Lenten Meditation Journal 2018 by (UALC) Upper Arlington Lutheran Church

Upper Arlington Lutheran Church

Before the Throne LENTEN MEDITATION JOURNAL

"When God’s truth is allowed to touch the deepest corner of your soul, the Holy Spirit will transform you into the image of Jesus Christ. Don’t just read your Bible; meditate on God’s Word and ask Him to change your heart.” —Henry Blackaby

INVITATION TO LENT The Lenten season is one of the most sacred times of the church. Often on Ash Wednesday, we hear an invitation to this rich season that reminds us of our need for reading and meditation on God’s holy Word, for prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and for self-examination, repentance, and the nourishment found in Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion. Self-denial is not a concept that we embrace easily in this day. We’d much rather cozy up to a call to indulge ourselves in treats and pleasures. However, the biblical understanding of self-denial has two parts: 1) to push away those aspects of our desires which ultimately will hurt us, and 2) to affirm of elements of our Christian life which will breathe life into our weary souls. We say “no” to sin and “yes” to God. When we practice self-denial in this way, we are developing the environment in which the self that God intends us to be can grow and flourish. For Lent, I invite you to develop such an environment through reading, meditation, and reflection. • What has been missing in my spiritual life? • What do I wish you I more time for? • How can I better steward my self, my time, my possessions to become the person God intends me to be? • What can I learn from the life of Christ, my king? • Is the Holy Spirit revealing areas in my life that still need transformation? • Are there places where He is calling me into mission and service? Take these questions seriously and enter into communal conversation. Take time during Sunday morning services and midweek services, time with your friends and family, and time with your church family if needed outside worship opportunities. If this time of Lent when we hear a lot about the suffering of Christ, we grow in our gratitude for Christ’s ultimate expression of his love for us. We follow him in pushing away self-centeredness, and in saying “yes” to God so that we can find fulfillment and growth in becoming more Christlike spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally—in every aspect of our lives. Together, let us come Before the Throne of the King of Kings and participate in this holy season of Lent, a sacred time of walking with Christ our King and listening to the Holy Spirit. Andrew Fuller Director of Communications & Transitional Leadership Team

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to Meditate + Fast + Commune............................................................................. 4 Before the Throne—Ash Wednesday..................................................................................................8 The Crowned King* ..........................................................................................................................................11 The Loving King*................................................................................................................................................15 The Powerful King*..........................................................................................................................................19 The Life Changing King* ...........................................................................................................................23 The Surprising King*.......................................................................................................................................27 The Coming King—Palm Sunday......................................................................................................... 31 The Risen King—Easter..............................................................................................................................35

*The preachers for these topics are rotating through the worship communities. To follow along, find the topic preached in the community where you worship.

Meditate + Fast + Commune Meditate every day Fast one day per week Commune, confess, and give thanks with others

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Meditate/ Meditate/ Meditate/ Meditate/ Meditate/ Meditate/ Meditate/ Journal Journal Journal Journal Journal Journal Journal on Daily Scripture Passage

Worship the Lord Sunday, Morning

on Daily Scripture Passage

Tuesday Fast

Meditation Service

on Daily Scripture Passage

Wednesday, 6:30 pm

Wednesday Meditation Fast Service Thursday, Noon

Meditate WHAT IS MEDITATION?

The word “meditation” has developed something of a bad reputation in certain Christian circles. This Lent, as a church, we want to reclaim it as one of the essential spiritual disciplines for all believers. Biblical meditation involves taking a phrase, verse, or passage of Scripture and thinking carefully about it, pondering, and letting the Holy Spirit slowly make it alive within you. Then you pray it back to God. Meditation creates faith and expectation. Meditation focuses our thinking on God's Word. Through meditation we come to know God, not just about Him. Through meditation we grow in our love for God’s Word.

