Holy Week Devotions: Saving the World

Last year I wrote a Holy Week devotional book to enable busy Christians to keep every day sacred. The book was enjoyed by many people and so I’ve decided to write another one for 2014.

            

Each day is divided into three separate parts: - a short morning devotion, a mid-day prayer, and an evening poem of reflection. There is also a different art image for each day to help the readers meditate. By the end of the book, Holy Week should become more meaningful to everyone who undertakes and completes this journey.

            

God bless you all.

               

  John Stuart

           Pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church

            Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

            traqair@aol.com

Short devotion: Death Working Backwards - Acts 2:24

Acts 2:24         But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

In the beautiful days when my two daughters were children, I used to read to them at night time from different books. Their favorites were the Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. From an early age, they learned of the wonderful tales about the Pevensey children and the giant lion Aslan. They fell in love with the faun Mr. Tumnus and marveled at the courage of Mr.  & Mrs. Beaver. The stories captivated their hearts and spurred on their imagination. Even today, as Masters Graduates and professional adults, they still love those stories and talk about them from time to time. I hope that one day they get the opportunity to share those stories with their own children.

In the book, “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,’ the great heroic lion Aslan is slain by the forces of evil. The children in the book are distraught when this occurs, and all of their hopes are dashed to pieces. It appears as though the White Queen is going to overcome the whole land of Narnia and keep it in winter forever, when a new dawn breaks and Aslan is brought back to life. CS Lewis later explains this as ‘death working backwards,’ when the lion’s heroic and courageous sacrifice overcomes death itself. It’s a remarkable moment in the book. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the absolute wonder and delight on the faces of my own daughters when I read this part of the story to them for the very first time.

When Peter preaches to the gathered crowd on the streets of Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, he tells them that Christ, who was crucified by the very same people, had risen from the agony of death by God, and that death itself could not hold on to Christ. Death was working backwards and Jesus was made alive again through the infinite power of God. It was an amazing moment in the history of all Creation and one which has captivated the hearts, minds, and souls of billions of people on Earth for almost two thousand years.

We all face a time of death in each of our lives. We cannot stop the clock from moving forward, nor can we hold back the years. However, with our faith in Jesus, we can experience the split-second after we die the wonderful blessing of death working backwards and being raised into the glorious, never-ending Kingdom of our Creator God. It is a delightful mystery to ponder and, at the same time, a magnificent gift to gratefully await.

Questions for personal reflection

What will death mean to me? Am I ready to place all of my faith in Christ’s ability to resurrect me into God’s Kingdom?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Holy One of God who has been raised from death. You have conquered sin, evil, and death by Your perfect sacrifice. We are honored by Your work and blessed eternally through Your Grace. Thank You, Lord, for bringing this wonderful heavenly gift to our earthly lives. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message or ask a question, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com

Today’s image is one of John’s Narnian drawings. It’s called “Enter Lucy,” and shows the lamp-post where young Lucy and Mr. Tumnus meet for the first time in Narnia. If you would like to see a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8204650448_f00fceaffa_b.jpg

Holy Week devotions: Eight Sacred Days

My new devotional e-book for Holy Week called 'Eight Sacred Days, has been published on Amazon.com. It contains artwork, morning devotions, mid-day prayers, and evening poems of reflection for each day of Holy Week.

I wrote the book for the many Christians that I know whose lives are very busy. because they are under a lot of pressure, they might forget about the purpose of Holy Week and miss out on the spiritual strength that it brings.

The e-book is not just available for Kindle users, but for everyone who has downloaded the Kindle app (free) for their Macs, PCs, phones, and any other mobile devices. At 99c for the book, this is a great investment in a relatively easy yet still meaningful daily journey of faith.

Check out the details of the book at the following link:

Short Devotions: What Jesus Wants - Mark 5:7

Bible Reading:           Mark 5:1-10

Key verse:       He shouted as loud as he could, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God, what do You want with me? Vow now to God that You will not torture me!”       Mark 5:7

There’s a verse in the New Testament Letter of James that aptly describes what is going on here in this Gospel passage between Jesus and the demoniac. It reminds us that even demons recognize Christ for who He actually is. James writes:

‘You believe that there is one God? Good! Even the demons believe that--and tremble.’ – James 2:19

I’m struck by the fact that there are people in this world who refuse to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and yet, according to the Gospel, there are demons who know Christ and shudder. Those demons will never enter into the everlasting Kingdom of God and sadly neither will those who don’t believe in Jesus. With this in mind, we are soberly reminded as Christians that it is our mission to spread the Gospel through our acts and expressions of faith, in words and works. We don’t do these things to earn any eternal reward or divine merit. We do them to attract others to Christ and as ways of encouraging them to accept Him for Who He actually is.

