Author: wp_rizovg

by Pastor Joe Pullen

Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

MATTHEW 9:35-28, ESV

If you read my last devotional blog post, you read about the significance of Jesus saying the kingdom of God is at hand. Please take a few minutes to check it out if you haven’t —  those thoughts are the foundation for today’s devotional.

When Matthew 9 takes place, it was over two years after Jesus said the kingdom of God is at hand, and He’s still preaching that same message – the gospel of the kingdom. How many pastors do you know that could preach the same message for over two years and still grow the crowd? I’m pretty certain I couldn’t do that. It must have been vital for Jesus to stay on that message so consistently. Why did He do that?

I believe that Jesus wanted people to think differently about life on earth. Jesus was born a man and grew up like the rest of us. At 30, He was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. After that, He began caring for people through miracles and the power of His Word. In this passage of Matthew, He’s at it again, preaching the kingdom and healing every disease and affliction. But what comes next is even more mind blowing to me.

Jesus told the disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers. After they did, Jesus sent His disciples out with these instructions:

Proclaim as you go, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons.

MATTHEW 10:7-8, ESV

Notice what He did here because it’s easy to miss. He called His disciples to go do exactly what they had seen Him do: preach the kingdom gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons. This is how the kingdom grows: through disciples doing what Jesus did through the power of the Holy Spirit.

As followers of Jesus, we too have been instructed AND empowered to go where Jesus went, say what Jesus said, and do what Jesus did, as we love like Jesus loved! 
Jesus has entrusted to us the greatest mission ever – to make disciples all over the world. Have you embraced His call to be a disciple-maker? If you do, you will quickly find that the power of the Holy Spirit will empower you to do all that He’s asked of you and you will be able to do accomplish anything for the sake of the gospel.

Embrace it, knowing the full power of heaven has been given to you to do whatever He’s asked you to do.

Would you be so brave to ask God to reveal to you someone who needs the gospel of the kingdom, and then go and share it with them? Would you use the power that Jesus has given to you to heal the sick and afflicted around you? It might just be the most rewarding thing you ever do.

by Pastor Joe Pullen

Now after John had been arrested, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

MARK 1:14-15, ESV

When Jesus first spoke publicly about the gospel, He didn’t mention Himself at all even though He is the central figure of it. Isn’t that curious? Instead He spoke about a time, or a period of waiting, that had come to an end, and how the kingdom of God had arrived. Let’s take a look at what He meant with this statement,  because it has direct implications on how we should respond to Jesus and live our lives — and the rest of the gospel story builds on this earth-shaking statement.

Jesus said the time is fulfilled. Jesus taught here that the gospel is far, far more than God’s plan of salvation. The gospel is what God did ‘In the beginning” in Genesis, all the way to last word of Scripture (“Amen” in Revelation), and everything in between. Genesis marked the first time the natural world revealed the God of the supernatural, and Revelation is “The revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:1). It’s all the gospel.

Why does this matter? When sin entered the world in Genesis 3, the domain of the created world transferred from being gifted to men and women to rule and subdue it, to being ruled and subdued by Satan and evil. But God the Father promised that a day would come when a Child of Eve would bruise Satan’s head and Satan would only be able to strike a temporary blow to the Child (Gen. 3:15). That day didn’t happen immediately, and for thousands of years, Satan had a field day with man – killing, stealing, and destroying.

All that changed when Jesus said the time is fulfilled. He announced the beginning of the end of Satan’s reign of terror, and the dawn of the age of salvation when the enemy would be rendered impotent. I envision a cosmic gasp across the kingdom of darkness when Jesus spoke those words.

This was the time all the prophets wrote about. This was the time all the priestly rituals pointed towards, and now that time was fulfilled: Jesus had arrived.

With the time of waiting fulfilled, a second tectonic shift occurred – Jesus said the kingdom of God was at hand. I love this profound statement. All the power of heaven, with the absolute rule and reign of God, had descended to earth, meaning the earth was returning to be like heaven as it was always intended to be. That’s why Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” so it might change the way we think of our lives and how we live them as citizens in His kingdom.