MEDITATION HELPS US:

• Get to know God – This goes beyond just knowing about Him. We get to know Him personally as our King, our Rock, our Redeemer, our Savior (Psalm 19:14). • Hear God's voice and keep from sin – We are then able to pray on-target prayers (Psalm 119:11). • Change spiritually and gain insight – We will always grow and God will change our hearts through meditation (Psalm 119:99). • Walk in obedience – Meditation will help us to obey God and be ready to do the right thing in a moment that requires a sudden choice (Joshua 1:7). • Have something to share with others – Often the very Scriptures that we meditate on are the ones someone else needs to hear and the ones we need to pray (Psalm 48:9-10). • Grow in a worshiping lifestyle – As we ponder Scripture, we naturally grow deeper in our prayer life and are led more fully into worship (Psalm 77:12-13). • Gain comfort and gain strength – We gain spiritual strength when we meditate on Scripture (Psalm 119:23-24). • Receive understanding and success – God teaches us how to walk in success as we meditate on Scripture (Joshua 1:8).

MEDITATION HELPS US PRAY MORE EFFECTIVELY

Psalm 119 speaks over and over again about the value of God’s Word and the importance of meditation. Meditation on the Scriptures will cause us to understand something of the mind and heart of God. Meditation changes us deeply, freeing us from incorrect thinking because we are dwelling on the truth of Scripture. It touches the deepest part of our soul and transforms us. Meditation should always result in a response to God, whether it is repentance, thanksgiving, worship, obedience, or a change in attitude.

WAYS WE CAN MEDITATE PRAYERFULLY THIS LENT

• Every day of this journal, read through the assigned passage of Scripture. • Let the Holy Spirit bring your attention to something in the passage. • Paraphrase the verse. • Try picturing what the verse is saying. • Relate the verse or passage to other verses you know. • Make it personal. • Pray it back to God thanking Him, asking for His help to obey, praying for insight, etc. • Write something down. • Respond with confession and thanksgiving. 5

Fast

FASTING THIS LENTEN SEASON

Despite biblical examples throughout Scripture, many of us are slow to fast. There might be reasons for this hesitation. Perhaps it’s due to fear. Or perhaps, many of us are simply unaware and have never attempted fasting. This Lent, your church leadership believes it is time to invite the congregation to join us in an intentional, deliberate fast as we seek God. We hope to specifically pray for the Call Committee as they continue the search process, as well as guidance for the staff and Council as they lead. You may not realize this, but the first Tuesday of each month, our Council takes time to fast and pray—seeking God and His guidance. So, this Lenten season we invite you to join the Council and staff in a weekly fast to seek the Lord. Take a 24-hour period, try starting in the evening, and instead of your dinner, evening snack, breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack; take the time to read God’s Word and pray. And then we encourage you to break your fast within community. Have dinner with a friend or family. Attend our weekly Lenten Meditation Service to sing and take Holy Communion with others. Every time you feel a little hunger pang, pray. Drink plenty of water and juice throughout the day. Enter this time with a sense of expectation that God will speak to you, so use this journal to keep track of what you feel God is saying. If you get a sense that what you feel or are hearing from God is for the congregation—not just for you—please visit our Lent webpage, ualc.org/lent where you can use a form to share what you’re hearing with Council. Fasting from food can be a tremendous opportunity to turn our focus off the day-to-day routine and focus on God, His Word, and His people, but some of you should not be able to fast from food. Instead, we invite you to fast in a different way: fast from TV, from Facebook, from smoking, or from some other routine that will cause you to remember to pray. If you’d like to receive a weekly prayer focus for fasting during Lent from our church leadership, please sign up to receive these emails at ualc.org/lent.

Commune SETTING ASIDE TIME FOR STILLNESS AND REFLECTION

In this age of overindulgence and a general sense of self-entitlement, taking time out for self-reflection and a little self-denial is a good idea for each one of us. By examining our habits, actions, and beliefs, we can identify areas where we can practice more restraint, moderation, or self-improvement. We can also explore ways to reach out to others in need and perform an act of charity or simple kindness– simply put, to see the face of God in the person beside me. Through self-reflection, we can certainly identify our failures and shortcomings. We human beings, by our very nature, are all born flawed. The key is to never become complacent or accepting of our shortcomings and imperfections, but always strive to become better versions of ourselves. The goal for this Lenten season is to look within and identify ways to prepare yourself for the celebration of Easter Sunday, and stillness, prayer, self-reflection, and self-denial are opportunities to practice preparation.