Jesus was not concerned about the demon, but He was deeply troubled about the possessed man. He confronted the evil presence and rooted it out of the man, so that the demoniac could be liberated from his torment and troubles.

Christ’s ministry is still the same today. In a crazy, fearful, and tormented world, His compassion and concern is to give the people on this planet a better life, a better hope, and a better way. When people fully understand and accept that Jesus is the Son of the Most High God, then their lives are completely transformed and their days are filled with meaning, purpose, and the delight of God.

Question for personal reflection

Have I accepted Christ as the Son of the Most High God? If so, how has this changed my life?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, Son of the Most High God, we worship Your ways, words, and works in the world. We praise You for Your powerful presence on this planet and we seek to serve You with all of our lives. Grant us new opportunities to encourage others to seek and find You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest Appalachian drawing. It’s called “Heaven Meets Earth” and it is a sunrise depiction of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6228/6878952464_a6dbda2089_b.jpg

Please note that John has limited signed editions of this print available. Just email him for details.

Easter devotion: Fact or Fantasy? - Matthew 27:64

Matthew 27:64            “So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”

 

This last deception will be worse than the first.

Do we realize that if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead, then all of our faith is a tragic lie and inhumane deception? Millions of people will have lived and died for their faith in Christ, but if He was not resurrected, then their lives and deaths will have been in vain. In my opinion, to actually be a Christian is to put all of your belief eggs in that one basket of faith; to be a disciple of Christ means that you truly have to believe that He rose from the dead.

The relevance of our faith all comes down to that one fact in history. If the resurrection never occurred, then Christians could be called the most stupid people in the whole universe. However, if the resurrection did occur, then the converse is actually true - Christians are the smartest people who have ever existed because their faith in Jesus will prove to be the most successful and eternally rewarding belief that has ever been given to humanity.

So, the question of faith seems to be this: either Jesus was deluded and Christianity is the biggest deception in history, or Jesus rose again and our mission is to broadcast that Good News to our families, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, neighbors, and even strangers. The choice about what we do with the Resurrection is ours; the challenge of its truth comes solely from God.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, as Christians we believe that You are the Savior of the world because You died for our sins and rose from the dead. We thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. We praise You for Your glorious resurrection and heavenly ascension. We eagerly anticipate Your Coming again. In Your Holy Name, we expectantly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment about today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Christ drawings. It’s called “The Baptism” and is a crayon drawing of Christ being baptized in the Jordan with the Holy Spirit descending upon Him. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6924951609_4fc7a8a94e_b.jpg

Holy Week Devotions: Just Like Us - Proverbs 12:21

Proverbs 12:21           No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

Today’s verse from Proverbs expresses a religious idea that was prevalent in Old Testament times: the good are blessed by God; those who are evil befall all kinds of disaster.

During Holy Week, we are constantly reminded that this is not true. Christ, who was entirely good, was not protected from the pain and ignominy, suffering and shame that He endured. Instead, because He was all good, He was humiliated and wounded, abused and executed, tortured and sacrificed by people just like us. Had we been there in Jerusalem during Christ’s last week, we would have joined the mob and condemned Him.

On that day of infamy, all manner of harm befell the Righteous One. On that day, the wicked had more than their fill of bloodlust and anger, vengeance and hatred, fanaticism and bigotry.

The question we need to ask ourselves today is this: are we any different from Christ’s abusers, or does this most sacred and holiest of weeks in the year become life changing and truly meaningful to us?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, help us to take time out from the busy-ness of our tight schedules and lay aside a worthy portion of our time to think about You, Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. Keep us from being distracted and enable us to remain focused on You. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions of today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Holy Week drawings. It’s called “New Day” and is a Maundy Thursday/Easter sunrise picture. If you would like to see a larger version of this, please visit the following link: http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5622811365_440f59a85b_b.jpg

Holy Week Devotion: God the Builder - Hebrews 3:4

Hebrews 3:4    For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.

