Easter: Thursday, April 17, 2008

Old Testament Lesson

Exodus 34:1-17

The Lord shows us two things of great importance. First, He shows that He is a forgiving God.  He had every reason to destroy the people and start over.  But, He didn't.  He was true to His promise, and He forgave them.  He did say, though, that sin has consequences. The consequences of sin is that is passed down to the children. So, if someone is full of hate, they will teach their children to hate. Our kids and grand kids do what we do. That is why sin is passed down.  It is learned from the parents. 

And secondly, we see the Lord tell the people that they should not, must not worship idols, only the Lord. To worship an idol is to give it devotion and love ahead of God. That is the temptation we face sometimes. Not to make a gold calf to worship, but to place other things ahead of God.  We must be careful that we do not fall into the same trap that the Israelites did.  

New Testament Lesson

1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Just as sin can be passed down, so can righteousness. Paul here says how proud he is the people, for they are living in the way that they were taught.  Just as with our lives can teach children bad habits, we can also teach them good. We can teach them faith, devotion, love, prayer; things such as this. Now, they must still claim it as their own; but we can be good examples. 

And what makes you more proud and happy than to see your child or grandchild accomplish something?  Imagine the joy and pride we can feel and have felt when we have seen them grow into faithful followers of Christ.  

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 5:21-26

And we see in this passage what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ.  It starts in the inside. It starts in heart.  If our heart is devoted to Christ, so will our actions be.  If our heart is in love with Christ, so will our actions be.  If heart keeps from sin and hate, so will our actions. 

Let us live with faithful and obedient hearts. And our lives will follow.