For a kingdom to exist, it must be composed of certain elements or it isn’t a kingdom at all. A kingdom must have:
1. A Domain. You can’t have a kingdom if there is no realm over which that king reigns.
2. A King. A kingdom with no king isn’t a kingdom. It’s another form of government or just open territory with no one in charge.
3. Authority. A king without total authority isn’t a king. He must be the total authority of his kingdom or it means someone else exists in the domain with greater power.
4. Subjects. If there is a king, with a domain, and authority over that domain, he must also have subjects. Without subjects, the king is merely a property owner. Residents of a kingdom who don’t submit to the king or his authority would be rebels. The king either must convert rebels into obedient subjects or expel them from His domain in order to be a king in full authority.

With that in mind, think of the depth of what it meant for Jesus to say the kingdom of God was at hand. It meant heaven and earth are the domain of God’s Kingdom, that Jesus is the Father’s king of that domain, Jesus has all authority over it, and we are invited to be His obedient subjects. Since Jesus announced the arrival of a new kingdom in the presence of the old one, He was simultaneously invalidating the rule and reign of the enemy. Hallelujah!

So if we belong to Jesus as a citizen of His kingdom, we are under the protection of a loving King who has all power and authority over everything that happens in heaven and on earth around us. We can wake up tomorrow and face any challenge by praying:
God, whatever happens today is either the unfolding rule and reign of Your will on earth or the last-ditch efforts of a defeated foe trying to thwart the unstoppable. Though I may be defeated in a battle or two along the way, the war is already won. Help me to live in that reality and shift my eyes from my concerns to the will of your advancing, unstoppable Kingdom. In Christ’s name, Amen.

by Andrea Sloma

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?

1 KINGS 3:9, NIV

Oh, to be wise. Wise enough to know that “friend” was really just using me. Wise enough not to fall for that get-rich-quick scheme. To not let him convince me I couldn’t do better. To talk myself out of that impulsive hair cut . . . honey, bangs do not look good on you. More wisdom and discernment would have solved all of my life’s greatest mistakes, right?

Well. Maybe not.

Solomon asked the Lord for an understanding heart and discernment between good and evil, and his request pleased the Lord. Let me say that again. Solomon asking for wisdom PLEASED God. There is nothing wrong with asking for wisdom. In fact, James encourages it:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

JAMES 1:15, ESV

Solomon was given such great wisdom by God that he became the wisest man ever to live. This supernatural wisdom helped Solomon thrive as a king and rule with great justice. All of Israel heard of Solomon’s wisdom and knew it was from God. But even as the wisest man, Solomon still found himself making crucial mistakes that ultimately turned his heart away from the Lord and brought adversaries into his life. If Solomon had such great wisdom to know the difference between good and evil, shouldn’t he have known what would bring destruction into his life? Was simply having wisdom not enough?

After God granted Solomon’s request for wisdom, He asked for obedience in return (1 Kings 3:14). Solomon was to obey God’s commandments, which included no other gods or idols. Although Solomon loved the Lord, in the end he ultimately loved his idols and vices more.

When we’re conflicted between knowing what is right and actually doing it, we are ultimately having to make a decision about who or what we trust and love more. Do we trust in God’s future for us enough that we don’t need to side-step His commandments and try too achieve our desires on our own — which will likely bring more hardship?

Despite our access to wisdom, wisdom alone probably won’t keep us from getting that unfortunate haircut or making some choices we’ll later regret. However, being obedient to the Lord will keep us on the path that will protect us from turning our hearts away from Him.

Obedience brings joy and blessings to our lives. See what the psalmist wrote:

Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!

PSALM 119:1–8, NLT

Yes, wisdom is good, but without obedience we can’t act wisely.

Let’s stay on the path of obedience, dear friend. God promises it’s the path of true joy and blessings.

