LIVING SACRIFICE A Lent-Easter Devotional from the St. John’s Youth and Ekklesia Community 2021
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
A Devotional for Lent - Easter I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12: 1-2 Lent is the church’s season for reflection and repentance in preparation for celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection at Easter. But this preparation isn’t meant to be done alone! We need each other’s help to keep our eyes fixed on Christ when there are so many distractions in this busy world. St. John’s Youth and Ekklesia has always been a community committed to proclaiming Jesus and helping each other follow him. This past year has been tough though. We miss each other and we long to see each other face to face, hear each other’s voices and worship together. And since we can’t do this in the regular way, we’ve created this book to bring the diverse voices of our community right to our fingertips. Just think, for the next six weeks, you will be joining the entire community in reading the same scriptures, reflecting on the same devotionals and praying the same prayers! There’s a Lenten theme for each week’s bible readings: Week 1: Repentance Week 2: Self-denial Week 3: Prayer Week 4: Reading Scripture Week 5: Following Jesus Week 6: Jesus’ Sacrifice And the last week is Holy Week, with readings chosen from Jesus’ last week in Jerusalem leading to his crucifixion and resurrection. When we consider how extravagant the grace of God is in our lives—most of all in Jesus taking the punishment for our sin on the cross—it can feel overwhelming to find an adequate response! But Lent is not the “Spiritual Olympics.” It’s not a competition to see how extraordinary our spiritual disciplines can become! Rather, it’s a chance to renew our daily dependence on God. As we approach the throne of grace with honesty and humility, our Heavenly Father delights to pour out the riches of his mercy and the renewing power of his Holy Spirit.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
DAILY PRAYER
You may wish to incorporate the daily bible readings into a time of structured prayer.
INVITATION
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. Psalm 32:1-2
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
COLLECT FOR LENT
Almighty and everlasting God, who hates nothing that you have made, and forgives the sins of all them that are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION
Read the scripture passage for today.
PRAY FOR
Your Family, The Church, & The World
CLOSING BLESSING
O God, Most High and Holy, Three in One, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; We offer to you this day, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice to you; to whom be all praise and glory. Amen.
JAMES REID
ASH WEDNESDAY
ASH WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 17
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 4:1-11 1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | INTO THE WILD
To be honest, I’ve never gone more than two days without food. When I was in youth group back in the 20th century, we did the World Vision 30 hour famine every year. I remember debating with my friends whether a liquified cheese burger would still qualify as fasting. The truth is that I’m mildly addicted to salt, sugar and fat, which explains why most of the time I’d rather sit on the couch than go for a jog. The deeper truth is that, if I’m not careful, my spiritual health doesn’t fare much better! It’s too easy to go through the week on a steady diet of tweets, IG pics and viral videos. Is it any wonder I feel bloated and out of shape when church rolls around? But consider: what sustained Jesus when he was tempted in the wilderness here in Matthew 4? It was the life-long, steady diet of God’s word that he’d read and memorized which came to mind and refuted Satan’s lies with God’s truth. The season of Lent is a
reminder that we can’t just flick a switch and turn on spiritual stamina. Following Jesus takes daily practice. It takes a community. It takes the help of the Holy Spirit. Heavenly Father, Help me to hunger and thirst for your Son’s voice and your Spirit’s presence above all things as I follow you. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Jeremy Graham Youth Minister
GERARD VAN HONTHORST
WEEK 1: REPENTANCE
FEBRUARY 18
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 51:1-2 and 15-17 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! ... ...15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | STEADFAST SPIRIT
The part of Psalm 51 that struck me the most were verses 16 and 17. David says that God will not “delight in sacrifice” or “take pleasure in burnt offerings.” This seemed a little odd to me at first. This is the Old Testament after all- when people need forgiveness for their sins, they offer a sacrifice to God, right? David follows up by saying the sacrifice God does desire is our hearts. Verse 17 says, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, you, God, will not despise.” David knows God doesn’t want his offerings until he has offered himself to God. By declaring himself as a sacrifice to God, David is not only giving over the good parts of himself to God but also a “broken and contrite heart”. The awesome thing about this is that we can always commit ourselves to God again and again. Regardless of how badly we’ve sinned or how broken we are. David shows how to ask God to help us commit to him when he prays “create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast
spirit within me” (10). I hope in this season of Lent God will create a “a steadfast spirit” in all of us, so we can offer our “broken hearts” up to God everyday. Jesus, thank you for all the times you have forgiven me. By your grace, please renew a steadfast spirit within me. Amen. Sydney Mitton Grade 11
JYOTI SAHI
WEEK 1: REPENTANCE
FEBRUARY 19
SCRIPTURE READING
Joel 2:12-14 12 “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” 13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. 14 Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing— grain offerings and drink offerings for the LORD your God. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | AN OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN
In the book of Joel, God speaks to a people undergoing a terrible experience: a plague of locusts. Now, I’ve never experienced a locust plague before, but from what I hear this was pretty bad: it meant they had basically no food and no money. All the crops they were depending on for survival were destroyed in an instant. They were left in a place of deep need, their security having been taken away. It is in this place of lack and longing that God speaks to their hearts: “Return to me. Come back.” How? Humbly, with fasting, weeping and mourning. He tells them to ‘rend’ (which means ‘rip up’) their hearts, not their garments: don’t rip your clothes (this is what the Jews did in mourning), but rip your hearts. Return to your God. For us Christians, Lent is an opportunity to return to God in humility and in repentance, perhaps even more so in this season of COVID-19. We don’t have control over
our world; we can’t stop a pandemic any more than the Israelites could stop a locust plague. We have to return to our God. And this is good news--why? Because our God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. He alone is our hope.
Heavenly Father, Help me to return to you with all my heart, and in so doing, receive your grace, mercy, and steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, Amen. David Lewis Ekklesia Ministry Leader
GIOVANNI SERODINE
WEEK 1: REPENTANCE
FEBRUARY 20
SCRIPTURE READING
2 Peter 3:8-10 8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | IN TUNE WITH GOD
Change is coming! Of this we can be sure. Perhaps we’d like it sooner, but God has a purpose in delaying. His patience is fuelled by love. If His return was immediate, there are many who would perish without knowing forgiveness. As a father waits for and encourages his children to walk, so does the Father allow us time and grace that we may reach repentance. Repentance is the turning from sin, and faith – its counterpart, is the turning to God. Knowing Jesus as our Lord and Saviour means the Day of the Lord will be amazing because we’ll finally see Him with our own eyes. Picture two similar tuning forks. Strike one, and the other will begin to vibrate through sympathetic resonance. I imagine when we see Christ the King, our souls will sing. Our very being will recognize its Source. The sheer beauty – the might of His glory will dissolve the skies and expose this broken globe, only to harmonize this planet and its
people with God’s great melody in Christ. This doesn’t mean everything we do here and now is wasted though, our words, habits, and careers can all have eternal significance as we await His return and encourage each other to hope in Him. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending Christ to call us back to you. Help us to repent and turn away from sinful desires, and to turn toward your love and grace. Help us each day to live lives that reflect the perfect union we will share with you for eternity. In Christ’s holy name, Amen. Andrew Buchanan
REMBRANDT VAN RIJN
WEEK 1: REPENTANCE
FEBRUARY 21
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 15:17-24 17 “But when the son came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | THE GOD WHO STAYS
The other day on the radio I heard the song, “the God who stays”. It says “He runs in our direction when the whole world walks away.” I feel like that’s exactly what this passage is saying: even when no one else would give the prodigal son anything, his father killed the fattened calf and gave him grace that he was undeserving of, this is what God does for us. My favorite verse in this passage is verse 20,: “But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” We are a long way from God and, if we’re honest, there are so many challenges, doubts, and failures that seem to separate us from God. When God looks at us, He doesn’t see our insecurities and failures, He sees His children whom He loves so much. Repenting doesn’t mean making ourselves better for God, it means turning to Him as we are. He wants to help us and hold us close to Him. So, no matter how alone you’re feeling,
how undeserving of His love, or how much you’re hurting, remember that God runs in your direction with His arms open wide, He will meet you where you are and help you through your hardest struggles. Lord, I pray that you would help me to see that You are there through all of my struggles and that you will stay with me. Help me to turn away from the things that separate me from you, and turn toward your love and the incredible grace that you have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen Katie Voth Grade 9
JYOTI SAHI
WEEK 2: SELF DENIAL
FEBRUARY 22
SCRIPTURE READING
Mark 8:31-33 31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | LEARNING TO LISTEN
I have to admit, I find this passage a tough one. Doesn’t it feel like Jesus is being a bit hard on Peter? Peter doesn’t want his friend to suffer and die! I empathize with Peter a lot. But Jesus doesn’t cut him any slack here. He says “you’re not listening!” - you’ve got your perspective all wrong. Peter is so focussed on who he wants Jesus to be that he loses sight of who Jesus really is. I mean, the guy starts telling the Son of God how things should be instead listening and obeying. And this is when Jesus says, “get behind me Satan” - because when we focus more on how we want things to be, or how we think they should be, we’re actually listening more to the lying voice of Satan that says “surely God didn’t *really* say…surely he didn’t *really* mean…” instead of the voice of Jesus. Practicing self denial can help us to quiet the voice that says “I want...I need...Things should go my way”, and help us make space
to listen to Jesus instead. I know I for one need a lot of help with that, so I’m grateful that Lent helps me practice. Heavenly Father, Help me to set my mind on things above, not on earthly things. Help me to listen to your voice above all others, and to be willing to give up my self-centred desires in order to serve you better. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Kathy Shain-Ross Youth Minister
SADAO WATANABE
WEEK 2: SELF DENIAL
FEBRUARY 23
SCRIPTURE READING
Mark 8:34-38 34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | CONSULTANT OR KING?
