The Daily Lectionary for Tuesday, March 28, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Psalm 143; 2 Kings 4:18-37; Ephesians 2:1-10
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 143
Save me from death
Domine, exaudi

1 LORD, hear my prayer,
      and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; *
    answer me in your righteousness.

2 Enter not into judgment with your servant, *
    for in your sight shall no one living be justified.

3 For my enemy has sought my life;
      he has crushed me to the ground; *
    he has made me live in dark places like those who
      are long dead.

4 My spirit faints within me; *
    my heart within me is desolate.

5 I remember the time past;
      I muse upon all your deeds; *
    I consider the works of your hands.

6 I spread out my hands to you; *
    my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.

7 O LORD, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; *
    do not hide your face from me
      or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.

8 Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,
      for I put my trust in you; *
    show me the road that I must walk,
      for I lift up my soul to you.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD, *
    for I flee to you for refuge.

10 Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; *
     let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

11 Revive me, O LORD, for your Name’s sake; *
     for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

12 Of your goodness, destroy my enemies
       and bring all my foes to naught, *
     for truly I am your servant.

Heavenly Father, You created me in Your image. You gave me the ability to love and serve You and others. In Your faithfulness, You have listened to all of my prayers. You have met all of my needs. When I think of Your past deeds, I have courage and hope. Help me to trust You always. As I study Your word, teach me the way I should go. Guide my steps by Your Holy Spirit, Who can turn my heart to walk in right paths. For the sake of Your name, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ as He taught me to pray,

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

2 Kings 4:18-37
Elisha raises a child from death

4:18 The child grew, and one day he went out to his father, who was with the reapers. 19 He said to his father, “My head! My head!”

His father told a servant, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 After the servant had lifted him up and carried him to his mother, the boy sat on her lap until noon, and then he died. 21 She went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, then shut the door and went out.

22 She called her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and a donkey so I can go to the man of God quickly and return.”

23 “Why go to him today?” he asked. “It’s not the New Moon or the Sabbath.”

“That’s all right,” she said.

24 She saddled the donkey and said to her servant, “Lead on; don’t slow down for me unless I tell you.” 25 So she set out and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel.

When he saw her in the distance, the man of God said to his servant Gehazi, “Look! There’s the Shunammite! 26 Run to meet her and ask her, ‘Are you all right? Is your husband all right? Is your child all right?’”

“Everything is all right,” she said.

27 When she reached the man of God at the mountain, she took hold of his feet. Gehazi came over to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone! She is in bitter distress, but the Lord has hidden it from me and has not told me why.”

28 “Did I ask you for a son, my lord?” she said. “Didn’t I tell you, ‘Don’t raise my hopes’?”

29 Elisha said to Gehazi, “Tuck your cloak into your belt, take my staff in your hand and run. Don’t greet anyone you meet, and if anyone greets you, do not answer. Lay my staff on the boy’s face.”

30 But the child’s mother said, “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” So he got up and followed her.

31 Gehazi went on ahead and laid the staff on the boy’s face, but there was no sound or response. So Gehazi went back to meet Elisha and told him, “The boy has not awakened.”

32 When Elisha reached the house, there was the boy lying dead on his couch. 33 He went in, shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord. 34 Then he got on the bed and lay on the boy, mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. As he stretched himself out on him, the boy’s body grew warm. 35 Elisha turned away and walked back and forth in the room and then got on the bed and stretched out on him once more. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.

36 Elisha summoned Gehazi and said, “Call the Shunammite.” And he did. When she came, he said, “Take your son.” 37 She came in, fell at his feet and bowed to the ground. Then she took her son and went out.

