Daily Dose of Hope

May 16, 2025

Day 5 of Week 7

Scripture – Mark 16:9-20

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you today in awe of your Word. Thank you for speaking to us through Scripture.  Help us commit to being grounded in your truth.  Help us make learning more about you a priority.  We get so distracted!  The world comes at us from all sides.  Lord, in these next few moments of silence, help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you...In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we finish the book of Mark.  Keep in mind that the text we read today was added on much later than the original Gospel text.  As we talked about yesterday, some of the church fathers weren’t thrilled with Mark’s abrupt ending and added some additional verses to make things have a nice neat resolution.  Of course, real life doesn’t have nice neat resolutions.  Neither does Scripture because it’s very, very real.

The text for today has Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene and then the disciples.  We can see that the author of these verses took text from other Gospels to write this.  He is essentially filling things in – a visit to Mary Magdalene, a visit to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and then a visit to the eleven.

There are quite a few issues with this text.  First, it says that Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of belief.  If we look at Luke 24, we find that Jesus appears to the disciples but does so with grace.  He shows them his scars, he ate with them, and he opened their minds so that they could understand Scripture.  But in this Mark text, Jesus seems almost angry with the disciples “stubborn” refusal to believe.  This is our first red flag.

And then things really get weird.  We begin to read about theological concepts that are unusual for Mark.  There seems to be a requirement of baptism for salvation – this isn’t found anywhere else in the Bible.  Then, there is this statement about the ability to handle snakes and drink deadly poison; if done in the name of Jesus, then they won’t be harmed.  Okay, that is terrible theology.  No where else the Bible does it tell believers that they are exempt from poison and dangerous snakes.  What’s a bit crazy about this is that whole traditions have been created where snakes are handled in church – from one verse in a portion of text that was added well after the original Gospel was written.  The justification for snake-handling is that it is supposed to be a demonstration of faith.  Y’all, good Biblical interpretation is SO critical!

The last portion of the text is pretty straightforward and consistent with other Gospels.  Jesus ascends to heaven and sits at God’s right hand.  He empowers the disciples to perform signs in his name. 

Let’s talk a little about solid Biblical interpretation.  The Bible is God’s Word, it’s authoritative.  It provides a framework for our life and whole worldview.  At the same time, it needs interpretation.  We can’t simply pluck out a verse and drop it into our lives without looking at the author’s intent, the context, and the original audience.  Plus, we have to recognize that we, as 21st century believers, bring a lot of our own presuppositions to the Scripture.  Whether we realize it or not, we bring our own learned ideas and cultural norms to the text when we read. 

The Bible is the primary way that God has chosen to reveal himself to us.  I like to call it the inexhaustible word of God.  It’s critical.  Hebrews 4:12 states, For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The miracle of Scripture is that we can read it over and over again and God can keep teaching us, keep revealing new things to us.  Jesus is revealed to us on the pages of Scripture.

Reading the Bible regularly is the number one way we grow in our faith.  Why is that? It’s not simply a book; rather, it’s a unique collection of ancient documents, diverse in style and written for different purposes, but all revealing some piece about the nature of God. The more we read, the more we consume of God’s Word, the more things begin to fall into place for us.  The fascinating thing about the Bible is that it arose in vastly difference historical settings, written to different audiences, over thousands of years.  Yet, it tells one continuous story.  It’s absolutely amazing.  But a serious reading and understanding of the Bible requires wrestling with the context, the purpose of the text, the symbols, and the historical and literary setting. But it also means relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide our study and to make the Scripture come alive for us today.

In the case of Mark, we need to look at today’s text as interesting but not authoritative.  These verses weren’t in the oldest texts.  It appears that new concepts were added, things that don’t seem to add up.  They simply don’t sound like Mark.  While we need to read this and understand it, it isn’t something I would ever preach from the pulpit.  Basically, we need to be careful here.  There won’t be any snake-handling at New Hope if any of you were worried. 

Psalm 119:105-106, Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it,  that I will follow your righteous laws.

We’ll chat again on Monday.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 15, 2025

Day 4 of Week 7

Scripture – Mark 16:1-8

Prayer: Holy God, On this Thursday morning, we lift up our face to you.  We call upon your name.  You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.  You are almighty and wise.  How thankful we are that you sit high and look low.  Lord, forgive us for our many sins and faults.  Give us strength and courage to do better.  And, as we begin to talk about the resurrection, Lord, help us live like new people.  We give you this day, Lord.  Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin Mark 16, the resurrection story.  We are covering the first portion of Mark 16, the Scripture that is original to the Gospel.  This is the part that has authority.  Tomorrow, we will cover the portion of the chapter that was added by scholars several hundred years later. 

