Read: John 20:1-18
 
            Jesus said, “Do not hold me, for I have not yet returned to the father.  Go instead to my brothers and tell them ‘I am returning to my father and your father, to my God and to your God.’”
 
            Today is the greatest day of celebration on the Christian calendar.  This is the day that Christ was raised from the tomb.  So we should be glad and rejoice in it.  This is the day which makes our faith so important, not just for First Church, but for the entire world.
 
            As we read the Gospel narrative about Christ’s resurrection, we should make time to re-pledge our hearts to him, re-connect our spirits to God and renew our hopes and dreams in Jesus, our risen Savior and almighty Lord.
 
            We are Easter people redeemed from our sins by Christ’s sacrifice and restored to God’s everlasting kingdom by the power of Christ’s resurrection!
 
Christ is Risen!  He Is Risen Indeed!
Hallelujah!!  Hallelujah!!
 
            Lord Jesus, you are the savior of the world and our almighty king.  We rejoice in you this day and forever more.  Amen.
 
Rev. Dr. Yvonne Wallace-Penn
Senior Pastor

Read: John 19:38-42
 
Reading the verses of this devotional would be a useful review as we study today’s scripture.  As we read the accounts of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, we realize there are some similarities with the events which took place at the time of His birth.
 
At Birth:  We know that baby Jesus was born in a humble stable, with His parents present Mary and Joseph.  In Death:  The body of Jesus was given to Joseph of Arimathea by Pilate in secret, accompanied by Nicodemus, a friend and follower of Christ.  They took care of his body after death.
 
At Birth: Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus.  In Death: Nicodemus came with a large quantity of expensive aromatics.  Myrrh and aloe were used to embalm the body of our Lord, as was the Jewish custom.
 
At Birth: Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.  In Death: his body was put in strips of linen and placed to rest in a new tomb in the garden nearby since it was the day of preparation.
 
These similarities (and others not mentioned in this devotional) reveal that the birth, life, and death of Jesus had been prophesied long before he was born.  This short dynamic scripture reading talks about some interesting details surrounding the moments after Jesus’ death.  We have read and heard about the crucifixion story many times.  However, these verses illustrate how compassionately Jesus was treated in his darkest moments. We are shown how his body was treated with dignity and respect.
 
What does all this mean for us now, as we celebrate the crucifixion, death and burial of our Lord then his resurrection?!!!  We are eternally thankful that he gave his life for us!!!  None of these events could have taken place without the birth of our Savior Jesus the Christ!! 
King of Kings and Lord of Lords
 
Dear God as we approach Resurrection Day, we thank you for the opportunity to read this captivating story in your word.  May we continue to study and discover more inspiring truths within its covers.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen
 
Joan Doyle

Read: John 18:1-19:37
 
Jesus Is Betrayed and Arrested
 
John 18 primarily teaches us about Jesus’ complete submission to God’s will, even in the face of immense suffering; demonstrating his unwavering courage and love by willingly accepting his arrest and impending crucifixion, highlighting by lesson like the power of his identity, he used the authority saying “I am he.”
 
My brothers and sisters, the importance of not resisting God’s plan and the reality that even in moment of betrayal and hardship, Jesus remains in control and faithful to his mission.  Jesus sets an example for us to follow.  When we are faced with dangerous times, we can be tempted to take matters into our own hands or to force the issue.  Such moves are not what God desires for us; instead, we must trust God to work out his plan for our lives.
 
Jesus suffered and died so that as we receive him as our Savior, we might live for him here on earth, and go to be with him in heaven when we leave this place.
 
Gracious God: we thank you for going to the cross for us.  You paid a debt you did not owe, by shedding your blood on the cross for us.  Help us as we seek to do your will.
 
Audrey Arthur
Certified Lay Minister

Read: John 13:31-35
 
Unlike, Matthew, Mark and Luke, John, when describing the Last Supper, chooses to focus on Jesus as the expression of the Father’s love for his people.  Jesus gives an example of this love by washing the feet of his disciples, that is, by becoming their servant. Even Judas, who was about to betray Jesus, was included in Jesus’ loving service.
 
