Aaron Hufty – Page 43 – The Everyday Prayer

The Joy Before Him

Re:Verse reading–Mark 15:16-20, 24-40; Mark 16:1-8 (Holy Week reading, day two) Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” 15:29-30

…”fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame…” Hebrews 12:2

Jesus endured unimaginable torture before succumbing on the cross. He knew what he must do, and he knew that it would be unbearable…and yet he did it. The writer of Hebrews calls it “joy”. The joy was not the cross, but the victory beyond it. Jesus knew this too. His eyes were fixed, not on the cross, but on the throne. My allegiance is to the one who bridged the gap on the cross for sinners like me to have access to that joy.

Have a blessed Holy Week.

Stand Still

Re: Verse reading–Joshua 3:5-17, 4:14-24 (day two)

“When you come to the edge of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.” vs. 8

They had heard the stories, but none of this generation of Israelites had experienced the Red Sea. Unlike their forefathers who were being pursued by the Egyptians this group faced battle in front of them. In the midst of this time of change, when every day brought new challenges God told Joshua to wade into the current and stand still. Perhaps God wanted Joshua to feel the current moving around his feet. In the midst of an ever-changing world, God is our constant.

But what happened next is our own hope in a time of change: “Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over ahead of you into the Jordan.” vs. 11

God went first. Joshua went into the moving current and became aware of all turbulence around him, and then the ark went before him and a path was made for the people.

Life is a mess. The world is in disorder. STOP and then let God go before you.

Not Disqualified By Your Past

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 2 (day two) “…for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.” vs. 11

“They entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.” vs. 1

If you were to look at Rahab’s past would you think that there would be anything in her life that prepared her to be such an ambassador for the Lord? Hers is the kind of life that is often used as an illustration of sin and destruction. But doesn’t it also illustrate that God can change a heart of corruption into a vessel of service and love? The idea that we have to come from purity into purity is folly. We are broken, ugly, and involved in lifestyles that if brought to light would be our undoing, but if we are witness to God’s redeeming love, like Rahab, we too can experience his forgiveness, his power, and his promise. Stop looking backwards, look outside those walls of Jericho.

Continuity Amidst Change

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 1 (day two)

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” vs. 8

New leader, new land – if there were ever a time for some continuity for a nation, this would be it. The Israelites were now stepping foot into the promise, their dreams were coming true, but it all meant change. Even when things are going well change can be difficult. God knows this. Perhaps this is why in the span of ten verses he says be strong and courageous four different times. He also helps them see that amidst great change there was also the comforting assurance of his constancy. New leader, new land, same God, same Word. The promises that we are walking are simply the fulfillment of what he has assured us of all along. No matter the circumstance, God will remain true. Now is not the time to forget this.

Sitting Angels

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 (day two)

“And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.” vs 2

There are so many action words in this narrative: earthquake, descended, rolled, fear, ran, and sat. I remember one Easter Sunday School class when we were studying this text a friend was amazed by the angel. With all that was happening and the confusion that an empty tomb surely caused, the angel was sitting as if to say, “I’m just waiting for you to catch up.” After all isn’t this what Jesus had been saying for some time? Surely a messenger of Heaven was aware of the plan, and must have been amused at observing the chaos from the comfort of sitting on the stone.

God can always be found in the midst of our chaos. Things not go as planned? Household falling apart? Job in jeopardy? Diagnosis grim? It doesn’t matter, Jesus is there patiently waiting for us to acknowledge his presence in the room. Before the chaos takes control of you, find him and rejoice that he lives.

Simon

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 27:32-54 (day two)

As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they pressed into service to bear His cross. vs. 32

Simon of Cyrene – who was he? What was he doing there? Was he in town for the Passover, perhaps there to take part in a sacrifice or ritual? Was he a party to angry mob that had feverishly demanded the release of a convicted killer instead of the innocent Jesus? It is as if it was a passing thought to put this account in the passion narrative. This man named Simon from the town of Cyrene was forced to carry the cross of the Christ.

Like all of us Simon had an encounter with Jesus. He may not have been a part of anything that led up to his role, but that did not mean he didn’t need to meet the Savior. Jesus didn’t die to just save those who angrily forced this crucifixion. He didn’t endure the torture for so the scattered disciples could be absolved. Jesus followed this path so people like Simon could meet him face to face. We will all be called to some accountability for what we did with this Jesus. Will you carry his cross?

Right Fighting

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day two)

When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

It seems that arguing by way of shouting is not a new concept. What can we, as modern civilized people, learn from this exchange between Pilate and the mob? Civil discourse is one of the greatest attributes of mankind. The free exchange of ideas between thinking, thoughtful people. This, however, is not the way we behave. More often than not, and this has been great exacerbated by social media, we spew vitriol in every direction and refuse to engage others. Where does this lead? Great division.

Pilate, a pagan, was trying to do the right thing. Can we be so blind in our convictions that we refuse to see the true path of righteousness. Fighting to be right led the Jews to crucify Jesus, what will it get you?

Attitude of Gratitude

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 20:1-16 (day two)

Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous? So the last will be first, and the first will be last. 15-16

I did it again this weekend. I was driving through a part of town that I hadn’t explored before and I began coveting. The neighborhood was beautiful. Well manicured trees lined the streets and the houses were all in good repair and very large. My first thought was, why can’t I live here? I work hard, I stay out of debt, I tithe regularly, so why not? I confess, this is something I have always struggled with. I have equated good living and hard work with things. Always, always, I am reminded by the Spirit to have an attitude of gratitude. If God really dealt us what we deserve based on good work or clean living, wouldn’t we all come up pretty short? The truth of the matter is that in my assignment God has ALWAYS provided exceedingly more than I could ever ask or imagine. That will look different for each of us, because each of us has a different role to play. So, I repented, I thanked God for his abundant provision, and I was grateful to be serving the King.

Keeping Calendars

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 18:21-35 (day two)

And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.28 But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’

I keep dates in my head fairly well, that is I usually do. I find that when I am talking about family things I can recall the dates and times of events without referring to a written calendar. Then, when I am at church I have little trouble recalling dates and events relating to church. Where, I get into trouble is when I am at home planning a family event and I somehow forget there is already a church event scheduled. I know, I know this is easily solved by writing things down! Stay with the analogy for just a moment. We know that we have been forgiven. We have experienced the release of the burden by Jesus’ unconditional pardon. What happens, however, when we have the opportunity to offer grace and forgiveness. Have we placed that ‘calendar’ in another secret part of our brain? God’s forgiveness to us must be the catalyst to begin forgiving others.

Remove the Callous

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 13:1-23 (day two)

For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. vs. 15

If you have ever done any work with your hands for an extended period of time you understand about blisters and callouses. Musicians who play the guitar or bass understand well the benefits of building up a callous on your fingers. When you begin to learn the instrument your fingers are unused to the pressure and irritation caused by the constant manipulation of the strings. After a painful bout with blisters and bandages persistent players will develop a good callous to protect their sensitive skin.

Great for those musicians, not so for our hearts. We will often react in a similar fashion when we are tested or challenged. It hurts, and that isn’t fun. One of our defense mechanisms is to develop a protective layer around those areas that are vulnerable to wounding. This, however, puts a barrier between a true healing that can come from being faithfully obedient to God’s Word. Whatever it is, remove it. God will take care of the rest.