But before we dig in, let’s talk context.   Jesus was crucified on a Friday because the Jews had to have it done and over with before Sabbath (which for them runs from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown).  Thus, the women who wanted to anoint Jesus’ body for burial had to wait until the Sabbath was over before heading over to the tomb.  

Three women are specifically mentioned: Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome.  I want to point out that these women were also mentioned at being present at the crucifixion.  They watched Jesus die.  I want you to think about how the reality of suffering and intense grief is hanging over this whole scene. These were women who walked alongside Jesus, took care of his needs, and loved him.  It is because they loved him that they wanted to ensure that his dead body was properly prepared for burial.  Jews did not embalm but they ceremonially washed the body, wrapped it in cloths, and used herbs and spices to help with deterioration and smell.  In that culture, a proper burial was quite important, it demonstrated honor for that individual; for these women, this was an act of love and respect.

As they head over to prepare the body, they discuss what they think will be their biggest obstacle and decide it’s going to be the heavy stone.  They were at the crucifixion.  They knew that a large stone was rolled in front of the tomb.  How will they move it?  What’s interesting to me here is that they have no inkling that the tomb would be empty.  Jesus has taught about his death and resurrection but no one got it. 

Now, when they get to the tomb and the stone was the least of their worries. It had already been rolled away.  When they entered the tomb, it’s completely empty except for a young man dressed in a white robe just sitting there.  Mark doesn’t say so, but it’s implied this man is an angel.  The scripture says the women are alarmed.  They have been so consumed by their grief and suffering, so focused on taking care of this final act for Jesus, and then the stone is gone and there is this angel-like character sitting inside the tomb.  Of course they are alarmed.  And this man/angel person tells them that Jesus wasn’t there because he had risen, just as he said he would. This is all a bit much for these ladies. They were scared.  They flee and say nothing to anyone. And the book of Mark ends.

Over the years, people have added more appealing endings to this Gospel, which we will address tomorrow.  Your Bible probably notes that anything after verse 8 was added later on.  It’s usually in italics.  But this is the thing:  Mark’s Gospel may feel a bit unsatisfying in how it so abruptly ends, it also creates a sense of anticipation and yes, even HOPE.  We don’t have to make up fake endings for Mark like some of the church fathers may have done.  

What Mark tells us is enough.  Why?

Because the tomb was empty!  Jesus was resurrected. 

Because death could not keep Jesus down!  Death was defeated. 

Because the women were given the message to “Go and tell, Jesus is risen!” 

Because all the promises that Jesus made have come true. 

Every single one.

Just as Jesus said, he suffered, died, and was raised.  Just as he said, Judas betrayed him, the disciples scattered, and Peter denied him.  We know that eventually these women speak and they must speak a lot.  Because the message was shared.  After they get over their initial shock, it all begins to sink in. Yes, Jesus had told them this would happen. Yes, they would choose to believe and share the good news.  He wasn’t dead but alive!  They chose to believe and share.

Will you?  Will you share the Good News of the resurrection?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 14, 2025

Day 3 of Week 7

Scripture - Mark 15:33-47

Prayer: Holy God, How amazing it is that we can come before you today.  You are God of all things, Lord of everything, and yet you care about each of us.  We give you glory and praise.  We thank you most of all for Jesus, who made it possible for us to walk hand in hand with a holy God.  Help us see today’s Scripture through fresh eyes.  Keep teaching us, Lord.  Continue to reveal yourself to us.  We are open and grateful.  In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, a devotional connected to the daily reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  Today, we are finishing up Mark 15, which is the death of Jesus Christ. 

The text detailing Jesus’ death on the cross is what we call the Good Friday scripture.  It may seem odd that we would call the day that Jesus was crucified and died “good.” Apparently, the term came into common use in the 1200s because for us, it was a truly good day, as Jesus became the final sacrifice for all sin for all people for all time. As the full expression of God’s love for us, Jesus voluntarily gave his life so that we could be reconciled to holy God.

The text starts with darkness.  How appropriate.  And it says that at the ninth hour, Jesus spoke his last words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  This statement was in reference to Psalm 22.  At the time, people would reference a psalm by stating the first line and the rest of the psalm would be assumed.  Psalm 22 was written by David, and it’s a psalm that expresses abandonment and despair in the face of sorrow. 

