"Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." (v.8)
— John 13:1-17, 31-35
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— John 13:1-17, 31-35 Resource Archive: Newsletter Archives |
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The RevWriter Resource (ISSN 1545-939X) A publication of RevWriter Resources, LLC March 2010 Volume 9, Number 3 Susan M. Lang, Editor and Publisher <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Dear Friends: While contemplating what I was going to write for this issue's opening greeting, I wandered over to www.Twitter.com where I discovered a "tweet" by @MeredithGould, a regular contributor to the RevWriter Resource. Meredith wrote: "Lent: I advocate embracing a practice that brings the cross into greater consciousness. How does giving up candy & desserts do THAT?" Her post really got me thinking about how often we unwittingly trivialize Lent. We should use this forty-day period to focus on the meaning of Christ's death on the cross and what this act means for each of us. Instead it frequently turns into an opportunity to force ourselves into more healthful eating or starting that long-intended diet. While living a more healthy lifestyle is always a good thing, treating Lent as our reason to do so can become just another way to avoid deeper reflection on the depth of God's love for us and our response to that incredible love. This month's Resource is our annual Lenten devotional issue. You'll find seven devotions by writers who have wrestled with some hard biblical texts and share their reflections with us. My prayer for each of you is that, as you read these devotions, they will nourish your faith journey and bring Christ's cross into greater consciousness during this holy season. Blessings for your journey, RevWriter Sue Lang sue@revwriter.com If you need a leadership or other retreat facilitator, contact Pastor Sue Lang at sue@revwriter.com or call 215-453-8128. While Sue does have a list of previous workshop topics, she can create a retreat or workshop to meet the needs of your congregational leadership. Sue can also develop group leadership/learning events for a cluster of congregations that would like to increase their learning capacity by interacting with others and discovering what they are doing in their ministries. Contact her to learn more about congregational cluster workshops! Additional information on Sue's consulting work is also located at: http://www.revwriter.com/congregational/churchconsultant/index.shtml <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17) <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Theme: Lenten Devotions Who would benefit from this issue? Pastors, church staff, congregational boards, and all congregational leaders. Table of Contents 1 - Lenten Devotions 2 - RevWriter News 3 - Announcements 4 - Publications Still Available 5 - Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 1 - Lenten Devotions Read: Luke 13: 1-9 "No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did." (v.5) I was captivated by Jesus' remarkable words, particularly because they're a response to the age-old question "Why do bad things happen to good people?" It's still a compelling question! Witness the recent brouhaha surrounding Pat Robertson's pronouncement of judgment on Haiti following the devastating earthquake that hit the tiny, poverty-stricken island. The cultural water in which we humans swim is really the same whether you're living in the first or twenty-first century. We want answers! We demand answers! Were the first-century Galileans killed by Pilate worse sinners than everyone else? How about those people killed by the falling tower of Siloam? Those twenty-first century Haitians? Those afflicted with cancer? Those who lose their jobs? What about them? Weren't they really worse than us? Doesn't our good behavior somehow protect us? Isn't there some way we can buy some protection? There are two problems with that kind of thinking, attempting to strike that kind of bargain. First, we really know it's not even possible. No matter how many security measures we put into place, no matter how much insurance we buy, we're still unable to control the forces of nature, the onset of disease, the power of death. Second, we'd be flying in the face of God's deepest desire for all of creation. We'd love to kick back, put our feet up, and go to sleep when God's deepest desire is that we stay awake, alive with the awareness of what it means to be deeply loved people, called to lives of service! Are they worse sinners? No! But unless you wake up, turn around, and live the lives you're called to, you will perish! In fact you've already died! But God is delaying the judgment. Why? Because we've been so good? Earned a free pass? Hardly! Because God's so good, so merciful, so loving. The first three years of a fig-tree's growth were allowed to elapse before its fruit became clean (see Leviticus 19:23), so six years have already passed since the tree in Luke 13 was planted. It is hopelessly barren! Why should it use up good ground? Fig trees absorb large amounts of nourishment, robbing the surrounding trees and vines. Fig trees ordinarily need no manure