As a consultant, I meet with people and ask them about what they want. What are their goals and desires? What matters to them? I am an appendage helping them curate the lives they are after. A good consultant knows their client’s will is central. It’s your body, your choices, your boundaries, your experiences, your money that matter. Because you are the priority. Jesus’ invitation here is not the invitation of a consultant. Jesus does not call the crowds to himself and say, “How would you like me to relate to you?” but the reverse. Jesus says if we want him in our lives, we must follow His way. Jesus says, “You must deny yourself.” Literally, disown yourself. Today, we celebrate and praise the self and the pursuit of our happiness. Jesus says we must count ourselves dead. Jesus says “Follow me.” But today, we lead ourselves. We sit in the throne of our lives. “You can consult me but I am the client and what I say goes.” Howev-
er, Jesus is no consultant. Jesus is the King. If the relationship we have with Him is not King and servant, then it is King and competing king. There is no alternative. His invitation is to give it all up for Him and His sake, to completely belong to Him. And the promise for us who do is glory and honour and life eternal when he returns. Lord Jesus, again I humbly subject myself to you. Once again, take the reins of my life. Today, lead me. All I have is yours: My possessions, my body, my mind. Help me live my life to your glory and will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Leo Song-Carillo Youth Minister 2019-2020
STANLEY SPENCER
WEEK 2: SELF DENIAL
FEBRUARY 24
SCRIPTURE READING
Colossians 3:5-11 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | PUTTING SIN TO DEATH FOR A HOLY LIFE
Who likes having rules dictated for them? Why would I even want to follow those rules in the first place? After all, what does some guy who lived thousands of years ago know about life today? It’s true, biblical figures didn’t have iPhones or laptops, or even have experience weathering a global pandemic. However, that doesn’t mean they were lacking life experiences. Paul is not coming from a place of naivete; he is trying to convey the gravity of the situation to the reader. Accepting that the things that make us feel good (“earthly pleasures”) might be bad for us is challenging. That said, the language in this passage is clear: we must put sin to death, and we must strive to be sinless and to avoid sin on all occasions. Consider the possibility that there can be more to self denial than the denial of those things that are sinful; it can also mean the acceptance of that which is holy. Maybe if
my personal vice is covetousness, I can actively strive to do the opposite and look for opportunities to be generous, and for what it is that I can give to others. Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus died and rose again so that we can be freed from sin. Please help me by your Spirit to put sin to death in my life, and to look for opportunities to grow in holiness. Amen. Anika Kurnicki Grade 10
N. C. WYETH
WEEK 2: SELF-DENIAL
FEBRUARY 25
SCRIPTURE READING
Colossians 3:12-17 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | WHAT QUALITIES?
Have you ever been in the situation where someone asks you, “list three good qualities about yourself”? Is it just me, or can you never think of any? It’s often when you meet someone new and you’re trying to appear a certain way, or not appear caught up in yourself. In this passage, God calls us “holy and beloved” and calls us to have “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Wow that seems like a lot to ask, right? A lot of these qualities will require sacrifices and denying ourselves to put others first. Thankfully, we have a loving Heavenly Father who sacrificed his life out of love for us. These qualities that God wants us to have are there so that we may shine light into this world and spread our faith to others. If God
loved us so much that he sacrificed his Son, then we can show our love by possessing these qualities out of love for him. So this Lent season, let’s learn to embrace these things and tie them together with love. Dearest Heavenly Father, I pray that I might possess these qualities out of love to be a living proof of your word in our world. Help me to deny myself so that I can put others first. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen Keira Thomas Grade 11
CARAVAGGIO
WEEK 2: SELF-DENIAL
FEBRUARY 26
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 5:27-32 27 After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | FOLLOW ME
These verses are quite remarkable because Levi was a tax collector - in that time and place it meant he was essentially a legal thief who could just take money from people. So Jesus shows up and calls Levi and he gets up and takes Jesus and prepares a meal for him. In this one little encounter, Levi’s life has been changed forever, really demonstrating the love in the power of God. By choosing to follow Jesus, Levi repents of his sin and leaves everything behind. This leads us to the second half of this verse, and there’s some irony here. The Pharisees and their scribes are calling Jesus out for having a meal with the sinner, which makes it seem as though the Pharisees think that they are sinless. But Jesus doesn’t play their game. I think Jesus does this because if you believe that you are perfect you will not be saved, but by leaving everything behind and following Jesus, repenting for our sins, we can be made blameless. Also, this verse
shows Jesus’ love and mercy for everyone no matter what you’ve done. And by contrasting the Pharisees with Levi, this verse helps us as Christians to know the importance of repentance and not denying the reality that we sin. Dear God, thank you that you have graciously made a way in Jesus for all sinners to come to you and be saved. Help me to see my sin clearly, to repent and follow you, and to find freedom in your forgiveness. In Jesus name, Amen. Alexander Gifford Ekklesia
1879, BEIJING, CHINA
WEEK 2: SELF-DENIAL
FEBRUARY 27
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 19:16-26 16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | UNWILLINGNESS AND STUFF
Reading about this young man going to Jesus for an important answer to an honest question, I find myself resenting him and his unwillingness to follow Jesus. I mean, he got his answer but turns around and walks away. “Guy, your money isn’t worth it…My friend, you are not perfect, you need to follow Jesus… he is the way for your life,” I find myself thinking. Then of course, if I think this about someone else, I am immediately aware that Jesus says this to me. I may not have a huge fortune, but my passions and the possessions that I do have often take the place that Jesus deserves in my daily life. Then I resent myself. And there, weighed down by guilt and everything that I have, Jesus takes my hand and lifts me up - because I did choose to follow him before. Every morning I wake up unworthy and Jesus stretches out his hand - without resenting or guilting me - because I just need to follow him everyday; He is the
way for my life. Dear Jesus, Thank you that you make it possible for us to come to you each day and receive your help and your grace. Help me to be grateful for the many good gifts in my life, but to always put you first in my heart. Amen Nikki Natola Grade 11 Girls Leader
JOHANNES VERMEER
WEEK 2: SELF-DENIAL
FEBRUARY 28
SCRIPTURE READING
Romans 12:1-2 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | A LIVING SACRIFICE
So, what does it mean in our everyday lives to offer our bodies to God as a spiritual act of worship? Think back to what Paul already told us about our relationship with God earlier in Romans - we’re to consider ourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus (6:11). To be alive to Christ means that we continually offer ourselves for the Lord’s glory – all of ourselves. I’m learning that faithfulness to Jesus in the small tasks of life is how this often plays out. Today it might look like listening attentively to a friend or making dinner for my family. What does it look like for you today? To be faithful to Jesus in our daily tasks is not a one-time decision that forever sets the course of our life; rather, it’s a daily surrender to His will, which is why we need to be ‘transformed by the renewal of our minds’. This occurs as we study and meditate
on Scripture. Over the past few years, I am beginning to understand how important it is to carve out daily time for this. For me, this often means arranging my sleep schedule so I can get up earlier in the morning to study. What does it mean for you today? Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us the gift of your word to transform our hearts. Help me today to surrender my will to you, to live sacrificially, and to become more like Jesus in all my thoughts and actions. In Jesus name, Amen. Lyn Unger Grade 11 Girls Leader
ALBRECHT DURER
WEEK 3: PRAYER
MARCH 1