But this leads to some questions.  Did Jesus really feel abandoned by God at that moment on the cross?  And how would that work?  Here is a thought - by quoting Psalm 22, Jesus is actually expressing confidence in the face of suffering, trusting that God will ultimately deliver him. We gain confidence in this interpretation because it is faithful to our understanding of the Trinity as inseparable - one part of the Godhead can’t abandon another part of the Godhead.  There is also a distinct union of Jesus’ divine and human natures.  All of this comes together on the cross.  Let’s read Psalm 22, verses 1-8...

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?    Why are you so far from saving me,    so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,    by night, but I find no rest.

3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;    you are the one Israel praises. 4 In you our ancestors put their trust;    they trusted and you delivered them.5 To you they cried out and were saved;    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,    scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me;    they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,    “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him,    since he delights in him.”

And as the psalm continues (it is a bit long to real in full here), we see how the psalmist begins to express trust in the Lord and praise his name.  He knows that God will deliver him.  The bottom line seems to be that on the cross, Jesus bore the weight of our sin as the God-man, but the Father did not literally abandon him, as that would divide the Trinity and undermine Christ’s saving work.  Jesus knew that God would deliver him but also provide a way to deliver the whole world. 

Right before Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, the curtain in the Temple was torn down the middle. This is the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holiest of Holies) where the ark of the covenant was kept and the presence of God remained. When the curtain tore, it was a sign that the New Covenant was instituted. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice (the final sacrifice for sin), those who believe in him can now go directly to the throne of God’s grace. When holy God looks at us, he doesn’t see our sinfulness but the blood of Christ. Thus, there are no more barriers that can separate us from God.  Hebrews 10 refers to this incredible phenomena...

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-22

The chapter closes with Joseph of Arimathea taking Jesus’ body and placing it in a tomb.  Joseph was a wealthy man and also a member of the Jewish ruling council.  It is implied that he is a believer in Jesus and if he tried to hide it before, there is no hiding it now.  Joseph has gone to great risk and expense to make sure Jesus’ body is wrapped and buried.  Of course, at this point, they are deep in grief.  All feels heavy.  But Sunday is coming.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 13, 2025

Day 2 of Week 7

Scripture - Mark 15:21-32

Prayer:  Dear Holy God, Your love is amazing.  Thank you for the way you care for us.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us focus on you...Lord Jesus, help us set aside every distraction and take this time to lean on you.  We want to hear your voice.  Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Happy Tuesday!  Today’s Scripture is powerful and we have probably all read it or heard it before.  I hope you were able to slow down and really take time to read it with fresh eyes.  The miracle of Scripture is that we can read it again and again and God can reveal something new to us.

In today’s portion of Mark 15, we read about the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It was a horrific death.  He was beaten and mocked by the soldiers, betrayed by his own people, and nailed to a cross to die.  I won’t go into the gory details of crucifixion, as you have probably heard them before, but it was a terribly painful and humiliating way to die.

There is one piece of today’s text that we often gloss over, but it certainly is significant.  It’s about Simon of Cyrene.  Simon was just passing by when he is stopped and forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.  Cyrene was on the tip of Africa so this man was far from home.  And here he was, going about his business, and he is enlisted, or more like seized, to carry the cross of the Savior of the world.  I’m guessing that Jesus’ physical body was incredibly weak and bloody by this point.  Simon walked by him, carrying the cross that would serve to execute Jesus but also save all humanity from their sin. 

We don’t know what happened to Simon after the crucifixion.  He isn’t mentioned again in Scripture. But my guess is that his life was never the same again.  Afterall, he had an encounter with Jesus. They may have exchanged a few words.  Maybe they glanced at each other.  I believe that Jesus could say a lot with his eyes and facial expressions.  But my guess is that things changed for Simon from that point forward.  After all, he met Jesus.

An encounter with Jesus is always life-changing.  Think about your own life.  How has encountering Jesus affected your world?  Try to think of tangible examples. 

Let’s move on in the text.  There was a sign above Jesus’ head that read, “King of the Jews.”  What did this mean?  It could actually mean a number of things.  First, Pilate was a bit perturbed with the Jews that they wanted him to crucify an innocent man.  Labeling him as the Judean king could have been a way to get a jab in at the Jewish authorities, who totally rejected Jesus’ claim of kingship. 

