THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Lord, your apostle and good buddy, Peter, battled his humanity to keep his flesh in check.  Even though a lot of what he said was bluff, he liked to boast. Was he impulsive? Peter could have written the book on impulsiveness. But try as he may, his words caused him to step in it time and again.

During your arrest, he thoughtlessly claimed before all your followers he would die for you. All these others may flake out, Jesus, but I’m sticking with you. You can count on me to be “Jesus strong!”

Did you have divine restraint not to roll your eyes at Peter’s statement? Your kind and gentle response is what we should model. Scripture records no scolding. No finger pointing. Maybe you put your soon-to-be nail-scarred hand on Boastful Peter’s shoulder when you told him before the rooster crows in the morning, you will deny me three times.

We must ask: how did Boastful Peter devolve into Remorseful Peter so quickly? Did the devil pile on to Peter’s guilt with a case of the “if only’s”?

If only I’d remained a nameless fisherman on the Sea of Galilee  

If only I’d kept my mouth shut.

If only I hadn’t been the first to call him “Messiah.”

If only I hadn’t disgraced myself, running away before they crucified him.

If only I had a chance to tell him I’m sorry.

If only … if only … if only.

The quiet conversations in the room were interrupted when the door flew open, and Mary rushed into the room. In our confusion, we heard her breathlessly repeat “Jesus is alive.” She’d seen and talked to him. Spotting Peter, she made a beeline to him. “Jesus told me to personally tell you he is alive and will see you soon” (Mark 16:7). Most rejoiced, joining Mary’s excitement. Others, however, appeared skeptical of Mary’s claim.

Peter and John ran to the tomb to see for themselves. The massive stone was rolled to the side, the tomb empty. They returned to their friends and confirmed the tomb was indeed empty.

Peter quietly sat for several hours, stunned, and pondering what all this meant that Jesus was alive. From out of nowhere, Jesus appeared in front of Peter. “Peace be unto you, Peter,” Jesus said.

Jesus restored Peter and satisfied all his “If only” questions.

Lord, deal with that “If Only Peter Syndrome” in me, so I may understand the heights, depths, and vastness of your grace and mercy.

Amen, Jesus.

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Chatting with Jesus

Good Friday, March 29, 2024

Lord, we call this day “Good Friday” but it certainly wasn’t good for you. Throughout history, innocent people have been railroaded, unjustly accused, punished for crimes they didn’t commit. Your Good Friday’s ordeal fits those criteria.

Beginning with your illegal arrest Thursday night and the hastily conducted sham trial by compromised religious leaders, the verdict had to be nothing short of death (John 18 through 20). The bloodthirsty mob demanded crucifixion and turned you over to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, for execution.

Pilate knew you were innocent, but to please the religious mob, he ordered you to be flogged. Flogging involved thirty-nine lashes by a leather whip whose straps had spiked lead tips that tore apart the flesh upon impact. Most flogging victims did not survive.  Only the most gruesome, evil, soul-less soul enjoyed performing this horrid procedure.

This would be the first stop on your way to the cross. When the soldiers tore off your cloak and tied you over the post, would we be surprised if you turned to the punisher, whose eerie gleeful grin would unnerve anyone, anxious to turn your pure, holy back into hamburger, and said, “I forgive you. Do what you have to do.”

How would he react? Stunned? Probably. “Have you any idea what I’m about to do to you?” he may have said.

How would I react? Lord, forgive me. My sins put that whip in my hand. With every sin I commit, I put a lash on your back. Those lashes should have been on me, not you.

Six hundred years prior, the prophet Isaiah foretold this unfair punishment on you as part of your redemption plan from our [my] sins (Isaiah 53:4–6). You could have stopped this brutality at any moment and left mankind forever doomed. But you didn’t.

Maybe we should also call Good Friday, “Forgiveness Friday.”

Amen, Jesus.