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 6:5-8 5 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | PRAYING FROM THE HEART
Is God on my heart when I pray? Sometimes it’s easy to want to prove my Christian walk through my prayers when I pray before others, making it about me. Sometimes I get flustered because what I intend to say in my heart isn’t articulated in the exact way I hoped – again, getting wrapped up in the image of myself praying and how I will be perceived by others. However, prayer should not be about impressing others. Jesus isn’t pleased with hearing my big words from my ivory tower, instead He calls us to come as we are. This passage reminds us to humble ourselves before the Lord in prayer. He knows our hearts. He knows our minds. He wants us to be earnest, genuine, and honest before him. He delights in us and loves to hear from us, but it is our job to seek him. Praying is turning our hearts to God, it’s a way to know God and it’s a way to treat God as God. Prayer re-orders our heart. Ultimately, as we seek
the Father in secret, our private and public prayer life will grow together. Heavenly Father, we thank you that you hear us when we pray. Help us to establish a deep rhythm of honest and sincere prayer in our daily lives. We pray that you would grow our hearts for you and that we would know your character more deeply through this Lenten season. In your name we pray, Amen. Kathy Chan Ekklesia Leader
EASTERN ORTHODOX ICON
WEEK 3: PRAYER
MARCH 2
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 6:9-13 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | LEARNING TO PRAY
I have a very clear memory of when I first began to actually PRAY the “Lord’s Prayer.” I was about five years old and it was a part of my bedtime routine. I would echo my Dad as he led me through each line, and then he’d teach me (in a five year old sort of way) what a few of the words I was memorizing actually meant. Night by night my fuzzy, vague, vision of the God I believed in became a little clearer - as did the words of this prayer. I wasn’t just SAYING them anymore, I was PRAYING them. I MEANT them. These words continue to wake me up to Jesus - to beckon me out of liturgical auto-pilot, daily life auto-pilot, and ground me once again in truth - in the truth of who God is, who I am, and what it really means to belong to him and his Kingdom. This prayer Jesus has given us doesn’t just give us words for our struggles, desires, and questions - it picks them all up and places them, and us, into the much bigger story God is telling. And I love that this isn’t just true for me - it’s
been true for every person who has prayed this prayer for over two thousand years. As I pray I am no longer alone, but I join together with all God’s children, and I pray to our heavenly Father - grateful for the great gift he has given us in letting us see him and know him a little better each time we pray. And so we pray, Our Father, who art in heaven... Kimberley Graham
JYOTI SAHI
WEEK 3: PRAYER
MARCH 3
SCRIPTURE READING
John 17:20-26 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | YOU’RE WITH US
As a young girl I was a wanderer-- my mom could never take her eye off me or I’d be gone; especially in grocery stores. One time, she told me to wait with the grocery cart while she went and got milk. What she forgot was that a 4 year old will never obey, so when she came back I was nowhere to be seen. She eventually found me sitting in the candy aisle just eyeing it all. What I’m trying to say is that sometimes we wander away from God and what he intends for us. But Jesus prays, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” God is with us no matter where we go, but Jesus is asking that he may be in us to show his light in this world. Even though we might wander at times, God is still with us every step of the way, wanting to be in us and in every moment of our lives. Time in prayer helps us to abide in Jesus and know him
better, so that instead of wandering away, we can be one with him and shine his light to the world. Jesus, I hope that we may sense your presence in us, so that we won’t be afraid and wander away. Teach us to pray and abide in you, so that we will shine your light out into this broken world. I pray all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Keira Thomas Grade 11
ERIC ENSTROM
WEEK 3: PRAYER
MARCH 4
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 4 1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | TRUE REST
I don’t know if I’ve really thought about this before, but humans are incredibly vulnerable while sleeping. There’s a reason why sailors keep night watches, children resist going to bed with potential monsters in the closet, and runaways in movies take turns staying up to stand guard. In order to really sleep, we must first feel safe from harm. This Psalm shows David’s full range of emotions: begging God to listen, expressing despair, stating confidence in God’s promises, discouraging sin and encouraging trust in God, proclaiming God’s gift of joy … and in all of this, David ultimately surrenders himself to God’s care by declaring that he will sleep in peace. Despite his anguish, David resolves to find safety – and true rest – in the presence of the Lord. Perhaps our culture’s resistance to spiritual, emotional, and psychological rest comes from clinging onto things that are actually God’s to hold. We live unrelentingly urgent, fast-paced lives propelled by anxiety for the future. We
are vulnerable in so many ways, and it keeps us from experiencing the inevitable renewal of spirit that accompanies trusting in God, recognizing His faithfulness, and resting securely in His love. This Psalm reminds us that God alone protects our hearts, God alone gives us peace, God alone keeps us safe. This Lent, may we find moments of surrender and rest, moments we may not have otherwise taken, to remember who it is that holds our lives with both sovereignty and tenderness. Father, You are so good to us. Give us the space and the trust to rest in Your presence, for we recognize that You alone are the keeper of our hearts. Amen. Jemma Spruston Grade 12 Girls Leader
DIEGO VELAZQUEZ
WEEK 3: PRAYER
MARCH 5
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 10:38-42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | SITTING WITH JESUS
When I read this passage, I see two kinds of lives. One life—Martha’s—is characterized by busyness. The other —Mary’s—is characterized by restfulness. When you think about your life before COVID, was it a Martha kind of life or a Mary kind of life? I’d guess most of us had a Martha kind of life. We were very,very busy, with all sorts of things, and there usually wasn’t enough time in the day to get everything done. But COVID has changed so much, hasn’t it? Many of the things that made our lives so busy have come to a screeching halt. If we’re not careful, we could try to busy ourselves again, with more video games, social media, or other things. But as we’ve seen from the story (and our own experience) chronic busyness makes us irritable, internally restless, and prone to look to ourself and our own accomplishments, rather than Christ’s. But what if COVID has created a perfect opportunity for entering into a Mary kind
of life—one marked by rest. I don’t mean laziness and bingeing Netflix, I mean the deep inner peace and healing that come from sitting in the presence of Jesus and just letting him love you. Jesus told Martha that only one thing is needed: to simply sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to what he says. So, will you carve out some time to sit before Jesus? Will you make a commitment to enter into a Mary kind of life this Lent? Lord, help me this week to sit at your feet and listen to what you have to say to me; help me sit under your authority and leadership; and help me find my ultimate rest in you. Amen. Tad Inboden Youth Minister 2016-2019
JAMES TISSOT
WEEK 3: PRAYER
MARCH 6
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 18:9-14 9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | FILLED UP OR EMPTY
I am a Pharisee more often than a tax collector. I am filled up with myself and the things I am doing. I come to Jesus comparing myself to others. I come with my plans in place and ask for his approval. I am so filled up with myself, my plans, my problems, my desires that there is no room for Jesus. I am deaf to what he might say because I am so busy with what I am saying. But the truth is; I, like the tax collector, need him. I need to stop: to quit talking and listen to him. I need to admit that I am trapped by my need to be in control of my life, to be good at what I do. Jesus shows us in this passage that what we need is to come to Jesus; to know that what we really need is for him to forgive us and to empty us so that we can listen to him and be filled up with the life he would live with us. He wants us to be filled to the brim with the love he has for us, to live with a freedom that comes through giving up our need to make ourselves.
