The start of the Betrayal

Verses: Luke 22 : 1 - 6

My thoughts about the verses:

There are two parts of this story that we have to understand.  There is one group that feared Jesus would destroy their way of life.  The second was a person that felt that Jesus wasn't doing everything that he thought he would do.  See the motivations were different in that the one group hated Jesus because they were afraid that the Romans would make their life harder.  The other feared that the fighting that he expected would not happen because of the way Jesus was.  

I will start with the Jewish leaders.  They were in a place of power that they did not want to lose. They were much better off that the average citizen financially.  They also were in, their eyes, the chosen leaders of the Jewish community.  Think about it how many people want to be lowered from a status that they feel is theirs.  Jesus was a threat to their very way of life.  He was telling the average Jews the story of God's fulfillment of prophesies.  

They felt the only way to stop their fall was to end Jesus's life.  They were only thinking about today not the future.  Many of us today are the same way.  We are happy where we are at and don't want things to change.  The only thing we wish for is more influence and more money to obtain better possessions.  There are so many in this world that is worried that they will lose what they have here on Earth and do not think about what they could gain in Heaven.

I really felt that the Jewish leaders were envious of Jesus.  Their jealousy had made them blinded to what would happen if their plan worked.  They didn't realize if they killed Jesus his death would lead to more power.  That his walking out of the tomb in three days would lead to many people understanding just exactly who the Messiah was.  Their jealousy led them to plot the death of Jesus so that they could just get back to their trivial day to day business.

Then you have to look at Judas.  I have said this many times there is a part of me that feels sad for Judas.  He has gone down as history as the betrayer.  He would forever be remembered as the one in which turned his friend in so that he would die.  I am pretty sure that he did not understand what would truly happen once the Jewish leaders got hold of Jesus.  In fact, I believe Judas thought it would lead to Jesus changing his way and inserting his Godly power.

You have to understand that not all Jews at the time were satisfied with the way things were going.  In fact, many were waiting for the great King to come so that they could reclaim "their land."  There were people that had been fighting the Romans in different ways for several years.  They were plotting to overthrow the tyranny wants the King arrived.

Judas was one of those people that thought that the movement would stop because Jesus did not want to be a worldly King.  He was doing miracles and teaching about love.  Where was the King that would free his people?  See many did not comprehend the true meaning of the prophecies.  Due to their understanding of the afterlife they were not prepared for someone to come and teach that there were better things to come in the next life.

I know in my heart that Judas loved Jesus.  Yet, he was chosen as a disciple so that he could be used as the instrument that led to the death of his friend.  I am not saying that he did not have a choice we all do.  Yet, Jesus knew his heart and knew that there would come a time when he would betray him.  Judas should not be looked at as the evil one that put an end to Jesus.  If you read on Judas learned to late that he had made a mistake.  His Earthly Spirit died that day.  Yet, his asking forgiveness gave him the everlasting life that he needed.  I really do not think Jesus was even mad at Judas.  I feel as if Jesus heart ached for him because he knew the outcome and I am sure that if there had been a different way Jesus would have done it.  

Prayer:

Dear Savior we thank you for everlasting life.  We thank you for the sacrifice that you made.  We thank you for being there for us even when we do not deserve it.  We ask that you help prepare our hearts so that we may accept your will in our life.  Help us when we do wrong.  Be with us as we help others.  In the name of the One Who Rose from the Grave.  Amen

Questions:

Are you willing to do what needs to be done to further the Realm of God?  Have you ever been in a situation that you wish you were not in?  Have you ever done something that you thought was right only to come to the realization that it hurt those you loved?  Have you asked God to forgive you for your trespasses and to enter your heart as your Savior?

The Earth will Pass but the Realm of God will Last

Verses: Luke 21 : 20 - 38

My thoughts about the verses:

I have a feeling that at this moment people were shocked.  They never thought that the city of Jerusalem would ever be out of their control.  See even though the Romans occupied the land they had allowed the Jews to continue serving God the way they always had.  The Jewish leaders felt that as long as they did not try to assert power over the Romans and continued to pay taxes the Romans left them alone.  This is what led to the fear of Jesus.  The fact that they were afraid that he would try to be a worldly King. They felt powerless and thought that they could not defeat the Romans so this was a threat to their way of life.

