by Greg Fowler
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About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46).
Read Matthew 27:45–54
Who hasn’t felt abandoned at times? The most terrifying time of abandonment for me was when I went to hospital to have my tonsils removed when I was a child. Back then, parents were not allowed to stay with their children in the ward outside of visiting hours. When I was in my hospital gown and laughing with my mum, the operation and the environment didn’t matter. But when my mum was forced to leave me, I was distressed. I was powerless and alone, and I had no idea when it would end. Being powerless and alone is traumatic for everyone.
Jesus knows complete abandonment. On the cross, when the burden of all sin fell on him, Jesus was separated from the Father, and he had literally no-one in heaven or on Earth with him. He understands our loneliness more deeply than even we could, and he enters it willingly for us. In Jesus’ abandonment, he brought together all things that had been separated. He is the cure for loneliness.
Jesus’ cry on the cross guarantees that we don’t ever have to be separated from God. His work means that God’s presence is always available. Jesus’ cry is also an example to us in dealing with loneliness. It’s okay to cry out. It’s okay to tell those who are close to us that we feel alone. It’s okay to ask those we love for help. It’s okay to ask God directly to help. We can be confident that he will respond directly and through others.
Lord, be with us when we are lonely. Help us speak honestly with those around us when we feel we are being left out. Please send us your Spirit and be at work in our lives and relationships. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
by Greg Fowler
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When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there (Matthew 27:35,36).
Read Matthew 27:32–44
Every time I read or hear the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, I am deeply moved, and I get emotional. The words ‘it was my sin that held him there’ (from ‘How Deep the Father’s Love’) instantly swirl around in my mind as I recognise that Jesus went willingly to the cross for me. Sometimes, I am so overcome that I can’t see anything else in the text. But like all Scripture, the passion narratives are rich spiritual nourishment.
When our children were younger, we would occasionally go as a family to Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney. The organisers had bands and children’s rides, as well as sprawling gardens to play in while we watched the beautiful horses parade and race. While we would discuss which horse might go well, we were not inclined to place a bet because gambling is a losing proposition, even if it is just for a few dollars.
In our reading, we are challenged when we hear that the soldiers gambled in the shadow of God himself. The soldiers gambled for fabric; we gamble with the important things in life. We choose busyness over prayer, comfort over compassion, and often cynicism over faith. The soldiers were blind to the true identity of Jesus while they watched him on the cross. We can live as though we are blind to Jesus’ identity while he is at work in our lives. May his grace grow in our lives.
Dear Lord, may we see that your love is always with us and cannot be lost. We thank you that life with you is not a gamble. Thank you for the certainty that you give us. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
by Greg Fowler
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made (Luke 10:39,40a).
Read Luke 10:38–42
Many years ago, American singer-songwriter Bobby McFerrin enchanted us all with his song ‘Don’t worry, be happy’. Despite its relaxed and catchy tune, as a natural worrier, I was never comforted by this song. Whenever it came on the radio, I found myself talking back to no-one in particular with phrases like, ‘How can I just not worry?’ and ‘It’s all right for you, but you don’t have my worries.’
When I get overburdened, I tend to fill my days with activity and keep myself so busy that I haven’t got time to dwell on my worries. I know that I am not alone with this trait. So, Martha is like a kindred spirit to me. I understand it’s easier to ignore important relational, financial or spiritual issues than stop and deal with them head-on.
Jesus is well aware of our inclinations to cling to our worries while we occupy ourselves with tasks. He also knows how important it is for us to sit at his feet and allow him to deal with our anxieties. Only by hearing Jesus’ words and resting in his promises can we be relieved of those things that rob us of peace.
Jesus’ words are not ordinary words, and he calls us to hear them as extraordinary words that perform what they say. When we pray for God’s Spirit to prepare us and take time to treasure Jesus’ words, we find that our worries melt away. We allow our minds to be focused on God and his solutions rather than on the problems that worry us.
Dear Jesus, help us to be more Mary and less Martha. Be gentle with us as we learn to be still and trust that your words will give us peace. Lift our hearts as we sit at your feet. Amen.
Pastor Greg lives in beautiful Redland Bay with his wife, Connie, where they enjoy the beaches, weather and outdoor lifestyle of south Brisbane. He serves as the college pastor at Faith Lutheran College, Redlands.
by Emma Strelan
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They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ they said (Matthew 27:28,29).
Read Matthew 27:24–31
I don’t know if it’s just the corner of the internet I hang out in, but I’ve noticed that online, no topic, event or person is off-limits from becoming the subject of mockery. Whether it’s a silly internet meme that does the rounds or a string of scathing comments on a Facebook post, people on the internet love to mock. I’m almost amazed by the creativity and effort that goes into mocking and making a joke out of things online.
I won’t lie and say I don’t appreciate a tasteful meme that pokes fun at serious issues every now and then. However, I think we can all agree that most of the time, the mockery goes too far, damaging people’s livelihoods and wellbeing.