Heavenly Father, Help me to listen to you, and to want you more than the things you give. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Marion Maxwell
REMBRANDT VAN RIJN
WEEK 3: PRAYER
MARCH 7
SCRIPTURE READING
Romans 8:26-28 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY
For a long time, I didn’t really know how to pray. I prayed, of course, but it was the sunday school version: please keep my family safe and healthy, help me pass this test, convince my parents to get a puppy, that kind of thing. It wasn’t until I got farther into life with Christ where I really started figuring out what prayer was for me.
Dear God, Thank you that we don’t need to have the right words, the best words, or even any words at all sometimes for you to listen and draw near to us. Help us learn to trust in you as we pray, even when we don’t know what to say. In Jesus name, Amen.
As we grow up, life gives us challenges and sometimes when we are faced with one, we are at a loss for words, not knowing what to say to God in prayer. In this passage we are reminded that God knows what we need. Verse 26 says “but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words”. God knows what we can’t say. He can translate the cries and frustrations into what we are truly searching for. And because of that, now when I am challenged in life, I know that silence and shifting my focus to God is sometimes the best prayer for that moment.
Jacqueline Thomas Grade 10
ALBRECHT DURER
WEEK 4: READING SCRIPTURE
MARCH 8
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 19:7-14 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | THE JOY OF THE LORD
This whole passage reminds us how amazing God is: how amazing his word is, how nothing is better than him, and how nothing can ever be better than him. In verses 7-9, we hear about God’s law, and how perfect it is, how it gives us so much. Sometimes I have a hard time seeing the good things that God has done for me; I see the things that haven’t gone my way, the bad marks, the fights with my family, or the bad days. I spend time thinking about how things could have been better, and don’t even notice the things that actually went pretty great. I think about how I should have studied more for a test, or not yelled at my siblings, or gotten more sleep the night before. I try to do everything for myself instead of asking God to help me, even though I know that he’s the only one who can truly help me. I don’t let God be my Rock and my Redeemer. This passage is reminding me just how much
I need God and how I need to trust him to give me joy. Dear God, You are my Rock and my Redeemer. Help me to trust in you. Help me to hear your voice. Give me a spirit of joy as I read your word this week. In Jesus name, Amen. Lucy Graham Grade 10
WILLIAM BLAKE
WEEK 4: READING SCRIPTURE
MARCH 9
SCRIPTURE READING
Hebrews 4:12-13 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | LIVING IN GOD’S EYES
I find this passage quite challenging because it touches on what I see as the most difficult part of reading scripture. Whenever I read, it’s like someone is sitting there, commenting on my thoughts from yesterday. In a way, it reminds me of Sauron’s eye in “Lord of the Rings,” where him looking at you is almost like having him see right through you. The thought shows me how vulnerable I am before God’s eyes. Whenever I try to hide something from him, he knows it, and he even knows things about me that I don’t know myself. As we read scripture, it actively speaks out to us, exposing our hidden thoughts. It isn’t an old, weathered text, but one that is alive and brimming with new insight every time we open it. But because of our faith, we have the hope that Christ has clothed us in his righteousness, through his sacrifice. We can stand and give our account to God with the confidence that he sees us, not as sinners or in someone else’s coat, but truly pure and
blameless like Jesus is. I see Lent as a time to check my heart by the scriptures and confess to God what I have kept hidden. Heavenly Father, Help me to test my heart and confess to you anything I have kept hidden. Help me to live daily with the confidence that you see me as pure and blameless, just like your son Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Phillip Bagshaw Ekklesia
10TH C. BYZANTINE ILLUMINATION
WEEK 4: READING SCRIPTURE
MARCH 10 SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 119:97-105 97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | SWEETER THAN HONEY
I took my driving test this week, so the rules of the road have been on my mind lots lately. However, while I did spend this week brushing up on these rules, they aren’t something I would “meditate” on. And while I’m thankful that they keep me safe, I certainly don’t delight or rejoice in driving rules the way the Psalmist responds to God’s Law and Commandments. The author’s response goes beyond just learning God’s commandments and keeping them. He receives God’s commandment and loves it (97), meditates on it (97), keeps it with him always (98) and savours it (103). As he moves beyond merely learning the law, he is blessed with life wisdom that cannot be found elsewhere - not even from his teachers and his elders, who likely have memorized the law quite well. God’s Word illuminates our path of life when we follow it eagerly, helping us to know what to do in any circumstance we might encounter, and
even better, inviting us to know God himself. Lord, only you and your Word can illuminate our paths and give us true wisdom. Please help me to not only learn, but to love and savour your Word every day, as I grow in relationship with you. Amen. Sophie Wirch Grade 9 Girls Leader
LAWREN S. HARRIS
WEEK 4: READING SCRIPTURE
MARCH 11
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 55:10-11 10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | THE WATER OF LIFE
God’s word works in our hearts like rain works on soil, preparing and helping it to grow plants and bear fruit. God says that his word does much good before returning to him, and that it never comes back empty, but accomplishes what he meant it to. God’s word is the Bible, but it is also Jesus. In John 17:4, Jesus says, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.” One of the things God’s word calls us to -in scripture and in Jesus- is repentance, to turn away from other things that replace him in our lives, and to focus on him instead. He also promises that his water will satisfy our thirst. So, in this time of Lent, take the time to let God’s word – both the Bible and Jesus – work in your heart and life, like rain on soil, moistening and nourishing it, preparing it to produce the good fruit of repentance.
Heavenly Father, please help me to welcome your word into my heart; let it nourish and work in my life so I can do your will. Amen Hannah Glover Grade 9
TED HARRISON
WEEK 4: READING SCRIPTURE
MARCH 12
SCRIPTURE READING
2 Timonthy 3:14-17 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the person of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | BEING ACQUAINTED WITH SCRIPTURE
I’ve grown up in a Christian family where we opened the Bible routinely throughout the day. I memorized passages, and I could summarize the overall story, but I couldn’t say that I knew scripture personally as Timothy did. Paul says that Timothy also grew up in the scriptures, but more importantly, that he ‘knew’ them from childhood. He understood God’s word, almost like it was his companion. Paul then urges Timothy to “continue in what [he’s] learned,” and to maintain his valuable studying of scripture. The more I’ve read my Bible regularly, the more I’ve been comforted by remembering it during the day.
“[all] Scripture is breathed out by God,” and is deserving of our complete trust. With this companion, we also have the best means to guide and comfort one another and are not alone in our walks of faith. I see Lent as an opportunity to discipline myself in reading and growing closer to God’s word.