Dear God, You are wise. Your plan for our life is good. You always choose the best path for our life. Lord, we desire wisdom. But we know that wisdom apart from obedience and trust in You is foolishness and death. Help us remember this. Let us not be tempted to fulfill our desires apart from obedience, but instead surrender to your perfect will for us. Thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to help discern good from evil. We surrender our future to You, Lord. Keep our hearts from turning away from You. You are our first love. In your Holy name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

by Theresa Goyette

From Pastor Joe: Theresa has a pastoral heart, and serves faithfully on the CTR staff designing and implementing curriculum and reaching kids for Jesus in our Children’s Ministry. We are thankful for the way she disciples our children each week, and also for ministering to all of us with her writing here:

What comes to your mind when you hear the word grounded? If a plane is grounded, it causes all kinds of grief for passengers who were depending on that flight. If a ship is grounded on an object at sea . . . well, talk about a sinking feeling. And if a parent grounds one of their children, the whole family suffers the consequences. Am I right? This time of ‘safer at home’ feels a lot like being grounded. It’s just that everyone we know is grounded too!

There is another (positive!) meaning to that word. If a person is anxious, therapists recommend that they try grounding. Grounding can be accomplished through many techniques, but basically what is involved is getting rid of the anxious thoughts and fears that are swirling around in your mind by focusing instead on what is real and immediate. One common method is naming things that you can see, touch, hear, or smell and an emotion that you feel. Using your senses, you ground yourself in the present moment, by focusing on what is REAL and what is happening NOW.

There are so many unknowns right now that cause us to be anxious. How long will this COVID-19 crisis last? When can I see my friends and family members again? What will happen to our economy or the stock market? Will we have to go through this all over again next flu season?

When anxious thoughts occur, try this method to stay ‘grounded’ in the knowledge that God is REAL and He is here NOW.
SEE:
Look around. What do you see that reminds you that God is present? How is that evidence of God at work in your life? You can use this format: When I see___, it reminds me that God ____.
Here are few from me to get you started.
When I see… the mourning dove sitting on her nest on my front porch, it reminds me that God… can be seen in His creation and that He cares for us even more than the birds of the air. (Matthew 6:25-34)
When I see… my grandchildren over Zoom, it reminds me that God… desires me to come to Him as a little child with complete trust in Him. (Matthew 18:4)
When I see posts on Facebook of people reaching out to others, ….it reminds me that God…is at work in the lives of His people. (Eph 2:10)

TOUCH:
What can you touch that reminds you that God is present? How is that evidence of God at work in your life? You can use this format: When I touch\feel ____ it reminds me that God ____.
When I feel the softness of a blanket wrapped around me…, it reminds me… of God’s goodness and protection. (Psalm 31:19)
Now you’re getting the hang of it!

HEAR:
Think of worship songs that encourage you. Sing them out loud right where you are. If you don’t know all the words, sing the words you do know or look up the song on YouTube.
Read Scripture out loud. The spoken Word of God is powerful!

SMELL: This one is tougher, but you can do it! What can you smell that reminds you that God is present? How is that evidence of God at work in your life? You can use this format: When I smell ____, it reminds me that God ____.
When I smell supper cooking, it reminds that God has faithfully provided for me today. (Phil 4:19)

EMOTION: 
Turn this one around. Instead of dwelling on emotions you are feeling, consider what God is feeling toward you. There are so many passages that describe God’s love for His people. Here are a few to consider:
1 John 3:1 | Psalm 139:1-18 | Psalm 37:23-24

Prayer: LORD, help us to stay grounded in the knowledge that You are REAL and working in our lives right NOW. Help us to be aware of the overwhelming evidence around us that You love us. Remind us of that daily LORD. In Jesus Name, Amen.

by Rebecca Zickert

From Pastor Joe Pullen: My wife’s closest friend, Rebecca Zickert, is absolutely masterful at discerning the priorities of life and refusing to let busyness or stress to keep her from the most important joys of her world – her husband, her kids, time with the Lord, and laughing with a friend. Almost ironically though, she’s endured more trauma, betrayal, and pain in her life than any one life should ever be dealt. Perhaps that’s why she values the simple life so dearly, and perhaps that’s why she writes so convincingly about her heart’s desire decrease distractors and protect the space we’ve been given during the lockdown to savor the best that God’s given us to enjoy. Thanks for your thoughts, Rebecca:

He must increase, but I must decrease.