After Judas left, Jesus told his disciples that his time left on earth was short and that they could not go where he was about to go.  He began to give them final instructions about how to be his followers.  The first order was a new one: love one another the way that Jesus loved them.  They would learn, over time, that this was a difficult command to follow, because Jesus’ example would also include laying down his life for others.  His acceptance echoed his earlier comment to Nicodemus: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” (Jn 3:16)
 
Our love for one another must flow beyond our church community, just as it does when we feed the hungry, tend to the sick, provide shelter for the homeless and stand up for the despised and the outcast.  It is tempting and comforting for Christians to focus on the baby Jesus and on the Jesus who died on the cross for us.  But it is the adult Jesus whom we must follow and imitate, as we have been doing at First Church, if we intend to witness to a God who so loves the world.
 
Peter Loan

Read: John 13:18-30
 
Love was the theme.  In this scripture, Jesus tells his beloved disciples that he knows one of them is going to betray him.  He does not disclose who but he knew it would be Judas Iscariot.  Despite this knowledge, Jesus continues on the path he was predestined to fulfill, his prophetic journey to the cross.  In today’s jargon, you could say Jesus “understood his assignment.”  His ultimate sacrificial act of love.  He knew what was required of him and nothing could deter him from fulfilling the prophecy, to die on the cross for the sins of the world and become the Lamb of God.  He had already forgiven Judas, because Jesus’ underlying message was love.
 
The disciples were like brothers to Jesus.  In those final days, he showed them several acts of love.  He shared the Last Supper with them and, prior to this meal, he personally washed their feet.  He truly loved these men, his most trusted servants.
 
Imagine how you would feel if a loved one or a close friend betrayed you as Judas betrayed Jesus.  Yet, Jesus was compassionate to his betrayer, just as he also shows his compassion and love for us, even though we are sinners.  We are sinners saved by his grace and his love for us.
 
O Lamb of God, thank you for your sacrifice and forgiveness of our sinful ways.  O Lamb of God, thank you for your love, mercy, and grace.  O Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace. Amen.
 
Michelle Coleman
Certified Lay Servant

Read: John 13:1-17
 
Humility
During the preparation day of the Passover, Jesus knew that the purpose for which he came to this world had come - the crucifixion.  Departing out of this world unto the father mentioned by Jesus refers to the Resurrection and the Ascension.
 
Jesus knew that the father had given all things unto his hand, but still displayed humility even though he was conscious of his deity and the heartless conduct of Judas.  Jesus rose from the super table, laid aside his robe physically and spiritually.  He laid aside the expression of his deity, while never losing the possession.  He took a towel, which represents the servant spirit possessed by Christ and he girded himself, which refers to his human body provided by the father, in order to serve as a sacrifice on the cross for sin.
 
Jesus poured water into a basin, which is referred to as the Holy Spirit which would pour from him like a river.  Washing the disciples’ feet represents the servant principle, which we are to follow.  Cleansing is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit concerning our daily walk, according to our faith in Christ and what he did for us at the cross.  Jesus has now made cleansing possible for the human race.
 
The flesh cannot understand spiritual realities.  It is too backward or too forward, too courageous or too cowardly; it is incapable of ever being right and it is impossible to improve, consequently, it must die.
 
Peter told Christ, “you will never wash my feet,” and Jesus answered, “if I wash you not, you have no part with me.”  This speaks to the constant cleansing mentioned regarding our everyday walk before the Lord, which the washing of the feet represents.  Peter wants to be washed from head to toe, but Jesus said to him, “he who is washed, needs not save to wash his feet.”  This pertains to our daily walk before God, which means that the believer doesn’t have to get saved over and over again.  Christ has done what needs to be done.  Jesus is now telling his disciples they are all clean, except for one: Judas.  After washing their feet, Jesus said to his disciples, “You call me master and Lord and you say, well for so I am.”  Jesus is now telling them that even though he has washed their feet, in no way does this diminish his position as the Lord God of glory.  
 
Then he told them, “You also ought to wash one another’s feet.”  This does not need to be taken literally, but to serve as an example of the servant principle.  Jesus who is Lord has set the example we must follow: humility.
 