Paul talks about preparedness coming from an ‘acquaintance’ with scripture. In many ways, regularly reading scripture is like having a companion at our sides, strengthening us in our faith and preparing us to lead godly lives. And if we come across a challenging passage, Paul assures us that
Phillip Bagshaw Ekklesia
Heavenly Father, Help me to study your word daily, so I will be continually strengthened in my faith and grow in your wisdom to lead a godly life. Help me also to see how I may share your word to build up others in the church. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CLAUDE MONET
WEEK 4: READING SCRIPTURE
MARCH 13
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 1 1 Blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED
I’ve always loved Psalm 1. The beautiful imagery of humans delighting in the Lord compared to trees planted by streams of water has always touched me deeply. There is something beautiful and almost sacred about a tree flourishing - there’s nothing quite like it. When all of Vancouver begins to bloom in the spring, I am always drawn to one tree in particular that produces the most lovely pink blossoms. To see something that intricate, that breathtaking, living into its full potential, it can only turn your heart to the creator, because He created that tree to flourish. He gave that tree everything it needed to thrive and His heart delights when it finally does. In this way, we are not unlike trees. We were meant to flourish, we were meant to delight in the Lord and his word, and when we do, we live into that full potential that He created us for. When we are planted deeply in him, feeding on scripture and drinking from his
everlasting water, we develop and grow and blossom in ways we couldn’t even imagine. Dear God, make me like a tree planted by streams of water. Nourish me with your word and fill me with your Spirit so that I can flourish in your love. Amen. Shannon Unger Ekklesia
N. C. WYETH
WEEK 4: READING SCRIPTURE
MARCH 14
SCRIPTURE READING
James 1:19-25 19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | BEING RIGHT OR BEING RIGHTEOUS
The news over the past couple of years has been dominated by people who are slow to hear, and quick to speak in anger. Violent mobs and fuming politicians shout each other down; people vent their anger on social media, which becomes anti-social media; and the world’s news is too often bad news. By contrast, the good news of Jesus and his way of life is radical. Christians are called to be quick to listen; our first response is not to drown others out, but to hear them out. The way of Christ is not angry slash-and-stab verbal knife-fighting. If our words must be sharp, they must be the careful precision of a doctor’s scalpel, meant to heal and restore. Trying to prove our rightness (and “their” wrongness) is often motivated by self-righteousness. But we ought to be concerned with God’s righteousness. We are called to study the perfect law of God. Scripture is the soul-mirror - it reveals and exposes our own sin, freeing us from bondage to prideful opinions of ourselves, and freeing us to
receive God’s grace. As we intently gaze into God’s law, it plants itself in our souls and grows meekness. Meekness before God saves us from soul-destroying pride and produces the fruit of godly humility in our words and deeds towards others. Righteous Father, hold our gaze by the mirror of your holy law, that we may see our own need of your grace, and so extend your grace to those around us. For Jesus’ sake, Amen. Dan Glover Ekklesia Ministry Leader
FRA ANGELICO
WEEK 5: FOLLOWING JESUS
MARCH 15
SCRIPTURE READING
John 15:1-11 1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | BRANCHING OUT
Ouch! The idea of being a branch which is pruned feels painful. The imagery in verse 2 of pruning isn’t something I’m eager for. I don’t want my parts of my branch (twigs and leaves) to be cut away, even if they aren’t producing any fruit. In reflecting on this passage I’ve realized that I’m used to those dead twigs and leaves; they feel like they are a part of me. It feels more comfortable to keep complaining than to have hard conversations. I’d rather spend time scrolling through Instagram, although I know it’s not growing good things within my heart. But this passage reminds me that God prunes me because he loves me. Look at verse 9, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.” What?!? God loves Jesus so much. Does that actually mean Jesus loves me that much? I can hardly understand that kind of love, but if that’s true, I can handle some pruning, because I want to be close to - to abide in - that love.
Dear Jesus, thank you so much for your incredible love! Help me to respond with my whole heart and life, and to give all of myself to you, even the parts that need pruning, so that I can abide in your love and bear good fruit. Amen. Brie Tarras Grade 10 Girls Leader
VAN GOGH
WEEK 5: FOLLOWING JESUS
MARCH 16
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 10:25-37 25 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” 27 The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 “Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!” 29 The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. 31 “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. 32 A Temple assistant walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. 33 “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. 34 Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. 35 The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins,[c] telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ 36 “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. 37 The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | PRIVILEGE & MERCY
You can study the Bible meticulously, and still not know Jesus. You can tick all the boxes of being a “good Christian”, and still not take to heart God’s constant call for us to love radically. None of the church representatives in Jesus’ parable extend the radical love Jesus calls us to. It is the Samaritan who gives love: the social outcast who had experienced oppression himself. He was not so blinded by piety and privilege that he could not extend compassion to another. He showed him mercy. I can’t help but wonder whether the Samaritan knew how to extend mercy to others because he had to ask Jesus for mercy first. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and let’s be honest: we are all lost, and we all need saving. There is not one of us who
needs God any less than anybody else. This is why Jesus died on the cross for you. This is why He shows you mercy; why He has compassion on you when you are beaten up. I pray that we’d forsake our earthly privileges to see how He extends mercy to us, so that we can go and do the same. Holy God, Thank you for your compassion and sacrificial love. Open my eyes to see the earthly privileges that blind me, and show me what it looks like for me to love you with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind. Amen. Merial Bull Grade 12 Girls Leader
DIEGO VALAZQUEZ
WEEK 5: FOLLOWING JESUS
MARCH 17
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 10:38-42 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | MARTHA, MARTHA
I can relate pretty strongly to this passage, partially because I have a sister and I occasionally get annoyed with her, but mostly because of Martha’s distraction. It’s so easy to go through life getting distracted by what we think is the most important thing in the moment: school, friends, covid, etc. It’s understandable that Martha gets distracted from Jesus’ teaching by the preparation of food, and then gets upset because her sister Mary isn’t helping. But by creating all these problems for herself, she’s taking her eyes off what’s really important: Jesus. During this season of Lent, as we’re fasting, praying, and studying God’s word, we’re focussing on uprooting the distractions in our lives, and instead lifting our eyes to Jesus. He’s reminding us that he’s the one thing that is needed in life. That’s why Lent is so important – we need to step back and recognize that only one thing in life is necessary: Jesus.
Dear Jesus, help us to fix our eyes and our hearts on you so that we can become more like you. Protect us from focussing on ourselves and being distracted by false priorities, so that instead we can find rest in your presence. Amen. Maddie Glover Grade 11
CLAUDE MONET
WEEK 5: FOLLOWING JESUS
MARCH 18
SCRIPTURE READING
Habbakkuk 3:17-18 17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | WALKING WITH CHRIST
Whatever our circumstances, the Lord is still the God of our salvation. Times of difficulty are often a deeper blessing from God than periods of prosperity. In the dark valleys, as our bellies grumble, when we’re lonely, when all the comforts of this world are stripped away, that’s when we become attuned to the eternal truths. We were lost in our sins, but God sent His Son to save us. Redemption, adoption, the Kingdom of Heaven, these are our ultimate ends. “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5). And our greatest joy and satisfaction will be found in knowing Him as the God of our salvation.
God’s promise is what will see us through. Because the promise comes from the One who is faithful, even unto death. But He’s established the way through death to life everlasting. He is the God of our salvation, and we can walk with Him.
Jesus isn’t only our Saviour, but He’s also our travelling companion through the times of trouble. He knows what it means to go hungry, to be alone, to be mocked, betrayed, and forsaken. If ever there was anyone that understood our own personal trials, it’s Jesus. And He shows us how hanging onto
Andrew Buchanan
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you that you bore the depths of pain, suffering, and rejection, so that we might be led into eternal life. When we face trials, may we learn to look to you for strength, and become like you in humility and love. In the power of the Spirit we ask these things, amen.
ANDRÉ DERAIN
WEEK 5: FOLLOWING JESUS
MARCH 19
SCRIPTURE READING
John 14:1-7 1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | GLIMPSES OF HEAVEN
When I was little, I asked my parents a lot of questions about heaven. “Will there be giraffes there? And books? WILL I BE ABLE TO FLY?!” I still wonder what heaven is like. I think about it when I catch a glimpse of the mountains on a clear day, or when the sun is setting and the trees, the grass, even the sidewalks in my neighborhood are drenched in warm gold light. But, as I experience more of life’s goodness and sorrows, heaven has taken on a different meaning. I’ve come to see that heaven is heaven not because of what is there but because of who. Heaven is heaven because it is where we will be with God, the one who loves us perfectly, forever. We do not even have to wait until heaven to begin our relationship with Him. Through Jesus Christ, we can be in relationship with God now. Every day we walk with Him, we’ll catch glimpses of the light of His kingdom breaking through.
Lord of Heaven and Earth, Thank you that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, and that through Him we can be in relationship with you now and forever. Amen. Vivian Lee Ekklesia Leader
WOONBO KIM KI-CHANG
WEEK 5: FOLLOWING JESUS
MARCH 20
SCRIPTURE READING
John 12:1-8 1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | BUT ONE OF HIS DISCIPLES
Have you ever read a story and felt as though you could not, no matter what, be friends with a character? I feel these emotions quite strongly, and when I put a novel down I often have to shake it off and remember that the characters are not part of my life. Similarly, this passage draws me in and pokes at my heart. We see a scene of friends (including one who was recently raised from the dead) enjoying a meal together, and a lavish gift given to Jesus. I want to linger on Mary’s generosity and let her actions encourage my response to Jesus, but the author turns my gaze to Judas. But Judas Iscariot… one of his disciples. But Judas Iscariot… who was about to betray him. But Judas Iscariot… said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief.
