Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Luke 23:33-43.

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:32-43

We are so familiar with this story but it still makes us uneasy to hear it. Jesus knew what He was called to do and He was willing to give Himself up for us. Perhaps we feel the guilt of knowing that He took our sin upon Himself in order to save us from eternal death.

Jesus wasn’t bitter and even during this painful process He is still able to forgive those who are executing Him as well as promise one who dies beside Him that forgiveness and salvation are there for the asking. Jesus kept up His mission right to the end.

Jesus offers us the same forgiveness and salvation, but also the same risk. It isn’t easy to be a disciple and He wants us to know that from the start. We are called to follow Him no matter what the cost as He was willing to suffer the cost for us.

Gracious God, we are amazed at the mercy You send us in Jesus and the gift of saving love that we are offered. Help us to be joyful followers, even in the face of adversity, that like Him we may be faithful unto death. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 23:33-43.

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. ” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:42-43

These are perhaps the two most hopeful verses of all. A condemned thief about to die confesses Jesus as Lord and Jesus forgives him. It is beyond our comprehension that He would do this, but it is what He has done for us all along.

Why would Jesus do this? He has forgiven others, telling them to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11) or that “today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). In these lessons people are turning their lives around, but this thief on the cross next to Jesus doesn’t get a chance to do that! He’s about to die, he’ll never go to church, he’ll never spread the gospel, how is he saved? The same way we all are – through Jesus sacrifice and mercy.

Jesus is showing us that it isn’t about how much we do or how much we give, it’s all about how much He gave, how much He loved us. Jesus knows the thief is never going on a mission trip or donating for a new project. Yes, these are good things and we should keep doing them – but that’s not what saves us. Only our confession that Jesus is our Lord and Savior brings salvation, and Jesus saves those who put their faith and trust in Him, regardless of their human condition.

Loving Lord, let us all remember what it takes to be saved and pray as the thief did – Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 23:33-43.

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
Luke 23:40-41

“We are getting what we deserve” – what a frightening statement. If we really got what we deserved, we would be in deep trouble and despair. We are all flawed and sinful, regardless of how good we try to be. Only through Jesus can we be forgiven.

It is said that justice is getting what we deserve and mercy is not getting what we deserve, but instead being given a gift we don’t deserve. Jesus didn’t deserve to die on the cross and we certainly don’t deserve the gift of mercy and salvation He gave us. Jesus was willing to give up everything so that we might be saved.

I saw a sculpture that showed the world and a pair of giant hands. One labeled “Justice” was curled into a fist, ready to smash the world. The other labeled “Mercy” held back the fist. Isaiah 53:5 tells us “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Jesus is the sacrifice that stands between us and the punishment we deserve.

Loving Lord, we are unworthy to receive the gift You offer us. We are grateful for the immense love You send to save us from sin. Help us to know Your love in our lives and to share it with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 23:33-43.

There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
Luke 23:38-39

The world is attempting to mock Jesus and in doing so, a sign with the truth is placed over His head. Jesus is King of the Jews and all creation. He knows exactly what He is doing, why He is doing it and who He will save through His sacrifice.

The world continues to mock Him, but Jesus still comes to save those who call on Him. In quiet ways we may never hear about and spectacular, unexplainable healing He is here with us every day. Like the plan God had for Him, our road may not be easy.

When things are at their worst, as when He suffered on the cross, mocked and rejected by “conventional wisdom”, Jesus will be there for us to help us see that God’s plan is more important than anything we could want. Jesus can show us how we are part of that eternal plan and how to be in that eternal home with Him. Call on Him and trust Him to guide you today!

Loving Lord, we often don’t understand where we are going in this life, as we try to do it alone. Show us the beauty of a relationship with God and our brothers and sisters, and how meaningful our lives can be. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 23:33-43.

The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
Luke 23:35-37

It must have been emotionally painful to Jesus to hear this. He is the King and He can save Himself…but He chooses not to because God has a plan and Jesus obeys. Even the pain and agony of crucifixion can’t break His connection to the Father.

Jesus has been tempted to use His power wrongly before. Immediately after His baptism He went to the desert to fast and pray. Satan came to Him and attempted to trick Him into using the gifts God had given improperly (Matthew 4:1-11).

Then as now, Jesus was obedient, even unto death. We may never be called to endure a trial such as this, but our obedience is tested every day by worldly things. Stand with Jesus and He will stand with you against all evil you encounter.

Gracious God, we are weak but Jesus is strong. Help us to trust in all He has taught us and to turn away from sin. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 23:33-43.

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
Luke 23:33-34

When reading this passage, some people focus on the strangeness of the soldiers dividing Jesus’ clothing by casting lots (kind of like rolling dice). As we shall hear later in this passage, this is mentioned in Psalm 22:18. Psalm 22 is the prayer Jesus was praying on the cross as well.