MIDWEEK LENTEN MEDITATION SERVICES

That being said, during the season of Lent, we are providing opportunities for you to spend time in prayer, meditation, and self-reflection through our Midweek Lenten Meditation Services. This is a great opportunity to break your fast in community, listen to the Holy Spirit, confess your sin, rejoice in thanksgiving, and commune with friends, family, and our Lord. For many of us, making time for prayer is challenging, but we encourage you to use these gatherings as opportunities to set aside some time to worship, reflect, pray, and meditate. You’ll be led through Scripture and song, guided into prayer and silence, and nourished by Christ’s body and blood through the bread and wine in Holy Communion. Bring this Lenten Meditation Journal as you listen to the Holy Spirit’s voice in this time of stillness and communion with the Lord. Mill Run Wednesdays, February 21 through March 21 at 6:30 pm (nursery available) Lyt ham Road Thursdays, February 22 through March 22 at 12:00 pm (light lunch following) 7

ASH WEDNESDAY SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 51:1-17

THE ASHES WE RECEIVE ON ASH WEDNESDAY ARE THE RESIDUE OF A BURNED-OUT FIRE, a symbol of our human condition and our rebellion against God. When we feel the weight and consequences of our sin, our tendency is to hide, blame, or deny—to spin the story in our favor with “alternative facts.” But King David, the author of Psalm 51, shows us a better way. In despair over his adultery with Bathsheba, the murder of her husband, and an unsuccessful cover up, David tells the truth. Because God’s nature is love and mercy, he asks the Lord to create in him what he can’t create on his own—a clean heart, a new spirit, a fresh start. This Psalm is a template for prayer for times when we blow it, too. In this season of Lent, what do you need to lay at the foot of the cross? What do you need to ask the Lord to forgive and change?

PRAYER:

Gracious God, thank you that I can come to you with the truth about my sins. I place my hope in you. Would you forgive me and make me new today? Amen. Jeff Morlock Pastor, Care and 65+ Adults

SERMON & WORSHIP THOUGHTS

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES AND JOURNAL THE REST OF THE WEEK: Thursday – Romans 7:14-25 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate, I do. (v. 15) Friday – Romans 3:9-19 As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one…” (v. 10) Saturday – Acts 2:36-41 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." (v. 40) 9

DAILY MEDITATION THOUGHTS

"A good prayer need not be long or drawn out, but rather it should be frequent and (passionate)." -Martin Luther 10

Ash Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Before the Throne

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READING Mark 1:1-15

AT THE BEGINNING OF JESUS’ MINISTRY, HE RECEIVED JOHN’S BAPTISM and the Holy Spirit anointed Him with a visual of a dove descending. Then His Father said, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” The King was here and so the Kingdom of God was breaking in. Sometimes as parents, we associate praise of our children with what they do. “You got an A” or “You scored that goal” or “You cleaned your room.” Jesus had done nothing yet in His ministry, but His Father said “Son, I love You and I am pleased.” I took a cue from that when my daughter was little and at random times, out of the blue and not connected with anything she had done, I would say “Molly, I love you and I’m so proud of you.” One time she sat quietly in the car as we were driving and then asked “Dad, why do you always say that?” I then told her how I learned that from my heavenly Father. That’s called grace. John wrote that Jesus came full of grace and truth. It is the mark of His Kingdom. It is God’s great gift to us from His unconditional love. And we have the privilege of being channels of that grace to a world desperate for it. Buff Delcamp Pastor, Prayer & Holy Spirit

SUNDAY SERMON & WORSHIP THOUGHTS

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES AND JOURNAL THE REST OF THE WEEK: Monday – Luke 2:8-18 “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (v. 11 )

Tuesday – Luke 2:41-52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (v. 52) Wednesday – Matthew 3:1-6 “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” (v. 3) Thursday – Matthew 3:13-17 “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’" (v. 17) Friday – Matthew 17:1-9 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (v. 5) Saturday – Revelation 22:1-5 ” … for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.” (v. 5) 12

The Crowned King

DAILY MEDITATION THOUGHTS

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 13

MIDWEEK MEDITATION SERVICE THOUGHTS

"When God speaks to you in your quiet time, immediately write down what He said before you have time to forget." â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Henry Blackaby 14