Donald Zack-Williams

Read: John 12:20-36
 
A few days before the Passover, Jesus was notified that some Greeks wished to see him.  At this time, he took the opportunity to reveal his purpose on earth and explained how followers could achieve eternal life by following his example.  He predicted his death and how through his death he would be glorified and would glorify his father in heaven.  Jesus compared his dying to that of a grain of wheat which produces more plants after it dies, thus leading to the harvest.  So too, his death would be fruitful in producing believers and draw all people to him even Gentiles.  He warned that people should not put emphasis on the things of this world, but on pleasing God as sentence was being passed on this world and its ruler will be cast out.  When a voice from heaven acknowledged that God’s name was glorified and will be glorified again, Jesus commented that the voice was for the benefit of the people.  The crowd questioned him further about the Jewish Law and who is the son of man.  Jesus replied using the metaphor of following and trusting the light (himself) and avoiding darkness so they may be “children of light.”  These verses contain the crux of Christian theology for all people: believe in Christ, follow his teachings, do not live for this world, but live to please God regardless of the consequences and you will be rewarded.
 
Father, we thank you for loving us and sending your son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for our sin.  Thank you for teaching us the way.  We pray for strength and steadfastness to follow Christ and for your forgiveness when we stray.  Be with us O God and lead us on our journey toward the heavenly light.  Amen
 
 
Lystra Alleyne

Read: Luke 23:50-56
 
 
In the Gospel, Joseph, a counselor of the Sanhedrin, who was also a secret a disciple asks Pilate for the body of Christ after Christ had been crucified.  He was a believer in secret who had been waiting for the kingdom of God to come.  He did not agree with the decision to crucify Jesus.  But in fear of what the other religious leaders may say he had remained silent until Christ had been crucified. 
 
My brothers and sisters, this is the time for us to come out from secretly following and praising Jesus.  We need to live out loud and hold on to Jesus when things are difficult.  We need to praise his holy name so everyone may hear.  I thank God for the spirit of boldness.
 
Father God, I thank you for giving us strength to approach the darkness with courage, and faith.  No matter what may come, we will not fear for we know you are with us.  God, thank you for giving us the spirit of Power and love; not fear.  May we remain ever faithful to you and your word, and may this world open its eyes to your love.  When this world makes us bitter, may we remember the suffering of our Lord Jesus on that Cross and receive your grace.   Thank you, father, in Jesus name.  Amen
 
 
Isha Cole

Read: Philippians 2:5-11
 
Practicing Humility as Jesus Christ Did
            Will you do what Jesus did?  Will you adopt a Christ attitude?  The word of God in Philippians reads “that though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited.”  Just because he came as a man - human being - he called himself “son of man.,” our beloved Jesus cam in the likeness of man to feel what we feel, sense what we sense and live like we did in order to intercede for us.  He even humbled himself as far as becoming obedient to the point of death on the cross.
            Jesus’ humility is all about taking away my sins and your sins.  He was nailed to the cross for our sins.  The chastisement of our sins was laid on him.  Remember “by his stripes we are healed” Halleluia!!!  As he rose from the dead on the third day, God highly exalted him that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess him as Lord and Savior.  Then God lifted himself and honored him far beyond above any one and any being created in the earth or in heaven.
            Check this out.  See now humility fetched our Lord and Savior all this honor.  Is being humble part of your lifestyle?  Do you exalt yourself by looking down on others and calling them sinners because of their way of life?
            In this Lenten season and beyond, we need to check ourselves not to look down on those who do not have as much as we do or feel we cannot be around them.   We need to treat our subordinates at work with humility while you are only nice to your superiors.  We need to be kind to the people in our community and in our family of faith.  Remember Jesus died on the cross for all of us.  To practice humility as Jesus did, show the love of Christ to immigrants around you not forgetting those in the shelter.
Reflection: serve in love and humility, initiate the humility of Jesus Christ that the people around you will see and say, this is a really humble child of God.  Do good to all men.  Let love be in action and grace in motion.  “Blessed are the humble because they will inherit the earth.”  (Matthew 5:5)  In this season of Lent and beyond, practice humility to be able to reign with Jesus Christ in heaven.
            Father, bring hope and encouragement to those who are struggling and suffering in our community and worldwide, that they may know the love and care our Savior, who died on the cross for us, Jesus, in whose name we pray.  Amen, amen and amen.
Olubanke Daka
Certified Lay Minister