Ephesians 2:1-10
Alive in Christ

2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Psalm 143; 2 Kings 4:18-37; Ephesians 2:1-10

The Morning Prayer for Tuesday, March 28, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Tuesday, March 28, 2023

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 2:1–2, NIV

Lord God, we thank you that you have given us atonement, an atonement that delivers us from all evil, from all that is temporal and perishable, and that allows us even now to live in eternity. Grant that many people become aware of the greatness and freeing power of the redemption you have offered us. May a people be born to you, serving you with light in their hearts as they look to the future coming of Jesus Christ. Be with us, strengthen us, and protect us from all the deception on earth. For we want to be your children and nothing else; with our whole hearts we want to look always to you. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Tuesday, March 28, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Tuesday, March 28, 2023

1 Timothy 2:5-6

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

When Paul writes there is one God, he is referring back to the Shema—Israel’s statement of faith (Deut. 6:4–9). As believers in Jesus Christ, this foundational belief is not replaced—it is deepened. Jesus is not another deity, but God Himself, who has also become our Mediator. A mediator is like a priest—one who brings two parties together in peace. As our High Priest, we can “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16) because we know He will faithfully represent and lead us in His way (Heb. 2:1–18; 4:14, 15; 7:22—8:6).

Read all of 1st Timothy Chapter 2

Listen to 1st Timothy Chapter 2

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

The Lenten Prayer for Tuesday, March 28, 2023

 

40 Days of Lenten Prayers
Day 30 — Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Lent

Loving God, You have heard my complaints, my impatience. Sometimes I become frightened when I move away from you. Guide my heart back to you. Help me to think beyond my own wants and to desire only to do you will.

Thank you for the many blessings in my life and for the ways I feel your presence. Amen.

The Daily Lectionary for Monday, March 27, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
Monday, March 27, 2023
Psalm 143; 1 Kings 17:17-24; Acts 20:7-12
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 143
Save me from death
Domine, exaudi

1 LORD, hear my prayer,
      and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; *
    answer me in your righteousness.

2 Enter not into judgment with your servant, *
    for in your sight shall no one living be justified.

3 For my enemy has sought my life;
      he has crushed me to the ground; *
    he has made me live in dark places like those who
      are long dead.

4 My spirit faints within me; *
    my heart within me is desolate.

5 I remember the time past;
      I muse upon all your deeds; *
    I consider the works of your hands.

6 I spread out my hands to you; *
    my soul gasps to you like a thirsty land.

7 O LORD, make haste to answer me; my spirit fails me; *
    do not hide your face from me
      or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.

8 Let me hear of your loving-kindness in the morning,
      for I put my trust in you; *
    show me the road that I must walk,
      for I lift up my soul to you.

9 Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD, *
    for I flee to you for refuge.

10 Teach me to do what pleases you, for you are my God; *
     let your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

11 Revive me, O LORD, for your Name’s sake; *
     for your righteousness’ sake, bring me out of trouble.

12 Of your goodness, destroy my enemies
      and bring all my foes to naught, *
     for truly I am your servant.

Heavenly Father, You created me in Your image. You gave me the ability to love and serve You and others. In Your faithfulness, You have listened to all of my prayers. You have met all of my needs. When I think of Your past deeds, I have courage and hope. Help me to trust You always. As I study Your word, teach me the way I should go. Guide my steps by Your Holy Spirit, Who can turn my heart to walk in right paths. For the sake of Your name, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ as He taught me to pray,

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

1 Kings 17:17-24
Elijah raises the widow’s son

17:17 Some time later the son of the woman who owned the house became ill. He grew worse and worse, and finally stopped breathing. 18 She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?”

19 “Give me your son,” Elijah replied. He took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his bed. 20 Then he cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, have you brought tragedy even on this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” 21 Then he stretched himself out on the boy three times and cried out to the Lord, “Lord my God, let this boy’s life return to him!”

22 The Lord heard Elijah’s cry, and the boy’s life returned to him, and he lived. 23 Elijah picked up the child and carried him down from the room into the house. He gave him to his mother and said, “Look, your son is alive!”