JOHN 3:30

After finishing the season of Lent, historically a time of voluntary fasting from food, entertainment, and the like, we have been placed in a non-voluntary place of restrictions or fasting from so many things we like to indulge. Whether you practiced fasting during lent or not, we currently feel a sense of forced restriction about so many things we’ve enjoyed when our country was “open”.

What have you been filling this seemingly confined space with? Have you been embracing this “forced fast”? Resenting it? Escaping it?

I don’t know about you, but I felt relief at the start of the lockdown. It was the first time in my adult life when I looked at a calendar with only numbers and blank squares. No work. No meetings. No practices. No concerts. But how quickly the empty space has been filled with busyness. However, I have also created space that I may not have done before for unique family time. We have all had to get creative by filling that space without going to the movies, out to eat, or to sporting events.

For me, my calendar that first appeared to be a blank canvas to beautifully fill has not left much of a time slot for Jesus, either in time alone with Him or being His hands and feet to others. Perhaps your means of filling your calendar is not with busyness, but with binge watching, social media or a slew of other things. How much of this required “fast” have you spent with the One who has given you the opportunity for sweet time with Him?

He must increase but we must decrease.

So much has been taken away from us during this time – freedom to go where we please, freedom to gather with those we love, and the ability to earn a living has been diminished. That kind of “decrease” has been mostly forced upon us. Fasting, though, is still voluntary. It’s a gift from God given on a platter right in front of us for us to enjoy with Him. When in history have we ever been given this blessed opportunity in such a lengthy volume of time? Will we ever be given it again in this magnitude?

Decrease – A heavenly gift to draw closer to Him.
Decrease – So we can increase our steps as His feet on this earth.
Decrease – So He can increase.

The choice to embrace the “ordered fast” is yours. Join with me and let’s not let this moment escape us. Let’s not miss the opportunity to decrease so that He may increase within us.

by Andrea Sloma

From Pastor Joe Pullen: I’ve had the fortune of getting to know Andrea and her husband Dominic over the last seven months. From first meeting the two of them it was clear they both embody CTR’s mission of making disciples, and both have hearts that care about people who are hurting. The two of them live it out in their ministry involvement at CTR and are getting more connected by the day. I’m inspired by their story, and equally inspired by the fact that when they began coming to CTR, they immediately tasted what our heart and values are from all of you. Well done, church! I’m excited for you to hear from Andrea today: 

Sweat is dripping down my forehead and my knees are aching. How is pushing a 17-month old in the stroller this difficult? I stare at those chubby cheeks and curious eyes and let out a long sigh, wondering if I’m doing enough for him. Is he thriving? Am I contributing enough to the family? Am I helping enough people during this pandemic?

I’ve got my podcast on and my ear buds in, but I’m only half listening. I’m letting myself get distracted by thoughts of my tired body and tired mind. Great, another episode about a mom who is doing it all – running her own business, raising a million kids, and living an effortlessly organic home-made Pinterest perfect life. I thought this podcast was about real moms, not superhuman, need-no-sleep, can-do-it-all moms.

I enjoy my afternoon walks. It’s my “alone” time. I don’t have to see the dirty dishes, the toys scattered in every room of the house, or the never-ending piles of clothes. So I’ll just walk and hope by the time I get back I’ve worked off all of my Easter candy.

I’m inspired by the go-getter mom. But I wonder where she finds the time and energy for all she accomplishes in a day. I want to be a great mom and wife, serve in my community, change the world, and still have time to shop the clearance racks at TJ Maxx (once the stores open again, of course). But I find it to be a miracle if I get more than one load of laundry done in a day AND keep my son alive.

