was dead. And Joseph had received the "all clear" from God's messenger. “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel…”  It was finally time to go home.
 
There are many components of the Christmas story that have powerful meaningful to me. In this portion of the story, I see Herod's actions and recognize that people will go to all sorts of extremes to get rid of Jesus. Those extremes often divide families. You see, I believe my son is one of those people who would do just about anything to get rid of Jesus. Yes, I have a son whom I love, but he doesn’t talk to us much. Like Joseph, he left quickly and moved to another part of the country. I know, your first question is "why", right? Why is he disconnected from us? My honest answer is, I don’t really know. I didn’t do everything right in raising my son. I was young and in many ways, not obedient to God. When he was ten or twelve, I began following Christ in a more serious manner, and that change proved exceedingly problematic for him. And although I made many mistakes, ultimately my son, like the prodigal, is gone because the rest of his family follows Jesus, and he does not. Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household." (Mt 10:34–36). My son is not my enemy, but I am his. For several years now we have celebrated Christmas minus one. It is terribly painful. Maybe you know the pain yourself. If I had it to do over again, by the grace of God, I would raise my son with all care, discipleship, and protection - as if he were the son of God. I would. As it is, I fast and pray for him - my dear eldest son – hoping God will turn his heart toward home.
 
Regret and separation are hard to live with - but God is working out all things for good. Bring your pain to Jesus. Face the truth of your own responsibility. Seek God’s power to change things if you still can. Repent and cry out to God for the minus-ones in your life.

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Lk 2:15
 
This thing which the Lord had made know to them was exactly this; "unto you a savior has been born who is Christ the Lord". It was enough to cause them to go in a new way.
 
When our kids were small we lived in the furthest Southwest corner of Kansas. Christmas time meant epic trips to grandma’s house in what was to my memory, always awful winter weather. Over the river and through the woods to Grandmothers house we go… Only the woods were bare branches holding on against the winter winds and the rivers were rock solid sheets of gray ice. I recall one trip where it seemed we had to stop every couple of miles to break the ice loose from the wipers and let the defroster catch up. The eight hours of driving was challenging but honestly, it was nothing compared to the challenge when we got there.
 
I don’t need to tell you that family can be difficult to say the least. Someone is always upset about something, and everyone has something to prove, and no one acknowledges any of it. The name of the game is tension… Family fun. For years I honestly thought everyone else was crazy and I was the only sane one. That is classic unregenerate thinking (1Jn 1:8).  
 
This year you can go to family in a new way, if like the shepherds, you will be motivated to do so by Jesus Christ:
First, go as an ambassador of Christ. Do not go promoting yourself, instead, go promoting Christ. Paul says, God has entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us (2Co 5:19-20). Far too often we put family above Christ, and more often than not, that means putting ourselves above Christ. Go as an ambassador - refuse self-promotion.

Second, go as a servant of Christ. Do not go expecting to be served, rather go expecting to wash feet. (Even the feet of Judas). "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mk 10:45). This requires humbling yourself under the mighty hand of God that in due time He may lift you up (1Pe 5:6). Entitlement is the enemy of sweet fellowship. Go as a servant - humble yourself.

Third and finally, go in peace. Get the peace of God in your heart before going to family. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts (Col 3:15). Do not go to a gathering, expecting to grab the peace of Christ in a moment of distress or tension. Rather, knowing your sinful heart tendencies and Satan's schemes, get alone with God before you go and stay in your prayer closet until His peace is large and in charge within you. And pay attention to that word "let". Let the peace of Christ rule… You have a million things to think about - but only one is truly important. "Unto you a savior has been born who is Christ the Lord". He was enough to cause the shepherds to go in a new way and He is more than enough for you and me.

Dear friends, I challenge you to keep these three principles handy throughout the holiday and beyond.