In our past few days of devotions, we’ve seen Jesus challenged and mocked by a variety of people, from those who consider themselves his intellectual opponents/superiors to his closest friends, and now by these Roman soldiers. And they go to quite creative lengths in their mocking endeavours to bring out the irony of this man who claims to be a king, providing him with all the pomp and circumstance due a king, but in the most twisted and mocking ways they can think of.
As humans, we are gifted with wit, creativity and fun. But with that comes the temptation to turn these into tools for power plays, manipulation and a chance to prove ourselves intelligent and funny to others. A snide, witty comment posted about the latest public appearance of a politician may get a few laughing reactions on Facebook; however, it is a far cry from the purpose for which we’ve been given these skills.
As Charles Spurgeon observed, if only we were ‘half as inventive in devising honour for our King as these soldiers were in planning his dishonour!’
As we read with horror the mockery our Saviour faced on his way to the cross, may we find ways to let our own intelligence and creativity bring him glory and honour instead.
Lord, you know what it is like to be at the receiving end of human cruelty. Please guide us to seek better uses of the creativity you’ve given us than to put others down. Keep showing us how to live with radical compassion. Amen.
Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.
by Emma Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor (Matthew 27:13,14).
Read Matthew 27:11–23
I greatly admire those who can speak their truth and leave it at that. I feel slightly jealous of those people because when given a gap to fill, I often rush to defend decisions and the things I want people to understand from my perspective.
As humans, we have an innate desire to defend ourselves. But it seems like Jesus doesn’t. Why is that?
Silence is powerful. Jesus clearly knows that. But also, Jesus isn’t interested in defending himself. That’s not the ultimate reason why he came to us. Yes, the Word was made flesh to reveal God more fully, but even more importantly, it’s what God comes to do for us.
Thus, in the face of one of the most powerful people in that part of the world challenging Jesus to prove his claims, he whose very name was ‘the Word’, was silent.
Jesus has made the truth known – he is the King of the Jews, the prophesied Messiah – and no decisions made by religious or political leaders will change that.
God is who he is, no matter what we try to say about him.
In a time when it is easy to encounter opposition to the gospel we hold onto, and untrue accusations may be made about our faith, we can stand firm in knowing that we have a God whose truth is made known to us daily – in our baptism and through his Word.
Don’t we all wish we had Jesus’ strength of will and patience to stand so firmly in who we are without rushing to defend our sense of self when challenged? I am thankful that I have God’s truth to stand on, instead of my own. That’s a much firmer foundation.
God, our strength, give us the discernment to know when to speak and when to be silent. May we be reminded daily of the truth and weight of the gospel in our lives. Amen.
Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.
by Emma Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders (Matthew 27:3).
Read Matthew 27:1–10
Yesterday, we encountered Peter’s failure in the face of Jesus’ faithfulness. Today, we turn to another of Jesus’ closest friends: Judas, who unfortunately doesn’t get a redemption arc like Peter.
There will always be many complexities to wrestle with in the case of Judas. What exactly motivated him to hand Jesus over in the first place? Why was he ‘seized with remorse’ so soon after? What was it that made him realise what he’d just done? And why was he driven to end things the way he did?
One thing’s for certain, though, is that Judas chose to cut himself off from Jesus. Perhaps in returning the 30 pieces of silver, he was seeking absolution from the chief priests, but they did not want or care for his remorse. It seems Judas never quite grasped the message that Jesus, in his ministry, pointed to and went on to fulfil that same evening – that Jesus is the only way to true redemption. Any other way of trying to make things right ultimately ends in death.
Let’s turn back to Peter for a moment. Unlike Judas, Peter accepts Jesus’ forgiveness, the price paid by the innocent king. And God goes on to use Peter to do marvellous things for the kingdom.
Judas had cut himself off from Jesus and couldn’t live with himself. But, because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we never have to be cut off from Jesus. His forgiveness is always available. His grace is sufficient.
May we be reminded of this grace every day and trust that because of it, there’s always hope for redemption.
Lord of salvation, thank you that our failures will never be too big for your grace to heal. When we read passages like today’s, please help us wrestle with the complexities they raise, but ultimately remember the simplicity of the gospel – your grace given to us. Amen.
Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.
by Emma Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75).
Read Matthew 26:69–75
Shame. It’s a powerful feeling. When we have acted in a way utterly opposed to our morals and intentions, it makes us question our very identity. Who are we if we can’t do what we know to be right?
I’m sure Peter felt that way. So aware of the words of passion and challenge that he’d spoken to Jesus that same evening: ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you!’ Peter’s words were rendered seemingly meaningless by his own weakness.
How often have we made a commitment to God, a promise of faithfulness, obedience and willingness to do whatever it takes to follow him, only to turn and fall down the next moment? The burden of our shame weighs heavily upon us.
