Scripture for Today

Scripture for Today

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Scripture for Today episodes

  • Easter | Luke 24:1-12 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Believe For It by CeCe Winans, Dwan Hill, Kyle Lee, and Mitch Wong

    Lyrics:

    They say this mountain can't be moved
    They say these chains will never break
    But they don't know You like we do
    There is power in Your name

    We've heard that there is no way through

    We've heard the tide will never change
    They haven't seen what You can do
    There is power in Your name
    So much power in Your name

    Move the immovable

    Break the unbreakable
    God we believe
    God we believe for it

    From the impossible

    We'll see a miracle
    God we believe
    God we believe for it

    We know that hope is never lost

    Oh for there is still an empty grave
    God we believe no matter what
    There is power in Your name
    So much power in Your name

    You are the way when there seems to be no way

    We trust in You God You have the final say

    You said it

    I believe it
    You said it
    It is done

    Ending

    God we believe for it

    Passage:

    But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

    Musical Reflection:

    Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

    Reflection Notes:

    Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

    Prayer:

    O God, who for our redemption gave your only begotten Son to die upon the Cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the devil and the power of death: Grant us grace to die daily to sin, that we may live with him in the joy of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

    11 min
  • Easter | Colossians 2:6-15 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    All Glory Be Forever by Jordan Kauflin

    Lyrics:

    We had turned from God to sin's disgrace
    We chose the path to hell
    Perfect law of God condemned our race
    For all in Adam fell
    But the righteousness of God appeared
    And the world found hope again
    For the righteous One has come down to bear
    All the curse of sin and death

    Now to Him Who's seated on the throne

    All glory be forever
    Oh the depths of wisdom grace and power
    All glory be forever
    All glory be forever

    Every bond of sin that held us fast

    Is left in Jesus' grave
    We've been freed from all that gripped our past
    From Satan's rule and reign
    We've been raised to life to breathe His grace
    As captives now reclaimed
    All our guilt is gone all our striving ceased
    We're alive to seek His fame

    Now our future's fixed our journey clear

    God will not let us go
    Every trial that tempts our hearts to fear
    He'll use to give us hope
    All creation groans as we await
    What our eyes have longed to see
    Every pain and evil we've long endured
    Will be crushed by Christ our King

    Passage:

    6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
    8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
    (Colossians 2:6–15 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    It Is Well With My Soul (VILLE DU HAVRE) by Philip Bliss

    Reflection Notes:

    A hymn born in tragedy, “It is Well” was penned by Horatio Spaffor after hearing that his daughters had all perished in a shipwreck. Through this devastation, Spafford and his wife clung to the promise of God’s goodness. Spafford’s immortal words were set to music by his good friend and hymn writer, Philip Bliss; Bliss titled the tune “Ville du Havre” after the ship on which Spafford’s children had died.

    Prayer:

    Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the
    human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to
    take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross,
    giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant
    that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share
    in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
    and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever
    and ever. Amen.

    12 min
  • Easter | Psalm 118 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Resurrecting by Chris Brown, Mack Brock, Matthews Ntlele, Steven Furtick, and Wade Joye

    Lyrics:

    The head that once was crowned with thorns
    Is crowned with glory now
    The Savior knelt to wash our feet
    Now at his feet we bow

    The one who wore our sin and shame

    Now robed in majesty
    The radiance of perfect love
    Now shines for all to see

    Your name

    Your name
    Is victory
    All praise
    Will rise
    To Christ our king

    The fear that held us now gives way

    To him who is our peace
    His final breath upon the cross
    Is now alive in me

    By your spirit I will rise

    From the ashes of defeat
    The resurrected king
    Is resurrecting me
    In your name I come alive
    To declare your victory
    The resurrected king
    Is resurrecting me

    The tomb where soldiers watched in vain

    Was borrowed for three days
    His body there would not remain
    Our God has robbed the grave
    Our God has robbed the grave

    Passage:

    The Lord is my strength and my song;
    he has become my salvation.
    15 Glad songs of salvation
    are in the tents of the righteous:
    “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,
    16 the right hand of the Lord exalts,
    the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!”

    17 I shall not die, but I shall live,

    and recount the deeds of the Lord.

    The stone that the builders rejected

    has become the cornerstone.[a]
    23 This is the Lord's doing;
    it is marvelous in our eyes.
    24 This is the day that the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

    Musical Reflection:

    Harp Meditation No. 3 by Gretchen Kirby

    Reflection Notes:

    This harp reflection features rich, full chords with a strong melody. The tension between major and minor chords reflects the challenges and triumphs of daily life.

