Tag: Lent

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

Sifted

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 10, 2022. Photo by Irena Carpaccio on Unsplash

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32)

The biblical way of sifting wheat was to beat it, loosening the outer hull from the edible grain. It sounds like Jesus is saying that Satan wants to knock Simon around a little bit, much like he beat up on Job. Jesus doesn’t do anything to prevent this. He just says, “I’ll pray for you, Simon. I’ll pray that your faith holds out. But don’t worry, when you do fail, you’ll have a great ministry.

Gee, thanks Jesus. I thought you were on my side. I can get all kinds of people to pray for me. I was hoping a little more from you. If Satan is after me, I could use protection, like the shield of faith. Or a refuge where I can be safe. Or your word that commands the demons and makes them obey. Or that sword thing that comes out of your mouth in Revelation. How about this: I pray and you deliver me from evil? You be the lion tamer!

I don’t like what I see in this mirror. I don’t like seeing myself with a target on my back. Having lost the war in heaven, the devil is out to get the faithful (Revelation 12:17). Anyone who confesses that Jesus is Lord can expect sifting.

Scripture is filled with the failures of the sifted faithful. Moses hit the rock. Samson got a hair cut. Saul made up his own rules. David pointed his binoculars the wrong way. Solomon got carried away with wives. Jeremiah hated his job description. Habakkuk was fed up with divine apathy.

We’ve each got our own chapter of failed faith to add to the history of the church. Grief, anger, discouragement, frustration, fear have beaten the husks of false security from our lives leaving us with…Jesus. The one who intercedes for us at the right hand of God now uses us to encourage our brothers and sisters. Satan may attack everything we hold dear and take for granted, but he can never separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus.

Thanks for your prayers, Jesus. This hurts a lot more than I thought it would. Amen.

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

The greatest

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 9, 2022. Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.” (Luke 22:24)

This one’s a cinch. It is easy to see myself in this mirror, right there among the disciples who got into a discussion about who was the greatest. They had done this before. They had this argument right after Jesus’ transfiguration. Right after his brief moment of glory. And they still didn’t get it.

Neither do we. Ours is a world of comparisons, and we constantly jockey for position. Who’s happier? Who’s prettier? Who’s got more money? Who has more fun? Who’s got a bigger church? Who makes better food? Who’s smarter? Who’s kids are smarter? Who’s in better shape?

Which disciple was the greatest? The first one Jesus called? The one he handed the bread to first? The ones sitting closest to him? The ones who gave up their businesses to follow him? The strongest one? The ones with the loudest voices?

That’s our world. Everything is a competition. “I was first.” “I won.” “Shotgun!” “I beat you.” “You lose!” Employee of the month. MVP. “Mom always liked you more.” “I’m taller than you.”

Why is that? Why is it so important to be the best? That’s who gets the prize. You’ve got to place in the top three or you get nothing (except maybe an honorable mention certificate). If you can’t make it to the podium, you could have just stayed home.

When one of my daughters did competitive cheerleading, the coaches had a strategy for making sure the team brought home a first place trophy. They would enter the team into a division that no one else was in. Something like “Small Coed Novice under-12 over-11.” Guess what? They always finished first. They got to hang up another championship banner at the gym.

Jesus has to straighten out the disciples and us. True, in the non-believing world you’ve got to come out on top. But that’s not the way we do it around here. The one who serves is the greatest. That’s exactly what Jesus has done for them. He has just served them a Passover meal. Like a server at a restaurant. The path to the top means becoming the least. Just like Jesus, who humbled himself and became everybody’s servant and everybody’s savior.

I don’t have to be the greatest. Jesus doesn’t love me because I’m the best. He just loves me.

You’re the greatest Jesus. Amen.

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

He knows

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 8, 2022. Photo by Zach Reiner on Unsplash

[Jesus said,] “But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!” And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this. (Luke 22:21-23)

This is a chilling moment. The betrayer is in the room. He is at the table with them. It is one of the twelve. Who is it? Who could do such a thing?

The room explodes with questions. “Where were you last night?” “Who was that I saw you talking to yesterday?” “That’s a pretty nice robe. Where did you get the money for that?” “Why are you looking at me? I didn’t do it!” “Look at Thaddeus. Yeah, he’s sweating. I’ll bet it’s him.” “Oh, yeah? Come over here and say that!”

When Jesus told his disciples he was going to be rejected, killed, and raised, they were shocked. They couldn’t wrap their minds around his words. They didn’t even know what questions to ask. And now one of them was involved in the plot? This really shook them up.

Who can you trust? It’s estimated that over half of all murders are committed by someone who knew the victim. A quarter are killed by a family member. Think about that the next time you attend a family gathering.

