A Devotional for Wednesday of Holy Week
WATCHWORD
60 Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?” 61 Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But some of you do not believe me.” 65 Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.” 66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” John 6:60-67
Many Turned Away
Many of Jesus followers and disciples turned back to their own lives after hearing his words that seems so harsh. So Jesus challenges the twelve with this critical question,“Are you also going to leave?”
Christ’s sacrifice, his pain and suffering have hung over lent like a massive ridge of dark storm clouds, making it the most difficult and somber of liturgical seasons. Added to this burden, for many, is the sacrifice of food, activities, involvements given during the lenten season. This discipline is often contrary to our human nature for we engage in such as these to offset the stresses that come with simply living our lives. In truth, we do enjoy our comforts, our food, our ‘toys’, yet sacrificing of these is no match for what Christ has done for us.
Our Lord constantly reminds us that we are called to a life different than every other life. The demands of a noisy clamorous world must be rejected so that we can embrace the truth. When we give up things to celebrate the events of this season it is not the secular negative of letting go but the positive sacred act of picking up one’s cross to follow.
Jesus’ sad and perplexing question produces these significant words from Peter: Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life! May we always digest and understand the question and the answer in our walk with Christ.
(Written by Graham Groombridge for Journey Through Holy Week, 2003)
Just Because There is an Accountant in our midst:
Man is talking to God
Man: God, how long is a million years?
God: To me, it’s about a minute.
Man: God, how much is a million dollars?
God: To me it’s a penny.
Man: God, may I have a penny?
God: Wait a minute. (You’ll need a receipt)
April Fools Day, and we all should celebrate a little, because…
Prayer for the Day:
Heavenly Father, show us Your way that we might walk up rightly before You with humor, understanding, and compassion. Deliver us from deception, and give us a love for the truth. Awaken us from our slumber that we may worship You. Do not let us fall prey to our enemies. In Your grace and mercy look upon us and bring deliverance. Once again may the name of Jesus be exalted in our hearts, in our homes, and in our land. You are our hope and our redeemer. In You we put our trust. Amen.
