Easter Hallelujah chorus!
Lenten Devotions
Aprjl 4, 2021
Saturday: The Harrowing of Hell
Did you ever note that none of the canonical (Biblical) gospels describe Jesus' resurrection? We have stories of the empty tomb, but our only resurrection description is in the Gospel of Peter where Pilate sends a centurion and soldiers to go with the Temple elders and scribes to safeguard the tomb so Jesus' followers would not steal the body and claim he had risen from the dead. Two soldiers watching the tomb hear a loud voice; the heavens open and two radiant men walk into the sepulcher. The soldiers wake the centurion and elders, and they all see three men, two whose heads reach the heavens, and the third taller still, walk out of the tomb, followed by a cross. A voice from heaven asks: "Have you made the proclamation to those who have fallen asleep? The cross answers "Yes." (Peter 28-42) This is the harrowing or emptying of Hell.
The Western and the Eastern churches interpret Jesus' resurrection differently. Our tradition teaches that Jesus rose out of the tomb alone, requiring that a general resurrection wait until the end (whatever the end is.) The Orthodox tradition depicts Jesus pulling with him Adam and Eve, and all the righteous who already died. The general resurrection has already happened.
What does this mean for us?
Lenten Devotions
April 3, 2021
Friday: The Temple Veil
The story of Jesus' crucifixion is well-known: his last supper with his disciples, telling Judas to go and do what he had to do, praying in the garden while his friends slept, arrest by a horde of soldiers and security guards, disciples in hiding, examination and torture by Temple authorities who took him to Pilate for punishment, more torture and ridicule as "King of the Jews," the agonizing tramp to Golgotha with woman followers watching from a distance, and the humiliating, horrific execution.
Mark tells this story in three-hour segments. Between noon and 3 PM, the land is in darkness, and as Jesus gives his last cry, the curtain of the Temple is torn in two. (Mark 15:38.)
With all this going on, it would be easy to miss the significance of the destruction of the Temple veil, the curtain shutting off the Holy of Holies, God's special home, from the outside world. Only the high priest was allowed to enter this place, and only once a year. The ruined curtain symbolized not only the end of the priests' power, but - more important for us - the opening of direct access to the presence and love of God without intercession or mediation from someone standing between us and our God.
Jesus lived and died so we could take an active role in establishing God's kingdom on earth.
Lenten Devotions
April 2, 2021
THURSDAY: THE SON OF MAN
On Tuesday, Jesus had warned his followers that the Son of Man, described vividly in the prophecy of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible, was coming and would divide the people into "sheep and goats"; those had who cared for the poor, the hungry, foreign, and prisoners would have everlasting life, but those who had not cared for the unfortunate would have everlasting punishment. (Matthew 25:31-46.) Note that Jesus does not claim to be the Son of God, but emphasizes humanity: the Son of Man.
Now, on Thursday, the gospels tell us, Jesus talked to his followers about the Human One, the Son of Man who was coming to be a servant to all. Later, after being arrested, he was questioned - and tortured - by the leaders of the Temple who wanted to get rid of this trouble-maker. They couldn't get anyone to give credible testimony against Jesus, so they asked him directly: "Are you the Son of God?" Jesus' answer was something like: "You are saying it." The chief priests and elders and scholars had finally had enough, and they turned him over to Pontius Pilate (because only the Roman were allowed to carry out a death sentence.)
We are told that Jesus repeatedly seemed to identify himself with a mythical human being (literally "son of man"); others referred to him as the Son of God. What point was Jesus making?
Lenten Devotions
April 1, 2021
WEDNESDAY : THE WORST AND THE BEST
The gospel writers repeatedly emphasized that the Temple leaders wanted to kill Jesus, but they were afraid of the "the crowd" that effectively protected him. John explains their thinking: "If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation." (John 11:48) Jesus presented a huge threat to both Roman and Jewish authorities, but harming him could start a riot in the city filled with Passover pilgrims.
