Reminders

The other day I made myself a Peanut Butter and Banana sandwich for lunch.  It reminded me of Elvis, and how I always used to make fun of the various things he ate.  For some reason, that reminded me of things that remind me of other things.  Some are goofy, some are serious, some are happy and others not; but regardless, I find it interesting to know that some things remind us of other things.  For example…

A Servant’s Love – Sermon Summary

John 12:20-33.

If you just glance at this passage, you could conclude that the Greeks who wanted to approach Jesus never received an answer to their request.  I think otherwise.  Another feature in this passage is Jesus’ declaration of the time finally being at hand.  How many other times in reading the Gospels have we heard Him declare that His time had “not yet” come?

Scripture was about to be fulfilled.  There was only one way for this to happen.

When Darkness Reigns

Even though he wasn’t putting up a fight or trying to talk his way out of being arrested, Jesus made an incredibly profound statement when they came to take him. 

 “Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me.  But this is your hour – when darkness reigns.” Luke 22:53, NIV.

 The story of Jesus’ betrayal has been taught and preached about since the day it happened.  It has been dissected and mulled over for centuries.  So instead of giving you all of the implications this event had in human or spiritual history, allow me to simply give you something to think about.

Welcome the King

One of my favorite pictures in the Bible is the scene of what is commonly called the “Triumphal Entry.”  This is the time when Jesus enters Jerusalem in what we now refer to as Holy Week, the week leading up to his crucifixion.  

Somewhat of a miracle happens as Jesus secures his ride, but to me, more of a miracle happens when the ride heads to town. 

Easter

Far too many Easters past I have caught myself doing the same thing.  I put all of my eggs in one basket, so to speak.  Actually, what I have caught myself doing in the past is allowing my Easter celebrations to focus solely on the cross of Jesus Christ.

This is not a bad thing.  I could simply view it as just another Sunday – more services to plan, messages to prepare and deliver, buy something new to wear, etc.  There are times from a ministry standpoint that Easter closely resembles Christmas.  It just seems to get so busy!