But the sign could have also been another way to mock Jesus.  How could a king be crucified?  How could a king experience such levels of humiliation?  This very well could be a way to make fun of Jesus and his followers.  We don’t really know Pilate’s motivation.

And then there are the criminals crucified next to Jesus.  The Scripture said even they reviled Jesus (in Mark’s Gospel, we don’t have the story about one of the robbers coming to belief in Jesus).  Others were hurling insults at him, leaders and regular people.  I don’t know what it is about the human condition that we like to kick people when they are down.  Maybe it makes weak people feel powerful.  I don’t know, but it is hard to read.  Nobody understood who he was and why he allowed himself to be executed.  And Jesus’ humility and love are amazing. 

More tomorrow.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 12, 2025

Day 1 of Week 7

Scripture – Mark 15:1-20

Prayer: Dear Almighty God, Thank you for this new day.  Thank you for the way you care for us.  We are so very grateful for your presence in our lives.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, help us set aside our scattered thoughts and distractions, help us focus on you...Holy Spirit, come and sit with us as we work through this Scripture and devotion.  Speak to us about it afresh and anew.  In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin the Passion narrative.  I’ve read this so many times and each time, I am struck by the brutality of what happens to Jesus.

We start with Jesus before Pilate.  Pilate seems to understand that Jesus is innocent.  The chief priests were jealous of him, they felt threatened, so they simply want him gone.  And they have a way of stirring up the people.  Maybe they know which crowd of people to bring to the trial. 

One thing that Mark emphasizes greatly is human agency.  We get to see the human capacity for coming toward Jesus and now for killing him.  We have seen throughout the first portion of Mark’s Gospel the way the crowds are drawn to Jesus’ ministry.  He heals the sick and he welcomes the outcast; he brings human wholeness with no real regard for accepted or approved methods and timing.  Now, Jesus’ indifference to accepted or approved methods brings on the anger of those who believe they are the authority.  How dare Jesus defy them? As we can see, this eventually leads to crucifixion.

There are two aspects of today’s reading that I want to touch upon.  First, I’m always fascinated by Jesus’ silence before the chief priests and before Pilate.  He doesn’t try to talk himself out of the situation or even stand up for himself at all.  He does not lie but he answers very few questions.  We know that his silence fulfilled prophecy in Isaiah 53:7, He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

Why did he remain silent?  He could have used this as a powerful teaching moment.  He could have put his accusers in their place.  Afterall, he was totally innocent! But his silence was even more powerful.  These men wanted him to crack.  They wanted him to do something to incriminate himself.  But by remaining silent, Jesus remains the one in control.  His ability to maintain self-control in the face of deception and evil is miraculous.  He is steady and calm.  On some level, Jesus must have known this was part of what he had to do.  Getting angry or defending himself was not going to help the situation.  He allowed God to be the one to intervene in the hearts of those who abused and killed him.

Second, it’s interesting how Mark really emphasizes the humiliation piece of the Passion narrative.  He has already been abused by the chief priest and Jewish ruling leaders.  Now, we see the Roman soldiers mocking him.  They put purple cloth on him and a crown of thorns.  They hit him on the head with a reed.  They pretend to bow down and worship him.  We can picture this scene of bullies making fun of Jesus’ Kingship.  All the while, he is silent.  The whole process of Roman crucifixion had been perfected – humiliation and total dehumanization.  The Romans knew what they were doing; the horrors of their punishment was quite effective at preventing any hint of subversion. 

Tomorrow, we will walk through the Good Friday scripture – Jesus’ death on a cross.  It’s become so familiar, I hope we are able to see it all through fresh eyes.  God is always teaching us new things from his Word. 

What new thing did you take away today?  What did you learn from Jesus before Pilate that you never noticed before?  

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 9, 2025

Day 5 of Week 6

Scripture – Mark 14:53-72

Prayer:  Lord, Let us start by thanking you for a new day.  You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who was, and is, and is to come.  You are all powerful and all knowing.  We give thanks for your love and wisdom.  We give thanks for your presence.  Help us, Lord, gather our scattered thoughts.  Help us set aside distractions and listen to what you have for us today.  In these next few moments of silence, hear our prayers...Jesus, we love you.  In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  We are finishing up Mark 14.  This has been quite a chapter.

Jesus is taken before the chief priest and the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.  Things don’t go so well.  Testimony against Jesus is clearly false and most is conflicting.  The case appears to be nonsense; they have nothing to charge him with. 

