Author: William Douthwaite

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

Let’s eat

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 5, 2022. Photo by Davey Gravy on Unsplash.

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover” (Luke 22:8).

So there is all this stuff going on. Judas is in cahoots with the chief priests and scribes. These religious leaders are trying to kill Jesus. Judas, a disciple, is trying to find a nice, out of the way place where he can hand Jesus over to them.

And Jesus basically says, “Guys, it’s your turn to make supper.” Let’s eat.

Well, OK, it’s not just any meal. It’s the Passover. A lamb. Unleavened bread. Wine. Stories of salvation. Songs of praise. Prayers of thanksgiving. It’s a meal that the Hebrews, the nation of Israel and the Jewish people had gathered to eat on this particular day for over a thousand years. This festival was commanded by God. The meal reminded them of who he was, who they were, and all he had done for them.

How many have prayed, “Come Lord Jesus, be our guest” before a meal? In other words, “We’d love to have you over for supper, Jesus! No, you don’t have to bring anything. You’ll be our guest.” Whether we’re serving leftover soup or a new dish we’ve always wanted to try, what a privilege to sit down and have a meal with Jesus. How much more special when it’s a holiday, like a birthday or an anniversary or a Memorial Day barbecue.

Jesus knows what’s going on in the shadows. He know about the plot. He knows who the betrayer is. He knows who the denier is. He knows how much tomorrow will hurt. Peter and John know none of this. To them, it’s just another Passover.

We can see ourselves in these disciples because we go about our everyday lives without knowing all that’s going on in the shadows. We don’t know what tomorrow will be like. We don’t know who we’ll meet. We don’t know what will break. We don’t know how we might stumble and sin. We don’t know who will die. We prepare our meals, say thanks with our families, talk about the day, and anticipate the possibility of dessert.

There is so much going on in this world that we know nothing about. I’m thankful for that, because what I am aware of can be overwhelming sometimes. It’s good to know that I don’t have to worry about everything all the time. I can sit down to a meal, invite Jesus in, and enjoy the company of family or friends. He knows what’s going on, and He’s taking care of it. He’s taking care of me.

Thank you, Lord, for being there at all the meals that sustain both my body and my soul.

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

What was I thinking?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 3, 2022. Photo by Francesco De Tommaso on Unsplash

“Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the twelve” (Luke 22:3).

Many have wondered, “Why did Judas do it? Why did he agree to betray Jesus for money?” Here’s a reason: Satan got into his head. And here’s a question: could that ever happen to me?

Peter wrote that our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a lion, just looking for someone to devour. That old dragon, the loser of the battle in heaven wages war against the church. Scripture makes it sound like a real possibility.

So let’s think about this for a moment. How might Satan enter our lives? How would Satan get into our heads?

It’s not hard to justify our actions by claiming, “No one will know.” Or, “No one will get hurt.” And even, “Plenty of other people have done it.” All the way to, “Is it really so wrong?” None of those questions come from the Spirit of God. They must come from someone else. Guess who?

Satan gets into our heads the say way he always has. Lies. He’s the father of lies. Every lie originates with him. Every thought that something bad might just be good is an echo of the first temptation in the garden. If the fruit will make you a better person, how bad could it be to eat some?

What was going through Judas’ mind? Make a quick buck? Force Jesus to be a real Messiah? Teach those chief priests and teachers of the law a lesson they’d never forget? Jesus handled demons and storms. This should be a piece of cake.

I look at Judas and I can see myself. A couple of extra bucks under the table is no big deal. Jesus has bigger fish to fry in this fallen world. No one will now. No one gets hurt. How bad can it be?

Jesus did not come to this world because it’s not so bad. It’s bad. Real bad. All those things we think are no big deal are what nailed him to the cross. After they flogged him. Spit on him. Mocked him. Stripped him. And then buried him.

When that scene gets in your mind, you realize you’ve been had. Fooled. Deceived. Scammed.

You know, after the fact, you might wonder, “What was I thinking?” Yeah, guess who got into your head?

Lord, I think I’m one of those suckers born every minute. I don’t know what I was thinking. Thanks for coming to rescue me. Amen.

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

Fear

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 3, 2022. Photo by The Kaleidoscope on Pixabay.

“They feared the people” (Luke 22:2).

Why did the chief priests and teachers of the law fear the people?

Jesus was popular. When he entered a town, throngs gathered to be healed. When he set out in a boat, they ran ahead to meet him when he stepped ashore. When he taught in the temple, people hung on his words. When he rode into Jerusalem, the crowds hailed him as their next king.