The Crowned King

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READING Mark 2:13-17

HAVE YOU EVER FOUND VALUE IN SOMETHING THAT VERY FEW VALUED? As Jesus was walking he saw Levi sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. Levi's encounter so changed him he invited his friends to his house to meet Jesus. While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, they wanted to follow him. The religious people saw Jesus eating with the sinners and tax collectors, and asked "Why does He eat with these sinners?" Jesus overheard them and said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Levi discovered Jesus and wanted to let all his friends know that there was someone different from others. Someone who didn't judge them, by their occupation, but looked straight to the heart. As you take time this week to meditate on this passage put yourself in the story, would you get up and follow Jesus? Would you go to the dinner full of tax collectors and sinners? Would you be like the religious people finding fault that Jesus would eat with sinners? Invite a friend to dinner this week. Do you love Jesus enough to introduce Him to your friend? Do you love your friends enough to introduce them to Jesus? Joe Valentino Executive Director for Ministry & Transitional Leadership Team 15

SUNDAY SERMON & WORSHIP THOUGHTS

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES AND JOURNAL THE REST OF THE WEEK:

Monday – Isaiah 42:1-4 “...he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.” (v. 4) Tuesday – Luke 7:11-17 “God has come to help his people." (v. 16b) Wednesday – John 6:1-15 “Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted.” (v. 11) Thursday – John 9:1-7 "…but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” (v. 3) Friday – John 14:15-21 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. (v. 18) Saturday – Revelation 19:6-9 For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. (v. 7b) 16

The Loving King

DAILY MEDITATION THOUGHTS

“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.” Corrie ten Boom 17

MIDWEEK MEDITATION SERVICE THOUGHTS

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 18

The Loving King

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READING Mark 5:21-43

OUR GOD HAS POWER TO BLESS. But sometimes, it appears his blessings get delayed or even re-purposed. For example, as Jesus was on his way to heal the daughter of Jairus, he got detoured with the healing of the woman with the flow of blood. While living in Cameroon, we saw God work powerfully. There was the time when there was a contagious cattle blight, with whole herds wiped out. One nomadic herdsman came to a Christian church asking for prayer for his cattle because his brother’s cattle, with which his had mingled, had begun to show disease symptoms. The Christians obliged, fervently praying for protection. Two weeks later, the Fulani herdsman returned rejoicing that he had discovered the true God. Even though his brother’s cattle continued to diminish in numbers, his were not affected at all. A short time later, my visiting father collapsed with an apparent heart attack. We did CPR and prayed. The response of our loving Father was not to heal him miraculously as with the Muslim’s herd. What we discovered in our grief was that God used my dad’s death to speak to the Cameroonians in ways that we had not anticipated and could not have orchestrated otherwise. The lesson? Because we are confident that our God is powerful and loving, we pray fervently for his blessing. His response may be different from what we hope for, but it will always be for our good and his glory. David Mann Pastor, Missions & Internationals 19

SUNDAY SERMON & WORSHIP THOUGHTS

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES AND JOURNAL THE REST OF THE WEEK: Monday – Luke 8:26-39 "Return home and tell how much God has done for you." (v. 39)

Tuesday – Matthew 8:23-27 "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (v. 26) Wednesday – Luke 7:1-10 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. (v. 3) Thursday – John 2:1-11 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you." (v. 5) Friday – Revelation 20:7-10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur… (v. 10) Saturday – 1 Timothy 1:15-17 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. (v. 17) 20

The Powerful King

DAILY MEDITATION THOUGHTS

“Shut the world out, withdraw from all worldly thoughts and occupations, and shut yourself in alone with God, to pray to Him in secret. Let this be your chief object in prayer, to realize the presence of your heavenly Father.” –Andrew Murray

MIDWEEK MEDITATION SERVICE THOUGHTS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In quiet and confidence will be your strength." Isaiah 30:15 22