I wonder if the unnamed heroine in Judges 9 ever struggled with these same insecurities. Her story is a beautiful reminder that we serve a mighty God who chooses to use the often overlooked and unexpected person to bring about change.

But a certain woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull.

JUDGES 9:53 NKJV

This ‘certain woman’ only gets one verse in the Bible, but that’s all she needs to change history and save her people. Abimelech was a wicked king who murdered his brothers, burned to death a thousand men and women, and was about to do the same to this woman’s people. For a man, much less a king, to die at the hands of a woman was considered a disgrace in the ancient Near East. But we serve a God who continually uses the weak, poor and lowly to bring about His will. Like Abimelech, I sometime forget that God is in the businesses of using the unexpected.

We don’t know where this woman was in her faith journey or what her strengths were. I believe when it comes to the glory of God, how strong our faith is or how successful we are doesn’t matter. This verse doesn’t say, “a certain woman, who had incredible faith, raised perfect children, and was a strong leader in her community”… because it doesn’t matter, not when it’s held up against the power and strength of God. In fact, not only do we know nothing about her; we’re not even given her name. She remains nameless so that God is the only name spoken over this victory.

Anything good we do in this life, any success we have, any battles we overcome have to been given to the Lord for His glory and praise or it’s in vain.

I don’t always feel like I’m brave enough, smart enough or good enough to be used by God. But this simple heroine’s story reminds me I don’t need to be any of those things. I don’t need to have it all or do it all. We are individually unique and our call to serve the Lord is unique.

God has a purpose for your life to make Him known and bring Him glory that only YOU can fulfill.

Don’t doubt God’s ability to use you in a mighty way regardless of where you are in your faith journey. He’s known for moving mountains with only a mustard seed size of faith (Matthew 17:20).

My prayer for you and me:
God, we trust that you can and WILL use us to bring about change. We need to stop putting our own expectations on how we think you will use us and be humble and available to your plan. Help us do this Lord. Help us to not compare ourselves or our circumstances to those around us, but to know we are right where you want us. Thank you for your willingness to use us as your disciples, not because of what we have to offer but because you have the power to use anyone in any circumstance. All strength, resources, and knowledge needed to make change belong to you and come from you. Help us to not forget this. All glory and praise belong to you, God. Amen.

by Theresa Goyette

The other day I told my adult son, “We are living in an unprecedented time in history. Nothing like this has happened before in my life. Someday your kids may ask you what it was like to live during this time.” People have lived through many hard times in our nation’s history. They didn’t choose the circumstances they were born into, just as we would never choose this COVID-19 crisis. But this time and these circumstances are no surprise to God.

This week, I was reading a passage in Isaiah that is a favorite of mine:

Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:
“I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me. ⁷ Who is like Me? Let him proclaim and declare it; Yes, let him recount it to Me in order, From the time that I established the ancient nation. And let them declare to them the things that are coming And the events that are going to take place. ⁸ ‘Do not tremble and do not be afraid; Have I not long since announced it to you and declared it? And you are My witnesses. Is there any God besides Me, Or is there any other Rock? I know of none.”

ISAIAH 44:6-8

In saying that He is first and last, God is establishing that He has always been and always will be. God alone understands the totality of history from the beginning and the events that will occur in the future. I love the way God challenges anyone to come up with a God that is anything like Him in power and strength, almost with a bit of attitude as He dares us to name anyone like Him. In saying that He is our Rock, God is reminding us of His protection, and that He is unchanging and strong.

J. Alec Motyer says that the point of this passage, “is not so much the exposure of false gods as the demonstration of the glory of the true God and therefore the security of His people.”

In my fears and struggles, I sometimes turn to other people or things first before going to Him. These words remind me of how futile and foolish it is to try to find my security in anything other than Him.

To help deepen my understanding of God’s Word, I like to write out passages of Scripture in my own words and in ways that have meaning to me. I encourage you to try doing that sometime. You can do that with this passage or another one that is a favorite of yours. Here is how I captured this passage in my own words. I hope it inspires you to try something similar.

