Holy Week: Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 17:5-10, 14-17

We can trust in the flesh, and we will fail. Or, we can trust in God and know His strength. We can't want it enough, we can't will it enough, we can't desire it enough. We are not good enough, strong enough, wise enough, power enough, or able to defeat sin and temptation on our own. Only through the power of God can we do it. We get ourselves into trouble by thinking and saying that we can handle it. We cannot. Sin will destroy us, and we cannot defeat it.

On our own. Through the power of God, all things are possible. But, left to our own devices, we will fall, and will continue to fall. Only through His grace and and by His power can we stand against sin.

New Testament Lesson

Philippians 4:1-13

We sometimes take verse 13 out of context. What Paul is talking about here is that the Lord has put Him in a variety of situations in his ministry, some nice, some tough, some rich, some poor. But, Paul found out that no matter where the Lord has placed him, through God's strength and power, he can overcome. He has learned to reply upon God, and if he does that, he can conquer whatever comes his way.

When we learn that our strength comes not from ourselves, but from God, we can do great things. But, until we learn that lesson, we will not be who God has called us to be and who we can be.

Gospel Lesson

John 12:27-36

Light shines the way. Light points us in the dark which way to go. Light drives out the dark, and allows everything to see and be seen. Jesus is the light. He will point our way. He will shine on our path. He will lead us where we need to be. We must choose, however, light over dark. We must choose good over evil. We must choose grace over sin. God will give us grace to make these choices, but we must reach for that grace. Today, He longs to give you grace for this day. Will you accept it?