We’ve come to the end of two exciting building phases at Erin church here in Knoxville and we all feel very blessed by God. At the same time over in Maybole, Scotland, the building of the new community center and church is taking place. In both cases, the church people feel a sense of pride and renewal, of new hopes and great blessings. It’s been a long time in coming for both communities; at last we are all beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Both churches have been established by God and each of them will grow if the congregations and communities are open to the presence, work, and ministry of the Holy Spirit. The future of each place depends upon the faithfulness of the people involved; without their commitment, contributions, and constancy, none of this could have been accomplished. In many ways, the work of both churches is only just beginning and this is what makes the whole experience exciting.

As we head into Holy Week, we are all given the special opportunity of allowing God to rebuild our lives. We can come to Christ on the Cross to receive His forgiveness; we can meet Him outside the tomb and be renewed forever. In Him, we have a hope that will never die; through Him, we have a bright and everlasting future. God builds everything through Jesus. We can depend upon Him.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for the blessings of building and growing, renewal and restoration that You are establishing in many churches and communities throughout the world. Let this holy and sacred time touch our people in significant and special ways. Grant us opportunities to invite and welcome other people to our churches, so that they may also experience these blessings. In Your Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions of today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s images are construction photos of what’s happening in Maybole and Erin. On the left is the Carrick Center and on the right is the new entrance to Erin Church. God is great!

Daily Devotions: The Next Battle - Titus 1:9

Titus 1:9          He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

Do you get the feeling that Paul was on the offensive when writing to Titus? When I re-read this passage, I realized that Paul wasn’t holding back or pulling any of his punches. He’s totally committed to Christ and completely concerned about the church. He’s making Titus understand the serious nature about the current conflict that the New Testament church was experiencing. For Paul, everything is black and white, wrong or right. There’s no middle ground; no room for compromise; no negotiating with the opposition.

As our current denomination sinks lower into a quagmire of its own making, I’m beginning to think that dialogue and conversation are at an end. The ordination debates which are bedeviling our presbyteries have been going on for thirty years. If, after three decades of in-fighting and the loss of 33% of our membership, we cannot see that we are going against the Holy Spirit, then dialogue is no longer of any value. The die has been cast and the numbers will soon be in. Those who seek to get their own way, rather than God’s way, can celebrate all they like, but know this: the conversation is over.

The next battle, and perhaps final battle, is going to take place over the unique Lordship of Christ. Universalism is creeping into our churches and some people, as well as pastors, no longer hold to the essential Reformation tenet that Christ is the Only Savior of the World. They say things to conceal it like: ‘we cannot limit God to what He can do’ or ‘God’s grace knows no boundaries’ or ‘we cannot fully know what God decides.’

In other words, Christ’s role as Savior is set aside and His Cross only offers limited atonement. Jesus is diminished and other religions are given equal respect. The fact that the First Christians were surrounded by many religions and hundreds of pagan gods and yet they still maintained that Christ was the Only Way, Truth, and Life will pale into insignificance in a worldwide religious rush to embrace one another spiritually, worshipfully, and religiously. Any Way, any Truth, and any Life will be acknowledged, tolerated, and accepted as our beloved denomination finally surrenders to appeasement and apostasy.

The conversation is over. The battle is at an end. The war to win wayward souls back to Christ has just begun.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, Your Church has been constantly attacked from within, even from the early days when Paul was teaching and preaching. After this ordination battle is over, Your unique Lordship will be under attack. Help us to learn from this battle to remain resolute, faithful, and true. Grant us the courage to stand up, speak out, and to state unequivocally that You are the One and Only Savior of and in the world. In Your Holy Name, we adamantly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions of today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is from one of my Holy Week images from 2010. It’s called “Son Down” and depicts Christ Crucified at Calvary. You can view a larger version of this image at the following link: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2704/4442496002_fab6cfb6ac_b.jpg

Daily Devotions: The Cost of Love

Psalm 32:11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

We had fun on Easter morning during the worship service. I noted that it was the 46^th anniversary of the Beatles releasing the song “Can’t Buy Me Love,” so I started singing it to the congregation as part of the sermon. Halfway through the song, the whole congregation started singing it with me. It was a wonderful moment and it made Easter really special for all who were there. I guess you can’t go wrong with the Beatles in worship!