While this is a connection to the Old Testament and shows Jesus came to fulfill prophecy, we would do better to focus on His statement “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” in verse 34. Even as wicked humankind put Him to death, He prayed for God to forgive us all. This is Jesus doing what He had taught us, even under the worst of evil occurrences.

He forgave us to save us, and that is a gift we can never repay. We can live in His grace by following His example of unconditional love and forgiveness. Forgiving doesn’t undo the act, but it can repair the relationship, and reconnect us to God and our brothers and sisters.

Loving Lord, we don’t deserve the gift of unbelievable forgiveness, but You give it anyway. Help us to live in the ways Jesus taught us that we may be found worthy to be called Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 23:33-43.

I feel some explanation is in order for this week’s posts. I use the Revised Common Lectionary as my guide as to what scripture I will use here and in my sermon on Sunday. It gives me time to be fully involved with the passage in order to preach it, and those who will hear it Sunday time to prepare to listen. I think many of you who don’t attend one of my two churches still hear the same scripture when you go to your own church, regardless of denomination.

November 24 is the last Sunday in our liturgical calendar that marks the seasons of the church. On December 1 we begin the season of Advent, leading us to the hope, peace, joy and love of Christmas. If you have already looked at this week’s scripture you know that this passage is Luke’s description of the Crucifixion. I must admit, I almost chose another passage to preach on and write about here. Why would we read about His death when we are preparing to celebrate the coming of the baby Jesus?

There is logic to this, even if our emotions tell us it is wrong – as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23 “we preach Christ crucified”. I have heard it said “You can’t have the cradle without the cross”. Advent and Christmas, as joyous as they are, point us to Good Friday. Perhaps we need to remember that connection.

We also need to remember that Easter is the reason for Christmas at all. Christ came as a baby to offer Himself as a sacrifice to save us, the greatest gift ever given. It was God’s plan and Jesus followed the Father’s instructions completely. We can celebrate Christmas today only because Jesus gave Himself up for us. As we prepare for the time of joy, keep in mind the goal of all of God’s action for us – to redeem us from sin and bring us to be with Him eternally.

Gracious God, we can’t begin to understand the depth of Your love and mercy for us. Thank You for sending Jesus to save us and show the way to reconnect with our brothers and sisters and You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 21:5-19.

Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.

Jesus has taught us some hard lessons in this passage. Hearing about the things we know being destroyed and the people we love turning against us is difficult. Being persecuted for our faith is not something most of us have faced before. Jesus tells us that we must stand firm through all of this.

Jesus knows that we are often fair-weather believers, following the path when it is easy, but turning aside when things are rough. Even when we have seen God’s love and care, circumstances can cause us to doubt. After God brought the children of Israel safely out of Egypt through the Red Sea, the people were still unfaithful, saying “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.” (Exodus 16:3)

The warning in this lesson from Jesus is sharp – “Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.” Especially when things seem worst, we must remain faithful and trust that God’s plan is being carried out.

Mighty God, sometimes we don’t understand the events that happen in our lives, but we know that You are sovereign and hold all things in Your hands. Help us to be faithful when times are hard for us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 21:5-19.

Jesus has told us that we will not know the day or time when God chooses to bring this world to a close. In Matthew 24:36 He says “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Later in that lesson He urges us “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
(Matthew 25:13).

We have gotten better at predicting when severe storms will occur, but even with all our technology, we can’t be certain of when or even if a certain storm will hit a certain place at a certain time. If we can’t be certain of the timing of earthly things, how could we be certain of the timing of heavenly things? Jesus tells us not to worry – “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:7)

Here is something of which we can be certain: Jesus came to save us all and to send us as His representatives to the world. His love and truth must be shared with everyone. We don’t need to worry about when God will choose to end this world if we are about the Lord’s business while we are here.

Heavenly Father, often we are distressed by not knowing all the details of Your plan. Help us to see what is important – sharing the Gospel and being ready all the time – and not to be distracted by wanting to know all the answers. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Luke 21:5-19.

But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life. Luke 21:18-19

Hearing about the last days is unsettling to say the least. Jesus has warned us about false prophets, false accusations, friends and family turning against us. We must stand on the truth and keep faith with the one who will never turn against us.

Jesus promised life to those who accept Him, even when our world seems to be in chaos. Humans have a bad habit of taking the wrong path, sometimes even when they know better. If we stand firm as Jesus taught, we will be able to see through the chaos of this life to the life everlasting.

Jesus didn’t say we’d avoid trouble or pain, but if our faith is firm, we will see that these things are temporary, while His promise is eternal. The old hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” tells us “this body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still!” When we stand firm with Jesus, we can become part of that eternal truth in Him.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the love You sent in the Messiah. Help us to trust in Your unfailing grace and mercy now and forever. Amen.