24 Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”

Acts 20:7-12
Paul raises a young man

20:7 On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. Paul spoke to the people and, because he intended to leave the next day, kept on talking until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. 9 Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “He’s alive!” 11 Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. 12 The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for Monday, March 27, 2023
Psalm 143; 1 Kings 17:17-24; Acts 20:7-12

The Morning Prayer for Monday, March 27, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Monday, March 27, 2023

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22, NIV

Lord our God, from whom great promises are given for all humankind and especially for your people, we gather in your presence. We rejoice before you, for your promise is sure and your works will be revealed to the glory of your name. Grant us steadfast faith in the grace of Jesus Christ. Grant us faith to hold firm, and in spite of all evil to trust that you are ruling and will set everything right. Lord our God, our Father, we cry to you. As the deer pants for refreshing water, so in our time our souls cry out to you, “Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. May your kingdom come. May your will be done on earth as in heaven.” Amen.

Verse of the Day for Monday, March 27, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Monday, March 27, 2023

Psalm 62:7

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

This verse reminds us that God is our glory: We take pride in Him for all that He is. He can give us favor even before those who may be against us. He is our refuge, an unqualified place of safety in any circumstance.

Read all of Psalm 62

Listen to Psalm 62

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

The Lenten Prayer for Monday, March 27, 2023

 

40 Days of Lenten Prayers
Day 29 — Monday of the Fifth Week of Lent

God of love, I know that you are the source of all that is good and graced in my life. Help me to move from the life of sin to which I so often cling, into the new life of grace you offer me. You know what I need to prepare for your kingdom. Bless me with those gifts. Amen.

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, March 26, 2023 — Fifth Sunday in Lent

 

The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers
Sunday, March 26, 2023 — Fifth Sunday in Lent

Come Out! On the Breath of God
Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

Opening Statement

Hope is not only a life and death matter, hope is a life in death matter. Hope finds its greatest challenge, and shines its greatest light, when life stands in the face of death and affirms that God remains trustworthy. Ezekiel is called to prophesy such hope in a valley of dried bones and lost dreams. The psalmist proclaims hope from the depths, as one who waits for the gift of a morning yet to dawn. And Jesus, stricken with a grief born of love, speaks hope into Lazarus’s tomb, calling his friend forth as a sign of God’s glory and of our hope.

Opening Prayer
(adapted from Psalm 130, John 11)

God of life, present and promised, you are the One to whom we call: for you are the One who hears, and you are the One who acts, bringing us new life with your grace and love and power. Lead us in our time of worship, that we may be prepared to follow your lead in places where life is at risk—places where hope seems far away, places where dreams die during sleep. Help us live the teachings we proclaim through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect
(from the Book of Common Prayers)

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Call to Confession
(adapted from Ezekiel 37, Psalm 130, John 11)

Forgive us, O God, when we see the world through rose-colored glasses rather than as it really is, much less the way you seek it to be. Forgive us, Holy One, when we forsake lively and risky faith calling us to be agents of change in our world for the bland conviction that all will be well. Renew us with your grace and ground us with your Spirit, that we might be empowered to live, in word and deed, as testimonies to the power of your love over the grave. In Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Assurance of Pardon
(adapted from Ezekiel 37, Romans 8)

The God we serve is the God of life, the God of hope, the God of new beginnings—even for dried-up bones and shattered dreams. That rattling of bones in Ezekiel’s vision may be heard as the shackles that once held us down in fear, sin, prejudice, and guilt. God defies these deadly entanglements with the power of life. This we trust, and by this we live. Thanks be to God!

Today’s Verse-of-the-Day:
Philippians 1:29

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…

The word “granted” comes from the Greek term charis, often translated “gift.” Believing in Jesus and receiving His salvation is a gift, but so is suffering for Him (Acts 5:41). Our trials keep us close to the Lord—humble in His presence and dependent upon His comfort, wisdom, and power. The truth is, we learn more in valley experiences than on the mountaintops because hardships teach us more about the nature and faithfulness of God.