    Prayer:

    O you from whom to be turned is to fall, to whom to be turned is to rise and in whom to stand is to abide forever, grant us in all our duties your help, in all our perplexities your guidance, in all our dangers your protection and in all our sorrows your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    -Augustine

    11 min
  • Easter | Acts 10:34-38 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    All of Your Ways Are Peace by The Porter’s Gate

    Lyrics:

    All of Your ways are peace
    All of Your ways are peace
    Though are we are pressed on every side
    We trust that You are peace

    All of Your words are truth

    All of Your words are truth
    Though we have heard so many lies
    We trust Your words are truth

    All of Your ways are just

    All of Your ways are just
    Though we may say it through our tears
    We trust that You are just

    All of Your ways are peace

    All of Your ways are peace
    All of Your ways are peace
    All of Your ways are peace

    Passage:

    34 Peter began to speak: “Now I truly understand that God doesn’t show favoritism, 35 but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ ​— ​he is Lord of all. 37 You know the events that took place throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how he went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil, because God was with him. -- Acts 10:34-38 (CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    Nothing But The Blood (PLAINFIELD) by Robert Lowry

    Reflection Notes:

    Lowry wrote several hymns for his congregation’s use in the late nineteenth century. This particular tune is pentatonic (only five notes used per octave) and falls within a small vocal range, which made it accessible for all parishioners to sing and enjoy.

    Prayer:

    Father of all mercies, you revealed your boundless compassion to your apostle Saint Peter in a three-fold vision: Forgive our unbelief, we pray, and so strengthen our hearts and enkindle our zeal, that we may fervently desire the salvation of all people, and diligently labor in the extension of your kingdom; through him who gave himself for the life of the world, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

    8 min
  • Holy Week | Luke 22:39-71 (with Jeff Sholar)

    Opening Song:

    Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed? By Isaac Watts, arranged by Bob Kauflin

    Lyrics:

    Alas and did my Savior bleed
    And did my Sov'reign die
    Would He devote that sacred head
    For such a worm as I
    Was it for sins that I had done
    He groaned upon the tree
    Amazing pity grace unknown
    And love beyond degree

    My God why would You shed Your blood

    So pure and undefiled
    To make a sinful one like me
    Your chosen precious child

    Well might the sun in darkness hide

    And shut his glories in
    When Christ the mighty Maker died
    For man the creature's sin
    Thus might I hide my blushing face
    While His dear cross appears
    Dissolve my heart in thankfulness
    And melt my eyes to tears

    Passage:

    39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, 46 and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

    47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus said, “No more of this!” And he touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”

    54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house, and Peter was following at a distance. 55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” 58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not.” 59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, “Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean.” 60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

    63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him. 64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” 65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.

    66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said, 67 “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68 and if I ask you, you will not answer. 69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 So they all said, “Are you the Son of God, then?” And he said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips.”

    (Luke 22:39–71 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby

    Reflection Notes:

    This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.

    Prayer:

    O you from whom to be turned is to fall, to whom to be turned is to rise and in whom to stand is to abide forever, grant us in all our duties your help, in all our perplexities your guidance, in all our dangers your protection and in all our sorrows your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
    Augustine

    14 min
  • Holy Week | Philippians 2:5-11 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Bernard of Clairvaux, Gregg Sewell, James Waddell Alexander and Paulus Gerhardt, arranged by Fernando Ortega

    Lyrics:

    O sacred Head now wounded
    With grief and shame weighed down
    Now scornfully surrounded
    With thorns Thine only crown
    How pale Thou art with anguish
    With sore abuse and scorn
    How does that visage languish
    Which once was bright as morn

    What Thou my Lord has suffered

    Was all for sinners' gain
    Mine mine was the transgression
    But Thine the deadly pain
    Lo here I fall my Savior
    'Tis I deserve Thy place
    Look on me with Thy favor
    Assist me with Thy grace

    What language shall I borrow

    To thank Thee dearest Friend
    For this Thy dying sorrow
    Thy pity without end
    O make me Thine forever
    And should I fainting be
    Lord let me never never
    Outlive my love to Thee

    Passage:

    5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
    (Philippians 2:5–11 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Hans Leo Hassler

    Reflection Notes:

    This tune by Hassler is most famously set with the text “O Sacred, Now Wounded;” the most common harmonization was popularized by J.S. Bach in his St. Matthew Passion. It conveys the pathos of Christ’s death with deep sincerity.

