March 1 | Romans 5:6-11

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DAILY READING

Romans 5:6-11

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REFLECTION

But, God...

by Judy Webb

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." (Romans 5:6)

When we were utterly unworthy, God sent his Son. When you and I were yet sinners, not yet believing, God sent Jesus to save. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…” (Ephesians 2:4-5) I find it difficult to wrap my mind around this.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

The more I read this verse, the more humbled I feel. I was floundering, and caught up in the ways of the world…but God. Don’t you love these two words? But God rescued me, but God knew me and reached out to me with love and grace. But God held me close when I was lost and alone, when I felt life was not worth living, when at my lowest, God bent down to give me a hand.

At just the right time. These five words also speak of God’s love and grace. At my lowest, God reached down his hand and "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the muck and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." (Psalm 40:3) And here I still stand, in awe and with great thanksgiving and daily wrapped in His love.

During this season of Lent, we all might want to reflect on these verses. When and how has God changed your life? How has God intervened to save the day for you? "For while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8b)

This is your testimony, and not for only you to recall and take joy in…it is for you to share. Your story might just be the beginning of God’s story in someone else’s life. And it might come at just the right time.

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

You know me and you know all those I encounter who need to hear my story. Give me courage and the desire to share what your Son has done to save me from myself and certain death. Amen.

February 29 | John 13:31-36

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DAILY READING

John 13:31-36

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REFLECTION

Heartbreak and Betrayal

by Judy Webb

"When he [Judas] was gone, Jesus said, 'Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in Him.'" (John 13:1)

I found it interesting that Judas' betrayal came after Jesus washed his feet. There must have been some powerful emotions swirling around inside Judas' head as Jesus lovingly cleansed his feet. What were they, fear? Anxiety? Regret? Embarrassment? Judas had succumbed to Satan's deception. He was out in the dark and now it is clear to all, Judas had lost his faith in Jesus and his Kingdom mission. Seduced by Satan, Judas was playing the role of bribed betrayer.

But with Judas gone, Jesus could instruct His Disciples and prepare them for the crucifixion. Judas was out in the dark. We cannot fool Jesus by pretending to be a believer, or a follower, when we are not. Judas is a warning to each of us that continuing to reject Jesus opens us up for unthinkable evil.

Jesus waited for this moment to institute the Lord's Supper. Judas was not a believer and could not take part in this sacred meal. A lot of hard stuff was happening with more to come. Thus, the heartbreaking betrayal scene is ready. It will all begin soon. The ultimate drama. Jesus and the eleven disciples had a deep affection for one another and while the road ahead was going to get very difficult; it was that love which would see them through. Jesus surrendered to the Fathers’ desires. Soon, Christ’s death would destroy all the powers of darkness.

Jesus told his followers: “Everyone will know you are my disciples if you love one another.”

(John 13:35)

PRAY

Jesus, Give us the courage to love everyone as you loved. Help those around us to recognize this love which informs the world we are your followers. Amen.

February 28 | Matthew 20:1-16

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DAILY READING

Matthew 20:1-16

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REFLECTION

The Eleventh Hour

by Beth Voltmann

 The song “Is He Worthy” keeps running through my mind...

            Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)

            Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)

This parable reminds us that time is passing. It has been over 2000 years since Jesus walked this earth to show us the way of the kingdom of heaven, and he was focused on faithfully carrying out the Father’s business.

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work...”

(John 4:34)

In Matthew 20, Jesus illustrates the need for workers in the fields of the kingdom. God (the landowner) is looking for those who will first believe, and then, help to bring in the harvest.

Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this; to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)

And the landowner goes seeking workers:

• Those who are obedient begin early to follow God’s call (v.1-2)

• A few more soon answer and go into the fields - the third hour (v. 3-4)

• Others turn their hearts and hands to the work much later—sixth and ninth hours (v. 5)

• But some may just now be responding to the voice of Jesus—the eleventh hour (v. 6-7)

And the promised wages? Actually, it’s the same promise for any who join in the kingdom work.

“For the Wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

(Romans 6:23)

Perhaps it is the eleventh hour. The world certainly feels more broken, the shadows deeper, and yet, God is still calling. Soon the Lord will come—the harvest will be gathered in. As we stand in the presence of the Lord, will we grumble as did the early workers in the parable? (v. 11)

THE LAST FIRST?

THE FIRST LAST?

I hear there is currently a spiritual revival taking place at a university in Florida. The kingdom of heaven is receiving new workers at the eleventh hour! Instead of grumbling, may we rejoice with the angels as each fellow worker receives their equal reward! 

“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:12)

PRAYER

Lord, we do not understand your kingdom economy of “last but not least”. What amazing grace! We celebrate your mysterious ways and give you praise. On the day you return, may you find us diligently working in your fields with satisfaction, joy, and anticipation.