Today’s Lectionary Readings:
From the Prophetic Books
Ezekiel 37:1-14
The dry bones of Israel

37:1 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 130
Mercy and redemption
De profundis

1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
      LORD, hear my voice; *
    let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

2 If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
    O LORD, who could stand?

3 For there is forgiveness with you; *
    therefore you shall be feared.

4 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
    in his word is my hope.

5 My soul waits for the LORD,
      more than watchmen for the morning, *
    more than watchmen for the morning.

6 O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
    for with the LORD there is mercy;

7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *
    and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

Heavenly Father, from the very depth of our being, we pray to You. Sometimes we pray with shame and sorrow for our sins, knowing that You have forgiven us, but still feeling deep remorse for having failed You. At other times we pray joyfully, with words and feelings of praise welling up from the bottom of our hearts. We want to express our love for You, knowing that our thoughts will always inadequately express the reverence Your holiness deserves. By Your Spirit help us to pray in ways that honor You through Jesus Christ. Amen.

From the Epistles
Romans 8:6-11
Life in the Spirit

8:6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Gospel Acclamation
(John 11:25, 26)

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”

In the midst of a valley filled with bones, amidst the stench of a tomb’s death and decay, a voice cries out in the name of life. And in holy mystery, life comes forth. These are the stories we are told. But are these the stories we will trust? Are these the stories we will live by?

Today’s Gospel Reading
John 11:1-45
The raising of Lazarus

11:1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

35 Jesus wept.

36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

Here end the Readings

Click HERE to read today’s Holy Gospel Lesson message

The Nicene Creed

• We believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

• And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; of the same essence as the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and was made human. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom will never end.

• And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and to life in the world to come. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Holy Communion

A nondenominational serving of bread and wine

Though no video can truly replace the experience of celebrating together in our places of worship, we know that where two or more are gathered, the Lord is present. This table is open to all who recognize Jesus Christ as healer and redeemer. This table is open to all who work to bring God’s Kingdom here on earth. No one is turned away because of life circumstances. No one is barred from this table. No one seeking God’s abundant grace and mercy is turned aside. We see before us the abundance that a life of faith offers as we respond to God’s everlasting mercy in prayer and deed.

Benediction

Come out! Jesus commands, and calls us from the tombs of our existence into the brightness of a new day.

Come out! Jesus cries, and unbinds us from the chains of our past.

Come out! Jesus calls, and entices us into a world filled with grace and possibility.

So:

Go out! Into a world that needs our life, our breath, our spirit!

Go out! Into a world that needs the Spirit of God, carried on our lips and in our loving arms.

Go out! Into the world to live as God’s resurrected people!

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank you that we are a family in Christ. Help us to share his love and legacy with everyone that we encounter this week. May we lavish Christ’s abounding goodness upon our families, friends and colleagues. Holy Spirit, come and equip us in our workplace, guide us in our school life, and inspire us in our neighborhood. May we be your hands and feet to the needy, your words of affirmation to the oppressed and your arms of comfort to the lonely.

Thank you for choosing to use us to bring your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets].

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Sunday Lectionary and Prayers for Sunday, March 26, 2023
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45

“The raising of Lazarus” The Gospel Message for Sunday, March 26, 2023 — Fifth Sunday in Lent

Our Gospel message comes to us today from the 11th chapter of John, beginning with the 1st verse, The raising of Lazarus.

Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

“But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.

Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. (John 11:1-45)

In the midst of a valley filled with bones, amidst the stench of a tomb’s death and decay, a voice cries out in the name of life. And in holy mystery, life comes forth. These are the stories we are told. But are these the stories we will trust? Are these the stories we will live by?