Read: Philippians 2:6-119
 
            In the text, it discusses some of the ways in which Jesus sacrificed himself to make life better for all whom he knew, as well as time for those who came after him.  For example, he was working all the time and caring for those who were in need while at the same time watching out for all mankind.
 
            Ultimately, Jesus was put to death on the cross as punishment for his acts, although that is not how it is perceived by me.  Whenever I think of Jesus dying od the cross, I think of a man who took self well being as second nature, but instead made sure that all others lived the best possible lives - for example, the breaking of bread and sharing of the wine among thousands of people.  It is for these reasons, along with many others, that I proclaim Jesus the Christ as my Lord and Savior.
 
Nick Richards
(from 2005 Lenten Devotion)

Read: Luke 22:39-71
 
The scripture teaches us about Jesus's faithfulness to God in the midst of trial.  He prayed in time of trial.  He was betrayed, denied, mocked, put to shame and condemned.  On the night before his trial, he went to the Mount of Olives to pray with his disciples.  Jesus' prayer on the Mount of Olives reflected the task he had before him.  He was about to carry the sins of the world by hanging on the cross. 
 
Jesus prayed for strength at his trial and that his followers wouldn't enter into temptation.  It was a difficult time for Jesus but he preserved through pain and fear and submitted to God's sovereign will.  His absolute commitment to God's will is an example we should follow.
 
Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot for 30 pieces of silver, but his main purpose was to lead the Romans.  He loved his country and thought that Jesus had failed it by his teachings.  Judas Iscariot committed the ultimate sin by betraying Christ, fully aware that it would lead to his death.  Peter on the other hand had denied Christ three times out of fear and weakness.  Peter was afraid of the danger he might face if he confessed to being Jesus' disciple.
 
Jesus was also mocked by placing a crown of thorns on his head.  They placed a staff in his hand and they struck him.  Early in the morning, Jesus was tried and found guilty.  He was tortured and beaten.  He was lead to the cross at 9 a.m. and died at 3 p.m. and was buried later that day.  Christ went through all these sufferings so that our sins will be forgiven.
 
Glenis Cole

Read: Luke 22:14-38
 
The scripture reminds us of Christ’s sufferings and eventual death to redeem us of our sins.  Jesus prophesized that one of his anointed disciples would betray him and that another disciple, whom he has anointed as the head of his ministry, would deny him.  It illustrates that even the “anointed ones” with their human frailties, just like the rest of us, are not immune from the weakness of the flesh to “betray” and “deny” our Lord Jesus Christ, by our failure to acknowledge him and adhere to his teachings.
Jesus taught us to be servant-leaders, to serve those who are put in our care.  “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves benefactors.  But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves”(25,26).
Jesus also informed us that he was and still is the living sacrifice for our sins, so that we will be able to enter the kingdom of God.  He established and entrusted us with the new covenant of Holy Communion which is symbolic of the battered body and the blood he shed for us.
This Lenten season therefore, gives us the opportunity to reflect on how faithful we have been in the practice of the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Have we betrayed him like Judas, by not adhering to his teachings of faith, hope and love?  Have we denied him just as Simon did, when we deny Christ as our Savior and his teachings?
During this Lenten period, we want to get closer to God by cleansing our spirit, body and soul.  Cleansing our spirit involves the re-affirmation our faith, with more communion with God through prayers, reading of the Bible and asking for forgiveness of our sins.  The cleansing of the body involves the avoidance of such things that may defile us through what we eat.  Fasting during Lent is a good way to do this and maintain or develop self-discipline.  The cleansing of the soul involves expressing our love and devotion to God and love to our brothers and sisters, and through such selfless acts as sharing of our God-given gifts with God and our brothers and sisters.
As we get close to God this Lenten season through prayers, fasting and almsgiving, and prepare our spirit, body and soul for the resurrection of Christ, the eternal life and kingdom of God, let us re-dedicate ourselves as servant-leaders to the works of faith: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, invite strangers in, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit those that are imprisoned.  Through these works of faith, Jesus Christ has promised to welcome us to the kingdom of God.  “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world”. “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:31-40).
We pray that God’s blessings, faithfulness, mercies and goodness will abide with us through this Lenten season and forever. Amen.
 