The song itself was an introduction to the fact that we can’t buy God’s love; only Christ’s Cross has paid the ransom demanded from God for our sins. Nothing that we say, sing or do can buy us salvation; only Christ’s sacrificial death can gain that for us. Without His blood, we are unholy to God. Without Calvary, we have no eternity.

Some progressive Christians want to reject the violence of the Cross because it offends their pacifistic nature. They even go as far to say that they do not believe in a vengeful God who sacrifices His own Son in such a terrible and terrifying way. They want to shape God into something more comfortable and they want to make Him in their own cultural image. That’s called ‘idolatry’ in the Bible and it borders on being heretical.

Anyone who has ever lost a child perfectly understands the pain that God went through when Christ died. There is no greater sacrifice than to give up a loving obedient Son. It is the Supreme Sacrifice which can never be topped. It shows the entire world that God is willing to give up everything so that we can be given reconciliation, redemption, and restoration.

Without the violence, there is no victory. Without the blood, there is only oblivion. Christ dies because He obeys God’s will. It’s not about vengeance, wrath, or sadism. It’s about victory, redemption, and salvation. And as someone else wrote: ‘if Christ willingly died for us, we should be willing to live for Him.’

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, Your death has given us everlasting life. The pain You endured paved the way for our salvation. The blood that You poured has become the cleansing agent of our tarnished souls. We can never repay that divine debt which God required, so we truly thank You for sacrificing everything for us. Help us to live for You alone. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is from John’s 2010 Holy Week drawings and is called “Son Down.” It has been compared to Georgia O’Keefe’s ‘Black Cross.’ A larger version can be viewed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/4442496002/sizes/l/

Easter Devotion: My 2010 Easter Window

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!

Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia!
Unto Christ, our heavenly King, Alleluia!
Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia!
Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!

But the pain which He endured, Alleluia!
Our salvation hath procured, Alleluia!
Now above the sky He's king, Alleluia!
Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!

Sing we to our God above, Alleluia!
Praise eternal as His love, Alleluia!
Praise Him, all you heavenly host, Alleluia!
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Alleluia! 

Good Friday Devotion: I Thirst - John 19 v 28

John 19:28     Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." NIV

If you were to ask about forty households over in Tazewell, just outside of Knoxville, what they would like for Easter, they would probably answer you with two words: clean water.

It seems so unreal to me that we have people living on our doorstep in the richest nation in the world who still do not have clean running tap water. You would think that with so many progressive technologies in the world that we would have solved this problem in East Tennessee long ago. And yet, despite having an amazing 21^st century technology corridor in Oakridge, there are still families within a forty minute drive of the ORNL who have water systems that belong to the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

Clean water, more than anything else in this nation of ours, should be a human right. In fact, clean water should be a human right throughout the entire globe because more people die each year from dirty contaminated water than from any disease, sickness, war, or natural disaster. Water is a basic necessity for all of us. Without water, we cannot live.

When Christ is dying painfully on the Cross, He is losing blood at a remarkable rate. It is seeping out of His body and gravity is painfully pulling it down to the foot of the Cross. He is dying horribly in the noon day sun. The heat is intolerable and the pain is excruciating; Jesus has become badly dehydrated and so He thirsts.

But Christ is also aware that he is dying, so what is the point of expressing His thirst. Does He want to temporarily relieve His agony, or is this another subtle temptation from Satan to try to get Jesus to use His power to quench His thirst, just as the Devil had tried to get Him to make bread out of stones at the beginning of His ministry? What better time for Satan to tempt Christ as He is suffering terribly on the Cross. I can even hear the Devil whispering in Christ’s ear: if You are the Son of God, then turn your salty blood-stained tears into cool refreshing water.

But Jesus will not succumb to this temptation either. He thirsts, but not for a cool sip of cold water; Christ thirsts for God. He thirsts for that living water, that eternal relationship, that everlasting bond between Himself and His Father in heaven. The Cross will not break that bridge and death will not overwhelm His hope. When Christ says “I thirst” I believe He is actually saying to God: I want more – I want more of Your presence in my life – I want more of Your love – I want more of being with You beyond death.

One life with one death is not enough for Christ. He wants everlasting life, so this is the most amazing prayer in all of human history: when Christ says “I thirst” He is asking God to open up humanity to the promises and experience of everlasting life. And if God relents and gives this to His Only begotten Son, then how can God refuse to give it to Christ’s people? This is the moment when humanity breaks through into the realms of eternity. Because Christ thirsts and asks for more, we who believe in Him, are given the same glorious and eternal opportunity.

