Matthew 27 - 8.29.24

Matthew 27:19-26

S – 19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”

20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

21 “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

22 “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify him!”

23 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

25 All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”

26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

O – In this chapter the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. He was given to Pilate who was the governor and who interrogated Jesus personally. No one was able to get Jesus to answer their questions, but Pilate didn’t even need to hear from Jesus to know that he was innocent. His wife had said to him, “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man.” And Pilate himself could not find one crime he was guilty of. It was during the time of The Jewish Passover Festival, and it was custom to release one prisoner that the crowd would choose. The crowds were asking for Barabbas. He was guilty. He had taken part in a rebellion against the Roman government and was a robber, insurrectionist and a murderer. Pilate, knowing Jesus was innocent, attempted several times to get the people to choose Jesus but in the end he was more concerned with his job status and being liked by the people. His job was already in jeopardy because the Jews had threated to lodge a formal complaint against him for his stubborn flouting of their traditions. He chose to save his earthly bacon and not focus on what was to come of his eternity. He chose to make the people happy rather than doing what he knew was right.  (Sound familiar-think elections! But I digress) He chose to do the wrong thing to help himself!

A – We are living in a selfish world, with selfish people, who often do what they want to get ahead and care not for what may happen to anyone else in the situation. Pilate tried to get out of owning his responsibility in the killing of Jeus, which was a pretty huge deal! However, “washing” your hands of a situation does not in any way absolve you of your guilt, or your participation in it. I truly believe this is a huge problem for a lot of people, but especially our younger generation. There is a lack of any ownership to the messes created in our/their lives and we all need to own our stuff! We need to take responsibility and not make excuses for WHY we needed to fudge on those taxes, or run that red light because we were late, or lie to the boss about botching up a job at the office. God can certainly give us opportunities for the ways out of tough situations, but also sometimes, He is simply walking us THROUGH something and hopefully we are learning and growing in the process. The saying “if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it,” is not actually in the Bible. However, as believers, we are to trust in the Lord for His care and protection. If we have ended up in a situation of our own creation, we need to repent and ask God for help. Only He can bring you out of it and back to higher ground. We often reap the consequences for our part in a bad situation, but if we OWN it, we will come out of it refined and more like Jesus. And yes, that can be really difficult to do. But if we say we are Christians and we want to be more like Jesus, we have to put in the work and DO the difficult things!

Heed the warnings sent your way! I would venture to say there are always warning signs, even if just the yucky feelings we have when we are about to do something wrong. Pilate certainly saw many red flags. He knew that the religious leaders were simply jealous of a teacher who was more popular with the people than they were. He ignored them all and he reaped what he sowed.

P – Lord I pray today for all of us as your Body of Christ, to look deeply at our own lives and see where we are taking liberties to make ourselves look/feel better. I pray you would point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life (Psalm 139:24). Lord make us strong in our faith, strong in our courage to confess the areas where we are not owning our stuff and courage to ask for help when needed. Give us the courage needed to come clean with YOU as well as anyone in our lives who may be able to help walk us through those things, and help us be open to correction, teaching and discipline where needed. Lord help us to know when we are trying to “wash” our hands of a situation just because it may seem easier in the moment. Help us to do the difficult things needed to grow in our faith and as good human beings!

In Jesus’ name I pray.

- Crystal Flory

Matthew 26 - 8.28.24

Scripture

 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

Observation

At the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples what was coming, but they didn’t want to accept it. Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” And, at the time, he truly meant it.

When Jesus went to pray that night, he told three of his disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” But Peter and the others fell asleep. And then they did it again. And then they did it again.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Application

Reading this story reminded me of Sunday’s sermon, when Pastor Levi said some people are good starters, but not good finishers. This resonated with me. I have lots of ideas … and a lot less follow through. I start with enthusiasm, but the flesh is weak.

Jesus knew his disciples were weak, but he loved them anyway. And he loves me anyway. But this is no excuse for my behavior any more than it was for Peter when he denied knowing Jesus after his arrest. I pride myself on being a person of my word. Why would I not feel even more need to follow through on my commitments to God than to other people?

So where do I go from here?

1.     I need to ask God for forgiveness for taking his unfailing love for granted.

2.     I need to daily ask him for strength.

3.     There may be times when God will call me to big things, but in my everyday life, I think I need to start smaller and practice my follow through.

4.     I need to set habits in place that support fulfilling my commitments to God.

5.     I need to ask others to hold me accountable.

Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you love me regardless of where I fail. Please forgive me for the times I take You for granted and do not put You first. I AM desperate for more of You. Give me the strength to make that more than just words, but an action statement.

- Debbie Dunn

Psalm 34 - 8.27.24

SCRIPTURE:  Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

OBSERVATION:  David had just escaped from a dangerous situation before the Philistine King Abimelek. David writes and praises the Lord, knowing it was all the Lord’s doing in protecting him and saving him. He wrote “Taste” but it’s not about eating or drinking. Taste is about experiencing everything of the Lord, immersing in His word, in prayer, living life in the Lord. He knows that by “tasting” that everyone would see that the Lord is good.

When in danger, we would all seek refuge where we are assured protection, just like a child runs to a parent when they feel scared. The refuge would be a place of comfort from what we fear or are being attacked or accused. David says the person who seeks refuge in the Lord is blessed. He knows this from his experiences with Saul who was trying to kill him, and then the Philistine King Abimelek.

APPLICATION:  I love how David used “taste” in this Psalm. Food is always a good way to help understand things a little deeper especially since food is a huge part of our life. When we taste something, and it is good, we enjoy the benefits - it’s yummy and it satisfies our hunger. We can see that by the act of tasting God, we will enjoy the benefits of his goodness through the Word and connecting with God in prayer. You will never come away from a deep immersion in God without tasting His goodness.

How sweet to know that when we take refuge in God, we are the ones who are blessed.  When you imagine this process, it begins with being in trouble for one reason or another yet we’re being blessed by running to God and taking refuge. We’re the ones in trouble and needing help yet we’re being blessed? That’s amazing to me!

What a huge comfort in knowing that we are blessed by taking refuge in God. Why are we being blessed by taking refuge in God? I think it’s because when we run to Him and take refuge, we are physically acknowledging He’s the great protector, the one who holds everything together and the one who can keep us from harm. We are acknowledging His greatness and His goodness, and His ability to protect us when we take refuge in him. We are showing that God is the one and only true God. Just like a father who loves when a child seeks comfort or protection in a difficult time, God is the same and then wants to bless us when we seek refuge in him.

David knew a lot about being in times of trouble and taking refuge in God. He knew of God’s goodness and faithfulness which means he was blessed. In all circumstances, David always praised God and knew God is the one who is good. God’s blessings are evident in:

• His comfort: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort -  2 Corinthians 1:3

• His Word: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path – Psalm 119:105

• His protection:  “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” - Psalm 91:1-2

While I’ve been recovering from COVID (which has been really rough), I’m blessed in knowing that God is my refuge. I’m thankful for our wonderful church family who have blessed us with many prayers and bringing us food. Thank you all! God is good in all circumstances, even while battling a sickness.

PRAYER:  Thank you Lord for being so good. All I need to do is rest in your refuge and I am blessed. Help me, Lord, when I feel scared or concerned about anything in life. At those moments, I want to only run to you, Lord, because you are my refuge. You are the one who holds everything together and has a plan. Knowing this brings me comfort and encouragement because you are so good.  I am truly blessed. Amen

- Mary Oberg