On Wednesday, the contrast of worst and best centered on individuals. The Temple authorities had given up trying to trap Jesus - until Judas appeared and offered to identify their enemy (who had been very visible in the community for four days.) Meanwhile, Jesus and his followers had supper with friends in Bethany. The gospels disagree whose house they were at: - Simon the Leper, Mary and Martha, or a Pharisee - but they tell the story that must have been well known, about a woman who appeared and anointed Jesus with costly ointment from an expensive alabaster jar. Against criticism that the unguent should have been sold to help the poor, Jesus used this incident to praise this nameless woman for preparing his body for burial. The disciples protested, still in denial that Jesus was going to die for his actions in Jerusalem.
Lenten Devotions
March 31, 2021
Tuesday's Teachings
Having challenged the authorities with his memorable entry into Jerusalem on Sunday and his disturbance of Temple business on Monday, Jesus spent Tuesday in the Temple courtyard talking with a large group of followers. The chief priests, elders and scribes who were expected to keep the people calm, found his presence increasingly problematic.
Imagine you were one of that crowd, excited to be with Jesus and a little apprehensive that he was offending powerful people who were trying to trap him into saying something that would get him into trouble. The Temple elite asked him: "By what authority do you teach these things?" As he did so often, Jesus answered with a question: "Did John the Baptizer's authority come from heaven or from humans. The leaders talked among themselves: "How do we answer? If we say from heaven, he will ask why we did not follow John, but if we say from humans, the people will be angry because they think John was a prophet." So they answered: "We don't know." And Jesus said: "Then I'm not going to tell you where my authority comes from." Can you hear the chuckles and sighs of relief at how Jesus had deflected this verbal attack?
Then Jesus was asked if the people should pay taxes to Rome. Heavy taxes would have been one of the crowd's pet peeves. Jesus asked for a denarius, and one of his Jewish challengers produced a Roman coin with a likeness of the emperor on it. (Remember the commandment against graven images.) Jesus asked whose likeness was on the coin: "Caesar's." Jesus then said: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." This would have satisfied the Romans, but good Jews knew everything belonged to God. The Temple authorities recognized the ambiguity of Jesus' answer - and they had been caught carrying coins with graven images in the Temple.
No wonder the crowd loved Jesus, and the chief priests, elders, and scribes looked for a way to get rid of him - without causing a riot. These powerful leaders were afraid of the crowd.
Lenten Devotions
March 30, 2021
Monday's Lesson
On his second day in Jerusalem, Jesus interferes with Temple business. Remember, this is the Jews' only Temple, so a great crowd of visitors is in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, commemorating the Israelites' freedom from Egypt. The Roman Antonia Fortress, filled with soldiers, looms over the holy site, a constant reminder that Israel is now subject to another foreign power.
Remember the prohibition against graven images. Coins with Caesar's image cannot be associated with Temple sacrifices and must be exchanged for image-less Jewish coins. Jesus totally disrupts the Temple business of preparing sacrifices for Passover by overturning the money-changing tables. Later anti-Semitic Christians will interpret his scathing accusation about making God's house a "den of robbers" as condemnation of the Temple itself. But Jesus has a Jewish message, and close reading of the Bible reveals that he refers to God's care for helpless aliens, orphans and widows, quoting God in Jeremiah 7:11: "Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your sight?" The operative word is den (spēlaion, hideaway.) Jesus' quarrel is not with religion, but with the Temple as a place to hide collaboration with Roman oppressors instead doing the justice demanded by God. Another challenge to the powerful.
Lenten Devotions
March 29, 2021
PALM SUNDAY: A DANGEROUS PROCESSION
We see Palm Sunday as a prelude to Easter and Jesus' resurrection. Perhaps it would be more accurate to think of that enthusiastic entry into Jerusalem as the first step of Jesus' journey to his crucifixion on Friday. It was a demonstration of the popularity of one Galilean peasant who captured the mood of people in Israel under Roman rule.
The joyful procession challenges the three ruling powers of Judea. It is a parody of Pontius Pilate's show of power to remind the Jews that any failure of loyalty to Rome has dire consequences. Jesus and his followers know this is dangerous. They do it anyway.
Shouts of "Hosanna" and references to the son of David alarm the priests and Temple elite. Such blasphemy threatens control of the populace and wrath from Pilate and Rome.
Herod Antipas, Rome-appointed tetrarch (ruler of a quarter part) aspires to be king of the whole Israel that his father, Herod the Great, once ruled. A rival king seriously threatens his ambitions.
