LENT/EASTER 2024 - TOGETHER IN ASCENT
February 14 - March 31
February 14, 2024: Lord, Have Mercy!
Ash Wednesday
We begin our annual journey to Jerusalem with an acknowledgment of our need for forgiveness. The story of Easter is the ultimate story of redemption. We will take time in this service to admit our need for redemption and deliverance from our sinful condition. We will also spend time in confession and repentance for our continuing struggle with sin. David’s deep dive into his own sinfulness, recorded in Psalm 51 offers us a guide for repentance, confession, and a plea for God’s mercy.
Together in Word:
Narrative: Mark 1:1-8
Our Gospel reading this week is taken from the opening of Mark’s account of the life of Jesus. Mark’s Gospel is the shortest of the four Gospels. It is a quick-hitting, action-packed account of the life and teachings of Jesus. In fact, Mark actually invented this genre of literature. There is no other example of this kind of religious document that put forth both the teachings of a religious figure and an account of the life of a religious figure. Notice that in the beginning of his account, he declares Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. And, he connects the ministry of John the Baptist directly to the Messiah Jesus. Finally, notice the message of John the Baptist was one of repentance and confession. Our theme for the beginning of the Lenten/Easter Season is just that---repentance and confession.
Devotional: Psalm 32
The marking of the Easter Season dates back at least to the 4th century when the ancient church settled on how to calculate the actual date of Easter each year. A 40-day journey was set aside to help each believer prepare for the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. In the early 600’s, Gregory the Great, pastor of the church at Rome established Ash Wednesday as the official beginning of the Easter Season. Eventually, Christians across the ancient world began to celebrate Ash Wednesday with a time of confession and repentance. The church selected 7 Psalms to be sung at the Ash Wednesday services: Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143. These are known as the Seven Penitential Psalms.
We have chosen Psalm 32 to serve as our text for our devotional emphasis for the beginning of our Lenten/Easter journey. This Psalm was quoted by Paul in Romans 4:7-8. It sets forth the value of acknowledging our sin to God. It proclaims the blessing that comes from asking God for forgiveness and receiving His grace. Let’s begin our journey in humility and seek the cleansing of sin that comes only from our loving and gracious God.
February 18, 2024: Look Up!
The Lenten/Easter journey is just that—a journey. It is a time of preparation. As God’s people, we are to take the time during this liturgical season to reflect upon the meaning of the suffering of Jesus, the reality of the cross, and the victory of the resurrection of Christ. It is a spiritual journey where we also contemplate our own readiness to follow Jesus more closely in our everyday lives. We are to acknowledge the realities revealed through the story of our redemption. Today, we acknowledge we need help! As we travel this path of life on earth, we must look to our Lord for His provision, protection, and power.
Together in Word:
Narrative: Mark 1:9-13
Today we read where Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, anointed by the Spirit of God, blessed by the Father, and led by the Spirit of God into the wilderness to battle with Satan. Jesus serves as a great example for us today. He lived His life “in the Spirit” – in other words, from an earthly perspective, the human Jesus lifted up His eyes to the Father and received His help!
Devotional: Psalm 46
We don’t know the historical setting of this Psalm. Some scholars point to the story of Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18-19. Regardless of the original setting of the Psalm, God has used Psalm 46 in the lives of countless readers through the centuries. The Psalmist describes the power of God’s presence when His people place their trust in Him. We are reminded that He is both a refuge, a strength, and an ever-present help in times of trouble. As you reflect upon the truths from this Psalm, remind yourself of times where you have found God to be all of that to you! Also, take the time this week to sit still and just be with Him!
February 25, 2024: Peace in the Midst of . . .
Our world is filled with conflict. On every turn, there seems to be people at odds with each other. Peace seems like such a far-fetched ideal, unattainable in real life. In this pilgrim Psalm, David is describing the joy of the pilgrimage to Jerusalem---the city of peace! He calls for the people of God to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Ironically, this particular city has been anything but a city of peace! It is a reminder to us all that God can bring peace into the midst of challenging circumstances. His peace often takes different forms. As His people, let’s seek the peace of God that truly does transcend all understanding.