Over the past few years, I have taken my spiritual formation seriously. I’ve completed a six-month intensive discipleship and mission course, read spiritual formation books by renowned authors, practised various spiritual disciplines and met with a spiritual director. I have learned enormous amounts about myself and God during that time and have been constantly challenged in many of the foundational parts of my identity and beliefs.
However, after all these years of seeking to go deeper with God and asking him what’s next and what I can learn now, it has been my experience of grace in the face of failure that has had the most profound and transformative impact on me.
Peter had many powerful first-hand experiences with God, both building him up and reminding him of his humanness. As one author I’ve been reading put it: ‘No-one flops like Peter.’
Jesus knew Peter would fail. Our flops don’t surprise Jesus. Neither does Jesus need nor want our bravado. He knows our flesh is still weak, no matter how willing the spirit is.
But the gospel story is one of redemption for Peter – and for us. Maybe we all flop like Peter. But no-one succeeds like Jesus.
God, our victorious king, may we rest in your victory, which covers our failures. Please keep picking us back up when we fall. Thank you for your eternal grace that never ceases to amaze and transform. Amen.
Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.
by Emma Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God’ (Matthew 26:63).
Read Matthew 26:57–68
Today’s challenge to Jesus comes from the high priest Caiaphas.
Caiaphas represents and embodies the Jewish religious establishment, supposed to uphold the ancient laws and customs that establish the Israelites as God’s chosen people. Yet, Caiaphas is also a politically controversial religious leader, as he was appointed by the occupying Romans.
Unlike the expert in the law from yesterday’s reading, who was willing to engage in Jesus’ returning questions, Caiaphas is only really looking for one answer from Jesus: proof that this come-from-nothing backwater preacher isn’t a threat to his own religious authority and power.
So, Caiaphas presents Jesus with this challenge: ‘I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’ He’s basically telling Jesus to either admit he’s not who he’s claiming to be or be charged with blasphemy.
But Jesus won’t be cornered that easily. He knows that making plays for power and control do not ultimately impact the Father’s almighty plan.
Caiaphas fails to realise that this man whom he charges ‘under oath by the living God’ is, in fact, the God who dies. While the great high priest is doing all he can to keep control of the situation and maintain his place as the religious leader of the Jews, the very God he claims to serve is giving up his control, becoming powerless, weak and dead. Actions speak louder than words.
We can challenge God’s power and sovereignty all we want, but God’s response will always be: ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And that ‘I AM’ is the Messiah, our Saviour. Let us not let our pride and desire for control blind us to who God is and what he has done for us.
God of truth, may our pride, fear and power be laid low so that your truth may be made known in our hearts and lives. Amen.
Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.
by Emma Strelan
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise’ (Luke 10:36,37).
Read Luke 10:25–37
This week is a week of challenges. If you follow along the Scripture passages, you’ll witness Jesus’ varied responses to those trying to figure out just what his radical message and subversive presence mean for them.
Today, we read of an expert in the law challenging Jesus: If we are to love God and love our neighbour as ourselves, who is our neighbour?
My church recently noticed we weren’t focusing on mission as much as we wanted to. So, we created a mission ministry support person role to ensure that at least someone was thinking about mission. Having specific roles is a good way to ensure the ministry load is shared around a congregation or community. If there’s no receptionist, who will answer the office phone? If there’s no worship coordinator, who will organise the service orders? If there’s no youth worker, who will run the Friday night youth group? (The answer to all of these is too often, ‘The pastor!’ unfortunately.)
In today’s passage, we hear that loving our neighbour and showing mercy should be one of the highest priorities a Christian should have. So, in congregations filled with band members, money counters, PowerPoint slide operators, communion assistants, Sunday school teachers, flower arrangers, and numerous other roles, perhaps we should add ‘official neighbours’ to the weekly roster to make sure we’re covering our bases. Or perhaps not.
The trap I’ve seen my own church fall into when we assign roles is that anything outside of those responsibilities can easily be brushed off as ‘not my job’. But Jesus reminds us that being a neighbour isn’t defined by the role we’re listed as in the church directory. The Samaritan wasn’t trained in any specific ministry. He simply had a missional opportunity placed along his path, a heart (and resources) ready for compassion, and he decided to move in love toward brokenness.
It’s easy to let things fall into the ‘not my job’ category, especially when our jobs or roles often already come with an overwhelming number of responsibilities. However, when it comes to the battle of obligations, Jesus is very clear in what we should prioritise: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
Do this, and you will live.
Lord of love, may I see the needs of others that you place before me today, and may I be open to new ways to serve you, even if I don’t feel equipped. Amen.
Emma Strelan works part-time as a content producer with Lutheran Media and part-time as a freelance videographer around Adelaide. You’ll often find her rummaging through op shops or dreaming of her next camping trip or outdoor adventure. She feels blessed that her current work combines two of her biggest passions – creative media and exploring faith – and hopes the projects she works on will have a positive impact on others.