The road to Easter passes through Good Friday. The stage has been set. The journey to the cross has begun.
Lenten Devotions
March 28, 2021
Follow Him
We want to follow you, Jesus, but we never know quite where you will take us. Prepare us for the journey and remind us that wherever we follow you, you will be with us.
Richard Floyd, from UCC Devotional, 2017
Give us strength, Lord, to face our fears and the courage to trust your presence.
Tabitha Arnold, from UCC Lenten Devotional (2016)
Dear God, call me out of my complacency and safety, and into the privilege of standing with you.
Emily Heath, from UCC Lenten Devotionals (2017)
God, let me be uncertain about my own righteousness and certain of your unconditional love for both me and my enemies.
Molly Baskette, from UCC Lenten Devotionals (2016)
Thank you, Jane Sveden
Lenten Devotional
March 27, 2021
Justice
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you."
(Matthew 5:44)
Those who deserve love the least, need it the most.
From God's Little Instruction Book
Thou art with me. Thou art with me. Thou art with me.
Jennifer Garrison Brownell, UCC Lenten Devotional (20 I 7)
Standing for Justice/peace is a sure sign of authentic religion.
From Hungers of the Heart by Richard G. Watts
Thank you, Jane Sveden
Lenten Devotions
March 26, 2021
King of the Jews
The Gospels tell us that when Jesus was crucified, a sign was hung over his head that said "King of the Jews." The Temple authorities protested that it should have said: "He said he was king of the Jews." The Romans probably did not make a mistake. They meant to mock Jesus and the Jews who did not have a king, but only a tetrarch, ruler of a quarter of the kingdom that had been ruled by King Herod, the last king of lsrael.
The Romans had assigned that quarter kingdom to Herod's son, Herod Antipas and they kept him on a tight leash. The execution of John the Baptist was only one of his blatant cruelties.
When Jesus' followers turned the insulting sign into praise for their leader, Herod Antipas was not pleased. He wanted to take over all of his father's kingdom; he wanted to be king of Jews, and this nobody, one so low he was executed in the most demeaning way possible, was being called "King of the Jews."
This did not endear followers of "The Way" to Herod Antipas.
Eventually, Herod went too far, and his reputation preceded him when he went to Rome to beg the emperor to make him king of the Jews. He was stripped of all of his titles and advantages.
Jesus, on the other hand, is accorded the honors of a king, even today. The last shall be first, indeed.
Lenten Devotions
March 25, 2021
The Widow's Offering
As Jesus and his disciples sat in the temple, they watched people come to offer their gifts to God. One woman in particular caught Jesus' eye. This woman, a poor widow, came and put two small coins into the treasury. While others gave only some of their wealth - from their abundance - this woman gave everything she had. During Lent, take time to think about the gifts we offer to God and the spirit in which we give them. Do we give only some of what we have, or do we give everything we have? And what are the different ways we can give?
From "Before and After" included in the
1999 FFC Family Lenten & Easter Booklet
by Susy Affleck-Child & the CE Committee
Thank you, Nancy Ross
Lenten Devotions
March 24, 2021
BRINGING PAIN HOME
by Henri Nouwen
Your pain is deep, and it just won't go away. Your call is to bring that pain home.
As long as your wounded part remains foreign to your adult self, your pain will injure you as well as others.
Yes, you have to incorporate your pain unto your self and let it bear fruit in your heart and the hearts of others.
This is what Jesus means when he asks you to take up your cross.
He encourages you to recognize and embrace your unique suffering and to trust that your way to salvation lies therein.
Taking up your cross means, first of all, befriending your wounds and letting them reveal to you your truth.
Submitted by Rev. Mary Poole from Lent and Easter Wisdom from Henri J. M Nouwen
Lenten Devotions
March 23, 2021
John the Baptizer
John the Baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And the people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. In those days, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Mark 1:4-6
Jesus probably began as a follower of John. However, John's fiery language got him into trouble when he condemned the local ruler Herod Antipas for divorcing his wife and marrying his brother's wife. You know the story: his stepdaughter danced provocatively and, as a reward, Herod presented Salome with John's head on a platter. (Matthew 14:1-11)
Theologian John Dominic Crossan claims that Jesus learned an important lesson from his mentor. John had a monopoly that died with him, but Jesus established franchise, preparing his followers to spread his message of love and forgiveness after he was no longer with them.