Lord, we have come a long way on this journey. For so many of us, we know where the scriptural road will take us; and we will walk triumphantly into Jerusalem, eat a supper meal with Jesus, and watch as he is taken from the garden and brought before the authorities. We will weep at the foot of the cross as he speaks words of love and forgiveness, and we will wail at the tomb. We do not like this part of the journey and would just as soon skip it. But here we have the story of his friend, Lazarus, who has died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, are confident that he could have been healed, but they do not think he can be raised from the dead. That is part of our problem. We want to have confidence in the restorative healing power of Jesus. Still, we cannot escape our fear of the arch-enemy, death. Jesus’ proclamation of eternal life is real. We must let go of our fear, for life in eternity is also God’s promise—a home with God. Can we come out of our darkness? Can we risk believing in Jesus? Those are hard questions and cannot be answered without the trip to Jerusalem, to the cross, and to the tomb. God, please be with us on this journey. Amen.

“The raising of Lazarus”

On this 5th Sunday in Lent, our lessons force us to struggle with our finite nature of life here on earth. The subject of death is present in all three readings, a topic that many of us still find difficult to embrace.

In our first reading, Ezekiel is given a very disturbing vision of a valley that is covered with dismembered bones, perhaps the bones of soldiers who had died in battle. This vision would have been upsetting enough had the valley been strewn with dead bodies, for in that part of the world, according to one of the commentaries I read, “the bodies of the deceased were thought to be cursed if they did not receive a proper burial. Their dead bodies would otherwise become prey to scavenging beasts.”

But the dead in Ezekiel’s vision is described as a mass of dry bones, parched bones, whose flesh and muscle had already disappeared. Then God asks Ezekiel a question that most of us mortal beings would have laughed at. “Son of man, can these bones live?” God asks. But Ezekiel doesn’t laugh. Realizing that it is God, the Creator of the universe, who has asked the question, he acknowledges his omnipotence by timidly saying, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

So God instructs Ezekiel to speak to the dry bones, telling them that God would cause their bones to come together, rejoined by tendons, and that new muscle would grow upon them, that they would be covered in new skin, and that God would cause the breath of life to enter them. And so Ezekiel did as he was told, and the valley filled with the noise of rattling bones as God acted to bring these persons back to life.

Now I don’t know about you, but if I were in Ezekiel’s place, I would have more than stood in awe of that scene. I would have been shaking in my shoes and covered in goosebumps. And even if Ezekiel’s vision was a dream, I think I would have awakened in a cold sweat. Dead, dry bones don’t jump up and come back to life. Nevertheless, there are two points to be drawn from this story.

The first is explicitly stated in the closing verses of our text, where Ezekiel is told that the bones were symbolic of the whole house of Israel. When this text was written, Israel was dispersed because of the Babylonian exile, and Ezekiel was to proclaim that God was about to restore Israel to the Promised Land. God was about to restore the dead and broken faith of Israel to new life and hope.

But implicit in this text is that God is the author of life, who alone has the power even to take dry bones and restore them to life. In his reply to God’s question, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know,” and the vision of seeing the dry bones come to life indicates God’s ability to restore life to the dust of dead bones, just as God first created life from the dust of the ground. This story in Ezekiel is one of the earliest visions giving rise to the hope of resurrection.

Now, let’s turn to our text from John’s Gospel and Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. We know the story well, and because of its length, I won’t comment on all of the details, which could inspire many sermons. But there are some similarities to our lesson from Ezekiel that we can emphasize as we head into Holy Week.

As I have pointed out before, the miracles that Jesus performed in John’s Gospel were considered by the author to be signs that pointed to the identity of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. And so, right from the beginning of this chapter, John records Jesus as saying, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

Then, after Jesus had received the news of his friend’s illness, he decided to remain a couple of days before leaving to go to him. It is almost as if Jesus deliberately delayed his voyage to enable Lazarus to succumb to his illness and die. And when Jesus finally decides to go to Bethany, his disciples object to Jesus’ return to Judea because of the danger. This fear on behalf of the disciples was not eased by the fact that Jesus finally told them bluntly that Lazarus had already died and that it was for their sake that he waited so that they might believe.