The chief priest is desperate and tries to get Jesus to confess by asking him if he is the Messiah, the son of the blessed one?  So Jesus does confess, he says yes.  But Jesus is laying claim to the title Messiah on his terms.  He isn’t Messiah as the Jews anticipated, but in a totally different way.

Jesus calls himself the Messiah, the Son of Man, and tells the crowd they will see him sitting on the right side of the Mighty One and coming on clouds of heaven.  This means not only was the Messiah, but it means that next time the chief priest sees Jesus, he will see him blazing in power. This would not occur in his lifetime on earth however.  This really upsets the chief priest, who considers it blasphemy that Jesus would elevate himself to God’s right hand. 

Then, we have Peter’s denial.  He is in the courtyard of the chief priest.  Peter, who said even if everyone else betrayed Jesus, he would be there until the end; he vehemently denies even knowing Jesus.  He could have taken this time to witness to Jesus’ ministry.   Instead, he invokes God as a witness to his falsehood.  He hears the rooster crow and he knows he has betrayed the Messiah.

Our temptation is probably to vilify Peter.  But we have to be very careful here, as we betray Jesus all the time.  How often do we deny him by our speech, our character, or our actions?  We are no better than Peter. 

Tomorrow, Jesus will go before Pilate.  Prepare yourself.  It doesn’t get any easier from here.

Let’s close today with Psalm 31:1-5,

In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. 2 Bow down Your ear to me, Deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, A fortress of defense to save me.

3 For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me. 4 Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength. 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 8, 2025

Day 4 of Week 6

Scripture – Mark 14:27-52

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, We are so grateful that your mercies are new every single morning.  No matter what our week has been like, we can come to you today afresh and anew.  Lord, forgive us for our many failings.  We want to do better.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are back in Mark 14.  We will cover Jesus’ prediction of Peter’s denial, their time in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Jesus’ arrest. 

Let’s start with the first portion of today’s text.  Jesus and the disciples have celebrated the Passover meal in the Upper Room and have moved on to the Mount of Olives.  It is here that Jesus predicts that all the disciples will scatter, essentially fall away, when the going gets tough.  He refers to a prophecy from Zechariah 13:7 that reads, “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered...’ clearly indicating that the shepherd is Jesus Christ himself. 

Interestingly, Peter makes a very bold, ambitious claim that even if everyone else fell away and disappeared, he would not.  Jesus doesn’t mince words.  He tells Peter that he will betray Jesus three times by that night (or as the text says, by the time the rooster crows two times).  But Peter, and all the others, insist that they will follow Jesus even until death. 

I’ve thought about this a lot.  At this time, the disciples still don’t understand Jesus’ ministry or purpose.  They think they will follow him no matter what but we know what happens.  They all scatter once Jesus is arrested.  Peter does deny him three times in just a few short hours, consumed with fear for his own safety.  When push came to shove, they weren’t quite as invested in Jesus’ mission as they thought.

But then things changed.  After the resurrection, the disciples were changed in fundamental ways.  Peter, who was initially impulsive and fearful, becomes strong and bold, a superb leader in the early church.  After experiencing both the risen Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit, their whole outlook on life is transformed.  And all of them, except for John, are martyred for the Gospel.  They do end up following Jesus to their own earthly death, just not in the timing they expected.

So, I will ask again, would you follow Jesus to the point of giving up your life?  If you were being tortured and persecuted for your faith, would you stay faithful to Jesus or would you give in to the pressure and deny Christ?  It is not outside the realm of possibility that such a situation could exist for us.  Afterall, it does exist for Christians all over the world.

I read this quote recently, “If we have not prepared ourselves and our twenty-first century churches to die for Christ’s name if necessary, we have not completed our responsibility of preparing disciples.”  If this makes us uncomfortable, it should.  Because Jesus has called us to a faithfulness that involves more than what we typically think of when we call ourselves Christ-followers.  What does it mean to be a disciple?  Jesus makes it quite clear and we read it just a couple weeks ago, Mark 8:34-35, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. 

With that, let’s move on in the text.  We are heading to Gethsemane, into the garden with Jesus and the disciples.  Jesus’ soul was restless, he was anguished, and he needed to spend time with the Father.  He asks the disciples to pray as well.  This is the time when Jesus pleads with God, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.