to produce, so the gardener's proposal to fertilize it is something unusual, something extraordinary. (See Joachim Jeremias, "Rediscovering the Parables.") Not only is the judgment of the ax withheld, God's mercy grants a reprieve, a chance to live fully and productively. Copyright © 2010 Dick Bruesehoff Pastor Dick Bruesehoff is the Director for Lifelong Learning in the Vocation and Education unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Read: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 "There was a man who had two sons." (v. 11) When the familiar parable of the Prodigal Son is read in church each Lent, my thoughts wander. I may visualize him as a naïve young man feeling trapped far out in the country on a homestead that will never be his, raging hormones clouding his judgment, screaming "Get me outta here!" I listen to Jesus' words as the son cons his father into giving him his inheritance, heads for the big city, then proves his naivety by wantonly blowing his bankroll in sordid night-life and brothels, eventually becoming destitute and homeless. I can feel his humiliation and pain as he is forced to work shoveling food to pigs while unable to get enough food for himself, so it came as no surprise he decided to put his tail between his legs and head back home. He decided to be contrite, acknowledge his sins, and throw himself upon his father's mercy, memorizing the words he would say with each step on the road home. Jesus next relates how the father, seeing his son in the distance, is filled with compassion and runs to his son, hugging the boy, loving his son unashamedly, forgiving completely after all the son had done to hurt the father. About this place in the narrative I anticipate the shiver as it quivers down my spine. This is the best part of the parable. Of course the father Jesus describes is God. Although I wasn't quite the scoundrel the Prodigal Son was, I know the times I, too, left God's presence to satisfy my desires. I also know the peace and joy I felt each time I "came to" myself, regretting and repenting and turning back toward God. Yet, at other readings, Jesus' words in this parable invoke a different set of feelings. It is not difficult to feel empathy for the older brother toiling daily in the fields under an oppressive sun. Wiping sweat from his brow he probably muttered to himself often, spitting unkind words at the memory of his wandering younger brother who took so much property when he abandoned the family. I could understand the anger and resentment welling in his breast, when upon returning at the end of this day, back aching from the day's labor, he could hear a party going on at his house, only to discover it was for his brother. It was too much, he would not go in. There was never a party for him and he did all the work. I could understand this. But Jesus' words sink in. God says "Son, you are always with me and all that is mine, is YOURS" (Luke 15:32, emphasis added). What a message in this parable! We die when we turn from God but if we return to him we come alive again in his arms. We were lost and he found us. And those who stay the course, toil in the world doing his work? They already have everything. All they need do is recognize it. Copyright © 2010 Joe Fizell Joe Fizell lives with his wife in a retirement community in Telford, PA where he divides his free time between genealogy research, a genealogy Internet website, and writing a family history. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Read: John 12:1-8 Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial." (v.7) Mary knew the secret of relationship. She loved the Savior without a personal agenda and without concern for what others might think. John picks up on Jesus' words that Mary's action would be a memorial to her. He identifies her by name and by association. While the other Gospel writers relate a woman came and anointed Jesus, John tells us it's Mary. Lazarus is there, Martha is serving the meal, and Mary is present. She's not a party crasher. She belongs. Mary pours the spikenard upon Jesus' feet. Like the others, she's heard his teaching and understands Jesus will soon die. She not only heard with her ears, but accepted his words into her heart and acted upon them. In one translation (Young’s Literal), Jesus says, "for the day of my embalming she hath kept it" (John 12:7). She set aside this treasure, possibly part of her dowry, for her Lord. No record exists of Mary doing mighty deeds, but her example of worship shines down through the ages. She did what she could, and three gospels record the story. The Lord saw her heart, and he responded with a commendation. During this season when we remember Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection, let's think about what our freedom from sin cost him. When we meditate on that awesome love, our hearts cannot help but melt in worship. Copyright © 2009 Susan J. Reinhardt Susan J. Reinhardt resides in Pennsylvania. She's contributed to the RevWriter Resource, Devotions Magazine, The Secret Place, Women of the Bible Devotional, and His Forever, and blogs at <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Read: Luke 19:28-40 