The Powerful King

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READING Mark 7:1-23

RELIGIOUS PEOPLE HAVE PREDICTABLE PATTERNS. The whole identity of God’s people, in Jesus day, was, “we are not like other people…” It is predictable that God’s people will have a proclivity to draw clear lines of who is in and who is out so that they can feel good about their "in-ness" and better than people who are on the "out list." There was plenty of Law to follow; Moses’ teaching was revered, and at different points, added to. Jesus pushes back against these "traditions" and even voids part of the cherished Law of God’s people. It is not your traditions that make you "clean," it is not even your rigorous adherence to the dietary Laws. It is not what goes in that makes you "clean" it is what comes out that makes you "unclean." Therein lies the problem—all the stuff that comes out of our lives—now what do we do? Read this passage several times and then spend some time with the following questions, make this a time of prayerful examination and repent of anything that comes to mind: Lord, am I living in obedience or am I using traditions as a way to avoid following Your law? Am I thinking about the sins of others too much and too little about the sin that is within me? End your time with this prayer, “Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.” Brodie Taphorn Pastor, Ministry Operations & Transitional Leadership Team

SUNDAY SERMON & WORSHIP THOUGHTS

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES AND JOURNAL THE REST OF THE WEEK:

Monday – 1 John 1:5-8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (v. 8) Tuesday – 1 John 4:7-19 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. (v. 7) Wednesday – 1 Peter 4:1-6 …live according to God in regard to the spirit. (v. 6) Thursday – Ephesians 2:1-10 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (vs. 4-5) Friday – Matthew 28:16-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… (v. 19) Saturday – 1 Corinthians 15:50-57 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed. (v. 51) 24

The Life-Changing King

DAILY MEDITATION THOUGHTS

"A 'quiet time' is simply being intentional about having a conversation with God." â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Anonymous 25

MIDWEEK MEDITATION SERVICE THOUGHTS

"Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8 26

The Life-Changing King

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READING Mark 8:27-9:1

BECAUSE THEY WERE LOOKING FOR A CONQUERING KING, many in Jesus' day missed the clear message of Isaiah—that the coming Messiah would suffer to bring healing to the people. Peter was one of many in this regard— missing what Jesus was really doing in the world. In fact, it would be until after the resurrection that Peter would fully understand. Imagine that! Peter spent every day with Jesus. And still, he didn’t understand all that there was to this Messiah whom he trusted. Peter’s journey of discovering more and more about Christ would lead him to his great sermon in Acts 2, having for the first time received the Spirit. Then he learns that God wants to save Gentiles too in Acts 10. Ultimately, Peter’s story (according to the tradition of the church) ends with his own suffering. Peter dies for his faith, hanging on a cross like he commanded Jesus not to do. Like Peter, you are never done discovering more of Jesus. We are called to release our demands of Jesus, our preconceived notions and our limitations so we can go wherever He will lead us. Where might Christ be leading you this week? Are you willing to follow anywhere that He leads? Or might you be like Peter, deciding for Jesus what it is He can do? Aaron Thompson Director of High School Ministry 27

SUNDAY SERMON & WORSHIP THOUGHTS

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES AND JOURNAL THE REST OF THE WEEK:

Monday – Romans 3:19-20, 6:21-23 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. We deserve death... (v. 20) Tuesday – Isaiah 53:3-6 ...but he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. (v. 5a) Wednesday – 1 Peter 1:17-21 ...but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (v. 19) Thursday – Leviticus 16:7-10, 21-22 The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a solitary place; and the man shall release it in the desert. (v. 22) Friday – Acts 9:10-16 "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." (v. 16) Saturday – John 15:18-25 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (v. 18) 28

The Surprising King

DAILY MEDITATION THOUGHTS

"I have a great need for Christ, I have a great Christ for my need." - Charles Spurgeon 29

MIDWEEK MEDITATION SERVICE THOUGHTS

"We must allow the Word of God to confront us, to disturb our security, to undermine our complacency and to overthrow our patterns of thought and behavior." â&#x20AC;&#x201C;John Stott 30

The Surprising King

PALM SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READING Mark 11:1-11

PALM SUNDAY BEGINS THE “WEEK THAT CHANGED THE WORLD”.

