This Momentary Marriage – John Piper
I’ve already mentioned in past posts how helpful this book was in helping me think through what it means to have a gospel shaped marriage. Christ’s passion for us should affect our marriages. The book also tackles being single and the issue of divorce. Recommended.
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Counterfeit Gods – Timothy Keller
I’ve read some other books on the issue of idolatry, so there was a lot familiar territory here. Nonetheless, I needed to hear the truths about idolatry again, for it is a real issue in my life and indeed in all of our lives. Other things quietly seek to steal our passion for God. Keller’s focus on four common idols – love, money, success, and power – was very helpful. He nailed me good on one of them. If you haven’t thought through how idolatry affects your life recently, you should read this book.
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Last week I reposted daily Passion Week reflections from last year. For daily resurrection reflections from last year, see below:
Sunday – Rejoice: Celebrate His Resurrection
Monday – Received – Embrace the Gospel
Tuesday – Raised: Live Your New Life
Wednesday – Reigns: Submit to Your King
Thursday – Resurrected: Victory Over Death
Friday – Returning – With the Lord
Saturday – Reborn – Hope in Your Inheritance
Sunday – Ransomed: Praise to the Lamb
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” – I Corinthians 15:3-4
Of first importance is that Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead. That he was raised is what we celebrate today. As the angels told the women:
“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” – Luke 24:5-6
Why does this announcement fill us with such joy? Why do we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus?
Because he was raised, we too have been raised to a new life in Christ (Romans 6:1-4). Through faith in Jesus, we have become new creations. No longer enslaved to sin, we are now free to serve the living God.
Because he was raised, he is coming back for us some day (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). He will not abandon us. One day he is coming for us! Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Because he was raised, we too will one day be raised (I Corinthians 15:20-23, 50-58). Death is not the end! Like Christ we will be raised with perfect bodies that will never suffer again.
Because he was raised, we have a glorious inheritance (I Peter 1:3-4). Who can begin to fathom the glory that awaits us!
Because he was raised, we will praise him forever for saving us and making us his people (Revelation 5:6-14). What a glorious day it will be when we all gather before the throne and proclaim, Worthy is the Lamb!”
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Saturday: Pain of Loss and Failure – Struggling Without Hope
Read Luke 22:31-34, 22:54-62, 23:50-56
Prayer: Father, I cannot imagine this day for Peter. What was it like for him to lose Jesus and fail him all in one day? To struggle without hope? And Father, if Jesus had remained in the grave, I too would be without hope. All would be lost. Help me today to remember how hopeless life would be without the glorious news that tomorrow brings. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: What would your life be like if Jesus had stayed in the grave?
Praise: No singing today. Wait with anticipation for tomorrow.
Morning: Plot – The Plans of God and Men
Read Luke 22:1-6, 22:47-53, 22:63-23:16
Prayer: Father, how shamefully they treated your Son. Judas plotted against him and betrayed his friend. The religious leaders plotted against him and made a mockery of justice to have their own way. And yet all their plots were part of your bigger plot to save me. Thank you for my Savior. Amen.
Noon: Pardon – In My Place
Read Luke 23:16-25
Prayer: Father, Barabbas should have died that day, but Jesus died in his place. The cross should have been mine, but Jesus died in my place. He died for my sins, for my rebellion. He who was perfect paid the penalty for my sins that I might go free. Jesus, thank you for taking my place. Amen.
Evening: Passion – Remember the Cross
Read Luke 23:26-49
Prayer: Father, words are so cheap, but thank you for the cross. Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for the hope of paradise. Thank you for Jesus. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: How does reflecting on Christ’s passion fuel your love for him?
Praise: Spend some time singing songs about the cross.
Morning: Passover – The New Covenant
Read Luke 22:7-23
Prayer: Father, thank you for the new covenant you have made with me through Jesus Christ. Thank you that his body was broken and his blood poured out to pay for my sins that I might walk with you. Thank you for the regular reminder given to us in the Lord’s Supper. Amen.
Noon: Perfect Servant – Follow His Example
Read Luke 22:24-30
Prayer: Father, your Son came to serve, and too often I join the disciples seeking to be the greatest, seeking to exalt myself. Help me to humbly serve as Jesus served. Help me to be a servant to my family, to your church, wherever I go. Amen.
Evening: Prayer – God’s Will, Not Mine
Read Luke 22:35-46
Prayer: Father, like the disciples I too am weak, and I need your help to overcome temptation. Awaken me from my spiritual slumber that I might pray. Let me join my Savior in seeking your will. Too often my way is not your way. Help me to submit to your way no matter what the cost. Dear Father, not my will, but yours be done. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: In what current situations do you need to submit to his will?
Praise: Sing “Have Thine Own Way Lord”
Wednesday: Prophecy – Be Alert
Prayer: Father, your Son predicted the Fall of Jerusalem, and it happened. Your Son predicted his return – help me to be ready. Help me to be alert. While I wait, help me to be ready and watchful for opportunities to bear witness for Christ. Help me not to get so weighed down with the cares of this life that I fail to be alert to your opportunities and your return. Even so, come Lord Jesus! Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: What keeps us from being more alert to his coming?
Praise: Sing “Christ Returneth!”
Note: Reflections for Thursday and Friday will be in three parts – morning, afternoon, and evening.
Tuesday: Predictions – Take Up Your Cross
Prayer: Father, your Son knew what was coming, yet he willingly gave himself up for me. He was rejected, mocked, shamefully treated, spit upon, flogged, and killed for my sins. Let me give myself for him. Help me deny myself – stop living for myself, and take up my cross – be willing to suffer for Christ, and follow him wherever he leads. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: What are some practical daily examples of what it might look like to deny yourself for Christ?
Praise: Sing “Am I A Soldier of the Cross”
Brian J. Mikul 