He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would shout out." (v. 40) What causes you to yell...really yell? Let's say "your team" has won the World Series. You saw nearly every game of the season. You cheered from both your box seat at the stadium and your well-worn recliner at home. The final game of the season is won with two outs...bottom of the ninth...grand slam! It doesn’t get any better than that! Now, you stand by the side of the road as the hometown team triumphantly parades along Main Street. You cannot hold in your youthful joy and enthusiasm. Along with hundreds in the crowd...you yell! I suppose the disciples felt a lot like that. The Lord was finally going to Jerusalem...a winner in their eyes. Many of them had been with him for three years, witnessing miracle after miracle. He had requested a donkey so that he could parade into the sacred city of Jerusalem. They could no longer contain their joy and enthusiasm. The shouting and cheering was inescapable. Today it is acceptable to cheer for sports teams. Often it is less than acceptable to cheer for Jesus...even in Church. How soon will the stones shout out because of our silence? Lord, forgive our humble quietness and free us to shout for the King of kings and Lord of lords! Copyright © 2010 Victoria Sayers Smith Victoria Smith is a contributing author in For Better, For Worse, a marriage devotional book, and is published in Fresh from the Word, a Daily Devotional. She is co-founder and executive director of "Meant To Be Ministries." She speaks and sings for conferences, workshops, banquet events, and women's groups. Additionally, Victoria teaches on, and leads seminars on Spiritual Gifts Discernment. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Read: John 13:1-17, 31-35 Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." (v.8) One of the girls at church fell and broke her hand. The doctors determined that she would need surgery for the bones to heal correctly. She was very anxious about it. After all, surgery is what big people have when they're really sick. The day for the procedure came and her anxiety suppressed her normally exuberant personality. The nurse told her that afterward she would have a cast and would have to be very careful not to get it wet. With her good hand thrust up into the air and her head back she exclaimed, "Yes! No more baths." Most kids don't like to take a bath. It's such an inconvenience and it's nothing like swimming. You have to get wet, be still and make sure you get behind your ears. All kids want to do is splash. Peter is acting that way, too. He doesn't want Jesus to wash his feet. He would rather play in the water or go fishing than get clean. The problem with Jesus washing us is he sees the dirt in all those places we rather him not see. Peter probably thought it was below Jesus to touch his smelly feet. Jesus makes it clear to Peter he wants to wash him. We can't be afraid to come to him for cleansing. Only he can wash away the dirt that life deposits on us. Let's say Peter's prayer in verse nine: "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" Copyright © 2010 David B. Smith Rev. David B. Smith is the pastor of Creek Road Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, and a freelance author. His writing can be found in publications like RevWrtier Resource or on his blog, Small Church <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Read: Luke 23:1-25 He released the man they asked for, the one who had been put in prison for insurrection and murder, and he handed Jesus over as they wished. (v. 25) Most of us know Barabbas as the guy who was let off the hook. In fiction, he'd be the character who slinks away while the main action is taking place on stage. He inspires loathing, simply because he can't inspire anything else. How can he? He's clearly defined as both an insurrectionist and a murderer. And as far as we know, he was unrepentant of any of his bad deeds. He only gets page time in the Bible because of who stood in for him, receiving the punishment he deserved. At the beginning of Luke 23, Jesus also stood accused. Like Barabbas, Jesus was charged with "perverting" or "misleading" the people. And, not surprisingly, Jesus was unrepentant of all his good deeds. From Sunday school onward, we're told that Jesus saved Barabbas from death the way he saves us all from our sins. But I hadn't realized just how tightly-drawn that parallel is in Scripture. The man who was innocent of inspiring rebellion stepped in for the man who was guilty of it. But Barabbas plays not only the role of the exonerated. He also doubles for me. That character who gets let off the hook, the one who deserves nothing but loathing? That's me; that's all of us. We're the character we all love to hate. And it is only due to God's saving grace that we get any air time in eternity at all. Thanks be to God for his gift of unspeakable grace! Thank you, Jesus, for never failing to step in and play merciful Savior to my rebellious Barabbas. Copyright © 2010 Siri Mitchell Siri Mitchell has written eight novels, two of which have been named Christy Award Finalists. A graduate from the University of Washington with a business degree, she has worked in many levels of government and lived on three continents. She currently resides in the Washington DC metro area. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< Read: Luke 23:26-49 One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!" (v.39) Two criminals were hanged with Jesus. One of them went to his death snarling and angry, seemingly unremorseful for anything other than that he had been caught in his crimes. The other, however, recognized his own sinfulness. He knew he was being punished justly for the crimes he had committed. In remorse, he turned to Jesus and asked, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). This condemned man, in faith, asked for forgiveness. He recognized his need for a savior--not the kind of savior who would rescue him from the circumstances he had created for himself in this world, but one who would save him from the eternal punishment his sinful ways had earned him. As we journey through this Lenten season, we examine our souls, attempting to be honest with ourselves about our sinfulness and our deep need for a savior. The question we are called to ask is, "Which criminal are we?" Are we angry and unremorseful, resentful of the expectations God has put on us? Or do we know how sinful we really are, and how much we need Jesus Christ, our Savior? Being honest with ourselves may reveal things we don't want to see, but also open up a path to a clearer, more open relationship with God. Lent is about becoming the second criminal, asking Jesus, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." Lent is about repentance. The good news is that Jesus hung on that cross for each of us--the repentant and the non-repentant alike. The good news is that the words..."you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43) were spoken for us, too. As we journey through Lent, may we remember the criminals on the crosses on either side of Jesus. They are us. The choice we can make this Lenten season is how we will respond to Jesus’ invitation to Paradise--as the first criminal or the second. Copyright © 2010 Patti Arthur Patti is the pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Toms Brook, Virginia in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. She enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, gardening, sewing, and playing with the family dog. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 2 - RevWriter News Recent RevWriter Sightings: +In March 2010: +Sue will attend the annual ELCA Lifelong Learning Partners gathering in Carefree, AZ. +Sue will host a conversation with members of the Philadelphia Area Ecumenical Resource Network to discuss educational materials related to the ministry of consultation. +The Langs will host Pastor Dick Bruesehoff who is making a return engagement to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod to present two mutual ministry seminars in late March. +Sue is serving as a coach in the ELCA Board of Pensions Journey of Renewal wellness pilot program. Her role as coach will expand this year as the program expands. <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 6 - Announcements Financial Contributions Welcomed Costs to produce and manage The RevWriter Resource will increase for me this year as the subscriber base continues to grow. Writers of devotions and main articles have always been, and will continue to be, paid. In the past, this has come out of my personal writing income, but as this ministry continues to grow, the cost to me will also continue to increase. In the effort to maintain the ministry provided through the publication of The RevWriter Resource without requiring a subscriber's fee, I am now welcoming contributions from subscribers. Contributions may be sent to: RevWriter Resources, LLC Or through Paypal to sue@revwriter.com Most importantly, I appreciate your prayers as this ministry continues to grow during its eighth year in publication. Blessings, Sue <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< 7 - Publications Still Available: +John (Learner Guide and Leader Guide) by Susan M. Lang (Augsburg +Our Community: Dealing with Conflict in Our Congregation by Susan M. +Welcome Forward: A Field Guide for Global Travelers by Susan M. Lang 6-0002-0186-9) A CD of original music by composer Tim Hansen accompanies the book. Visit http://www.revwriter.com for a complete list of publications that Sue has authored. 8- Subscribe/Unsubscribe Info I maintain a strict privacy policy and will not sell or share my subscription list. The RevWriter Resource is sent to you at no cost. If you know of someone who might be interested in receiving The RevWriter Resource, you are welcome to forward it. Please do so only in its entirety, including my copyright information. If someone has forwarded The RevWriter Resource to you, I invite you to subscribe. To do so, visit my website at: http://www.revwriter.com/congregational/resource.shtml#signup Copyright 2002-2010 RevWriter Susan M. Lang. All rights reserved. For permission to quote or reprint, please contact me for written consent at sue@revwriter.com or The Rev. Sue Lang www.revwriter.com
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