Christian King

Read: Psalm 31:9-16
 
Who is David?  David, the son of Jesse, a shepherd boy who became Israel’s third king.  He is the most frequently mentioned human in the Old Testament, and the second most frequently mentioned human in the entire Bible (only Jesus Christ is mentioned more).  David is described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22).
David was far from perfect, but his faith and zeal made him the standard against which all Israel’s future kings would be measured.  This is evident in Psalm 31:9-16 as we read David’s cries and petitions to God for relief from fear, and an increase in mercy and grace.  He is in a state of mental distress and has a fear of physical danger.  He’s feeling distress, grief, soul and body affected, sorrow, and misery, he is aware of a feeling of being an outcast amongst his friends and a scheme to harm him.  How very fitting is Psalm 31:9-16 for a time such as this.  The world seems to have turned itself upside down as laws to protect, monies for the poor, education, and distrust of political and church leaders abound.
It is in Psalm 31:14-16 that David remembers what his testimony has been as he wrestles with this one.  He begins verse 14 with “But I trust in you, O Lord, I say, “You are my God.”  And he ends with verse 16s request “…save me in your steadfast love.”  I believe that David remembers the goodness, protection, and “steadfast” love of God because he does cry out to God about his troubles, anxiety, worries both big and small.
We often forget the pebble in our way or the small nuances of life that we have been rescued from, brought through, or going through.  Let us remember not only the mountain-top moments, the sunken, and empty feeling found in the valley where that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit carried us through.  Remember during this Lenten season and beyond that God’s steadfast love is, has and always will be available to you.  Just call on him.
Father God, praise, and thanks for all you have done, are doing and will do to reconcile us to you as our creator.  We are anxious in mind, body and spirit at times, just like David in Psalm 31:9-16.  Remind us that we are steadied by your steadfast love for each of us.  Renew our belief that the world will never be more than you can control.  Ignite us that we are filled with your works and call on each of our lives to be disciples for Christ.  You are our God!  And we rejoice in the awareness of Jesus’ preparation and commitment to all of us.  Behold the only sacrificial lamb without blemish or sin, our redeemer.  We believe in the risen Christ who sitteth at your right hand in glory with you.  Father God, Christ Jesus. and the Holy Spirit reside within each of us.  Lord hear our prayer! Amen.
 
Latitia Felus
Certified Lay Minister

Read: Romans 5:6-11
 
            Through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, Paul writes we have now received reconciliation.  Reconciliation involves a change in a relationship between God and man or man and man.  A relationship once fragmented before reconciliation, now in harmony and fellowship.  Before the cross of Christ, we were a powerless sinner separated from God, now justified and made right with God.
 
            As I read this scripture, I was reminded of being told by my mother that my father, who died in his thirties, called his enemies to his bedside and asked for forgiveness and to settle any dispute.  Over the years this story has helped me know the man my father was.  The death of Christ gives each of us, who believe and live in relationship with him, the power to bring others into this fellowship, to break down barriers between us and to become more compassionate and loving.
 
            In Christ we have unlimited access to God’s favor and hope for the future.  We have hope for a better world and our relationship with Christ calls us to extend God’s grace through the cross to mend our differences with others, to give help when we can to the foreigner, the stranger and our neighbor.
 
            Dear God, we have been made right by the blood of Christ, now, may we share your grace with others.  Amen.
 