    Prayer:

    Almighty and everlasting God, in your tender love for us you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon himself our nature, and to suffer death upon the Cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and come to share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    13 min
  • Holy Week | Psalm 22:1-11 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Psalm 22 by Greg LaFollette

    Lyrics:

    My God my God why have you forsaken me
    My God my God why have you forsaken me
    You promised me that you would never leave

    I'm crying out but you are not listening

    I'm crying out but you withhold your peace from me
    You promised me that you would never leave

    He trusts in the Lord all the mockers say

    So let God deliver him since he loves him

    My God my God why have you forsaken me

    My God my God why have you forsaken me
    You promised me that you would never leave
    You promised me that you would never leave
    You promised me that you would never leave

    Let God deliver him since he loves him

    Passage:

    1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
    Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
    2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
    and by night, but I find no rest.

    3 Yet you are holy,

    enthroned on the praises of Israel.
    4 In you our fathers trusted;
    they trusted, and you delivered them.
    5 To you they cried and were rescued;
    in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

    6 But I am a worm and not a man,

    scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
    7 All who see me mock me;
    they make mouths at me; they wag their heads;
    8 “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him;
    let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”

    9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb;

    you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.
    10 On you was I cast from my birth,
    and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
    11 Be not far from me,
    for trouble is near,
    and there is none to help.
    (Psalm 22:1-11 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    O Sacred Head Now Wounded by Hans Leo Hassler

    Reflection Notes:

    This tune by Hassler is most famously set with the text “O Sacred, Now Wounded;” the most common harmonization was popularized by J.S. Bach in his St. Matthew Passion. It conveys the pathos of Christ’s death with deep sincerity.

    Prayer:

    I have no other helper than you,
    no other father, no other redeemer, no other support. I pray to you.
    Only you can help me.
    My present misery is too great.
    Despair grips me,
    and I am at my wits’ end.
    I am sunk in the depths,
    and I cannot pull myself up or out.
    If it is your will, help me out of this misery.
    Let me know that you are stronger
    than all misery and all enemies.
    O Lord, if I come through this,
    please let the experience
    contribute to my and my brothers’ blessing.
    You will not forsake me; this I know.
    Amen.
    (A prayer from a young Ghanian Christian. Taken from I Lie on My Mat and Pray.)

    10 min
  • Holy Week | Isaiah 52:13-53:12 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    Stricken, Smitten and Afflicted by Thomas Kelly, arranged by Fernando Ortega

    Lyrics:

    Stricken smitten and afflicted
    See him dying on the tree
    'Tis the Christ by man rejected
    Yes my soul 'tis he 'tis he
    'Tis the long-expected Prophet
    David's Son yet David's Lord
    By his Son God now has spoken
    'Tis the true and faithful Word

    Tell me ye who hear him groaning

    Was there ever grief like his
    Friends thro' fear his cause disowning
    Foes insulting his distress
    Many hands were raised to wound him
    None would interpose to save
    But the deepest stroke that pierced him
    Was the stroke that Justice gave

    Ye who think of sin but lightly

    Nor suppose the evil great
    Here may view its nature rightly
    Here its guilt may estimate
    Mark the sacrifice appointed
    See who bears the awful load
    'Tis the Word the Lord's Anointed
    Son of Man and Son of God

    Here we have a firm foundation

    Here the refuge of the lost
    Christ's the Rock of our salvation
    His the name of which we boast
    Lamb of God for sinners wounded
    Sacrifice to cancel guilt
    None shall ever be confounded
    Who on him their hope have built

    Passage:

    13 Behold, my servant shall act wisely;
    he shall be high and lifted up,
    and shall be exalted.
    14 As many were astonished at you—
    his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance,
    and his form beyond that of the children of mankind—
    15 so shall he sprinkle many nations.
    Kings shall shut their mouths because of him,
    for that which has not been told them they see,
    and that which they have not heard they understand.

    1 Who has believed what he has heard from us?

    And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
    2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,
    and like a root out of dry ground;
    he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,
    and no beauty that we should desire him.
    3 He was despised and rejected by men,
    a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;
    and as one from whom men hide their faces
    he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

    4 Surely he has borne our griefs

    and carried our sorrows;
    yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted.
    5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
    upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed.
    6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
    we have turned—every one—to his own way;
    and the LORD has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

    7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

    yet he opened not his mouth;
    like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
    and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
    so he opened not his mouth.
    8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away;
    and as for his generation, who considered
    that he was cut off out of the land of the living,
    stricken for the transgression of my people?
    9 And they made his grave with the wicked
    and with a rich man in his death,
    although he had done no violence,
    and there was no deceit in his mouth.