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. Lk 2:16
 
God didn’t have to, but He chose to bring the Lord Jesus into the world by way of a family. Family is a central component in God's plan. From be fruitful and multiply to blessing every family on earth through the coming Christ to His expression of Himself, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; God emphasizes family. And it is no wonder then that God has used family to teach and discipline me more than anything else. Whether that is your own family or your own church family- I believe it to be universally true for every true Christian; God uses family to teach and discipline His children. I know this in part through experience. You see, long about Thanksgiving time a Pastor’s phone begins lighting up as his people experience the strains that the holidays place upon families and relationships. It is easy to feel like everything is alright as long as you keep your distance. But spend a few hours together and those old wounds have a way of bleeding through our holiday attire. And that is precisely why we must keep in mind that it is not Uncle Joe being an idiot or what's her name at the end of the pew being annoying as much as it is God using family for one of it’s chief intended purposes. What's that you ask? Sanctification. You can bet that Mary and Joseph, as Godly and obedient as they were, had never been sanctified like they were as a family. The family unit no matter how large or how small is the church in miniature. One body with many members, all of them different and unique and what one does affects the others - either in a positive or negative way (1Co 12:14-18). We are part of the body of Christ - created and designed to be in fellowship with one another. And that fellowship is divinely conceived to (sometimes aggressively) shape us into the image of Christ. That’s why people who claim to be Christians but refuse to have a church home are always nuts and those who do have a church home but remain on the fringes are always selfish underdeveloped children.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 1Jn 1:7

Walking in the light means not saying you have no sin or did not sin, but instead stepping into the fellowship that tends to bring out that sin. Then you will be able to call it what it is (often aloud as you humbly admit that you blew it) knowing that this is a work of God, and you are secure because the precious blood of Jesus cleanses you from all sin.
 
In this year's Christmas devotional, I hope to show you how God, through the scriptures, has ministered to me in some of my family joys and heartaches. Walk with me through the various aspects of Christmas and family and let's look to Christ together learning how to think about these challenging issues. Take some time now to pray for God the Holy Spirit's help to make the most of His word to you through this little booklet.

I was researching Easter traditions for accuracy in writing these devotions and I ran across an article entitled "Top Ten Easter Traditions in America You Need to Try". All of the traditions I have used in this devotional booklet were on the list… no surprises there. Then I saw number ten and I knew it had to go into this little booklet. What was number ten among the top Easter traditions in America that You Need to Try? "Going to Church". Believe it or not… it really was. Have we gotten that far from the roots of Easter, that Church is a tradition to "try out" for Easter? Maybe it’s a bit more than that… See what you think.

Here is Mark’s account:
And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here." (Mk 16:2–6)

Here is how Luke begins his record of the resurrection:
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb… (Lk 24:1)

And here is Matthew’s:
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. (Mt 28:1)

And then John’s account:
Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb… (Jn 20:1)
All four Gospel accounts have people going to the tomb and finding it empty and all make absolutely certain to give us the time stamp; "the first day of the week." That's Sunday in case you didn’t know (because of our work week we might think of Monday as the first day of the week). Now it's unusual enough to have all four Gospels containing that time stamp - especially John who has unique material around ninety percent of the time. This along with the fact that the rest of the Biblical record going forward shows the church changing its primary meeting day from Saturday to Sunday, gives us a clear picture of what our Sunday gatherings are. (Ac 20:7)

Sunday, as John puts it, is the Lord's Day (Re 1:10). When we meet each Sunday, it is always a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Always. Every time.

Our worship here on earth mirrors the worship in heaven - where all are gathered around the throne singing:
“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Re 5:9–10)

Christ died for our sin - we are a blood bought ransomed people for God - for God.
He has made us a kingdom and priests to our God… Therefore, we gather to worship the Lamb of God - not only on Easter- but every Lord’s Day.

Are you prepared to worship the risen Christ today?
 
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Co 15:54-57)

Hot cross buns is more than just a tune you have to learn as a kid. In the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, India, Pakistan, Malta and the United States, hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday and sometimes Easter. Hot cross buns are a heavy sweet citrus bread marked with a sugar or flour cross piped on the top. One Irish tradition says that if you bake your hot cross buns on Good Friday, they won’t get moldy during the following year. Another tradition states that a hot cross bun was always kept from the batch baked on Good Friday, in case anyone in the family became ill during the next year. A small piece of the bun would be broken off to feed the patient. These buns were believed to be able to cure all ills, including the most dreadful diseases. Hummm… Interesting how religion without relationship, without fail, exchanges faith in symbols for the real thing.