Judas, you are ruining this beautiful moment and I feel justified in not liking you. As my heart feels rather satisfied with my dislike I start to wonder, Judas Iscariot… what has happened? You’ve been following Jesus. You’ve watched the miracles. You’ve seen the tenderness of Jesus. You’ve been living alongside God incarnate. What has happened in your heart that you are about to betray him? Why does my heart take pleasure in the contempt it has for Judas? Jesus, as I try to follow you each day, would you help keep my heart soft? Through your Holy Spirit I pray, Amen. Brie Tarras Grade 10 Girls Leader
MARY CASSATT
WEEK 5: FOLLOWING JESUS
MARCH 21
SCRIPTURE READING
Ephesians 4:31-5:2 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | IMITATORS OF GOD
In my teens, Michael Jordan was my sports hero. Every guy I played basketball with wanted to “be like Mike.” We watched his games and wore his brand (I had two pairs of Air Jordan’s, but I still couldn’t dunk). On the court, we all tried to imitate his moves. Imitation is important for our spiritual lives. We are called to put away certain attitudes and behaviors that come all too naturally to us in our sinful, fallen state. The things we are called to put away in the passage above all have the same root: unforgiveness. But if we have turned to Christ in faith, we have received God’s forgiveness. And imitation is key for how to live in that forgiveness, as Christ’s disciples (Luke 6:40). We are called to imitate toward each other the kindness and forgiveness that God extends to us in Christ. We imitate God as children imitate loving parents. We live our lives in love, imitating the love Christ showed
us when he gave himself up for us on the cross. In our own strength, this is harder to imitate than a Michael Jordan dunk, but in Christ we have become God’s children. God has placed his Spirit in us, empowering us to imitate Christ’s love, forgiveness and kindness toward each other. Heavenly Father, as your beloved children, help us put away all forms of unforgiveness toward each other, and strengthen us by the Holy Spirit to imitate Christ’s kindness in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Dan Glover Ekklesia Ministry Leader
GISELE BAUCHE
WEEK 5: FOLLOWING JESUS
MARCH 22
SCRIPTURE READING
John 3:16-17 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | GOD SO LOVED
Sometimes it’s hard to believe that God is love. When our lives appear to be going well, it is easier to rest in his love. But can we know that God loves us when he feels far away? Or, when we feel far from him? Can we know that God loves the world when our social media feeds are flooded with heartbreaking stories of injustice and suffering? Yes, we can: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” God’s love for the world is infinitely awesome! That’s true. But here John is not telling us how much God loves the world, he is telling us the way that God loved the world: Something like: “For this is the way God loved the world: he gave his only Son…” Jesus is the proof of God’s love for you and for the world. God did not stay on the sidelines while his world suffered in sin and brokenness. He came to us!
The Father sent the Son, and the Son, full of grace and truth, stepped right into the middle of our messy, beautiful, and broken world, not to condemn it, but to save it. The King of Heaven traded his throne for a manger, a desert, a cross…so that we could trade our sin for his goodness, our shame for his love, our death for eternal life. That’s how we know that God loves us and the world. Heavenly Father, you are perfect love. Thank you for loving your world by giving us your Son. Holy Spirit, help us to receive your love with faith and empower us to share your love with the world. Amen. Will Gray Children’s Minister
LUCAS CRANACH
WEEK 6: JESUS’ SACRIFICE
MARCH 23
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Peter 2:21-25 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | RIGHTEOUS SUFFERING Does this passage seem a bit too hard? Follow Jesus’ example suffering? We aren’t just called to do good but accept that it might hurt too? Confession: Sometimes, I like doing good because it makes me feel good, because it can make me feel important or needed- not because I might have to trust the results and the credit to someone else. If things go sideways, it’s so easy to blame someone else and try to sneak my way out of the consequences. Sometimes when I’m doing work I know is good, but not getting respected or appreciated, I am tempted to get a bad attitude and act out of anger. It is so easy to stray or peace-out when we are hurting. Our world can seem so ugly and frustrating. People are so often lying, hating, blaming, threatening- in a world cursed by sin. But how good is it that we have a better story? We are called to follow Jesus. He has
already done the ultimate good, obeying and entrusting Himself to the Father – going to the cross and death out of perfect love. He suffered and bore ALL our sin and the curse of pain and death. You and I can be a part of THIS story. Peter reminds us that Jesus is THE Shepherd who will always be with us, He rescues His often straying sheep, leading, helping, and healing us in the hurt that comes from being truly alive and doing His will. Jesus, we pray that You would help us when doing good hurts. Help us entrust ourselves to our Father who loves us, and to follow your commands without lying or hating, blaming or threatening. Help us be alive in doing good, and grateful that You are our Shepherd who is always with us, leading us through suffering to joy. Dave Little Youth Minister 2012-2016
BOOK OF KELLS
WEEK 6: JESUS’ SACRIFICE
MARCH 24
SCRIPTURE READING
Hebrews 10:11-14 11 Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. 12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. 14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | JESUS SAT DOWN
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty! I praise Him, for He saved me from my sin. I praise him, for He continues to save me, the sinner that I am. I am covered by the blood of Christ, and my Jesus holds the victory. Sometimes, I think about all the things I’ve done in my life, and I am so dumbfounded that Christ went to the cross for me as a single sacrifice for sins, knowing that I was about to come on the scene and mess a lot of things up. He saw my face before I was born, He knew me in my mother’s womb, He saw the gifts He had for me as well as the ways I would squander them, and He still loved me enough to die for me. I am not worthy even to gather the crumbs from under His table, and yet by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. Jesus deserves all glory, honour, power, strength, and blessing, forever and ever. In
humbling ourselves before Him and with grateful hearts, I pray that we will worship Him all the days of our lives. Holy God, Thank you for your goodness to us, that in your great mercy you would die for our sins to make us holy and blameless in your sight. Help us to worship you fully, with all humility and sincerity. Amen. Merial Bull Grade 12 Girls Leader
PETER PAUL RUBENS
WEEK 6: JESUS’ SACRIFICE
MARCH 25
SCRIPTURE READING
Romans 5:6-11 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | WHILE WE WERE STILL WEAK
Picture a man in a coma, machines breathing, beating, pumping for him. He needs a kidney. You are the perfect match. If he were kind, caring, generous, selfless toward others, would you give your kidney to save him? Would you feel different if he were a life-long criminal, selfish, dishonest, hurtful, and cruel? There is something seriously wrong with humanity. War, inequality, injustice, abuse, racism…humans are broken. There are countless theories about how to fix ourselves: we need the right knowledge to learn, or the right rules to obey, or the right stuff to acquire. We need education or duties or things to save us. The Bible says these ways don’t work. Fixing ourselves is like the man with non-functioning kidneys donating one to himself (and operating on himself while in a coma). We need someone to save us. Jesus is both our doctor and donor. By his
death and resurrection, Jesus deals with our sin and brokenness. Jesus’ blood makes us right before God, reconciled to our Creator, saved from sin’s punishment. God didn’t demand that we clean ourselves up in order to deserve his help. Christ saved us when we were totally helpless, in a spiritual coma, too weak to help ourselves. It was while we were sinners that Christ died for us. He ‘donated’ his life for us when we were in active rebellion against him. His love gives us life! Heavenly Father, thank you for loving the unlovely. Jesus, thank you for saving me when I was helpless. Holy Spirit, help me to walk in the new life of Christ. Amen. Dan Glover Ekklesia Ministry Leader
FRANCISCO DE ZURBARÁN
WEEK 6: JESUS’ SACRIFICE
MARCH 26
SCRIPTURE READING
Isaiah 53:4-7 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | SERIOUSLY SINFUL, SERIOUSLY SAVED
The older we get, the more there is to regret. Humans, like these verses say, are like strayed sheep gone off course. It’s what we do. There, on the right is the clean path through the forest, but I’m here on the left, dirtied by the mud, cut up from the thorns, walking in circles. Sin means to miss the mark and we are constantly doing so. Going along in life, our history of sin grows and grows. And, it’s not a light thing. Sin is a serious problem. It’s so serious that the only way God would deal with it was by the shedding of blood. Ultimately, through the blood of His own Son. On the one hand, this means that regret about sin makes sense. Shame about what is shameful is right. On the other, God sent Jesus and “laid on him the iniquity of us all.” Jesus was pierced for our sin. Jesus was crushed for our sin. Jesus was slaughtered for our sin. That means no matter what I’ve done or who I’ve been, God will forgive. My conscience can be healed. I can stop contin-