Together in Word:
Narrative: Mark 1:21-28
Mark wastes no time in describing the ministry of Jesus. In this text, Jesus is in Capernaum (where he will choose to establish a home-base for ministry and perform many miracles) and He encounters a man possessed by and evil spirit. This man was tormented by the impure spirit. Jesus commanded the spirit to depart, and he was at peace. Jesus truly brought peace to many through His ministry.
Devotional: Psalm 91
This Psalm contains both a reflection from the Psalmist (vv. 1-13) and a divine oracle from God (vv. 14-16). It is connected to both Psalms 90 and 92 since it contains some similar phrases. At the heart of this Psalm is the conviction that God is a shelter in the face of the difficulties of life. We cannot necessarily plan for our challenges --- because we don’t always know how or when they will arise. However, we can depend on the powerful presence of our Lord in the midst of the storms of our lives. And it is during those turbulent times that we most need the peace the Lord provides!
March 3, 2024: Lord, Have Mercy!
As we continue making our way through the Psalms of Ascent, we find ourselves focusing on this brief Psalm. We don’t know the historical context of this particular text; however, some scholars point to the time of Ezra and Nehemiah when Israel was re-claiming Jerusalem after the Exile. Regardless, the Psalmist acknowledges the injustices and contempt endured at the hands of someone. In the face of such difficulty, the Psalmist asks for the mercy of God to be poured out. Injustice is a part of the brokenness of our world. One answer to the evils of injustice is the merciful Hand of God!
Together in Word:
Narrative: Mark 1:40-45
Jesus has begun His public ministry in Galilee. He was engaging in acts that demonstrated the reality of the presence of the Kingdom of God. In the ancient world, leprosy was both a physical malady and a social plague. Lepers were judged and avoided. Jesus engaged this leper on multiple levels. He actually touched him! The healing power of Jesus restored this man’s health and restored him into the community.
Devotional: Psalm 28
In this Psalm of David, he cries out to God for mercy in the midst of his troubling situation. As was customary in his day, David calls on God to exert His hand of judgment on the unrighteous. This call for justice is common in the Wisdom literature of the Bible. At the heart of this perspective is the notion that God and God alone can truly mete out justice. As we read this text this week, we know that we live in an unjust world. We know there is all manner of injustice at work in the world. We should be instruments of restoration and redemption in this world. One way to counteract injustice is to overwhelm the presence of evil with acts of righteousness and goodness. As we reflect on this text, let’s remind ourselves that God is the true Judge of this world. We can trust Him to – one day – make everything right. In the meantime, may we be instruments of hope and healing in His hands!
March 10, 2024: God is in the Everyday
Sometimes we get enamored with the extraordinary and the miraculous. We want to experience these powerful displays of God’s glory and majesty. There is nothing wrong with a desire to see God at work in powerful and unforgettable ways. However, God is at work in the everyday of our lives. This Psalm expresses the need for God’s presence in the everyday affairs of humanity----building a home, going to work, raising a family, etc. We are to find Him at work in the everyday grind of life. His presence, His purpose, and His power rescue us from the vanity that is certain without Him!
Together in Word:
Narrative: Mark 2:18-22
In this reading from Mark, we discover that Jesus came to transform every area of our lives. Some of the people in Jesus’s day wondered about the daily practices of Jesus and his disciples. In this text, they asked Him about fasting—presumably wondering about how He observed some of the normal rituals of everyday faith in the first century. Jesus issued a revelation that He had inaugurated a new day. His ministry marked a new beginning for the people of God. You can’t just sew this new revelation from God onto an old garment. He came to make all things new!
Devotional: Psalm 1
This Psalm serves as the Introduction to the entire collection of Psalms. The Psalmist announces the blessing of God upon the person who makes daily decisions about life that are pleasing to God. This blessed person does not take counsel from the wicked, the sinners, or the mockers. Rather, this blessed person takes counsel from a daily encounter with God through engaging with Scripture and meditating on God’s truths. This blessed person becomes like a deeply rooted tree that is prosperous and fruitful. In fact, that blessed person follows the righteous way that leads to eternal life. Don’t you want to be that person? Give time each day to hear God’s voice through His Word! Over time, these daily practices will bear fruit in your life!