I Know of None
Is there any other god who was present before time began and who will be present at the end of time?
Is there any other god who can call all things into existence and then cause them to cease to exist? Is there any other god?
I know of none.

Is there any other who has authored the past and can recite every detail of history in order and to whom I can trust every detail of the future?
I know of none.

Is there any other I can turn to with my fears and thoughts?
Who else forgives me over and over again and gives me rest?
Who turns my doubts and my questions into peace?
Is there anyone else who can? Well, is there?
I know of none.

Is there any other Rock- immoveable, unchanging, ever-faithful protector, provider and friend?
I know of none.
Because there is none.
You alone, are God.

Prayer: LORD, we are thankful that you have been ever-present throughout history and you are present in our circumstances today. We can trust you with the future. Help us to turn to You for our security and to bring You our fears. You are our protector, provider and friend. In Jesus Name, Amen.

by Pastor Joe Pullen

Updated Easter Sunday: Praise God! The young man I mentioned in this devotional WOKE UP today and spoke with his Dad. It is truly a miraculous outcome after days of unresponsiveness. Thank you for praying for him! 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1 PETER 1:3, ESV

Yesterday I listened to Pastor Steven reflect on Good Friday, contemplating how the torturous death of Jesus could be called “good.” His disciples didn’t think it was good. For them, the crucifixion of Jesus evoked fear and panic. Peter denied being a disciple of Jesus. John was left holding a grieving mother. Judas had killed himself. All of them left Jesus and fled for fear of the people who put Jesus to death. That was their Good Friday.

Even after hearing Jesus tell them of His coming death and resurrection, the disciples were still in hiding. That’s where we find them on Saturday. Some religious traditions call it Holy Saturday, but I am prone to call it Questionable Saturday.

For the disciples of Jesus, Saturday was the space in between the crucifixion and the resurrection. It was the day between despair and joy, the day between defeat and triumph. It was the day before the miracle, the time when they were forced to wait and wonder. They’d been with Jesus daily for three years, but now were separated by His grave. They feared for their lives and questioned if the story of King Jesus had come to an abrupt, humiliating end.

Like the disciples, I can recount many times in my life when I’ve walked with Jesus, but then got to a place in my story where everything seemed to come off the rails. I recall them vividly — wrestling with my addiction, being unemployed for more than a year after I left the Army, and difficult seasons of work, marriage and parenting. In each case, my circumstances drew me to a place of despondency, wondering if God had left me and if hope could be trusted. Those Questionable Saturdays were the worst.

This past Thursday, the same day we celebrate Maundy Thursday commemorating the day Jesus had the Last Supper with His disciples, one of my best friends got a phone call that thrust his family into crisis. His son had fallen off a ladder at work, sustaining a severe injury that left him with a broken skull bone, bleeding on the brain, and brain trauma. He and his family are devout followers of Jesus but simultaneously find themselves waiting for a resurrection of sorts for their son to regain consciousness. As I write this, their son is still unresponsive and their hearts are broken. (Update: On Easter Sunday, he woke up after days of unconsciousness! Praise God!)

They’ve given me permission to share their story and I ask you to pray diligently for them. Like the disciples did then, they are currently facing their fears, uncertainty, and grief while waiting for answers only God can provide. At the same time, they fully believe in God’s ability to heal their son and rescue them from their pain. Just like the disciples, they’ve been eye-witnesses to many miracles that Christ has done for them, but they don’t know for sure what will happen or when it will transpire. Today is their Questionable Saturday.

What’s yours? Maybe you’re estranged from a spouse or child and longing for the relationship to be saved, between jobs, or wondering if Jesus will ever help you get victory in a particular battle in your life. Maybe you’re questioning your purpose or asking if you’ll ever get married. Or like the disciples, you may be consumed by fear and anxiety. Whatever the case, there’s hope for you on your Questionable Saturdays.