Jesus knows what he is about to endure.  Is this the human side of him not wanting to endure the physical pain and humiliation?  Or, is this the divine part of him not wanting to endure the weight of the sin of the world?  It could definitely be both.  But Jesus was obedient.  He knew this was God’s will and design.  While he asked, my guess is he already knew the answer.  Jesus knew what had to be done and he was willing to do it.  But we do get a first row view as to the struggle going on within him.

Jesus struggled and so it isn’t surprising that we will also struggle.  Obedience can be really hard.  But Jesus gives us this beautiful example of yielding to God’s will, no matter what.  And he was going to face a tortuous death.  Most of the time, our dilemma isn’t quite as intense or painful, but it might be.  Think of a situation in your life in which you yielded to God’s will even though it was hard and painful.  How did that affect your faith journey?

I just wanted to briefly mention the disciples falling asleep.  They have no idea what is going to happen.  They are tired after a big Passover dinner and several glasses of wine (there is a lot of wine involved in a traditional Jewish Passover).  We see their human weakness here.  I feel a little sorry for them.

Finally, we head to Jesus’ arrest.  Judas has already betrayed Jesus.  He and the soldiers head into the garden with the intention of arresting Jesus.  Judas kisses Jesus on the cheek, letting the soldiers know who to arrest.  I can imagine this whole scene being chaotic.  No one really knew what was happening, except Jesus.  Then, one person standing near him (who we know is Peter from other Gospel accounts) panics and cuts the soldiers ear off.  One young man flees naked (some people say this person was Mark, the author, but we really don’t know).  The whole thing probably happened quickly and the disciples scatter, just as they said they would not do. 

More tomorrow...

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 7, 2025

Day 3 of Week 6

Scripture – Mark 14:1-26

Prayer:  Almighty God, We are in awe of you.  You are all-powerful and all-knowing.  You are the one who was, and is, and is to come.  We give you all the glory and praise.  We rejoice that you, the one who created all things, also cares so deeply for us.  We are overwhelmed by your love and grace.  Thank you so much, Lord.  As we think about our day to come, help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you...Oh Lord, how we need you.  We pray this in your powerful name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today is Wednesday so it’s Recharge day.  I hope you will join us tonight at 6:30pm in the Garage for a time of worship, fellowship, prayer, and small community.  It’s a wonderful pick me up in the middle of the week.

Today, we start Mark 14.  There is a lot in the chapter so we are splitting it between two days. We know that the chief priests and teachers of the law are already scheming to do something to Jesus.  The chapter begins with such a claim.  Then, we join Jesus and some others at dinner at the home of Simon the leper in Bethany.  An unnamed woman comes in and pours an alabaster jar full of nard over Jesus’ head.

Let’s talk a bit about nard.  The word is kind of ugly (it rhymes with lard), but the substance itself must have been wonderful.  It was a very expensive and highly valued perfume, made from the spikenard plant.  This unnamed woman comes and pours the whole jar over Jesus’ head. 

There is some ugliness that follows this.  Some of the people there were indignant.  They were annoyed and angry.  They wanted to know why would this woman waste such a precious perfume?  After all, it could be sold and the proceeds given to the poor.  This judgmental statement should be unpacked a little.  Please know, these guys with full bellies had no real concern for the poor.  But they did love money.  We know that Judas was also the treasurer and he was, most people presumed, skimming off the top.  They would have loved for this woman to sell her perfume so they could have gotten a piece of the profit. 

Jesus basically says, “Leave her alone.”  This anointing really foreshadows what is to come. Jesus will be killed.  No one will anoint his deceased body properly.  But the good news is that He has already been anointed right here in Bethany.  This was an extravagant act of devotion.  What she has done is a sign that wherever the good news of the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world “what she has done will be told in remembrance of her” (14:9).

In the second portion of today’s text, Jesus has gathered with his disciples for the Passover meal. They are reclining at the table and eating when he proclaims that one of them will betray him. They all are upset by this and ask, “Surely you don’t mean me?” I’ve always thought this was an odd thing to say. Why didn’t they just say, “I would never betray you!” or “Heck no!” But they say, “Surely you don’t mean me?” Other translations say, “Am I the one?”

By this point, Judas has already sold out Jesus. The others have not but it’s as if they don’t really trust themselves either. Maybe they are capable of betraying Jesus, maybe they will. Friends, we have all betrayed Jesus. Every single one of us.

What if each and every time we know the right thing to do and we do not do it, we betray Jesus?