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Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2024

Lord, after the “Last Supper” on that Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, you and your disciples retired to the Garden of Gethsemane to rest and reflect on the meaning of the Passover season. With everyone having a full tummy, staying awake became a challenge. You asked three of your sleepy-headed disciples to come aside and join you in prayer. However, they succumbed to slumber, so you stole away to spend time with your heavenly Father. The tranquility was short lived.

You heard them coming from afar. You knew why they came. A contingent of Roman soldiers, Temple guards and various lowlifes were led by your wayward follower, Judas. Outnumbered, you stood between the mob and your disciples, and asked them a simple question: “Who are you looking for?”

Huffing and puffing, threatening violence, they demanded, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Without hesitation, you established who was in charge here. Your answer demonstrated they didn’t know who they were messing with. “I AM he,” you replied. Scripture describes when you spoke your divine name, “I AM,” the entire mob fell to the ground. At the mention of your name, they were unable to rise until you allowed them to.

You must have thought, “Okay, guys. You see what kind of power I have. I’m in control here. Not you.”

Lying on the ground, humiliated, how much did this mob contemplate the power of your name?

“Now, let’s try this again, guys,” you said, allowing them to rise. “Who are you looking for?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” their now humbled leader haltingly said. (John 18:1–9)

Despite having divine power, you allowed yourself to be treated as a criminal, bound and taken way. Jesus, you had the power to stop this illegal seizure, yet you didn’t as this was all part of God’s plan for man’s redemption.  (continued)

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Chatting with Jesus
“Spy Wednesday,” March 27, 2024

Lord, maybe Judas thought he could slip away unnoticed while you taught at the Temple. Since your triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Sunday, followed by clearing the Temple of the corrupt merchants on Monday, crowds pressed in around you, listening carefully to your teachings of the heavenly Father’s love as they had never heard before.

Judas must have thought you’d be so busy with the people he could disappear for a little while without raising suspicion. How foolish to think he could escape your attention. Along with the other disciples, Judas saw you heal the lame, give sight to the blind, even walk on water and calm a raging sea. And he didn’t think you wouldn’t miss him? Lord, you knew Judas’ nefarious agenda when went to meet with the religious leaders.

Lord, three years ago when you chose Judas to be one of your twelve inner circle disciples, you knew then what evil lay dormant within his heart. But you chose him anyway, for he was to play a pivotal role in the most prominent event in human history (John 17:12).

The leading priests and Pharisees couldn’t believe their luck. They had been looking for a way to secretly arrest you and be rid of you once for all. Satan dropped Judas into their laps, offering to betray Jesus into their hands. Betray the Creator of the Universe for thirty pieces of silver? Judas would sell the redeemer of his soul and who would give him eternal life for thirty pieces of silver? Depending on the size of the silver coins, it’s between $91 to $6000 in today’s dollar. Judas forfeited eternal life for his soul for such an insignificant sum. Evidently, he must have ignored your teaching: “What does a man profit if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his own soul,” (Luke 9:25).

No wonder this day is referred as “Dark Wednesday.” Some call this “Spy Wednesday”, aptly named after the disciple turned spy, Judas. But just wait till Sunday. Amen, Jesus.

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Chatting with Jesus

Holy Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Lord, early Tuesday morning, after spending the night in Bethany with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, you and your disciples headed toward Jerusalem. A full day of ministry at the Temple lay ahead, and a healthy snack seemed warranted for the boost of energy needed.   

When you created figs, you knew they would be one of man’s favorite fruits. They must have been one of your favorites too. As your group walked along, you came to a fig tree you had probably seen many times. So, when you veered off the pathway toward the tree, your band of followers followed suit.

What a disappointment. From the road, the blooming fig tree promised to be loaded with delicious fruit, but when you reached the tree, not a single fig was anywhere to be found. Fig trees are supposed to produce figs. And it was fig season.  The tree was in full bloom and should have been loaded with figs. So where were the figs? You cursed this fig tree for not producing fruit.  By the next day, the fig tree stood barren, completely withered.

