Sunday, March 14, 2010

Spring Forward

Boy, was it hard getting up this morning. Today is the first day of daylight savings time, so I lost an hour of sleep last night. It didn’t help that I tried to go to bed a little earlier than usual, because I couldn’t fall asleep and kept looking at the clock, though I don’t think it was because of the time change. I believe it was because I have slept so much over the past few days, trying to recover from the exhaustion I felt after attending the (absolutely wonderful) Women of Vision conference last week.

In any case, I got up at 7 a.m. DST (which was 6 a.m. 24 hours ago) to get ready for church. I was tempted to play hooky from church and stay in bed, once I was up and started moving about I was fine.

What a gloomy day it was today. It rained, and then it rained some more. At least it’s not snow, so I really can’t complain. However, there are flood warnings for Montgomery County, Md., mostly because of all of the creeks that are overflowing from the rain as well as from the last of the snowmelt. In fact, Rocky Road near my home is closed because of flooding. Needless to say, I am growing weary of this depressing, gray weather. I need some sunshine… and soon!

The message at church today was outstanding. We continue our series, “The Path to the Cross,” which began on February 28 and culminates on Easter Sunday, April 4. During the series, we are experiencing the events leading up the death and the resurrection of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Today’s message, “Seized,” was given by our senior pastor, Joshua Harris. Josh preached on Matthew 26:45-68, which teaches that as Jesus is arrested and accused in Gethsemane, “that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled,” He reveals that God’s purposes are not accomplished by the weaponry and methodology of this world.

Emerging from the agony of prayer in the Garden, Jesus is resolved to fulfill Godʼs purposes. The cross “must be so.” Jesusʼ enemies came to seize him in stealth, in force, with weapons, under the cover of darkness, and with a kiss. From a human perspective, this scene looked like a helpless, powerless man being seized and overpowered by a mob. But Jesus saw this moment not as one being ruled by the force of violent men, but as the fulfillment of His Fatherʼs good will and purpose. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we need to remember this truth. If we look at life without remembering the power, goodness and sovereignty of God, we will see nothing but wicked men taking what they want by force, and we will grow discouraged, bitter and hopeless. But if we know Godʼs Word, His power and His faithfulness, then we will see that everything that happens in our lives and in this world is being used by Him to fulfill His purpose for our good and His glory.

The disciples did not see this situation through the eyes of faith, and, therefore, fell into temptation. Peter met force with force, playing by the rules of the world in attempt to serve Jesus, and cut off the ear of the High Priestʼs servant. When Jesus rebuked and corrected him for using violence, the disciples all fled. The same thing often happens in our own lives. When we fail to prayerfully cultivate confidence in the goodness and power of God, we either try to fight back with the weapons of this world, or we run. However, Godʼs purposes are not brought about with the weaponry and methodology of this world. If we take up the sword (as individual believers) and trust in violence to achieve Godʼs purposes, we will be consumed by that violence ourselves. But Jesus didnʼt lack power or control. He could have summoned 12 legions of angels (about 72,000) to rescue Him. But He didnʼt. He willingly surrendered to the mob and walked the path to the cross out of His love for us.

Jesus was then brought before the Jewish leaders. Despite their role as representatives of God to the people of Israel, the Jewish leadersʼ eyes remained blind to truth. These men had all the outward trappings of religion but were dead. The same is true for us. Doctrine, religious knowledge and practice don’t save. We must be born again.

When the high priest demanded that Jesus tell them whether He was the Christ (i.e., the Messiah), the Son of God, Jesus’ answer was rooted in Psalm 110:1, 5 and Daniel 7:13-14. Jesus claimed total equality with God. Jesus said that He is the Son of Man that Daniel saw in his vision; that He is the eternal One to whom the Father, the Ancient of Days, will give dominion and glory and a kingdom; that He is the One who will sit at the right hand of God the Father in power until all His enemies are a footstool under His feet. The scribes and elders called Jesus’ words blasphemy. They never considered that these were words of truth. They didnʼt realize that they were committing the greatest blasphemy as they struck him, spit on him, mocked him and decided that He was deserving of death.

Next Sunday, CLC pastor Robin Boisvert will continue the series with Matthew 27:1-14.

I’m excited that registration opened today for a women’s conference my church is hosting on April 30-May 1. Author and counselor Elyse Fitzpatrick will be the speaker at the conference. Elyse wrote the book, “Love to Eat, Hate to Eat,” which looks at the subject of eating from a biblical viewpoint. I read this excellent book several years ago, and it was filled with Godly wisdom on eating, from what causes women to have destructive eating habits to the sin of food idolatry to how to develop a plan to change your eating practices. At the conference, Elyse’s subject matter will be based on her book, “Because He Loves Me,” which reminds Christians of their true identify as beloved children of God adopted by the Father, espoused to the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you are located in the Washington, DC/suburban Maryland area, I would encourage you to attend this free 2-day conference. For more information or to register, you can visit www.covlife.org.

I spent the afternoon shopping with my dear friend, Denise. We were bra shopping, which is always fun. (I know you can’t hear it, but there was sarcasm in my voice with that last comment.) Why is it that shopping for a bra is the most trying shopping experience ever invented! After trying on at least a couple dozen bras between us, we finally each bought two new ones. Then it was off to Starbucks for a “no foam, 4 pump, caramel macchiato” and to recover from our shopping ordeal.

Made yummy tacos for dinner tonight, but I ate 1 too many and now feel extremely bloated. I’m sure if I can just get one huge belch out I would feel so much better! I’ve just gotten into my jammies and am getting ready to watch “Malcolm in the Middle” on t-v. I don’t know why, but I love that show! Hope I sleep better tonight that last night.