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we thirst for You and Your righteousness in our lives. We thank You for enduring the Cross and for providing us with the opportunity of everlasting life. We know that we do not deserve such amazing love. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully and humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Holy Week Devotions: Holy Week Hell - Mark 9 v 49

Mark 9:49       Everyone will be salted with fire.

I recently watched an animated version of the classical poem Dante’s Inferno. It depicted all of the excesses of medieval man’s imagery of hell. Souls were tormented and demons were diabolically cruel. The sign above the gates of hell told the whole story: “Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here.”

These days, not many people believe in hell. They see it as an invention of religious fanatics who used it to control society, especially when the Church seemed to be all powerful during the Middle Ages. Post modern people reject such a notion, after all, why would a loving, creative, and gracious God permit such a hateful, destructive, and cruel place to exist?

The problem about hell for me is this: Christ believed it existed and He willingly died for us in order to save us from hell. If I deny hell’s existence, then I reject Christ’s beliefs. If I reject what Jesus said, then how can I be sure of my salvation? As usual, there’s no compromise. Either Christ told the truth or He lied.

Holy Week sees the end of Lent and the beginning of Christ’s passion (suffering) for the world. At the end of the week, He overcomes sin and death, and even hell. Hope is not abandoned, but it abounds. In Jesus, we can have the joy of salvation and the promise of heaven, but only if we accept Him as our One True and Only Savior.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, not one of us is comfortable with the existence of hell. We want to cast it aside and think about something pleasant. However, hell was real to You, so who are we to question Your words and ways, Your message and truth. Teach us this week that You can save us from hell and restore us to heaven. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s 2010 Holy Week drawings. It’s called “Bloody Sunset” and depicts Christ on the Cross outside of the walls of Jerusalem. You can view a larger version of the drawing here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/4471998398/sizes/l/

Holy Week Devotions: Two Weeks Behind - Psalm 25 v 15

Psalm 25:15 My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.

The past fourteen days have been a blur to me. I’ve been in pain with tendonitis in my ankle and just when I was getting over it, I got hit with a double whammy of a cold. Easter is just one week away and I feel as though I’m two weeks behind everyone else. I’ve a lot of catching up to do.

This illness has also reminded me that I’m not invincible and that my energy is not inexhaustible. It’s made me depend more on the Lord and His people. It’s made me realize that I’m just as human as everyone else.

Sometimes we all go through times of trial and trouble and rely upon our own resources, energy, and determination to enable us to overcome. It’s only when we can’t handle things or lose our patience that we turn to the Lord. Instead of initially letting God get involved, we sometimes bring Him in reluctantly to clean up our mess or take over the situation. If only we would learn that God is ready, willing, and able to stand beside us and walk us through our distress, we would save a lot of hurt and disappointment, confusion and mistakes.

As we approach Holy Week, let’s try to let go of ourselves and let Christ lead us. Let’s allow the sacredness of this week seep into our souls and influence our attitudes. Let’s keep our eyes on the Lord and be confident that He has the power to release us from our worries, concerns, and fears.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, help us to focus our hearts and minds upon Your Passion in this coming week. Remind us of Your pain and sacrifice, Your courage and determination, Your power to forgive and restore. Grant us Your peace in the midst of our problems. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing called Japanese Garden. You can see a larger version of it online here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/4464086688/sizes/l/

lenten Devotion: A real Likeness - Psalm 17 v 15

Psalm 17:15 And I--in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.

Yesterday I made a special presentation to our church Seniors group about my artwork. I showed them the processes that I use when I create a drawing of a place or animal. I think they were all fascinated by the procedure and I took great pleasure in seeing them pleased with my work.

My art is impressionistic which means that it is like the subjects that I draw, but not as real as a photograph. I love impressionism because it allows you to use different shades, colors and strokes to represent a building, a place, or a creature. Most people enjoy impressionism because it allows them to put the picture together in their minds rather than on the canvas. The viewer becomes a participant in the artistry and, because each person is different, everybody views the drawing in different ways.

When the writer of Psalm 17 declares that he will be satisfied with seeing the likeness of God, I think that he is talking about looking at God impressionistically. It’s as if the psalmist understands that he cannot gaze directly into the face of God, for that would put him on equal terms with God. Therefore he looks forward to the day when he will see the likeness, the impression, the representation of God. To me, this is a prophetic and messianic verse because the psalmist is referring to Christ.