    10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;

    he has put him to grief;
    when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
    he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
    the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
    11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
    by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
    make many to be accounted righteous,
    and he shall bear their iniquities.
    12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,
    and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,
    because he poured out his soul to death
    and was numbered with the transgressors;
    yet he bore the sin of many,
    and makes intercession for the transgressors.
    (Isaiah 52:13–53:12 ESV)

    Musical Reflection:

    O Lord, Hear My Prayer by Jacques Berthier

    Reflection Notes:

    This song from the Taizé community contains a series of pleas: “O Lord, hear my prayer, O Lord, hear my prayer; when I call, answer me.” The repeated notes emphasize the insistence of the sung prayer, while the descending lines indicate a deep, almost despairing desire to connect.

    Prayer:

    This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

    13 min
  • Lent 5 | John 12:20-33 (with Tom Gastil)

    Opening Song:

    O Lord, open our lips and our mouths will declare Your praise.

    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
    As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end,
    Amen.

    The Scripture for today is John 12:20-33.

    Let’s prepare our hearts to hear from God’s word as we listen to Son of Suffering by Aaron Moses, David Funk, Matt Redman, and Nate Moore, sung by Jekalyn Car and the Mav City Gospel Choir. Jazz organ and unison ensemble singing immediately set the tone for this song. The passionate voices, inspired improvisations, and call-and-response motives are all characteristic of the gospel style and elicit a specific emotional response.

    Lyrics:

    Oh the perfect Son of God

    In all His innocence
    Here walking in the dirt with you and me
    He knows what living is
    He’s acquainted with our grief
    A man of sorrows Son of suffering

    Blood and tears how can it be

    (That) there’s a God who weeps
    There’s a God who bleeds
    Oh praise the One
    Who would reach for me
    Hallelujah to the Son of suffering

    Some imagine You are distant and removed

    But You chased us down in merciful pursuit
    To the sinner You were grace
    And the broken You embraced
    And in the end the proof is in Your wounds
    Yes in the end the proof is in Your wounds

    Your cross my freedom

    Your stripes my healing
    All praise King Jesus
    Glory to God in Heaven
    Your blood still speaking
    Your love still reaching
    All praise King Jesus
    Glory to God forever

    Glory to God forever

    Glory to God forever
    Glory to God forever
    (Glory to God forever)

    Hallelujah to the Son of suffering

    All praise King Jesus

    All praise King Jesus
    All praise King Jesus
    Glory to God forever
    All praise King Jesus
    All praise King Jesus
    All praise King Jesus
    Glory to God forever
    Passage:

    20 Now some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 So they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and requested of him, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.

    23 Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit. 25 The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

    27 “Now my soul is troubled. What should I say ​— ​Father, save me from this hour? But that is why I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”

    Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”

    29 The crowd standing there heard it and said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

    30 Jesus responded, “This voice came, not for me, but for you. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world will be cast out. 32 As for me, if I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate what kind of death he was about to die. -- John 12:20-33 (CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    I Need Thee Every Hour (NEED) by Robert Lowry

    Reflection Notes:

    Each stanza of this familiar hymn was written by Annie Hawks as part of a poem. When she showed the composition to her pastor, Robert Lowry, he added the refrain and set the text to music for their congregation to enjoy. The musical lines always tend upward before falling back down, an apt parallel to the textual pleas reaching up to God.

    Prayer:

    12 min
  • Lent 5 | Hebrews 5:1-10 (with Nick Locke)

    Opening Song:

    High Priest by Alisha Powell, Cassie Campbell, and Jon Thurlow

    Lyrics:

    I stand before the throne and boldly I approach
    Not by my own righteousness I stand
    Behold there is a Lamb standing as though slain
    His blood was spilled He made a way for me

    I have a High Priest

    Who has passed through the heavens
    I have a High Priest
    Who has made intercession
    I have a High Priest
    Through His body He made a way

    I enter in by faith before the throne of grace

    Into that holy place with confidence I enter in
    Behold there is a Man
    Whose hands still bear the scars
    And through His death He tore the veil for me

    Thank You for the wound in Your side

    You made a way for me You made a way for me

    Passage:

    For every high priest taken from among men is appointed in matters pertaining to God for the people, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
    2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he is also clothed with weakness. 3 Because of this, he must make an offering for his own sins as well as for the people. 4 No one takes this honor on himself; instead, a person is called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, Christ did not exalt himself to become a high priest, but God who said to him,

    You are my Son;

    today I have become your Father,

    6 also says in another place,

    You are a priest forever

    according to the order of Melchizedek.

    7 During his earthly life, he offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was the Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. 9 After he was perfected, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10 and he was declared by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. -- Hebrews 5:1-10 (CSB)

    Musical Reflection:

    Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 by J.S. Bach

    Reflection Notes:

    Bach’s well-known prelude spins out a series of modulations, almost imperceptible at first. The new harmonies continually unfold in a way that intrigues but never shocks.

    Prayer:

    Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    12 min

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