They couldn’t compete. Jesus had them in the palm of his hand. If they didn’t stop him, everyone would follow him, the Romans would step in, and they would lose everything (John 11:48).

Do we know what it’s like to “fear the people?” Do we ever. If they knew what I thought, they’d never talk to me again. If they knew what I did, they’d kick me out. If they knew how I voted, they would be all over me. I’d be so embarrassed if they knew how many times I’d failed. Wow. We sure are afraid of they.

What if they don’t like me? What if they don’t think I have enough experience? What if they think I’m too old? What if I can’t do it? Yeah, we’re afraid of “what if,” too.

Jesus never feared the crowds. He wasn’t afraid when people tried to push him off a cliff. Or when everyone picked up stones to throw at him. Or when a mob showed up to arrest him. Or when the crowd yelled, “Crucify him!” Now those are some crowds to be afraid of!

Jesus didn’t fear the crowds. He loved them. He had compassion. He healed them. He taught them. He fed them. He saved them.

Here’s some good news. The Lord knows what you’re thinking. He knows what you’ve done. He knows how many times you failed. He knows how you voted (even though he probably doesn’t care). He knows. And it doesn’t change a thing. He still wants to be with you, teach you, and take care of you. He loves you.

Sure, we know what it’s like to be in their shoes and be afraid of people. Yet isn’t it amazing that the love of just one – Jesus – outweighs those crowds of people who stir up so much fear? That’s right, “His perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).

When I’m afraid, Lord, remind me of your steadfast love that endures forever. Amen.

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

Rules are rules

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 2, 2022.

“The chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death” (Luke 22:2).

On the one hand, I easily relate to the chief priests and the scribes. I’m a full-time church worker. I work where people worship. I study and teach the scriptures. It is my vocation. My job. My career. I do it just about every day.

On the other hand, I’ve never conspired to kill someone. So if I’m going to step into their shoes, I need to understand why they were so upset.

It’s all about the Sabbath. The Pharisees are quick to point out that the disciples aren’t supposed to grab grain to eat on the Sabbath (Luke 6:2). In response, Jesus deliberately heals a man with a shriveled hand in the synagogue on a Sabbath (Luke 6:9-10). They were livid. They began to talk about what to do to him.

Everyone knew the rules. You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death (Exodus 31:14). When a man is caught gathering firewood on the Sabbath, God commands that the assembly stone him to death (Numbers 15:32-36). Actions have consequences.

Now I get it. I’m a rules kind of guy. What I mean by that is that I usually toe the line because I’m afraid of getting into trouble. Or worse. When someone once suggested that we run an extension cord under an area rug to conceal it, I reacted, “No! Don’t ever do that!” I remember fire prevention coloring books from elementary school warning me to never, ever do that. I never have. Then I saw a guy using a concrete saw with no eye, ear or nose protection. I cringed. How can you do that? Everyone knows you shouldn’t do that.

OK, so here’s what I think is going on. A focus on the rules distracts you from the person.

The chief priests and teachers of the law work tirelessly to help people stay close to the Lord. But what about when the Lord wants to get close to you? Then it’s not about the rules. It’s about him.

Yes, my actions have consequences. That’s why Jesus came. He came to suffer and die for my sin, for my disobedience, and yes, for my disregard for the rules.

That’s why there’s a Sabbath. That’s why we set aside our work. We create a space on our calendars and to-do lists to gather with the church, listen, pray, eat and drink and experience his closeness. In a world where God can seem very far away, he reminds us to carve our a little space to know him as Immanuel, that is, “God with us.”

Thank you, Lord, for being around. Don’t let me get so wrapped up in the rules that I miss your presence, your power and your peace. Amen.

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

The Mirror of the Passion

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Photo by Alex Motoc on Unsplash

I stumbled a theme for this year’s Lent devotions in this tweet:

“Hard to believe Judas would betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, unlike the rest of us who would do it for free.”

If we’re honest, we can see ourselves in many of the people in the cast of the passion of our Lord. From Judas to Peter to a crowd demanding Barabbas be freed, it’s like looking in a mirror. I can see myself, or at least a part of myself, in all of them. So this year I’ll look in the mirror of the passion, step into their shoes and meditate on the rejection, suffering and death of Jesus.