When Jesus arrived, he discovered that Lazarus had already been buried for four days. And after consoling Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, Jesus goes to the tomb of his friend Lazarus, and he asks that the stone that sealed it be removed. Then Martha, practical Martha who was concerned with the details of earthly life, said to Jesus, “But, Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

Well, Lazarus’ corpse may not have been “dry bones,” but the implication is that his body was long past sustaining life. His body was in the process of decay and returning to the dust of the earth from which God had first created life. But Jesus insisted, telling Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So they took away the stone that sealed his tomb, and Jesus uttered the call for Lazarus to come forth. And when he did, Lazarus came walking out of the tomb, wrapped in his burial cloths, to the astonishment of all.

Think of the implication of this lesson from John as we are about to enter Holy Week, the most sacred season of our church year, in which we focus on our Lord’s death and resurrection for our redemption. Jesus restored life to a person who was obviously dead, whose body emitted the odor of a decaying corpse. Only God could do that! And John, who throughout his Gospel seems to be critical of the Jews, tells us that many of the people who saw Jesus raise Lazarus that day came to believe in him.

And so, I must admit that this story in John’s Gospel is not really about Lazarus being given a few more years of human, finite life. It is not about his sisters having their prayers answered; if Jesus had arrived earlier, he could have saved their brother’s life. This story points to the fact that, as Jesus enters Jerusalem to give his life for our redemption, he is truly God’s Son, who has the power to restore life, even to the dead.

Clearly, the restoration of life to Lazarus was more than a vision, such as Ezekiel received. According to John’s Gospel, it was actually witnessed by many people. It is a story that tells us that Jesus, who triumphantly rides into Jerusalem in the days that follow, has, within his power, control over sin and death. It tells us that Jesus does so willingly in order to enter death, to conquer death once and for all so that we might know the power of his resurrection to bring us to new life.

And that is where we encounter Paul’s letter to the Romans. Here, Paul tells us that as baptized people into Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been granted new life, not just in the hope of being reunited with our Lord following our death, but through the power of God’s Spirit that lives in us, to live our present life, as people who know the power of God to restore us to life, even after our death.

It is a call to live our lives in the present, as we still live and breathe, to acknowledge God as the source of all life, to give thanks and praise to Jesus as the source of God’s life-giving grace that has entered into death that we might have new life, but also that we acknowledge the power of God’s Spirit to lead us into a life of faith, in which we proclaim the grace of God to those around us, not only with our words but with our actions.

Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, during this season of Lent, as we follow Jesus, your Son, toward the cross and his death, deepen our appreciation for his sacrifice so that we might be freed from death’s grasp on our lives. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, give us confidence in your power to bring life out of death. Help us to recognize our failure to live as your redeemed people, and empower us to embrace the new life you give us. This we ask in Christ’s holy name. Amen.

Seeking God?

Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal

relationship with Jesus Christ

Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Sermon contributed by Rev. Ronald Harbaugh.
Jesus is the resurrection and the life. We see this in his raising of Lazarus, in our everyday lives, and at the time when we face death.

The Morning Prayer for Sunday, March 26, 2023

 

The Morning Prayer
Sunday, March 26, 2023

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9, NIV

Dear Father in heaven, we thank you with all our hearts that you have given us your living promise. We thank you that again and again our faith can receive a clearer vision through this promise. For you have promised that at last the greatest day of all will come, will conquer the whole world, and bring salvation to all people to the glory of your name as Father throughout all nations. Strengthen us in every way, especially when we are in need and distress. Strengthen the sick and those who are tempted. May they wait in expectation for fulfillment of the promise, and may they see help come. May your name, Lord God, be honored among us. May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Amen.

Verse of the Day for Sunday, March 26, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Sunday, March 26, 2023

Philippians 1:29

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him…

The word “granted” comes from the Greek term charis, often translated “gift.” Believing in Jesus and receiving His salvation is a gift, but so is suffering for Him (Acts 5:41). Our trials keep us close to the Lord—humble in His presence and dependent upon His comfort, wisdom, and power. The truth is, we learn more in valley experiences than on the mountaintops because hardships teach us more about the nature and faithfulness of God.