It is amazing that even today people fight over such a small piece of land.  Recently the story of two Americans that have both been thrown in the middle of the strife in this small part of the world has surfaced.  People are upset not because others children of this region have been harmed but the anger is because these two are Americans.  This truly upsets me that the highlight of the whole story involved the Americans and not the fact that youth are being killed.

The fight over Jerusalem has being going on since the time of Abraham and I am sorry to say will continue for many more years.  I consider it the longest family feud ever.  Now you might be asking me why I believe this.  To understand my take you have to go back to the time of Moses and his two sons Ishmael and Isaiah.  Ishmael in all actuality was born first because Elizabeth did not have the faith that God would provide Abraham an heir.  She then became jealous of Ishmael once her son was born and she feared that he would inherit Abraham's property.  From that moment things went sour and the nations have been in war ever since.

The Jews in the generation that Jesus was born were in what they thought was a safe time.  Their life was continuing as they planned.  Yes, they knew the Messiah would come but they never expected a babe to be born.  They thought this great King from Heaven would come and save them.  They were in a lot of ways in a comfort zone under tyranny.  Jesus was shaking up their system.  

Now this Jesus is telling them that Jerusalem would fall.  That wars and pain would ravage the land. That all this would happen before the Son of God would return to claim his own.  I have a feeling that the people that heard this were fearful and angry at the same time.  Yet, Jesus promised them something that many missed in this prophecy of the future.  This world would end, but that would not end the Realm of God.

Many Jews did not believe in an afterlife.  Therefor Jesus was telling them that the Earth would pass but Heaven would exist.  This thought in itself had to be something almost impossible for them to believe.  I wonder how many of the doubters when learning Jesus had risen from the grave changed their mind about the afterlife.  Everything that he had said at that point had occurred. I can only imagine that a few of the listener’s hearts were changed and they began readying themselves not for the luxuries of this world but the next.

Prayer:

Thank you God for loving us so much that you sent your Son so that we could have everlasting life.  We thank you Jesus for the knowledge that you have given not only to your people during your time on Earth but recorded it for us.  Help us understand that we must love all of our neighbors throughout this world.  Help us put an end to the many conflicts that ravage this world.  We know that all things are possible through you.   Help us be your peace keepers.  Help us be there for all those in need no matter who they are.  In the name of the Messiah we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Do you believe in the world to come?  Are you helping people who are in need?  Are you praying for peace?  Are you being an example that shows the love of God to all that need to hear the story of salvation?  Are you ready for the return of the Messiah?

Do Not Worry about the Future just Follow God

Verses: Luke 21 : 5 - 19

My thoughts about the verses:

As I wrote the title I felt that anxiety rise to my chest.  It is hard to convince people that if they serve God they will have nothing to worry about.  Even if you are persecuted you should not worry because God will be you.  Do not worry about the world falling down around you keeping teaching about the Messiah.

I have a feeling some of you are saying easier said than done.  I mean when people are standing against you isn't it hard not to worry.  I know for me there have been times when I would have thought the same thing.  I mean just look at the world and all the things that are going on.  I am not supposed to worry about it instead I am to keep sharing the story of God's love.

I think of it as someone being backed up in a corner there is nowhere to hide.  People are coming with you with sticks and stones to punish you.  How can you not be scared.  Yet, imagine in that moment you allowed God to speak through you.  I can only imagine people being in shock and some getting afraid of you because of your connection with God.

I also think about people in places that cannot tell others who they are.  That being a Christian means persecution.  It even gets more complicated if you are more like me.  Being a Christian and a Lesbian can cause great hardship.  People can face death because of either one of these two emotions of your life.  Yet, watch the news and you will hear where people stepped out and lived the life that God gave them no matter how people reacted.

I have heard the stories of different MCC's in countries that are stepping out serving God even though they could face death.  They realized that they have to make their story known.  I can remember seeing the pictures and hearing the story from Rev. Diane Fisher as she went to eastern Europe.  I can only imagine the fear yet, that didn't stop them from stepping out in faith.  Walking with their heads held high showing others that it was just part of God's plan that we is created the way we are.  

The next time you are backed into the corner I want you to think is life really that bad.  Isn't it possible God wants me to be myself so that I can help others find Jesus's inclusive love.  I know for me when I quit letting others fears keep me in my corner I became much happier.  There will be many that will come and try to destroy your happiness.  Yet, if you stay focused on God your worries will dissipate and you will find the peace that is needed to serve God openly.