I believe that when we look at God in eternity, we will see Jesus face-to-face. He allows us to view Him directly because He has made all things level through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. The Cross cancels out our sin, so that we are no longer separated from God. The Resurrection gives us an everlasting hope, so that we may enjoy and be in God’s presence forever.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, thank You for being the likeness of God for us. Thank You for making the way clear for us, so that we may look into Your eyes and know that You are our Lord and our God. Help us to share this good news with others today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

John’s artwork is online at www.stushieart.wordpress.com. If you would like a signed copy of any piece, please contact him at the above email.

Today’s image is one that he completed last night. It is called “Iconic Moon” and features an American Bald eagle.

4 Minute Daily Devotions: In God We Trust - Luke 16 v 31

Luke 16:31 "He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"

Over the years, I’ve been fascinated with the story of the Turin Shroud. It’s the famous medieval cloth that purportedly is meant to be the cloth that Christ’s Body was wrapped up in when He was placed in the tomb. The image found on the cloth is centuries old and it looks like the outline of a crucified man, especially after photographs of the Shroud were looked at in their negative prints.

I’ve never been convinced that this is the true shroud. To me, it’s a discarded canvas that Da Vinci, Michelangelo, or their artistic associates worked on and never finished. The local church in Turin capitalized on their community’s fascination with venerated objects. I guess if the shroud had been recently discovered in someone’s attic, it would end up being sold on Ebay, along with slices of toast that have Christ’s face on them.

Some people need tangible proof of Christ’s Resurrection before they will begin to believe that it actually happened. They want factual evidence, not faith. They want someone to prove that it occurred before they will place all of their lives, hearts, and souls into Christ’s keeping.

But that’s always been the important issue with God: are we willing to trust Him simply on His Word? Are we willing to trust the truth of the Gospels without question, or will we wait until the end of Time to discover it, when all will be revealed? To coin an old Southern preacher: if we wait, it will be too late.

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, faith is a hard burden to carry, especially when we try to pin it down and rationalize it. God has set us this test in order to see if we really trust Him. If we fail, we let go of any eternal hope. If we have faith, we win everlasting life. Keep us from complicating this simple challenge. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you have any comment s about today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Good Friday Devotion - Dying Faith

Luke 23:44-46                        It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

A lot of the divisions that we have in our churches today usually involve issues about how we live our lives as Christians. For some people, complete loyalty to the word of God is essential. For others, treating everyone as a child of God is of paramount importance. We battle each other constantly about how we interpret the scriptures by what we preach and practice. In other words, both groups use the Gospels as a means of showing us all how to live.

But in today’s scripture, we are not taught how to live. Instead, Jesus teaches us how to die. After enduring agony, suffering, and shame for hours, Jesus is ready to die. Mustering all of His remaining strength, He cries out loudly for everyone to hear: “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” He completely surrenders Himself to God and unequivocally declares His faith in His Father. He does not mumble or mutter those words. He declares them openly, publicly, and loudly.

It is a complete validation of His life. He has lived it according to His Father’s will. Jesus now yields to death, but does not give Himself over to darkness or oblivion. He places His spirit into God’s hands. He confidently gives Himself over to God with His last dying breath.

One day, there will be an unavoidable moment in our own lives when we will take our last breath. It may be at home, in a hospital, or at a hospice. It could be unexpected, unintended, or accidental. Whatever the case or circumstances, Jesus has shown us how to die.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, we don’t like thinking about death or dying. We live our lives fully, doing our best to survive each day by trying to be healthy and happy. But one day, death will come. Help us to be spiritually prepared for that expected or unexpected moment. Come to us at that mysterious time and enable us to surrender our spirit into Your hands. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

 

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Holy Week Devotions: Seven Last Words of Christ (3)

This week, a group of pastor bloggers, over at Presbyterian Bloggers, are writing Holy week devotions based upon the Last Seven Words of Christ from the Cross. I’ve written and sent you the first two over the weekend. Today’s devotional was written by Jody Harrington who is a pastor in Sugarland, Texas. She has her own blog called Quotidian Grace.