The incarnation of Jesus means he interacted with people just like us. Moms and dads raising families, people going to work, soldiers keeping the peace, vendors with booths in the marketplace, scribes studying the law, and priests serving at the temple all encountered Jesus. Some watched him from a distance. Others slapped him. A few questioned him. A handful asked for his help. Demons shrieked in his presence. Many were healed.

We casually claim, “God knows everything.” He’s omniscient. We forget that part of that knowing is experiential. He was here. He saw, heard and felt what we do. He knows what it feels like to be frustrated, exhausted, incredulous, attacked, and humiliated. He also knows what it’s like to celebrate, enjoy good food, spend time with friends, and hold a child in his arms. Yes, he knows.

And he knows me. He made me. He knows the number of my days and the number of hairs on my head. I’m not just a number; he knows my name. He knows the desire of my heart. He knows what I can do well and what I’ll never be able to do. He knows my sin.

As I see a reflection of myself in the people of the passion in Luke’s gospel, I’ll not doubt learn more about myself, both good and bad. But I’ll learn more about my relationship with Jesus, too. Thanks in advance for walking in their shoes with me.

Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

The end of the road?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for December 24, 2021. Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19,20)

So we are at the end of our Advent journey, the road to Bethlehem. Are you glad? Are you relieved? Are you sad that it’s over? Were you surprised or disappointed this time around?

In a way, for Jesus, his arrival in Bethlehem was just the beginning. Now, he would set out on another road, the road to Jerusalem. It would take him about thirty-three years. This next journey will end at a place called Calvary, just outside Jerusalem, where Jesus would die on a cross.

I guess you could say that our annual arrival at Bethlehem and the celebration of Christ’s birth is the beginning of a new journey for us, too. We don’t know how long our journey will last or where the road will take us. But in time we will arrive at the moment of our death. We will breathe our last, and go to be with the Lord. Our bodies will be laid to rest to await the resurrection.

Hopefully this Advent journey along the road to Bethlehem has reawakened in us a desire to make the most of our travel time. We will meet many faithful people along the way, who will challenge our faith. We will meet some who have heard of the Christ. Maybe they will join us on our journey. We will get lost at times, and our Shepherd will find us and return us to the right path. We will take a turn here or there in pursuit of something we think will make us happy. Disappointed, we’ll come back for forgiveness and get back on track. We’ll get tired, but Jesus will remind us to rest. He’ll feed us, lead us to still waters to drink, and renew our strength.

Writing devotions like this is just like all of the above. It’s a long haul. Not as long as Lent, but a race run through a very busy time of the year. There are temptations to quit. After all, who reads this drivel? There are many other things to do, worthy of my time and energy.

But the journey is good for me. It makes me stop and think about prophecies, people and places. I thought I knew the road to Bethlehem very well, but I always learn something new. And I remember that some have never taken this route before. Maybe I can bring a few more along with me.

If you’ve read even one of these devotions, I thank you. I’m grateful you came along for the ride. You’ve encouraged me to keep going, not give up, stay on track, and ponder the amazing grace found along the road to Bethlehem.

Thank you, Lord, for this Advent journey. Keep me on the right track, eyes fixed on you, the author and perfecter of my faith. Amen.

Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

The people you meet

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for December 23, 2021. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

“Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28)

Those are the words of the angel Gabriel when he appeared to Mary in Nazareth. Little did she know that she would soon be on the road to Bethlehem. This encounter made me think about some of the interesting people we meet on the road to Bethlehem.

This Advent season has been a busy time in our community and for the church. So many houses are being built, so many have recently moved to our area and I have met so many new people in worship. Add to that those who are on vacation and family who come to visit and I get to meet someone new every time we open our doors as well as each time I take our dog for a longer walk.

I got to meet a lot of my granddaughter’s classmates at a recent birthday party. I met some friends and relatives at a member’s recent funeral. I got to know the workers who were shingling our roof and coating our driveway. A new dentist checked out my teeth and a few random residents said hi at a recent visit to a memory care place. As the month of December propels me towards Christmas, I’ve encountered a lot of people along the way.

Who have you run into? Your short list might include delivery drivers, store workers, baristas, food servers, new neighbors, dog groomers, doctors and nurses, a newborn child, a substitute teacher, a future in-law, or a sheriff’s deputy. I’m always amazed and blessed when I pause to recall all the people I talk to in a day. Some I talk to every day. Some I meet for the first time. I’ve learned to appreciate each encounter.