      But he was pierced for our transgressions;
      he was crushed for our iniquities; 
      upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, 
      and with his wounds we are healed. Is 53:5

I am sure that hot cross buns are good and all that, but it is Jesus alone who heals. He was pierced - crucified and died for our transgressions (sins by which we have broken God's law). He was completely crushed - referring to the weight of sin put upon His shoulders on the cross (1Pt 2:24). Every sin ever committed by the elect, past, present and future all on Christ at that one time. He was crushed for our iniquities (moral and grossly dirty sins against a Holy God). Upon Him was put the chastisement - the wrath of God for all that sin. We were enemies of God and that wrath that Jesus took for us, brought us peace with God (Ro 5:1). And by His wounds - all of the beatings, abuse and crucifixion - brought about our healing. We were sin-sick. Terminally ill from the effects of sin and by His wounds we are healed - pronounced cured, clean and given life (Ep 2:5).
 
Dwell now, for a few moments on the healing work of Christ in and on your life. What are some specific things (transgressions and iniquities) from which you have been healed by His wounds?

The earliest evidence of a modern Easter Bunny tradition dates back to the 1600s, when it's first mentioned in German writings. This rabbit, called "Oschter Haws," or Easter hare, was believed to lay colorful eggs for children who were well-behaved. That is bazar - a rabbit that lays eggs. Anyhow, the children made nests in which this odd creature could lay its colored eggs. Eventually, the custom spread from Europe to Eastern American shorelines and then across the U.S. But how on earth did this tradition come to be? Well, it’s the collision of two traditions.; the Easter Egg and the Easter Bunny. As we’ve seen, eggs represent new life, and the Easter Hare brings the eggs. So here you go, the Easter Hare was born out of the need for parents to illustrate God the Father giving His Son. Yep, really.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jn 3:16 Let's remember that the chapter opens with Jesus explaining to a Pharisee that in order to see the Kingdom of God one must be born again. And the verse just prior to the famous John 3:16 speaks to the necessity of the Son being lifted up (crucified). The world was perishing in sin and darkness (the inability to see our sin and need for salvation 2Co 4:4/1Jn 1:10). If it were not for the fact that God loved us first (1Jn 4:19) we would hopelessly perish for ALL have sinned and fallen short (Ro 3:23). But because of the love with which He loved us, He gave His only Son, as a propitiation (atonement - full payment) to be lifted up for our sins (Ro 3:25/1Jn 2:2). He did this so that whoever believes in what He has done for us - whoever believes in Him - should not perish, but instead be given life now and forever. Born again to live with and worship our resurrected Lord.

Take some time to reflect on this incredible gift of God. Let your gratitude be stirred as you dwell on what God through Christ has done for you. Pour out your gratitude in prayer and praise.

Easter Eggs are a huge tradition this time of year. Everything from real dyed eggs to Cadbury eggs to those awesome terribly addictive Star-Burst jellybean eggs - line the shelves of our stores. Decorating eggs for Easter is a tradition that dates to at least the 13th century. Between Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions, no one seems to be able to decide what symbolism the egg holds, but it looks like a no-brainer to me. You have a living thing closed in a hard shell that appears lifeless. In time though, the life inside bursts out of the shell for all to see. Sound familiar?

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “ Lk 24:1–5
They went to the tomb expecting to find Jesus' lifeless body. Yep, they were sure He was dead, so much so that they were prepared to embalm Him. Upon arrival, they found the huge stone rolled away from the tomb, so they went in to see what was going on, but there was no body to be found. They have no idea what to think - perplexed is the word used here. Just then, a couple of angels appear next to them and they have a message: "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but
 
has risen. Lk 24:5-6 I love it… "Why do you seek the living among the dead?" Tombs are for dead people and so Jesus is NOT here! Don’t you remember what He said (over and over and over again) to you? "Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words… Lk 24:6-8 There is the Gospel - the power of God for salvation. Ro 1:16 Christ died for sins and was raised. They had come to the tomb looking to honor a good dead man - but NOW they remembered His words- He said this would happen… He is not a good dead man but a great living God… He is alive!
Take a moment now to worship the living Christ.