March 17, 2024: The Refreshment of Forgiveness
Most Old Testament scholars note that there are 7 “penitential psalms” where the psalmists address the need for forgiveness and removal of guilt (see Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130, and 143). We began our journey on Ash Wednesday, confessing our sin. Here on this Sunday, we will celebrate the beauty of God’s gracious practice of forgiveness. The Psalmist paints an holistic portrait of the beauty of God’s willingness to forgive us when we truly repent and confess.
Together in Word:
Narrative: Mark 7:1-23
In our Gospel reading, Mark recounts an interesting exchange between Jesus and the religious leaders of His day. In this instance, these leaders wanted to know why Jesus seemed to ignore the defilement practices of Judaism. Jesus led them to a greater insight. Defilement actually emerges from the inside out! That which comes from within us actually defiles us! This truth points us to the focal issue of this week ---- forgiveness!
Devotional: Psalm 6
This is the first of the Penitential Psalms in the collection of Psalms. This is a very personal appeal from David to Yahwheh. He uses the covenantal name of God 8 times in this Psalm. He also uses the Hebrew word for “faint” or “troubled” 3 times. There is even the sense that David had physical manifestations from his anguish. This all points to the despair we can experience if we live in a perpetual state of unforgiveness! This week, as you reflect on this Psalm, notice how deeply David feels this moment in his life. Can you relate to that? How often do you reflect upon sin that may be unforgiven or rebellion that may have just become routine in your life? Perhaps this week is an opportunity for you to come into the Lord’s presence with a humble spirit and a contrite heart and genuinely seek His forgiveness.
HOLY WEEK 2024
We have been on a significant journey together as a church family. Our hearts have been prepared. Our souls have been nourished. We have intentionally journeyed together on our ascent to Jerusalem. Now we find ourselves at the beginning of Holy Week. We will join hands and hearts with followers of Jesus across the world and make our way to the cross and the empty tomb. It is a meaningful, somber, reflective, and celebratory journey. In our readings and texts for Sundays, we will turn our attention to the Gospel of Mark and let him take us the rest of the way.
March 24, 2024: Hosanna!
Palm Sunday
Throughout Mark’s Gospel, Jesus avoided public acclaim and notoriety. He cautioned many to not speak of His miracles (see Mark 1:33, 44). Those days of avoiding public confrontations are now over. He rides into Jerusalem in full view of the people. He is welcomed as King! The people actually quote a passage from Psalm 118 as they acknowledge Him. However, they do not fully grasp just what kind of King Jesus truly is. They are seeking a national leader who will restore the glory to Israel. They wanted to be saved from the Romans. Jesus has come to save them from themselves! His Kingdom is too big to remain within the borders of Israel. He has established a Kingdom that will have no end! Hosanna!
Together in Word: This week, we will reflect on a different passage each day from the Gospel of Mark. We will journey together through the events of Holy Week. Let’s all take the time to reflect upon the suffering and the passion of Christ Jesus. The final week of His earthly life is marked by meaningful teachings and symbolic actions. Let’s walk with Him each day in the hopes of attaining a deeper appreciation of His life, death, and resurrection.
Holy Monday: Mark 11:12-19
Jesus uses two powerful symbolic acts on Monday of Holy Week to signal the significance of the new era launched by the Incarnation. He did not really “cleanse” the Temple --- He actually is denouncing it as no longer needed. The false security that the Temple had provided Israel’s leaders is called out by Jesus. By the end of the week, the veil of the Temple shielding the Holy of Holies will be rent from top to bottom. There is no longer a need for sacrifices to be made on behalf of the people of God. The Lamb of God will be slain to atone for the sins of the world. The condemnation of the fig tree is another symbolic act that represents the emptiness of the sacrificial system in the face of the new Messianic era launched by the appearance of the Son of God.