Nancy L. Randall
(from 2020 Lenten Devotion)

Read: Isaiah 50:4-9a 
 
This passage from Isaiah reads like a prophesy about an ideal, and obedient servant of God.  This was at a time in Biblical history when the Israelites had been repeatedly disobedient to God’s instructions and commandments, were repeatedly rebellious and had not been the servants God intended them to be, and they underwent decades of sufferings as a result.
 
Contrary to Israel who regularly closed their ears to God’s word and filled their mouths with foolish and blasphemous words, this servant appears to have been prophesied in the texts to be receptive to God’s word.  This receptivity was due to God’s grace, according to the texts, for it was “the Sovereign Lord” who “wakens my ear to listen…”  Because of his open ears, this servant has “an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”
 
Thus, this prophesy is about the coming of Jesus, the servant who has “not been rebellious; [who] has not drawn back” from following the word of God.  Indeed, verse 7b reads, he (i.e. the servant) has “set his face like flint” to obey God, even if it leads to shame, unjust punishment, and death on the cross.  He was determined to obey his Father’s will to the bitter end.
 
And, yes, his end was bitter, as verses 6-9a predict.  In addition to fully obeying God’s will, this servant was predicted to suffer as though he had been disobedient.  But he will suffer not merely as a helpless victim of cruelty and injustice, but even more as a willing sacrifice of himself.  Thus, “I offered my back and my cheeks… I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.”  He faced those who condemned him without flinching and looking away.  “Who is my accuser?  Let him confront me!”  His suffering was an act of willing obedience.  Jesus (the faithful and obedient servant of God) though had control and could have saved himself from attacks and abuse, he endured the sufferings so that the disobedient servants (like us) could be saved and freed from the bondage of sin.
 
 
Ola Oyefusi

Read: Psalm 126:5-6
 
God sees our hearts so, he knows that v5-Those who sow with tears shall reap with in joy.  v6- He who continually goes forth weeping bearing seeds for sowing shall doubtless come again rejoicing amen.
 
When you sow like a farmer, you toil to prepare, you carry seeds and tools needed to plant with hope and perseverance, sometimes with tears because it can be uncomfortable & inconveniencing.  Likewise, in the journey of faith, while sowing the seeds of righteousness like pastors and people of God do, despite the difficulties, we keep hoping, keep expecting a bountiful harvest  Also in raising children you put up with sacrifices and denials all laden with hope and expectations.  In the classrooms with teachers and students, teaching and directing, persevere to impact knowledge.  
 
All these struggles will be replaced with future joy and celebrations.  Why?  Because we put all of our faith and trust in God believing that he will bring a harvest from the seeds sown.  He sees our struggles.  He sees our hearts and he will bring a good harvest from our struggles.  It takes a while for the seeds to germinate hence God’s timing and our ability to persevere, to wait, to endure to the end despite difficult and unexpected circumstances take the grace of God.  We can look forward to a future harvest of joy and celebrations because he sees our hearts.
 
God bless & keep us all Amen
Susan Osifade

Read: Isaiah 43:20-21
 
O, what a comforting reminder it is to know that even in the midst of peril, as the storms of life are raging, God is still with us.  He provides for us, even when it seems like we’re on the verge of calamity, he’s still there.  This passage emphasizes that God can make a way for us out of no way.  Even the dangerous and wild things of this world still worship the Lord.  His living water gives us the energy to keep moving forward and the hope to know that he has not abandoned us.  This passage also reminds us that if it had not been for the Lord on our side, where would we be?  
 
When we adopt a Christ-like perspective and view our trials through the lens of faith, we’re able to see God’s presence in our trials.  Even though we’re not able to see in the natural world how the Lord is working things out for us, rest assured that he’s behind the scenes making a way for us.
 
God, thank you for not abandoning us.  Your word says that in this world, we will have trouble - trouble and hard times unfortunately are a reality of life - but to be of good cheer for you have overcome the world. We take solace in the fact that your mighty hand is still upon us and that you, and you alone, will keep us safe.  We give honor to your holy name.  We magnify and praise you.  Amen.
 
 
Corey Beauford

Read: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
 
            In Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” it says in this Psalm that “God’s love never quits.”  When God seems far away, it is we who have moved not God.  We have put layers between us and God.
 