What if each time we give in to something we know is wrong or dishonest or immoral, we betray Jesus?

What if each time we turn away the poor, each time we harbor anger toward our neighbor; each time we fail to show mercy, each time we become self-righteous...we betray Jesus?

And what if, what if each and every time we sin, we betray Jesus?

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 6, 2025

Day 2 of Week 6

Scripture – Mark 13

Prayer:  Almighty God, We give you glory and praise.  Thank you for the ways you care for us.  Thank you for the ways you care for our church.  Lord Jesus, help us set aside our scattered thoughts.  Help us push away distractions and truly focus on you.  In these next few moments of silence, Lord, hear our prayers...Holy Spirit, guide our reading and devotional time today.  May we hear a word from you.  In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back, friends, to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we work our way through Mark 13 and I want to warn you, this is a difficult chapter.  Jesus is speaking about the destruction of the Temple and signs of the end times. 

Before we begin to walk through the text, let me start by stating that there are different interpretations of today’s Scripture.  I am going to do my best to offer you different things to consider and reflect upon but scholars do not agree on what this text means.  I personally would be skeptical of anyone who claims to understand it completely. 

Jesus has just finished teaching at the Temple.  As he and his disciples are leaving, one of the disciples comments on the magnificence of the stones and the building.  It seems kind of an odd comment, except for the fact that these men were from Galilee where things were much smaller and less extravagant.  The Temple was, in fact, quite amazing and something to behold. 

Jesus’ response probably isn’t what the disciple was expecting.  He says that eventually the whole Temple would be destroyed.  Not surprisingly, the men ask when this would occur.  Here is where things get tricky. Jesus begins to speak of when false teachers will come, wars, earthquakes, famines, and many other catastrophic events.  He speaks of the disciples being turned over to be arrested and flogged but also the need for the Gospel to be preached to all nations.  There isn’t a timeline presented but Jesus does state that in the midst of all this threat and disaster, the Messiah will be the one to come and gather his people.  Was he referring to events that would happen soon or events at the end times? 

The general consensus is that Jesus is speaking of both.  This is an example of apocalyptic literature but it is also speaking of things to come in the lifetime of the disciples.  They would be tortured, arrested, and killed, for their faith in Jesus.  There would be wars.  In fact, the siege of Jerusalem took place in 70 AD, just less than forty years after Jesus spoke these words.  It was then that the Temple was destroyed by the Romans, just as Jesus mentioned.  And over the centuries, we have seen many wars, earthquakes, and famines.  The earth has no shortage of catastrophes to list. 

At the same time, there is a warning by Jesus to be ready.  The Messiah is coming and we don’t know when that will occur.  Jesus is returning to judge the living and the dead.  The disciples thought his return would be in their lifetime but it wasn’t.  Many people have predicted when it will happen and they have all been wrong.  Jesus himself is quite clear that the day and the hour are unknown. 

I find it fascinating how people have been trying to predict the end of time for hundreds, possibly thousands of years.  Around the world, people have pointed to various geographical and sociological signs and said, “This day will be doomsday!” I’ve been around many people in Christian circles who want to point to this event or that event and say, “The end times must be near.” And yet, Jesus clearly warns us against doing this in today’s reading.  As Christians, there is not anything for which we need to fear.  We simply have to be ready.  Are you ready for when Jesus returns? 

Take some time today and think about this.  Spend time with Jesus in prayer.

Let’s close today’s devotional with Psalm 24, which points to Jesus’ second coming as the King of Glory...

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,    the world, and all who live in it; 2 for he founded it on the seas    and established it on the waters.

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?    Who may stand in his holy place? 4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,    who does not trust in an idol    or swear by a false god.

5 They will receive blessing from the Lord    and vindication from God their Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,    who seek your face, God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, you gates;    be lifted up, you ancient doors,    that the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is this King of glory?    The Lord strong and mighty,    the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, you gates;    lift them up, you ancient doors,    that the King of glory may come in. 10 Who is he, this King of glory?    The Lord Almighty—     he is the King of glory.

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki

Daily Dose of Hope

May 5, 2025

Day 1 of Week 6

Scripture - Mark 12:35-44

Prayer:  Lord, We come before you on this Monday as we start a new week, and we pray for you to speak to us.  We need you.  We need a new word from you.  We need your guidance, your wisdom, your help.  Help us set aside the distractions of our day, our many scattered thoughts, and focus on you.  During these next few moments of silence, Jesus, help us remember that we belong to you...In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  We are finishing Mark 12 today.  We will learn more about what it means to be the Messiah, as well as how different God’s economy is from the economy of the world.  Let’s get started!