Outside Jesus’ grave, the work of Jesus seemed for naught. But inside the grave, Jesus rested from the finished work on the cross. Outside the grave, the promises seemed broken, but inside the grave the broken were healed. Outside the grave, the disciples were breaking down, but inside the grave, victory was on the cusp of breaking out. These darkest moments of life magnify the glory of the resurrection when it comes for you.

May I encourage all of us to persevere? For the disciples on Questionable Saturday, all seemed lost. Unbeknownst to them, God was working behind the scenes in their lives and in less than 24 hours their crucified Savior would become their resurrected King. On our difficult days, let’s all remember that in the places we cannot see, our resurrected King is working on our behalf, and in time, all our cares and concerns will be fulfilled in the kept promises of Jesus.
Until then . . .

May the God of hope fill you with all joy in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

ROMANS 15:13, ESV

by Nancy Leschke

From Pastor Joe: I’ve known Nancy as a CTR Lay Counselor, a ministry leader for this One’s for the Girls, and a co-worker for the past three years in her part-time work in communications for Christ The Rock. She’s a deep thinker, a welcoming person, and cares deeply for people who are forgotten or marginalized. I’m thankful she agreed to share some thoughts with us as we look forward to celebrating Easter together. 

In this week leading up to the celebration of Easter, I find myself wondering about what Jesus’ followers were thinking in the weeks and days before He was crucified. Like us, in this time of a living with the threat of coronavirus, they found themselves living in uncertain times. In their case, living under the oppressive rule of the Romans made life unpredictable and perilous. Perhaps they were excited about Jesus’ growing notoriety, eager to remember God’s deliverance at Passover, or even hoping Jesus would deliver them from the Romans. Certainly none of them understood that Jesus was about to be part of a new and final divine deliverance.

But there was one follower who was listening carefully to Jesus’ words – and who challenges me to be better at listening to His voice, and loving Him with abandon. All the Gospel writers share an account of this particular follower: she is noteworthy because she seems to be the only one of Jesus’ followers who understood that He was about to die.

After several chapters that record Jesus’ teachings in the temple and on the Mount of Olives, Matthew tells his account of an unnamed woman in chapter 26, verses 6-13. She interrupts a dinner Jesus is attending in Bethany to anoint His head with an expensive jar of perfume (vs. 7). The disciples are appalled at the waste of money – but Jesus honors her gesture. He gives her credit for being a student of His teachings; for listening and believing what He said about His impending death. He says:

When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.

MATTHEW 26:12

She had been listening — really paying attention — to His teachings. Just five verses before this woman enters the story, in Matthew 26:2, Jesus had directly told his disciples, “As you know, the Passover is two days away – and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.” Yet they didn’t recognize her gesture of love as honoring Jesus before His death, and preparing Him for burial.

Her attentive listening makes me ask: What I am missing from Jesus’ teachings? How can I be a better student of my Savior, as this woman was?

I am also convicted by the sheer extravagance of her love. Matthew recorded that it was “an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume.” She gave the very best – something costly and precious – and gave it totally wholeheartedly. And she felt a sense of urgency, busting into a dinner where she was not invited, and disrupting the meal with a scandalous gesture (touching a man who wasn’t a relative).

Her extravagance and boldness makes me ask: Am I willing to give when it comes with a high cost? Am I unashamed and extravagant in my love for Jesus like she was?

As we prepare our hearts to remember Jesus’ crucifixion and celebrate His resurrection, I want to be more like this unnamed woman. The twelve disciples didn’t understand that Jesus was about to change history forever — and we are also living in a time when no one can predict how our next weeks and months will unfold. But she was focused on His teaching, believed what He said, and poured out her love for Jesus in a way that was arresting and memorable to all who saw it. Jesus says about her:

I tell you the truth, whenever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.

MATTHEW 26:13

I pray that all of us at Christ The Rock will be remembered for those things too — for listening and believing Jesus’ teachings, and for pouring out our love for Jesus unashamedly so the world notices.

(The other Gospel writers’ account’s of this woman’s interaction with Jesus are found in Mark 14:3-9, Luke 7:36-50, and John 12:1-8. John names her as Mary, the sister of Lazarus.)