God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.  Ephesians 2:45

Not much is revealed in the Bible about Barabbas except that he was a criminal being held under sentence of death for insurrection and murder. After Jesus’ trial, Pilate released Barabbas and sent Jesus to be crucified. How strange that a criminal should be set free and the sinless, spotless, perfect Son of God should die! In movies about the Easter story, Barabbas displays a detestable demeanor; he is not the sort of person that anyone would die to save. But that is exactly what Jesus did.

When I am tempted to look down on people as unworthy of salvation, I remember that Jesus died to save Barabbas just as he died for me — and everyone else in the world. God loves everyone equally, and Jesus died for the sins of each of us, without exception. In the sight of God, everyone has equal access to the gift of salvation though Jesus Christ our Lord.

Thank you, God, for the gift of salvation. Help us to see others with your eyes of love. Amen.

Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them.  Luke 18:78

In the parable of the widow and the unjust judge, we meet an extraordinary woman who refuses to accept her fate. She voices opposition to injustice without relenting. As a result of her persistence, even the unjust judge is prompted to act.

If even an unjust judge can be moved to grant justice, then imagine how much God desires to help those who are wronged. God looks upon the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow with deep concern for their plight. With our help, God can respond. The image of God wanting justice gives me hope as I think of Darfur, Sudan, where more than 300,000 people have died in the past three years as a result of civil unrest, lack of food, and disease. It is probably the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today.  While I am easily overwhelmed and feel discouraged, I draw strength from our God who does not forget us. The cries of people around the world do not go unheard. I pray that Christians will unrelentingly pray, demonstrate, and call for peace with justice on behalf of our brothers and sisters everywhere.

“And whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:44-45

The service industry racks up billions of dollars each year in sales because people love to be waited on hand and foot. But this idea of being served isn’t just reserved for the hospitality industry.

Jesus’ disciples thought they were going to get a taste of the good life. After all, they were going to be hanging out with the Savior of the world. They kept waiting for Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom, and they postured themselves to be his right hand men. But in doing that, they completely missed the message Jesus was teaching.  Jesus came to earth to serve. He traveled from town to town spreading God’s life-changing message, healing those in need, confronting the oppressive religious leaders of the day, and ultimately, giving his life for anyone willing to accept him. Jesus gave us the ultimate example of what it means to serve.  Servanthood is a litmus test for the Christian life. Do you find yourself in the same boat as the disciples, expecting to be served rather than to serve? If so, you’re missing out on some of the biggest blessings God has to offer. Take your cue from Jesus, serve someone else and discover the fullest life possible.

Lord, thank you for leaving your comfortable place in heaven to serve us here on earth. I pray that you will teach me how to serve others so that I can experience the full life that you have designed for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Moses said unto the people, Remember this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place.  Exodus 13:3

A few years ago, I began to keep a journal. I had tried before, but finally succeeded once I realized that keeping a journal is not a task for completion but a wonderful opportunity for self-expression, reflection, and release.

Job knew the value of writing. He expresses sorrow and laments that his words have not been written down: “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!” (Job 19:23)

Keeping a journal has been a life-changing experience for me. I take time to record important events in my life and even the mundane occurrences of my day. I am able to express my deepest feelings and concerns and to link my life to verses of scripture about God’s grace and mercy, which offer deliverance.

As I read over my journals, I recall with great fondness many of the joys of my life. When my writing reflects the sorrows and pain I have experienced, my journal also serves as a reminder of the mighty works of our Lord and Savior and God’s divine love for me. Remembering God’s grace and acts of deliverance strengthens my faith.

Writing is a wonderful gift that we give ourselves.

Gracious God, thank you for grace that brings us through the joys as well as the trials of life. Continue to strengthen our faith each day. Amen.

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”   Isaiah 6:8

Long ago I attended the funeral of, a man who at age 93, surely had to have been one of the oldest working journalist. Because of his senior status, John liked to say that he had a “license to reminisce.” He was especially grateful to still be involved in a profession that he loved. The minister at the funeral talked about John’s zest for living, saying that life for Ralph was never a spectator sport. He was a player.

When I joined my church, I asked myself, Will I be a player or a spectator? “Here am I. Send me,” we read in Isaiah. But saying yes to a call to discipleship can be hard, especially if it takes us out of our comfort zone. Saying no is easy. I wonder, What if God said no to us as many times as we say no to God?

Saying yes to God and being active in God’s work helps us grow spiritually. This doesn’t necessarily mean being seen and heard. All of us can serve in quiet and humble ways known only to God. We have many opportunities to do so. Discipleship means being a servant and, as Jesus showed us, putting others ahead of ourselves.  I’m trying to respond when I hear God’s call. It’s hard sometimes, heeding God’s voice. But when we do we receive great blessings.

God, help me to be a disciple who is not merely a spectator. Amen.