Midweek Message: Not Knowing

 

Luke 23:34     Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

I can remember when our first daughter Lynsey was born. My wife Evelyn and I immediately felt the joy of bringing a new child into the world, but also the deep anxiety of not knowing what to do next. There are no instructions or blueprints that come with a baby and, if truth be told, most parents wing it on a daily basis. Every child is different and each one has their unique personality. However, what works for one baby will not necessarily work for another child. We learned this when our second daughter Lauren was born two years later. We soon realized that almost everything we learned with the first child was not applicable with the second.

Not knowing what to do because of inexperience happens to everyone. For instance, when we first learn to drive, we have to be taught what to do step by step, gear by gear, and street by street. We can’t suddenly take the car keys at the age of sixteen and fully expect to drive immediately. We have to learn what we’re doing; we have to know where we’re going; and we have to focus on how fast we are moving. To get in a car and drive without knowing the basics is just asking for trouble.

Crucifying the Christ, the Holy Son of God, was the ultimate act of human ignorance. The people had seen and experienced Christ’s ministry. They had heard His teaching and were astounded at His miracles. Jesus had brought them closer to God than any other prophet or religious leader in their history, but they still stubbornly ignored the Truth He proclaimed by casting aside His ways for their own understanding and choosing to take His life rather than changing their own. Some thought that they were getting rid of another false messiah, a theological troublemaker, and a religious rabble rouser, but what they were actually doing – and we would have done the same - was foolishly and selfishly killing the Son of God.

Jesus could have retaliated and called down a thousand angels to protect Him. God could have stopped the crucifixion at any moment and also destroy all Jerusalem. However, instead of reacting with judgment and wrath, Christ called for gentleness and redemption. Instead of punishment and destruction, Christ prayed for peace and deliverance. In all of the history of humankind, one of the most wicked and inhumane sins occurred at Calvary, but in the history of all Creation, Christ turned His execution into the most divine and gracious act of mercy humanity has ever known, by expressing these beautiful words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we confess to being foolish, careless, and selfish at times. We sometimes deliberately choose to do what is wrong and willfully ignore Your words and ways. Have mercy upon us; forgive our past mistakes and restore us to God’s favor and everlasting love. In Your Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John

Midweek Message: This is The Way

Isaiah 30:21   Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

I love this verse from Isaiah. It was written at a crucial time in the history of the Jewish people. They were in the midst of political upheaval, and their leaders were guilty of causing the nation to morally stray. God felt disappointed by the people’s ambivalence and laid out the consequences of their rebellious ways. However, God also provided them with grace and urged them to hear God’s voice. If they did this, they would know the right direction to take, the course correction that they needed, as well as the godly instruction they required.

I think this verse encapsulates what we all need in our lives each day. We each go through times of trouble and anxiety, confusion and fear. We can find ourselves vulnerable and our confidence can be broken, leaving us spiritually and emotionally lost, as well as physically and mentally drained. We sometimes don’t know what to do or where to go for help, guidance, or support.

I believe this is why we should turn to the scriptures for counsel and advice. Although the words were written long ago, they can still build up our faith and give us inside knowledge about God’s words and ways. I think when we use the Bible for guidance, we are given a divine GPS – God’s Poignant Scriptures – that will often help us to overcome our fears, show us what to do, and help us fulfill our plans. If we make and take time to daily read and study the Bible, then I firmly believe that during critical times we will hear God’s voice in our hearts, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for Your Holy Book which has inspired and directed our people for many generations. Give us a heart for learning about Your ways and works. Enable us to embrace and be guided by Your sacred words. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

May God be with and bless you all.

Pastor John

 

Midweek Message: Local Pilot

Midweek Devotion – Local Pilots

Psalm 77:19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. (NIV)

Dear Friends,

                             One of the most fascinating things about being on a cruise ship was watching the passenger liner come into a new harbor. Just before this happened, a small speed boat would suddenly appear beside the ship in order to let the local pilot come aboard. The pilot’s knowledge of the water depth, harbor walls, and submerged rocks ensured the ship’s safety as we proceeded to dock or undock. Without the pilot, the ship’s captain would not dare to enter or leave the harbor. However, with the pilot’s presence, the ship docked safely each time.

                             This process reminded me of my role here at First Presbyterian. It has been almost two years since you invited me to be your part-time interim. My purpose has been to keep you on the right course as a congregation and thankfully we have managed this together. Hopefully, we are soon coming to a point on our journey where my work as your pastoral pilot will be completed, and you will have a new skipper to lead you to better and brighter things.

                             The presence of the local pilots on the cruise ship also reminded me that every one of us has Christ as our individual pilot to lead us safely through turbulent times and troubled waters. In today’s world, we can all be overwhelmed by the chaos and corruption, callousness and conceit that have damaged us as a people, or even personally as individuals. As Thomas Paine once remarked, “these are times that try men’s souls,” so the stress and sorrow that we have for the world can adversely affect our bodies, minds, hearts, and spirits. This is why we look to Christ to pilot us through these rough seas; this is why we need Him to guide us safely ashore.

May God bring you and your loved ones peace, hope, and faith to endure and overcome these troubled times.

Pastor John