Easter: Tuesday, May 9, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Exodus 32:21-34

We see here in this text a couple of things. First, we see that Aaron did not do a good job of leading the people when Moses was gone. Why? He was afraid. He didn't believe that God would be with him and help Him to lead the people. In short, instead of faith, he had fear. That is a choice we must make as well each day. Will we have faith, or will we be afraid. Do we believe that God has called us to this place, that God has called us to this mission only to leave us here? If God had called you to something today, He will not leave you there. He will give you the grace and the strength to finish whatever task He has called you to. Today, do you have faith, or do you have fear? The Word tells us in 1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Second, we see that sin has consequences. Many people were killed in this passage as a result of their sin. While we should not fear circumstances, we should fear what sin can do to us. Sin is not a toy, it is not something to be played with. It will destroy us. Jesus did not come to earth and endure what He endured for us to remain the same. Today for the people, sin had consequences. Today, our sin has consequences for us, our church, and our family.

New Testament Lesson

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

John Wesley, when starting to send Methodist ministers out into America put forth a statement as what was required to be a "Methodist." He said the only thing required was this, “A desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins." Today, Paul reminds us in this text of the very same thing, that Jesus will save us from the coming wrath.

To speak of being "saved," means that we would be saved from something. If you are in a burning house and the fire trucks arrive in time to save you, you would be saved from destruction. In the same way, Jesus came so that we might be saved from something, that is the wrath of God. While God is love and God is mercy, He is also a Holy God that will not allow sin in His presence. Through Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be saved from this wrath that is going to come.

Today, do you desire to flee the coming wrath? If, so, according to Wesley, you'd make a good Methodist! But in all seriousness, if you desire to flee that coming wrath, cling to Jesus.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 5:11-16

Jesus calls us today to be salt and light, to be different, to stand out. Salt adds much to food, it gives us an added taste. Light drives out darkness and allows good to be done. We are to live in that same manner. We are to be as salt, adding life and joy to life. We are to have the joy that can't explained, that joy that comes from deep down, that only comes from God. I read an article recently be a minister that said that Christians should not always laugh so much, we should be more serious. I don't' agree. I think we are to laugh, to live, and to glorify God. As salt, we are to bring the life and joy of Jesus where ever we go.

Likewise, we are to be light. Light drives out the darkness. Our lives should be about driving out darkness in this world, in our community, in our families, everywhere we go. But first, we must allow God to drive out the darkness in our own lives. Today, are you walking in God's light? Today, is the darkness being driven out? Today, are living as a Child of light?