Author: Aaron Hufty

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 7:1-27 (day two)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” vs. 7

This oft-quoted verse is predicated on the understanding that nothing we do will initiate grace and faith, but it is God who seeks after us. Consider what John says in his Gospel: “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” 15:16

This is very freeing to me because I often hear people quote Matthew as if it is open season  on getting what you want. If we first recognize that we are called by God to be God’s children then when we ask, seek, and knock we will do so in the light of his plan of hope and future for us. Get in God’s will, recognize his power and authority, and then seek out that which will best fulfill his purpose for your life.

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:19-34 (day two) “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’” ‭‭vs 30-31‬ ‭

Over the past week I have had the opportunity to spend time with my family in Phoenix. It was the first time all my siblings and parents have been together in about three years. It has been a blessing to watch my daughters connect with cousins and to enjoy these moments together. Later April and I were able to spend a couple of days in Sedona and one at the Grand Canyon. It is hard to imagine that a creator that would consider the majesty, nuance, shape, design, color, and overall beauty of these spectacular formations would not also care deeply about his own children. Worry can overwhelm and cause unnecessary distraction from purpose. Go to the edge of a mile deep canyon and cast your worries there. He considered it, and he will consider you.

Re:Verse reading–Matthew 5:17-48 (day two)

“For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” 45-47

If we are only ever kind to those who are kind to us, where does peace begin? This passage offers another look at the golden rule. God does not remove sunshine and flowers from those who oppose his will. Similarly he does not withhold disease, poverty, and hunger from those who follow him. The good news is that his mercy is offered to all. As the sun and showers are for everyone, so is his grace. Our role in the building of the kingdom is not to determine who is worthy of these gifts, but offer them freely to all. There are things that continue to hinder our response to this call. Our own prejudice or ignorance can blind us to the responsibility we have to our neighbor. If we only love those who look and act like us we will perpetuate the building of walls to keep people from the Gospel rather than building relationships that will share it.