ually punishing myself for things I shouldn’t have done or should have done. God laid all of it on Jesus. Father, thank you for your Son’s sacrifice. Thank you that He bore my sins past, present, and future and that I don’t have to bear them anymore. Teach me the everlasting way and give me strength to walk in it. In Jesus Name, Amen. Leo Song-Carillo Youth Minister 2019-2020
TITIAN
WEEK 6: JESUS’ SACRIFICE
MARCH 27
SCRIPTURE READING
Romans 3:23-26 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | A GIFT
Romans 3:23 is a familiar verse to all of us. I last heard it spoken by a friend’s fouryear-old daughter who had learned it as her memory verse from church (and recited it rather adorably). But just like this memory verse, I think too often we stop at verse 23 and forget about what comes next; it’s easy as Anglicans to remind ourselves how sinful and unworthy we are. But Paul’s key point in this passage isn’t just that we’re all sinful and fall short of God’s glory, although that’s true. What he’s trying to show is that in Christ, it is God’s righteousness that covers us all. He justifies us - ‘declares us righteous’ - not because of what we’ve done, but because of what Christ did on the cross. As we look forward to Easter, let’s remember that Jesus, along with the grace that He brings, is our gift. This is a gift not just for Jews or Gentiles, for the rich or the poor, but
a gift for all. Josh Garrels, likely reflecting on these verses, puts it this way in his song ‘A Gift’: Every mouth is like an open grave No one searches for your face There are none righteous ones among All of us have gone astray You came and gave Yourself away You are the only one there is Only by Your blood can we be saved Oh Lord, this is a gift from You Heavenly Father, Forgive me for my sins, and thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. David Lewis Ekklesia Ministry Leader
UNKNOWN ETHIOPIAN ARTIST
PALM SUNDAY
PALM SUNDAY | MARCH 28
SCRIPTURE READING
John 12:12-19 12 The next day, the news that Jesus was on the way to Jerusalem swept through the city. A large crowd of Passover visitors 13 took palm branches and went down the road to meet him. They shouted, “Praise God! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hail to the King of Israel!” 14 Jesus found a young donkey and rode on it, fulfilling the prophecy that said: 15 “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem, Look, your King is coming, riding on a donkey’s colt.” 16 His disciples didn’t understand at the time that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. But after Jesus entered into his glory, they remembered what had happened and realized that these things had been written about him. 17 Many in the crowd had seen Jesus call Lazarus from the tomb, raising him from the dead, and they were telling others about it. 18 That was the reason so many went out to meet him—because they had heard about this miraculous sign. 19 Then the Pharisees said to each other, “There’s nothing we can do. Look, everyone has gone after him!” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | JESUS’ TRIUMPHANT ENTRY
There’s so much about this passage that is funny, in a darkly humorous kind of way. Titling the section “Jesus’ Triumphant Entry”, for one, seems silly, because He’s literally riding in on a donkey on His way to die. This doesn’t seem triumphant. People are praising Him because they think He’s going to overthrow the Roman empire and save the Jews from oppression - but this is not His intention, and in a couple of days those same people are actually going to turn on Him and chant instead for His crucifixion. Nevertheless, Jesus fulfils the prophecy. Nevertheless, His miraculous works are being shared. Nevertheless, there is hope, because there is a plan. God always has a plan. Jesus knows that these peoples’ praises are fleeting, and yet He also knows that He has a bigger command on His life. This is what He came to Jerusalem to do. Jesus is humble. Jesus is secure. Jesus is
steadfast. Jesus has a plan, and He has fulfilled it, as the Scriptures have prophesied since Genesis 3. Do you know Jesus as someone who fulfills the plans He has for the world, and for you? Holy God, Thank you for being faithful to fulfill your plans and promises from the beginning. Help me to trust your plan as I remember how you walked faithfully through Jerusalem, despite experiencing pain and betrayal, to fulfill your plan to save the world. Amen. Merial Bull Grade 12 Girls Leader
REMBRANDT VAN RIJN
HOLY MONDAY
HOLY MONDAY | MARCH 29
SCRIPTURE READING
Mark 11:15-19 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | CLEANSING THE TEMPLE
This passage can be a tough one to sit with; it certainly disrupts all our warm and fuzzy notions of a gentle, mild-mannered Jesus, who comforts us when we’re hurting but doesn’t much mind when we covet, gossip, or lie. This Jesus is MAD. Here we see the righteous anger of God against greed, exploitation, and sin - and it forces us to confront that sin is a serious problem that angers God. In the New Testament we’re told that we become God’s temple, that he chooses to dwell in us. It’s an amazing promise! But it also makes you think -- if Jesus was angered by people using his temple for trade, profit, and sketchy deals, how does he feel when we harbour greed, malice, and selfish sin in our hearts? Incredibly, in spite of all this (because of it even!) Jesus goes to the cross to take the burden of sin and death away from the very people who have betrayed him. By his great sacrifice he offers us the unbeliev-
able gift of grace, reconciliation with God, and eternal life. So how will we respond? Will we harden our hearts like the priests and scribes - hating Jesus for exposing our sin and hypocrisy? Or will we hear his words of judgement, turn in repentance, and receive the gifts of his grace? Holy God, we confess that we are selfish sinners who have defiled your temple in us. We thank and praise you for sending Jesus to take our sin and shame and make us new. Oh Lord, protect us from the pride that would refuse your grace, reveal by your Spirit where sin still grips us, and mercifully cleanse the temple of our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Kathy Shain-Ross Youth Minister
MARTEN VAN VALCKENBORCH
HOLY TUESDAY
HOLY TUESDAY | MARCH 30
SCRIPTURE READING
Mark 12:1-12 1 And he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 11 this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” 12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away. DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | JESUS THE CORNERSTONE
Jesus tells many parables, but this, The Parable of the Tenants, is the story of God and his people - and one of great importance. The image of a vineyard is used often in scripture to represent the people of God. The owner of the vineyard is God, while the fruit of the vineyard is the faithfulness and love that God’s people owe to Him. The servants are those who God sends to call His people to be obedient and to follow His command. However, “he sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed,” showing how God’s people did not respond to his message or call to grow closer in relationship with Him. Rather, they turned their back on his relentless, lasting love and did not listen. The beloved son is Jesus, who God risked despite what they did to his servants. This shows just how profoundly God loves
us, and if we repent for our sins we can be forgiven because of the great sacrifice of Jesus. He is the “cornerstone” and raised up by God, offering us salvation and love. Heavenly Father, thank you for the incredible gift of sending your only son, in spite of violence and rejection, to save and redeem us. Help us to receive Christ with open and repentant hearts, and make him the cornerstone of our lives. Mikayla Stelling Grade 12
WOONBO KIM KI-CHANG
HOLY WEDNESDAY
HOLY WEDNESDAY | MARCH 31
SCRIPTURE READING
Mark 14:3-9 3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head.4 There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5 For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9 And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | A BEAUTIFUL THING
One of the things I love about this story is Jesus’ defense of this woman. “Leave her alone!” Christ says to her accusers. She was humiliated by the disciples, but Christ puts himself between her and them. I want to remind myself of his words when people shame me - when I am tempted to agree with people who say what I believe is foolish. When I am tempted to feel useless or dirty or I start to take on the world’s perception of my vocation as “a waste”. Christ defends me. The other often overlooked line in this passage is when Christ says ”She did what she could” and it was a beautiful thing. Christ is saying that he requires nothing more from you than what you are able to give or do. Nothing is required of us that we can’t DO! WHAT A RELIEF. That means no jealousy directed at people doing things we wish we could do. No stressing about gifts we don’t have. No disconnect over our limitations. No wishing we could do more, when we have