            God’s love is so strong and so sure that God gave Jesus to be crucified.  We cannot imagine what that sacrifice was.  As parents we know the love we feel for our children but can we imagine a love so strong that we would sacrifice our child.
 
            During Lent we prepare for Jesus’ death.  Without that death there can be no Easter - no resurrection.  Without that death there can be no Easter - no resurrection.  Without Good Friday we cannot know that God’s love never quits.  The resurrection cannot happen without death..
 
            If we skip from the parade and celebration of Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday without being part of the week in between, we cannot understand the full power of God’s love.  We cannot understand that God’s love never quits.
 
            Dear God, thank you for loving us with a love that never quits.  Help us to know that we can call on you at any time and you are there.  We know that your love is so big that it covers all of us.  Thank you for hearing our prayers and giving us what we need.  We pray in the name of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.
 
Donnalee Sanderson
(from 2016 Lenten Devotion)

Read: John 12:1-8
 
This story is very familiar to me.  I know, as a child, I didn’t get it at all!  “Perfume in your hair,” eww.  Then “wiping someone’s feet,” double eww!  But now as an adult, I think I get it more.  I have always identified with Mary.  It might be because I portrayed her in “The Twelve Other Disciples.”  She is a very cool character.  She is misunderstood by many, including her sister, but not by Jesus.  She is expressing her love and respect for Jesus, much like she did when she sat at his feet listening to him, much to her sister’s chagrin.  She knows that he is the Messiah.  She wept for her brother, as did Jesus, at his tomb.  And now she has the audacity to “waste” perfectly good and expensive perfume to wash his feet!  What she didn’t realize, or maybe she did, she was anointing his body for death.
 
Judas, oh Judas we know, Jesus knew but oh how shallow you must have looked, even then.  You just didn’t get it!  We don’t know how the others there might have reacted.  They may have agreed with you but wouldn’t say it!  This act of a simple woman set up a chain of events that we celebrate to this day.  And Judas, as much as we malign you, played a crucial part in this story too.  I also once played Judas’ wife in a play of the “Trial of Judas.”  It illustrates the necessity of Judas’s actions.  Thank you, Mary, and thank you Judas for the parts that you played in this.
 
Thank you, Lord! We should be so grateful for everything that happens in the time leading up to the death of our Savior.  Just as we are so grateful for all our trying times as it helps us to grow in you and for you.  Help us to always remember that when those times occur we know that you are always with us and will guide us on our path.  Amen
 
Tracy Day

Read: Isaiah 43:16-21
 
We can all agree that we are living in uncertain times, with people suffering in varying degrees, physically, emotionally, psychologically, economically, culturally, and religiously.  Many are fearful and probably doubtful.  Our reading in Isaiah 43:16-21 today is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and his ability to bring about transformation.  Many today are in a place of despair, longing for deliverance and restoration, let us trust in, “Thus says the Lord,” that he will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (vs 19).  This imagery of transformation and provision is deeply comforting, God assures us that he will provide sustenance and renewal. In our own lives, we may face seasons of dryness and difficulty, but God's promise remains:  He will make a way where there seems to be none.  Also, “See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (vs19).  This encourages us to open our hearts and minds to the transformative work that God is doing in our lives, even amid our struggles.
 
In this season of reflection, repentance, and renewal, we are invited to delve deeper into our faith and draw closer to God.  Our Bible reading today speaks profoundly about God's redemptive power and his promise of new beginnings.  Let us commit to living in a way that reflects his transformative power and declares his praise.
 
Isaiah 43:16-21 is a beacon of hope and renewal  It reminds us that God is always at work, creating new beginnings and making a way where there seems to be none.  As we continue our Lenten journey, let us embrace the new things God is doing in our lives and live in the fullness of God’s promise.  May we declare God’s praise and honor him in all that we do.
 
Lord, as we journey through Lent, let us take to heart the lessons from our reading and create space for quiet reflection and prayer and listen for your voice and be open to the new paths you are leading us in Jesus’s name.  Amen
 
Uloma Nathan-Igwe
Certified Lay Servant