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
John 19:25-27

A small group huddled at the foot of the cross. The disciples had already fled. The crowds of followers that cheered Jesus with “Hosannas” just a week before as he entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey evaporated as soon as he was arrested. Only his mother, his Aunt Mary, Mary Magdalene and the “beloved disciple”, who tradition identifies as the author of John’s gospel, stood by Jesus in the agony of his crucifixion.The gospels tell us the disciples fled out of fear. Where was the rest of his earthly family--his half-brothers and sisters? Although his brother James later became a leader of the early church he is absent on this day. Like all the rest, he too afraid to stand by Jesus.

Jesus not only suffered humiliation, torture and desertion by his closest friends--but also desertion by most of his family as he lay dying. His words show his concern for the welfare of his mother. Since no mention is made of Joseph after Jesus’ childhood, we assume he died sometime between Jesus’ twelfth year and the beginning of his ministry. Mary was a widow and widows had to depend on the protection of family members--usually a son or brother--or else fall into poverty and neglect. The New Testament does not tell us who was supporting her during Jesus’ ministry.

With these words, Jesus tells John to treat Mary as his own mother, take her into his home for the rest of her life so that she is not left without support and protection. In a way, this is Jesus’ last will and testament. He leaves his responsibility for his mother to the one he can trust to stand by her in every circumstance-- just as he stood by Jesus at the foot of the cross.

Dear God, We praise you for the faithfulness of those who have stood by their witness to Christ throughout the ages despite humiliation, persecution and death. Grant that we may be inspired by their example to share the good news of salvation. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen

Holy Week Devotions: Seven Last Words of Christ

(For the next seven days, Presbyterian Bloggers are posting daily devotions about Christ’s Last Words from the Cross. Some of their regular contributors – Sarah, Jody, Doug & myself – will be writing them. If you have any comments, meditations, or prayers to add to each post, please put them in the comments section.)

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Luke 23:32-34 (NIV)

It’s highly appropriate that the first words from Christ, as He was being painfully nailed to His Cross, should be about forgiveness. His whole ministry repeatedly emphasized peace and reconciliation, mercy and restoration. In the face of such excruciating pain, Christ does not forget His mission or message. Even from the Cross, He practices what He preaches.

Jesus puts Himself between God’s wrath and those who crucified Him. He cries out for mercy, not for Himself, but for those who abuse and attack Him. He advocates on their behalf, even although they do not know who He is, what He is praying, or what they are actually doing. They are killing God. They are destroying the One Hope that the world has of salvation.

Christ is the King of all Creation, and He is also King of His Crucifiers. They are sinfully ignorant; He is divinely tolerant. Anyone else in such pain would curse those around them, but Christ passionately cares for them and asks God to forgive them.

In this holiest of all weeks in the year, let us seek such mercy, discover grace, and offer forgiveness to those who hurt us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, even from the Cross You teach us lesson of faith, hope, and love. Give us the courage to forgive one another; to be reconciled by Your grace; and to be reunited through Your amazing and fearless love. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John “Stushie” Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. He writes the daily devotional “Heaven’s Highway.”

The artwork is called “King for a Day,” by Stushie.

4 Minute Daily Devotions: Blessed Boasting

Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Podcast version here: http://media.libsyn.com/media/stushie/Blessed_Boasting.mp3

Each year, I have the privilege of taking a part in a lunchtime ecumenical service at the local Roman Catholic church on Good Friday. Seven pastors, ministers, and priests give short 4-5 minute homilies on the Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross. I’ve taken part in this service for about 11 years and it never ceases to amaze me how much the Holy Spirit inspires each speaker.

I love the fact that we all gather together in one sacred place, as one holy church. The Crucified figure of Christ looms above each speaker and adds a pictorial poignancy to what we express. The whole worship service is a solemn reminder of what Jesus endured to save us from our sins. It’s a miraculous moment of mystery when the speakers and worshippers alike sit in awe. The whole place and service makes me feel guilty and sorrowful, absolved and thankful all at the same time.

I love the Cross of Calvary, but I hate what happened to Jesus. I love the freedom He brings me, but I despise my sins which nailed Him to the Cross. Good Friday has a spiritual ambivalence and a bittersweet attachment to my soul. But it fully prepares me for the glorious goodness that I experience on Easter, when I am fully restored to God on Resurrection Sunday. The curse of the Cross is broken by the very first rays of the rising sun, given to us gladly by the grace of the Risen Son of God.

Prayer:
In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o’er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.
When the woes of life o’ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me,
Lo! it glows with peace and joy. Amen. (John Bowring)

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.