Prayer:

We thank you God for loving us.  Thank you for preparing us for the things that can happen.  Help us to let our fears disappear.  Help us show others that God loves them for who they are.  Help us walk in your light so that we can rest assured in you love.  In the name of God our Creator we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Are you willing to put you worries behind us?  Have you let your worries stifle your relationship with God?  

The Story of True Giving

Verses: Luke 21 : 1 -4

My thoughts about the verses:

People should give God their whole self.  Those that only give what they need are not truly giving. This story has made people think if Jesus meant that it is best to give away all of your money to the point of not being able to survive.  I really feel that it is more of a parable.  See God does not want us to suffer.  If you do not have the means to live then you are actually suffering.  Yet, what I believe  the story is about all the things that we should freely give.

Money is only part of what is needed to grow the Realm of Heaven.  It is not the only way to show your love to God.  There are many things that God gives us.  We have special talents that God wants us to share openly.  We should not hold back the gifts that God has given us.

Christians should not hold anything back from God.  We need to remember that God has given us our gifts so that others may find their way to the Savior.  Imagine if the person that first told you about Jesus did not share their story.  Imagine if that song that you heard that filled your spirit was never sung.

I can only imagine where my life would be right now if Rev Elder Troy Perry had not found UFMCC.  I know that I would have been lost on how to serve God.  I am not sure if I would ever found a way to openly reconnect with my Savior.  I honestly believe that my life would have continued on the downward spiral.  Even though I loved God I had no where to share my life.  I was told by many people that I was living against the will of God.  That I was sinning the unforgivable sin because I didn't believe I was actually sinning.

Yet, I felt that I still had a relationship with God from a distance.  Then I heard about Metropolitan Community Churches there is nothing like walking into a church and hearing about God's inclusive love.  I started crying that first day because I knew that I was safe and had find a home where I could be who I was.  There were several things that I took away that day.  God loved me unconditionally.  Jesus taught others to show love to everyone no matter who they were.  Lastly, I learned that God created me just the way I was.  That God created me in the Heavenly Parents image.  It didn't matter who I loved in this physical life.  The important thing was that I loved God.

I know that I am not the only person in this world that needed to hear about inclusive love.  Yet, for that story to be told someone had to use the gift that God had given them.  I know that people might say the Bible was twisted to apply to me.  Yet, I say if you study the history of the time and understand what was really going on you will learn that it isn't a twist.  Instead it is actually what God taught and that is the story of love.

So the next time you are called to give to God.  Give God more than your left overs.  Give God your whole self.  What you will find is that there is someone that needs your story.  They need to hear your testimony so that they can build their relationship with God.  You might not have tons of money, but all of us have time and talents that we can give to God.  It isn't just about giving back ten percent of what God has given to you.  It is about giving to God because you want to give as much as you can back.  God will take those gifts and turn them into just what they need.  When you hold back your share first then give to God you will find that your life is not as enriched as those that give to God first.

Prayer:

Thank you God for giving us talents that others need.  Thank you for the provisions that you provide us.  Open our hearts so that we give everything to you.  You will provide for us if we choose to serve you first.  Help us give so others can hear about the love that is exemplified in you. In the name of the Holy Parent we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Have you used your talents, gifts and time to serve God?  Do you pick and choose the things that you give to God?  Are you willing to give everything to God?  Is there someone that you need to thank for what they have done to help you in this life?  Have you thanked God for the sacrifice that was made on the cross?

Be Humble instead of Pompous

Verses: Luke 20 : 45 - 47

My thoughts about the verses:

Jesus was using the church leaders and their actions to explain how we should act.  The leaders were walking around in their finest clothes. They were always sitting in the most important seats in the temple.  They would make sure people would see them pray for a long time in public.  The Pharisees behind the people's back were being unfair to widows and taking advantage of them.

See God wants us to be humble.  We should want to let others to be first.  We shouldn't walk around like we are more important than others.  We should not pray just to be seen.  We should take care of those in need.  We should not walk around with an attitude like we are better than those that we are serving.