Lord, as you always do, you turned this fig-less fig tree into a spiritual lesson. You taught when an organization, a group, or any religious institution that claims to be of God or from God, and on the outside appears to be healthy and righteous, but a closer examination finds it to be empty, just a shell of what they advertise, Lord, you cannot bless that entity. That endeavor will wither and die (Mark 11:20–25). Without your blessings, these entities produce little to no spiritual fruit.

Lord, we need your blessings. As Christ followers, help us be ready. All people will have a “holy Tuesday” moment at some time. Will they be attracted to our walk of faith?  When we are examined, may they find the spiritual fruit they need is alive and well, and will give them the spiritual boost they need. Lord, may our figs be what people are looking for.

Amen, Jesus.

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Chatting with Jesus

Holy Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Lord, early Tuesday morning, after spending the night in Bethany with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, you and your disciples headed toward Jerusalem. A full day of ministry at the Temple lay ahead, and a healthy snack seemed warranted for the boost of energy needed.   

When you created figs, you knew they would be one of man’s favorite fruits. They must have been one of your favorites too. As your group walked along, you came to a fig tree you had probably seen many times. So, when you veered off the pathway toward the tree, your band of followers followed suit.

What a disappointment. From the road, the blooming fig tree promised to be loaded with delicious fruit, but when you reached the tree, not a single fig was anywhere to be found. Fig trees are supposed to produce figs. And it was fig season.  The tree was in full bloom and should have been loaded with figs. So where were the figs? You cursed this fig tree for not producing fruit.  By the next day, the fig tree stood barren, completely withered.

Lord, as you always do, you turned this fig-less fig tree into a spiritual lesson. You taught when an organization, a group, or any religious institution that claims to be of God or from God, and on the outside appears to be healthy and righteous, but a closer examination finds it to be empty, just a shell of what they advertise, Lord, you cannot bless that entity. That endeavor will wither and die (Mark 11:20–25). Without your blessings, these entities produce little to no spiritual fruit.

Lord, we need your blessings. As Christ followers, help us be ready. All people will have a “holy Tuesday” moment at some time. Will they be attracted to our walk of faith?  When we are examined, may they find the spiritual fruit they need is alive and well, and will give them the spiritual boost they need. Lord, may our figs be what people are looking for.

Amen, Jesus.

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Chatting with Jesus

Holy Monday, March 25, 2024

Lord, I guess you had enough. Every year as you were growing up, your family made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. Every year, you witnessed the same mockery of your Father’s house. The Temple and courtyard became a bazaar. Vendors sold blemished sacrificial animals at exorbitant prices. How this dishonesty must have angered you, watching your parents shell out too much for a lamb every year? Unscrupulous moneychangers cheated foreign pilgrims in their currency exchange. Sincere worshippers purposely ripped off while the religious leaders, on the take, looked the other way. Disgusted, Corruption in your Father’s House? Yes, I guess you had enough—again.

Two years earlier, during your first year of public ministry, your time had come. Now you “cleansed the Temple.” People watched stunned, seeing the kind and compassionate Jesus going on a holy rampage, turning over the moneychangers’ tables, driving out the sacrificial animals, releasing the doves. “The Scriptures declare,” you shouted, “‘My Temple [Father’s House] will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” (Luke 19:46 NLT). It was time for a repeat.

Lord, we have the complete Gospels today, however back then, people had no clue they would witness the most historic event in human history that week. On what we call Holy Monday, we see the cleansing reenactment from two years prior. The merchants once again had set up shop again in the Temple. And replaying your actions from two years ago, your motive hadn’t changed. “I told you this before. This is my Father’s House. This is a place for prayer.” On this first Holy Monday, you kept your Father’s house holy.

Lord, on this Holy Monday, may we keep our spiritual house holy. Amen, Jesus.

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Chatting with Jesus

Friday, March 22, 2024

Lord, the Kardashian’s family photo shows them smiling, surrounded by luxury, the epitome of happiness. They have beauty, fame and fortune, celebrity status most young people dream about. Nothing restricts them from indulging in every pleasure this fallen world has to offer. Their body guards keep the paparizzi at a safe distance, all the while TMZ lurkes nearby waiting for an opportunity. Should I be jealous?