How well do you really know the folks you go to church with? We do background checks for everyone who works with children and youth. But what about everyone else? Think about that the next time you attend choir practice or take a big scoop of the green jello salad at the potluck or go out to lunch with that friendly couple you met at worship today.

Yes, think about that the next time you kneel for communion. Look up and down the rail. You’re looking at those for whose sins Jesus died. Do you have any idea what they have done?

They are looking back at you. You were in on it. Jesus is the blameless one. He was nailed to the cross because of your sin. They don’t know what you did, but it must have been bad.

And yet, there we all are at the table. Jesus knows. He knows what you’ve done. He wants you to know that he knows. He wants to make sure you never underestimate how much it hurt when they crucified him in your place. He wants to be sure you never underestimate how much he loves you.

Lord, you know. I know you know. How could you still love me so much?

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

For you

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” for March 7, 2022. Photo by Kostiantyn Li on Unsplash

“[Jesus] 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.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:19-20)

Someone returns from shopping, hands you a bag and says, “I got something for you.” Or they look at the name on the gift under the Christmas tree and say, “This one’s for you.” After paying for a meal, you hand a little extra cash to the server and say, “This is for you.”

There is something about the words “for you” that gets me every time. My heart skips a beat. I blush, just a little. “For me? What is it? Oh, wow, thank you. Hey, look what I got!” Other times I feel guilty. “You didn’t have to get me anything. I didn’t get anything for you.”

We look into this mirror a lot. We hear these words every time we kneel for holy communion.

This is for you – even if you’re a traitor, a coward, a thief, doubtful, or a deserter. (Like the disciples)

This is for you – when you worked hard, did a great job, and feel really good about yourself. (We all have good days.)

This is for you – even if you broke your promise, were caught red-handed, and then lied about it. Again. (We all have days like that, too.)

This is for you – even if you don’t know who you’ve disappointed, ignored, or hurt. (We can be oblivious.)

This is for you – even if you’re feeling disappointed, ignored, and hurt. (We know how it feels.)

This is for you – even though it didn’t make a bit of difference last time.

This is for you – even if it changed everything last time.

The words “for you” bring God’s amazing grace home to us. Grace means no conditions. No strings attached. Expecting nothing in return. Jesus’ body was broken for us. His blood was poured out for us. While we were sinners.

Listen for those words. Let the “for you” of the sacrament shock, surprise, and reassure you each and every time.

Lord, you shouldn’t have. But I am so glad you did it all for me. Amen.

Posted in 2022 Lent Devotions

Reclining with Jesus

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Mirror of the Passion” Lent devotion for March 6, 2022. Photo by Will Porada on Unsplash

“And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.” (Luke 22:14)

Doesn’t that sound nice? Just sit back, relax, and in good middle eastern fashion, actually lie down around a table of good food with Jesus. Propped up on one elbow, you run a piece of bread through some hummus or grab some ripe olives. As you refill your wine glass, smiles and laughter fill the room as Jesus tells stories about farmers or fields or fish.

Is that how you picture an evening meal with Jesus? Or do you think it would be much more somber, serious and intense? Would you joke and kid around with Jesus? Or would you be very proper and polite? Would you eat as you usually do? Or would you take a few extra vegetables so he would think you ate healthy? Paper plates or nice dishes? Would you let your dog sit there and watch him eat, waiting for something to hit the floor? Would you tell your kids to sit up straight?

I find it hard to picture myself at a table with Jesus in my home, at a restaurant or at a banquet. It helps to think of Jesus at Levi’s house, with a big group of other tax collectors (Luke 5:28). I imagine that group knew how to have a good time. When he ate at a Pharisee’s house, he didn’t go through all the formal ritual washings (Luke 11:37-38). When he told the parable of the great banquet, the room was filled with anyone and everyone off the street (Luke 14:21). When the lost son comes home, the father throws a big party, complete with music and dancing (Luke 15:22-25). I’m not saying that Jesus got carried away, but some people did call him a “glutton and a drunkard” (John 11:19). He simply enjoyed being around all the people he came to seek and save.

So let’s take that and run with it. If Jesus is comfortable around us, we can let down our guard and be comfortable around him. If he likes holding kids, he won’t mind them spilling drinks across the table. After the resurrection, Jesus ate fish on the beach with his disciples, so it’s ok to grill a few burgers and brats. He may be a little messy when he eats if crumbs of his grace fall to the ground for anyone and everyone. You don’t even need to clean the house. Jesus told Martha to relax. He’d rather just spend some time with her.

I like to picture myself reclining with Jesus in the recliners in my living room. Just sit back, talk, have a snack. He wants to spend time with us, too. Eternity, to be exact. Which is why he came.

(Oh, and if he brings a bottle of wine when he comes over, open that one first!)

Lord, I can’t wait to sit back and relax with you. Amen.

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.