When you act pompous you actually are creating a stumbling block for others.  They watch you closely and when you slip and fall and do not live up to your attitude you are hurting others.  What you need to do is be humble around others.  Help those in need.  Pray with the intention to speak to God instead of being seen by others.

People who want others to see them as important are not living the life that God wants.  In fact, if you think about it they are putting them self before God.  They want people to look at what they are doing instead of praising God.  Jesus warns people that they need to put God first otherwise they are missing the point.  Acting like you are a great Christian doesn't mean you are. When you are humble and truly serve God then you are doing what a Christian should truly do.

Prayer:

God we praise you.  We thank you for showing us how to be humble.  We thank you for walking this world as an example of what you expect from us.  Help us to walking in humbleness.  Help us be there for others.  Help us not to be a stumbling block because we act pompous or more important than others.  In the name of the Great Teacher we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Do you want people to see you as a great Christian?  Are you being a stumbling block to others? Are you walking in humbleness?  What one thing do you need to change about your walk so that others can come to accept Jesus?

Understanding the Human and Spiritual Sides of Jesus

Verses: Luke 20 : 41 - 44

My thoughts about the verses:

Have you ever asked the question how can Jesus be fully human and fully God incarnate?  This is a question that people even asked during the time Jesus walked on this Earth.  I believe that is hard for us to accept because we cannot believe God would come in human form to save us.

Everyone expected a triumphant king to come into the world.  They did not expect a babe to come and then suffer and finally die.

Jesus is on the same lineage of David.  This makes him a family member of David.  This was a fulfillment of  prophesies that said the Messiah would be an heir of King David.  A lot of people look up to King David because of the faith he possessed in God.

Yet, if Jesus was only human then it would defeat the purpose that he came to achieve.  See if you look at it no one that is completely human could lead a completely blemish free life.  They would have done something that would have separated from the perfect relationship of God.  Yet let us point out that it was vital for us that Jesus was without any sin.  Being fully God incarnate allowed him to stay within the law.

Jesus was there when the law was created.  Jesus had the only perfect everlasting relationship with God.  Therefor Jesus was as much God as the parent.  So it is important that we keep this in mind when we study the word of God.  Jesus is not only the heir of the Jewish throne but also the heir of the Heavenly throne.

Prayer:

Dear God thank you for sending Jesus.  Thank you for all the things that you do in our lives to help us rebuild our relationship with you.  Help us to understand the true healing power that comes from loving you.  Help us to never forget that you came into this world to save us not to condemn us.  In the name of the Heavenly Parent we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Do you understand the connection Jesus has with David?  Do you trust the connection that Jesus has with God the Parent?  Have you started calling Jesus your Savior?  Do you accept that God is the ruler that the world needed?

In Death with are Living Children of God

Verses: Luke 20 : 27 - 40

My thoughts about the verses:

The question that the Pharisees are posing is a very complex one.  Many people today have the same question.  Even those that believe that there is a life after death there are questions of what it will be like.  Many questions are there really a life after this one. the question that also comes up will we remember those that we come in contact with?  Is there the same concept of relationships in the next life is there is during this life?

See people want to know the ins and outs before they choose to follow God.  People want to know what will happen to them if they accept.  Will people hate them?  Will they have an easy life here on Earth?  They miss that this life is so much different than the next.

Those that accept Christ will be the Living Children of God.  They will be like Angels.  I actually believe what this means is that the things of this world will not exists in the next.  Our main focus will be what we should have done during this life.  That one thing is being in a loving relationship of God.  The children of God will spend their time giving praise to the one that gave them freedom.  No one will suffer.  There will be no pain.  The things that we concentrated on during this life will disappear.

So when you look at these things you will see that the only thing that matters in this life is accepting Christ in your life.  It will not matter what relationships you have with people.  It will not matter the job that you had.  It will not matter the possessions that you collected.  the only thing that matters is that you build a relationship with Jesus.  We need to ask Jesus to come into our life as Savior.

Prayer:

thank you dear Savor for dying on the cross so that we may have eternal life.  Thank you for being the sacrificial lamb that was blemish free.  Thank you for your willingness and humbleness when it came to taking our sins to the cross.  Help us accept your unconditional love and grace.  Help us put you first.  In the name of the Risen Savior we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Do you question what the afterlife is like?  Are you hesitating accepting Christ because of your fears of the future?  Is today the day you start building an everlasting relationship with Jesus?