Lent: Thursday, March 22, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 22:13-23

We see in this passage two types of kings. The first has all the "stuff" of a king. Big house, servants, all things that you would associate with a king. But, this king doesn't pay his workers right. He doesn't treat them fairly. He is only interested in what he wants and does not do right by others. People respect him only because of what he has, not who he is.

The second person acts like one should. He is righteous and just. He treats his workers and servants well. People respect him not because of what he has, but who he is.

Do we seek to be respected, do we seek to impress others based off of what we have? Or do we seek it based off of who we are?

New Testament Lesson

Romans 8:12-27

One of the things that as a pastor is the hardest to hear is when someone is in the midst of a trial or tragedy to hear them say, "I can't pray." But, guess what. There will come a time in all of our lives, if we live long enough when we will have that experience. There will come a time when words will fail us. When we will look to heaven and not know what to say. When we just can't do it.

That is why I love this passage. It reminds us in the times when we don't know what to pray or can't even pray, the spirit intercedes on our behalf. Our prayers are not words; they are our hearts lifted up to God. Today, does your heart seek God? Today, does your inward most being seek God? Then, you are beginning to pray. Allow the spirit to continue to intercede on your behalf, and teach you to pray.

Gospel Lesson

John 6:41-51

We see here in this passage the teaching of Jesus, that He is the bread of life. Bread satisfies, bread gives life. Only Jesus will give you the life that you need. We read this passage in Bible Study last night, and I want to share with you another passage that draws in on this passage, from Isaiah 55

Ho, everyone who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and you that have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labour for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.

Jesus is the bread of life that satisfies. Nothing else will. Do not labor, do not spend your money on that which will not. He is the bread of life. He is life itself.