The people we encounter on the biblical road to Bethlehem are familiar to us. Angels, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and Jesus meet us along the road each Advent. But we can always learn something new about them and from them. Each encounter is a blessing and a gift from God, whether in the pages of scripture or in daily life.

I hope you’ll take a moment to think about that today. Who did you meet, talk to, hear from, or learn from? Who did you help, teach, or listen to? We’ll be in Bethlehem in just a few days. I’m sure you road will be crowded. Enjoy!

Thank you, Lord, for all the people I meet on the road to Bethlehem. Help me slow down just a little to get to know them, learn from them, and celebrate with them. Amen.

Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

A tiny road

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for December 22, 2021. Photo by Thomas Grillmair on Unsplash

Each year I bring several totes full of nativities down from the attic. We display these miniature models of the Christmas story all over our home every December, tiny people on the road to a tiny Bethlehem.

We love our nativities. They come from different cultures, are made from different media and are all uniquely designed. Some are toys for the grandkids to play with and reenact the birth of Jesus. Christmas villages and model railroads are part of the season as well, but it wouldn’t seem like Christmas without a little holy family, shepherds and sheep, angels and wise men on display in our house.

Is this how God sees our world? Lots of tiny people riding on tiny trains and living in tiny homes with tiny pets? Tiny shepherds come to a tiny manger to see a tiny baby who has just been born. Tiny camels and tiny wise men arrive with tiny gifts for the tiny king.

But that tiny baby is God, who is now a part of this tiny world. He’s surrounded by grown ups who tend big sheep and bring big gifts. He’s the little one in a big, big world.

How do you view God? Is he big and powerful, or tiny and helpless? On the one hand, as Solomon said, you can’t built a big enough temple or church to contain him. Yet, he fits inside a mother and a manger. He’s small enough to have over for supper. And he’s big enough be in the highest, lowest and farthest places we could ever go. All that makes God just the right size. Big enough to handle our problems with ease. Small enough for us to eat and drink and receive his gifts of grace. Big enough that we can find refuge in the shadow of his wings. Small enough that we can fit in our hearts.

Very few things are the right size. Too much food at the restaurant. Not enough memory in your phone for all your pictures. Pants too short for a rapidly growing child. Suitcase too big for an overhead bin. One size might fit all, but not your head.

But as Paul reminds us, God’s grace is sufficient, that is, just the right size for us.

Thank Lord, for fitting into my world and for making a place for me in yours. Amen.

Posted in 2021 Advent devotions

Hurry up

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“The Road to Bethlehem” Advent devotion for December 21, 2021. Photo by Andy Beales on Unsplash

[The shepherds] went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. (Luke 2:16)

I find it interesting that the shepherds hurried down the road to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ child. I wonder what “haste” looked like in first century Israel. A quick walk? A run? I don’t imagine shepherds having any other forms of transportation.

For us, fast is never fast enough. We covet faster internet, faster delivery of purchases, faster acting medications and immediate responses to our texts. We look for the fastest moving check-out line at the grocery store. We check a map app to find the fastest route to our destination. And why is our food taking so long?

One of the hardest things to get used to on mission trips to other countries was the seeming absence of time. I’m used to doing pretty much everything by the clock. From waking up to starting a class to keeping appointment, I’ve got to be on time. In other cultures, though, time just doesn’t matter that much. Your departure time is whenever you happen to leave. Lunch is whenever the food is ready. A meeting begins when everyone has shown up. The clinic closes when the last patient is seen. People are always more important than the clock.

Perhaps “with haste” doesn’t mean a sprint to the manger. Maybe it’s more like, “Let’s go right now.” What are we waiting for? Let’s make this trip a priority. Someone has come that we need to see.

At the very end of the bible, Jesus said, “I am coming soon.” Two thousand years later, we realize his idea of soon isn’t ours. Soon for us means a few minutes, not a few millenia. But he didn’t say, “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” We’re still learning what “soon” means in the context of eternity.

When we’re children, it seems to take forever for Christmas to arrive. And the overnight minutes before Christmas morning crawl by. For parents, though, it comes too quickly, and there’s barely enough time to get everything done. After three days visiting my dad in assisted living, he always said, “Do you have to go already?” I felt like I had been there three months.

Never put off the ones you love. Call them or visit them now. You don’t know how much longer they’ll be around. Do it with haste. And then savor every moment as if it were an hour. One day you’ll wish you had more time.

Come soon (with haste), Lord Jesus. But in the meantime, help me savor the wait. Amen.