Read all of Philippians Chapter 1

Listen to Philippians Chapter 1

Scripture from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Travel the World from Home — Galilee Region: The Unexpected People of the Messiah

 

The Holy Land:
Connecting the Land with Its Stories
Galilee Region: The Unexpected People of the Messiah
Season 3 — Episode 6

How can a place that struggled so long to understand who God was now help us understand who He is?

“The Holy Land: Connecting the Land with Its Stories” Season 3 is a nine-episode series hosted by Dr. John (Jack) Beck that takes you to the Jordan River Valley systems to experience the land, the culture, and the customs that surround the sacred stories of the Bible.

In the sixth episode of “The Holy Land” Season 3, Dr. Jack Beck takes us to Kursi to explore how Jesus’ ministerial location put Him in contact with all different types of people—including Gentiles.

Season 3 — Episode 6 | Galilee Region: The Unexpected People of the Messiah

The Daily Lectionary for Saturday, March 25, 2023

 

The Daily Lectionary
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Psalm 130; Ezekiel 36:8-15; Luke 24:44-53
(Revised Common Lectionary Year A)

A Psalm and A Prayer
Responsive Readings from the Psalms and Prayers
for Public Worship and Private Devotions
Psalm 130
Mercy and redemption
De profundis

1 Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
      LORD, hear my voice; *
    let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

2 If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
    O LORD, who could stand?

3 For there is forgiveness with you; *
    therefore you shall be feared.

4 I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
    in his word is my hope.

5 My soul waits for the LORD,
      more than watchmen for the morning, *
    more than watchmen for the morning.

6 O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
    for with the LORD there is mercy;

7 With him there is plenteous redemption, *
    and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

Heavenly Father, from the very depth of our being, we pray to You. Sometimes we pray with shame and sorrow for our sins, knowing that You have forgiven us, but still feeling deep remorse for having failed You. At other times we pray joyfully, with words and feelings of praise welling up from the bottom of our hearts. We want to express our love for You, knowing that our thoughts will always inadequately express the reverence Your holiness deserves. By Your Spirit help us to pray in ways that honor You through Jesus Christ, Who taught us to pray,

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.”

Ezekiel 36:8-15
Blessings upon Israel

36:8 “‘But you, mountains of Israel, will produce branches and fruit for my people Israel, for they will soon come home. 9 I am concerned for you and will look on you with favor; you will be plowed and sown, 10 and I will cause many people to live on you—yes, all of Israel. The towns will be inhabited and the ruins rebuilt. 11 I will increase the number of people and animals living on you, and they will be fruitful and become numerous. I will settle people on you as in the past and will make you prosper more than before. Then you will know that I am the Lord. 12 I will cause people, my people Israel, to live on you. They will possess you, and you will be their inheritance; you will never again deprive them of their children.

13 “‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Because some say to you, “You devour people and deprive your nation of its children,” 14 therefore you will no longer devour people or make your nation childless, declares the Sovereign Lord. 15 No longer will I make you hear the taunts of the nations, and no longer will you suffer the scorn of the peoples or cause your nation to fall, declares the Sovereign Lord.’”

Luke 24:44-53
Jesus blesses the disciples

24:44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Optional parts of the readings are set off in [square brackets.]

The Bible texts of the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Responsive Readings from the Common Book of Prayer (1789).

The Daily Lectionary is a three year cyclical lectionary. We are currently in Year A. Beginning with the first Sunday of Advent in 2023, we will be in Year B. The year which ended at Advent 2022 was Year A. These readings complement the Sunday and festival readings: Thursday through Saturday readings help prepare the reader for the Sunday ahead; Monday through Wednesday readings help the reader reflect and digest on what they heard in worship. Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, copyright © 2005 Consultation on Common Texts. www.commontexts.org
The Daily Lectionary for Saturday, March 25, 2023
Psalm 130; Ezekiel 36:8-15; Luke 24:44-53