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Friends,

On the Wednesday of Holy Week we remember Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. Entering into the days of Holy Week is a good practice. Just as Christmas is all the more special when we prepare and enter into the anticipation of the season, so it is with Easter and this week.

To facilitate that, this week’s Daily Worship Devotions include readings and reflections that will walk us through each day of Jesus’ last week as he moved towards the cross. We following his path, and enter into our story:

On Wednesday, with Judas, we betrayed you.  Save us from the evil that is within us.  We desire to be the Kings and Queens of our own little Kingdoms and we pay the consequences of that daily.  But, you have gone ahead of us and taken the consequences upon yourself.

On Thursday, you will wash our feet- our prideful, dirty, and rebellious feet.  You will then feed us the Passover, and pray in agony in the garden.  We will fall asleep while you agonize.  We will abandon you when you are in your hour of need.  Yet you didn’t turn back!  Give us the courage and faithfulness that is birthed out of receiving your astounding love, grace, and sacrifice.Read More

Friends, 

The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak;
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.
Edward Shillito, “Jesus of the Scars.”

There are 3 categories/types/offices of leadership that regularly show up in the Bible: Prophet, Priest, and King. This triad describes not only the 3 “offices” or roles in the Old Testament which were fulfilled in Jesus, but also gives three decent functional personality types. Prophet’s speak truth (often calling for change). Priests care (and point us to God). Kings oversee, organize, and lead (as a representative for God).

I admire bold-speaking prophets even when I don’t agree with them. I am drawn to compassionate priests even when I’m not feeling a need to be cared for. But I have a lot of ambivalence towards kingly folks. I think most people do. Prophets pass through town. Priests are there when my head is bowed or my shoulders sag. But Kings . . . they are around too darn much. Kings are great when you need a leader. But who needs a leader when he’s not in crisis? (i.e. I want a Priest, not a King, most of the time). Just think about the Presidential cycles throughout history. We put them on a pedestal when we want things to be different. But it doesn’t take long for us to want to push them off. Almost all Presidents finish their terms with low approval ratings.Read More

Friends, 

In Galatians, we see clearly how the gospel and grace changes everything. That’s why we’ve titled this series, “The Apocalyptic Gospel.” That might sound ominous and foreboding! After all, in the English language today, the word “apocalyptic” means “something momentous or catastrophic, e.g. describing or prophesying the complete destruction of the world.” However, I mean apocalyptic in a positive way: the gospel is momentous and it is catastrophic to the things that hinder us, haunt us, and demoralize us.

Galatians 2:1-14 is another of those passages that we might be tempted to skip over. On the surface, it seems like uninteresting and irrelevant details about history and context. However, once again in Paul’s explanation of his interactions we see the apocalyptic power of the gospel and the importance of grace + nothing for our walk with Christ. As you read and reflect on Galatians 2:1-14, consider the following questions:

• Why would it be so bad to maintain circumcision as a requirement in Christianity?
• How does God’s grace for me impact the way I engage in conflicts with others?
• How secure is God’s love for me and his delight in me? e.g., How much does my security and peace waver depending on my faithfulness or goodness?

So as you prepare for corporate worship this Sunday, take some time to read and reflect on Galatians 2:1-14. As you do that, reflect on how the gospel has impacted your own past, present, and future. Focus on the positive and praise God!

I very much look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday!

Yours in Christ’s love,

Pastor Ewan