Easter: Thursday, May 8, 2008

Old Testament Lesson

Zechariah 4:1-14

This passage has that refrain you may have heard before, "No by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord." That is how the Lord works.  He doesn't always the strongest, or the smartest, or the most experienced, or the youngest, or whatever labels we may place upon our backs or the back of others.  The Lord uses those that are willing to be used by His Spirit. Today, remember that is not by our might or our power, but it is by His Spirit.  

New Testament Lesson

Ephesians 4:17-32

We see in this passage that as we daily turn to Christ, we must daily turn away from the old things; the old sin, the old desires, the old fights, the old person we used to be. We must turn away from the old that we used to be and turn towards the new that we are called to be.  But how?  Isn't that mission too hard?  Is that something that we can do? 

Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord. Through His Spirit, yes we can.  We can turn and embrace new life. Today, and each day.  

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 9:1-8

Before the heals the man, Jesus forgives. Sometimes the greatest healing we need in our lives is not a physical healing, but it is the healing that comes from hearing these words.  You are forgiven. Today, through the love, grace, and work of Christ you are forgiven. 

Once again, hear these words. Through Christ Jesus, you are forgiven.  

May those words bring healing to our souls