done what we can do. The question it leaves us with though is, what can we do? Dear Father, thank you for your kindness to us - that you know and love us as we are, and that we do not need to be or do more than we can. Help us to do the things that we can to serve and love you, and may our lives be beautiful to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen Aaron Roberts Evening Service Minister
FORD MADOX BROWN
MAUNDY THURSDAY
MAUNDY THURSDAY | APRIL 1
SCRIPTURE READING
John 13:1-11 & 31-35 1 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”... ...31 When [Judas] had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | LOVE ONE ANOTHER
I have heard this story so many times that it is easy to miss the wonder in it. Here, the God of the Universe - the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the one who hung the stars and holds the galaxies in His hands - here He kneels down: kneels down, removes his cloak, and washes the feet of His creation. He knows all of them deeply. He knows the lovely things and the dark things in their hearts. He knows that one of them will betray him in just a few short hours. And yet, here He is, sleeves rolled up, removing from them the grime of the day. He loves them and He will love them to the end. The sheer humility and tenderness in this! And then, He quietly gets up, turns to you
and I, and asks us to do the same – not for Him, but for each other. How easily we forget! We think that we are Christians because of our sermons or music or the places we attend on Sundays. Yet it is to this we must hold: We are Christ’s disciples, we are marked as His, if we love one another. Blessed are you, O Humble King! As you have taught us to love, help us to love one another. By our love, may You be made known and glorified throughout the earth. Amen. Vivian Lee Ekklesia Leader
BRADI BARTH
GOOD FRIDAY
GOOD FRIDAY | APRIL 2
SCRIPTURE READING
Luke 23:38-43 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | IT IS GOOD
Why do we call it Good Friday when it’s the day Jesus dies on a cross? Sometimes when I feel down I find myself recalling the mistakes I’ve made in my life. I remember the foolish things I’ve done and the people I’ve hurt and once again I begin to feel a terrible burden of guilt and shame weighing on my shoulders. In moments like this I turn to these words of Jesus to the thief on the cross: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” These are the sweetest words I’ve ever heard. This guy hanging next to Jesus (we call him a “thief” but terrorist might be a better name for him), he deserves what he’s getting. I too deserve to die because of my sin. Yet, amazingly, no one is too far gone for Jesus to save! There is nothing that you or I have done or ever can do that is beyond the saving love of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus promises: today...this very day you can be with me in new birth and everlasting life!
Wait, but isn’t this guy a criminal?!? Is this fair? Nope. But it’s Good. That’s the whole point. Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for showing us God’s goodness by sacrificing yourself to save us, even though we don’t deserve it. Help us to understand your goodness freshly as we remember your death, and to rejoice in the gift of new life with you this very day. Amen. Jeremy Graham Youth Minister
GEORGE ROUAULT
HOLY SATURDAY
HOLY SATURDAY | APRIL 3
SCRIPTURE READING
Mark 15:33-39 33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | THE FORSAKEN
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These are, perhaps, the most chilling words Jesus ever speaks. The Son, the sacrificial lamb, abandoned by the Father of the universe. While there are times in my life when I have felt forgotten by God, I know that this felt experience is not reflective of the truth, for God promises to never leave us. Here, though, as Jesus took on every sin, every moment of jealousy, every heartbreak, every lie, every indiscretion, every piece of our actions that results in our need for forgiveness, he experienced true separation from God. Even in our loneliest moments, we know that we have not come close to experiencing this type of pain, and it serves as a humbling reminder of the depth of spiritual anguish Christ went through alongside His physical suffering on the cross. This passage reveals to us the epitome of grace – that Jesus went to the fullest extent
of physical and spiritual agony in order that we might be spared from the same. So today, as our hearts ache in anticipation for Christ’s resurrection, may we never stop joining the centurion in wonder and awe at this miraculous gift. May we, too, declare with reverence in our voices, that truly this man was the Son of God. Jesus, You bore every facet of pain so that I might be free, so that I might know what it is to be loved by a God Whose grace is perfect and Whose provision is complete. What a beautiful truth this is! Amen. Jemma Spruston Grade 12 Girls Leader
EUGENE BURNAND
EASTER SUNDAY
EASTER SUNDAY | APRIL 4
SCRIPTURE READING
John 20:1-18 1 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes. 11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | LOOK!
The sun scarcely peered out over the mountains as Mary climbed to the tomb where they had laid him only hours before. The hours had slipped by in darkness, sadness and confusion. But now, the moment Sabbath was over, Mary broke forth with the sun and came to the tomb again. They had buried him in haste, so she came to mourn and rest and weep without time ticking. The half darkness mirrored the burial, only, as she came to the tomb, everything was running in reverse! The sun was climbing with her, not descending, and look! the stone was rolled away just like it had been before they laid him there. Hope shot through Mary in that moment, but on hope’s heels lurked doubt. Maybe he’s alive! Like he said! Or... no... he must have been taken. They took him. In confusion Mary rushed back to the disciples to tell
them the news. And the sun rushed with her. Maybe she should have stayed. Maybe she should have stepped into the tomb first, but she rushed instead. When she came to Peter and John, it was doubt who spoke, not hope. “They took him.” She wept. “They took him. We don’t know where.” Peter and John looked at each other and ran off without another thought of this woman. Out of breath, Mary lumbered, weeping, back toward the tomb. When she neared the tomb, she saw Peter and John coming back her way. Their eyes were wide open and their steps were floating. They ran to her, weeping and smiling and said, “Mary!” because that’s all they could say. Then they disappeared down the road. (cont’d next page)...
DEVOTIONAL REFLECTION | LOOK! (CONT.)
By this time, the sun had banished the darkness. It was day in the garden where Mary stood, and the tomb itself seemed doused with light. Fear gripped Mary’s heart. She approached the tomb this time instead of turning back, and the closer she got, the more she wept. The mystery stared her in the face, but doubt was shouting, “they took him! You will never see him again!” Each step brought fresh tears and deeper doubt until she reached the tomb, a foot shorter than her usual height, so crushed was she by doubt and death. But stooping, weeping, she looked into the tomb. She stared death straight in the face. But she didn’t find death there in the tomb. She found an ark instead. Two angels greeted her, their wings spread out and the space between them empty, where they had laid him. Angels don’t smile. They beam. And they beamed at Mary with joy, “woman, why are you weeping!” Don’t you see, Mary! But still, she did not see. Still, doubt ruled her heart. “They took him!” She said to the angels. The angels just beamed, but their faces led away from the tomb. Mary climbed out of the tomb just like he did sometime earlier that day. Her doubt ran wild, but another voice cut through her doubts, “woman, why are you weeping, who are you seeking?” Mary turned to the voice, but still did not see. Something was still blinding her. And she shouted at him in the last rage of her doubt. She shouted at God himself, “You took him! Where did you take him! Let me take him instead.” Jesus beamed. And smiled. And he said “Mary.” He said her name the way names are supposed to be said. The way that only God can speak a word. The way God says “Light!” And there is light. The way he says “Get up and walk!” The way he said, “It is finished.” That is how he said “Mary.” And though she was already turned toward him, she turned again and looked deeper. And doubt died. Hope turned to sight as Mary
really looked. Behold, she saw Jesus. Standing. And she cried “Rabboni!” And she ran to embrace him. He is Risen! Come with Mary this beautiful morning, and feel the weight of resurrection. He is Risen. He was not taken, he was not abandoned in death, but he is Risen! Look to the tomb, look to the disciples running, look to the cloth, look to the Angels, but none of these mean anything if you do not look to Jesus. Hear his voice as he speaks your name this morning. Seek him and find him. For he rose for you. Turn to him this morning in the light of the resurrection. For his resurrection is yours. Death may rule for a night, but life comes in the morning. Blessed are you, Heavenly Father for giving us your son Jesus Christ. He suffered all things for his church and now stands as head over all things! Send your Holy Spirit, O God, that we may see him today as the risen Lord. Open the eyes of our hearts. Banish the blindness and the doubt and strengthen us in joy and hope through your Son our risen Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
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