Holy Tuesday: Mark 12:28-34
Jesus spent this week engaged in dialogue with some of Israel’s religious leaders. They had all manner of questions for Him. Often, they simply wanted to trap Him or trick Him. Occasionally, there was a legitimate question. In our text today, the request seems to be genuine. The question centered on the greatest commandment in all of the Jewish Law. Jesus famously quotes two texts from the Law as He reveals His interpretation of God’s desire for all of us: Love God and Love Each Other. Jesus addressed the two foundational relationships for all human beings. Once again, Jesus gave insight to understanding the things of God with authority and wisdom.
Holy Wednesday: Mark 13
This famous text is known as the Olivet Discourse. Here Jesus leads His disciples to lift their gaze from the events of Holy Week and scan the horizon of the future. He weaves the threads of the impending destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (which happened in AD 70) and the ultimate end of time consummated by the return of the Son of Man. On the one hand, the persecution to be faced by the disciples should not come as a surprise, according to Jesus. On the other hand, the end of time will come as a surprise! No one knows when Christ will return. However, He will return! He will bring history to His desired end. You and I live in an era when much of what Jesus spoke about has already been fulfilled. But we need to keep watch --- the Son of Man will come on the clouds with great power and glory.
Maundy Thursday: Mark 14:1-26
Two great scenes are before us today in our reading. Jesus is anointed in Bethany with pure nard. This act of generosity actually was preparing His body for burial. Then, Jesus celebrated His final meal with His disciples, and He chose to establish what we know today as The Lord’s Supper. Both of these events are significant and memorable.
The anointing of Jesus was a gesture of love and adoration. An alabaster vial of pure nard was certainly the most valuable possession of this woman. It was probably an heirloom that provided security for the future of her family. She was willing to give this extravagant gift to her Lord in this moment. Her generosity should serve as an example to all of us. There are appropriate times for us to be extravagant in our giving to our Lord as well!
Jesus then transformed the celebration of the Passover Meal to become the first Lord’s Supper. Since this evening, followers of Jesus have gathered together and eaten this meal in remembrance of Him. To this day, we proclaim the Lord’s death, and we point ourselves toward the future each time we celebrate this commemorative meal. The symbolism of the Body and Blood of Christ is profound and powerful. One day we will celebrate fully when Jesus finally consummates the Kingdom of God!
Good Friday: Mark 15
After a hasty trial before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish leaders decided to hand Jesus over to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. These leaders had reached the end of their authority. They had to solicit the help of pagan Rome to enact their desires. In this trial, the Son of God stands before the representative of Imperial Rome to hear His fate. Pilate did not know that he was being written into the script of a divine narrative that would ultimately result in the death of God’s Son and the accomplishment of atonement for the sins of humanity.
Today as we read this story, let’s read it slowly and deliberately. Here in this text, we come face to face with the consequences of our own sin. The Son of God is handed over to a pagan ruler to be sentenced to die. For us. In our place. On our behalf. Take this in.
March 29, 2024: The Death of Jesus
Good Friday
On this Good Friday evening, we will pause to reflect upon the death of our Lord. Mark states is succinctly, “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last” (Mark 15:37). The Author of Life surrenders His life so that we might live. Praise His Name.
Silent Saturday: Isaiah 53
Today we read this ancient prophecy as we mourn the death of our Savior. We grieve. And we wait.
March 31, 2024: He Has Risen!
Easter Sunday
Each Gospel account offers a testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Amazingly, each Gospel writer tells the story of how women were the first to witness the empty tomb! Here in Mark’s account, Mary Magdalene, Mary-the mother of James, and Salome were the first to hear the incredible news, “He has risen!” This event has changed . . . everything! We now live in the age of the resurrection. Jesus died, for sure. But Jesus lives today. He defeated sin on the cross and death through resurrection. Fully throated, we sing, “Christ the Lord is risen today!”
Together in Word: Philippians 3:7-14
We have journeyed together from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. It has been meaningful and significant. This week we focus on this passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. In this text, Paul expresses his desire to both know Christ, participate in His sufferings, and know more fully the power of His resurrection. As you contemplate this year’s Lenten/Easter journey, take some time to reflect on how the resurrection of Jesus has impacted your life. What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ lives? What does it mean to you that the power of His resurrection is available to you today in 2024? How do you communicate the reality of His resurrection to others?