The Franklin Federated Church is part of this franchise and we are called to continue to spread Jesus' message in our world.
Lenten Devotion
March 22, 2021
HEROD AND HEROD
There are two Herods in the story of Jesus, King Herod, called "The Great," who died about the time Jesus was born. This is the king who reportedly repeated part of Moses' story by killing all the baby boys, this time to eliminate a rival king. Another legend says that Herod, who had killed many of his own family, wanted to make sure there was mourning when he died, so he ordered a massacre. There are historical artifacts and reports showing that the Jews in the city of Sepphoris, four miles from Nazareth, revolted, and that was why the city was destroyed. By all accounts, Herod was a brutal king who worked for the Romans at the expense of his Jewish subjects.
Herod Antipas succeeded to a quarter of the kingdom and was called a "tetrarch" (quarter ruler.) He did his best to follow in his father's footsteps, helping the Romans keep the Jews "in their place" and beheading John the Baptist.
Herod Antipas also was not pleased that Jesus' followers treated their leader like a king.
The behaviors of these two rulers adds poignancy to Jesus' teachings as well as his death and resurrection.
Lenten Devotion
March 21, 2021
The First Day of Spring!
CHILDREN COLOR GOD YELLOW
God said: "Let there be light!"
And the light was yellow.
God talked to Moses from a burning bush,
And the flame was yellow.
Jesus said: "Sun shines on the good and the bad,"
And the sun is yellow.
Jesus said: "You are the light of the world, don't hide it,"
And our light is yellow.
Jesus said: "I am the light of the world,"
And his light of life is yellow.
Corn collects sunlight as it grows to meet our needs,
And the com is yellow.
Daffodils and buttercups collect sun and rain for flowers,
And their flowers are yellow.
Little children are not afraid to draw God for us,
And they color God yellow.
Copyright 2016, Lyn A. Pickhover
Lenten Devotions
March 20, 2021
Prayers for Guidance
Give us strength, Lord, to face our fears and the courage to trust your presence.
Tabitha Arnold, UCC Lenten Devotional (2017)
We want to follow you, Jesus, but we never know quite where you will take us. Prepare us for the journey and remind us that wherever we follow you, you will be with us.
Richard L. Floyd, from UCC Lenten Devotional (2017)
Thou art with me. Thou art with me. Thou art with me.
Jennifer Garrison Brownell, UCC Lenten Devotional (2017)
Thanks to Jane Sveden
Lenten Devotions
March 19, 2021
Forgiveness
By Henri Nouwen
To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation.
We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us.
We say, "I no longer hold your offense against you."
We also free ourselves from the burden of being the "offended one."
As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us, or worse, pull them as a heavy load.
The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them.
Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves.
(Submitted by Rev. Mary Poole from Lent and Easter Wisdom.from Henri J. M Nouwen )
Lenten Devotions
March 18, 2021
THE RIGHT THING TO DO
His high school yearbook said: "Anything for the quiet life, "but by the time I met him, in his mid-thirties, there was something more, first glimpsed in the frequency with which his co-workers sent over a complimentary round of drinks at our Friday lunches at the "99" on Friend Street. With principles established in his Coast Guard service, forged in the philanthropies of his Masonic activities, nurtured in the generosity of the FFC church family, and illumined by Westar studies of the teachings of Jesus, he could be abrasive, and he called himself "the gadfly" of his church. The tributes at his memorial service revealed his true mark on the world: his insistence on "The right thing to do. "
In Memory of Brian Pickhover
Lenten Devotions
March 17, 2021
Pondering Resurrection
RISING PHOENIX
Symbol etched on a mirror wall,
Crowned head, fierce beak supported by long, powerful neck,
Feet still planted, earthbound
In hot ashes of its own ruin,
Flashing, changing colors denote destroying, cleansing flames
And illumine glass-bound feathers
As Phoenix glares at its devastated world,
Out-stretched wings ready to soar above its own demise,
And rise into a glorious future.
Past destruction, present determination, and future hope,
A crystal parable for those who can see.
© Lyn Pickhover 2021
Lenten Devotions
March 16, 2021