Lord, you whispered to my inner man that the Kardashians and I have something in common. “What?” I had to chuckle. Looking around my living room, I saw no ornate, gold-trimmed furniture, no priceless oil painting over the fireplace, no rich Persian rugs covering marble floors. No crystal chandelier hung over the kitchen dinette. I am thankful my TV didn’t have rabbit ears.

So Lord, what do the Kardashians and I have in common? Besides looks and being created in your image, how are we alike?

You turned my thoughts to Psalm 119:1–8. Here, the psalmist reviewed his life, his actions, and his motives. In verse six, he asks a question we all should ask ourselves: “Lord, how do I measure against your standards?”

Here is where the Kardashians and I are alike: we all fail to live up to your standards. “We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Since you know we could never live up to your standards, you sent Jesus, your Son, to redeem us from sin and demonstrate your grace.  As you gave grace to the psalmist during his ups and downs, you give grace upon grace to your followers, who struggle to be consistent in their journey of faith (John 1:16).

Lord, because you are merciful to the repentant, your grace covers our shortcoming of living up to your standards. Amen, Jesus.

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Chatting with Jesus

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Lord, the psalmist’s life was anything but boring. He certainly had his ups and downs. You elevated his spirit to new spiritual highs as you unmistakenly defeated his spiritual and physical enemies. Sadly, his spiritual and personal failures took him to shameful lows. At times, he exhibited unyielding faith. Other times, his actions gave the impression he never knew you.

His peers’ praises tended to give him the big head, but their cheers turned into jeers when they sensed a weakness. When you miraculously delivered him from harm, the psalmist confidently proclaimed his faith. Regrettably, under stress during some troubling times, fear caused him to remain silent.

He knew he should order his life according to your precepts if he wanted the much-needed stability he needed.  He wrote:

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord.  Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil and walk only in his paths” (Psalm 119:1–3 NLT).

The psalmist could have written the same about many Christ followers of today. Lord, I could look in the mirror and read his words. We can’t think the psalmist had life much easier than we do. Evil has never taken a holiday. The kingdom of Darkness is always open and at work.

The psalmist knew all believers face the same dilemma. We don’t always walk in your paths. We don’t always represent you well, Lord.

“Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! he pleaded from a heart wanting to be faithful. “I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!” (Psalm 119:8 NLT).

Lord, I couldn’t say it better. Please don’t give up on me, Jesus. Amen.

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Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Lord, has there ever been a time with more lunacy? How can people deny reality, biology, natural law, or human nature? Are they nuts or just believing a delusion? Is this mentality what the Scriptures call a “spirit of deception?” (2 Thessalonians 2:11). Today, we label it “relativism,” or “post modernism,” the philosophy that believes there are no absolutes, no right or wrong, just whatever ethical mores one wants to be true … or false, is such. There is my truth, your truth. Everyone has their own truth. People need the truth to maintain emotional and spiritual health.

Lord, before you went to the cross, you engaged Pilate in a heart-to-heart talk. When you told the Roman governor, “All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true,” his reaction didn’t surprise you. Pilate, steeped in relativism, asked, “What is truth?” Without core beliefs of right or wrong, how could he believe anything?

Truth verifies facts and reality. Scripture doesn’t give us in-depth details of your conversation, but knowing your character, undoubtedly, you must have revealed to Pilate the reality of his sinful condition and his need for redemption from his sins. Yet even in his sinful state, he found no fault with you and wanted to release you, but succumbed to the religious leaders demands. He released you to be crucified.

The truth for Pilate is the same truth today. Truth never changes.

Truth: We all are sinners.

Truth: You, Lord Jesus, redeemed us from our sinful state when you took our sins upon yourself on the cross.

Truth: God gives us grace when we believe in the work of Jesus on the cross.

Relativism: yeah, whatever.

Truth: I’ve found God’s truth to be true. You can too.

Amen, Jesus.

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