Everything in Jesus’ life and ministry has led up to this week. It’s drama and it’s salvation’s story. From beginning to end, Jesus is very much in charge of this week and all that happens. Jesus is not a victim; He is changing the world through every day and moment in this week. As strange as it may seem for us to hear the welcoming, rejoicing “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday and then see what happens in the rest of the week, this is God’s plan for redeeming the world—and us in it, too. People have waited for this day and week for hundreds of years. Others have ridden into Jerusalem and nothing happened. But people are still waiting, ready and willing to welcome Jesus into their hopes and expectations of what He will do. At least they are looking for the King of their longings. Are we? But Jesus doesn’t do what they think He should. Read on in Mark’s Gospel. Jesus cleanses the temple instead of gathering an army to drive Rome away. Their expectations are not met. People are disappointed again; some of them angry enough to join the “Crucify Him” chants of Good Friday. So much in such a short time. Once again, we gather to hear, watch, listen….as we ourselves join in the “Week that changed the world.” And we pray that it will once again change us. We are loved enough to die for—and we need it, again and more. What in the Story of Holy Week has had the greatest impact on your life so far and in what way? Pray that God will open the Holy Week’s story to new faith and hope in your life. Paul Ulring Pastor, Visitation 31

SUNDAY SERMON & WORSHIP THOUGHTS

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES AND JOURNAL THE REST OF THE WEEK:

Monday – Isaiah 49:1-6 "It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." (v. 6) Tuesday – Isaiah 49:7-10 To say to the captives, "Come out," and to those in darkness, "Be free!" (v. 9) Wednesday – Mark 12:35-37 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, "How is it that the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David?" (v. 35) Thursday – Mark 14:22-26 I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God." (v. 25) Friday – Mark 15:21-41 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. (v. 25) Saturday – 1 Peter 3:18-22 …Who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. The King is Alive. (v. 22) 32

The Coming King—Palm Sunday

DAILY MEDITATION THOUGHTS

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C.S. Lewis 33

MIDWEEK MEDITATION SERVICE THOUGHTS

“The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me." –Martin Luther 34

The Coming King—Palm Sunday

EASTER SUNDAY SCRIPTURE READING Mark 16:1-8

MARY MAGDALENE, MARY THE MOTHER OF JAMES and Salome went to anoint Jesus after his death. Upon arriving at the tomb, they encounter a number of overwhelming surprises. First, the stone is rolled away. Second, instead of Jesus’ body, they find a stranger in a white robe sitting in the tomb. Third, the stranger tells them that Jesus is risen. Fourth, they are to go and tell the disciples that "He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you." In fact, just two chapters earlier, Jesus did say, “But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee” (Mark 14:28). In the midst of predicting Peter’s denial, Jesus tells them the future. Now the future is pressing in on the present. Now the words of Jesus are about to come true. What exactly does this mean? There is a pile of evidence growing before their very eyes. Who will they say Jesus is? Later on they will have the opportunity to see Christ with their own eyes. In fact, Christ appears to his disciples on multiple occasions but their time with him in Galilee is a historic moment. For it is there that Christ will issue to them their greatest mission—to go and make disciples of all nations. The evidence and mission now lie before us. Who will we say Jesus is? David White Pastor, Families, Youth & Children

SUNDAY SERMON & WORSHIP THOUGHTS

MEDITATE ON THESE SCRIPTURES AND JOURNAL THE REST OF THE WEEK: Monday – Romans 6:5-14 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. (v. 8)

Tuesday – Romans 8:18-25 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (v. 18) Wednesday – Romans 8:33-39 ...Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (v. 35) Thursday – Luke 9:1-6 ...And he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (v. 2) Friday – Matthew 24:30-35 At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. (v. 30) Saturday – Revelation 21:1-7 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. We are with the King forever. (v. 2) 36

The Risen King—Easter Sunday

DAILY MEDITATION THOUGHTS

“Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” –Francis Chan 37

MEDITATION THOUGHTS

I will meditate on your precept, and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. Psalm 119:15-16 38

The Risen Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Easter Sunday

Brothers and sisters: God created us to experience joy in communion with Him, to love all humanity, and to live in harmony with all of His creation. But sin separates us from God, our neighbors, and creation, and so we do not enjoy the life our creator intended for us. Also, by our sin we grieve our Father, who does not desire us to come under his judgment, but to turn to Him and live. As disciples of the Lord Jesus we are called to struggle against everything that leads us away from love of God and neighbor. Repentance, fasting, prayer, and works of loveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the discipline of Lentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;help us to wage our spiritual warfare. I invite you, therefore, to commit yourselves to this struggle and confess your sins, asking our Father for strength to persevere in your Lenten discipline. (Lutheran Book of Worship)

U p p er A r lington L uthe ran C h urch

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