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: Calming the Storm

Mark 4:38        Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" 

I’ve only had one anxiety attack in my life, and I truly hope I never experience another one. It happened years ago, shortly after my family and I moved into our new home in Knoxville. All at once, the reality hit me: we had taken on a thirty-year mortgage in a new city, in a new country, with no clear guarantees about what the future would hold.

I also carried a deep concern for my wife and two daughters. They had left so much behind to come to America with me—their family, friends, cousins, and familiar support systems. They needed me to be present with them, but I had become so absorbed in my work that I wasn’t giving them the care and reassurance they deserved. Instead of leaning into faith together, we found ourselves feeling afraid, unsettled, and even resentful. That strain continued for several weeks, until one day it finally overwhelmed me.

Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. My heart was racing, my thoughts were spinning, and for a moment I honestly thought I might be dying. It only lasted about a minute, but it felt much longer. When it passed, I was pale, shaken, and covered in cold perspiration. It was a frightening experience—one I would not wish on anyone.

As I look back now, I can see that I was trying to carry too much on my own. I was relying on my own strength instead of turning to Jesus for the support, peace, and perspective I needed. Christ had brought us across the Atlantic for reasons that are still unfolding in each of our lives. The storms I felt inside were real, but they were not beyond His reach. Jesus was right there in the middle of them—ready, willing, and able to quiet my fears and calm the waves within me. It took time for me to see that, but I understand it more clearly now: Christ’s presence is real, and what matters most is that He is with us.

Perhaps you are going through a storm of your own right now. Maybe life feels heavy, your problems feel overwhelming, or anxiety is rising higher than you expected. If so, please know this: you are not alone. Christ is with you in the middle of your worries, your questions, and your cares. You can bring them to Him. He is able to calm the storm, and He invites you to trust Him one wave at a time.

Question for personal reflection

What fears, worries, or heavy burdens am I carrying right now? How might I invite Jesus into the middle of them today?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, we need Your steady and powerful presence in our lives. When we feel afraid, anxious, or overwhelmed, help us remember that we do not have to face our storms alone. Be our strength when we are weak, lift us up when we stumble, and guide us with Your peace. Calm the storms within us and around us, helping us trust You one step at a time. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John

If you enjoyed this devotion, you can read more in John's devotional e-books like "The Light of Love" which has forty-two devotions inspired by the Gospel of John. You can find the book at this link: 

"The Light of Love."