The first part of the text is a little puzzling.  What is Jesus speaking of here?  Whose son is the Messiah?  The scribes and the Jewish leaders knew that the Messiah would be a son of David.  They thought he would be a human descendant of David, someone who would come to save them from the Romans with strength and military might.  Again, they are purely thinking in human terms. 

But when Jesus quotes from Psalm 110, he is showing that the Messiah would be more than simply a son of David.  The Psalm calls the Messiah, “my Lord.”  In Jewish thought, a descendant of someone could never be also the Lord of that person.  Jesus is saying, if the scribes agree that Psalm 110 is talking about the Messiah, how then could David call his son his Lord?

Essentially, Jesus is telling the scribes and Jewish leaders that the Messiah would be greater than they thought, greater than simply a human leader who would come to defeat the Romans. He is wanting them to stretch their thinking and begin to consider that the Messiah may come in a totally different form than they are expecting.  Remember, at this time, even the disciples still have a narrow view of Messiah. 

Think about Friday’s Scripture from earlier in Mark 12.  Jesus had a conversation with a particular scribe/teacher of the law.  When Jesus tells him that the greatest commandment is to love God with his own heart and mind and to love his neighbor as himself, he tells Jesus that he has taught truth and answered well.  This scribe seems open to what Jesus is teaching, possibly open to changing his ways of thinking.

It's on the tail end of this discussion that Jesus brings up the “whose son is the Messiah” topic.  Jesus gives everyone who is listening, including this one scribe, enough information to stretch their thinking about Messiah and possibly get them to consider changing their minds.  This scribe is open to Jesus and Jesus sees that.  He wants to offer him another piece of the puzzle.  He wants to see if he will consider new information about the Messiah and possibly be open to true belief in Jesus.  We don’t know what this scribe does with the information.  Did he come to believe in Jesus as Messiah and Lord?  Does he come to accept faith in Jesus Christ? 

But it got me thinking.  When someone is open to new information about Jesus, are we open to sharing more?  Are we paying attention? 

The second part of the text is pretty harsh.  Jesus is still speaking of the teachers of the law and scribes but this time it’s a warning.  He speaks of how they seek the best seats in the synagogue, they wear flowing robes (that clearly identify who they are), and they pray obnoxiously long prayers.  But it’s all insincere.  It’s all for show.  Really, their hearts are far from God as they “devour widows’ homes.”  What does this mean?  It’s possible that the scribes find ways to take the widows’ homes, either legitimately or illegitimately.  Or, it could be that traveling scribes used up the few resources that widows had in their possession.  Basically, they are without mercy.  They take advantage of the vulnerable in order to serve their own selfish needs.  We have already learned that whoever wants to be first must be last, but these teachers of the law have things totally upside down.  Jesus is clear that they will be punished for their lack of compassion. 

While we hopefully don’t have hearts that devour widows’ houses, we definitely need to look at our own lives here.  What is our motivation for giving?  Do we want our names on a donors’ plaque?  Is recognition important?  And most importantly, are we demonstrating true compassion for the poor? 

Mark is telling this story to provide a stark contrast with the next portion of the text.  This is what we typically call the “widow’s mite” story. The widow, who is desperately poor, gives all she has.  And Jesus holds her up as an example, saying she has given so much more than those who have much and give a fair amount.  Does this mean we should give everything we have to the Kingdom?  Maybe, I don’t really know.  It’s definitely challenging. 

What we can discern is that the things valued in the Kingdom of God differ from the human realm.  Should we give our money to buy a new A/C unit for the church?  Should we give to a new roof?  I mean, those things are necessary for sure.  Are they valued in the Kingdom?  Or should we give the money to a homeless shelter?  How do we make these decisions?  How do we know what Jesus is calling us to do?  It’s clear that he expects giving to be sacrificial. 

Here is something even more challenging.  In our world, time is money.  Maybe Jesus is calling us to give our time in a sacrificial way.  What does that look like?  Sometimes, its actually easy to write a check but what if Jesus is calling us to give of our time in a way that is really hard?  What would that look like?

There is a lot to think about and pray about today.  Spend some time with Jesus before you end your devotional time.  How is he speaking to YOU personally about sacrificial giving?

Blessings, Pastor Vicki