“I have needs too, you know.” These are words that punctuate an argument. You say them with tears streaming down your face. Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” Did he say it with tears of exhaustion? Was he telling the world and his Father that he would take no more? Suffer no more? Was he demanding at least a tiny bit of relief? Let’s find out. This Sunday we study John 19:28, the fifth word that Jesus spoke from the cross. He spoke a word of need.
How many exasperated parents haven’t scolded their teenager, “I hope someday your kids will treat you the same way you’re treating me!” How many of us, now grown-ups, look back and shudder at things we said and did to our parents while we were growing up? If so, we need to spend a few moments looking again at our Savior and his cross.
Have you ever heard a promise that is too good to be true? You know the ones. These come in the mail and claim that you’ve already won a million dollars. We all know that the fine print doesn’t really bear that out. There are many who see God’s promises exactly the same way. We continue our sermon series Seven Times He Spoke this Sunday with a word of promise. Even though this promise might sound to good to be true, we can take it heart and believe it is true. God never breaks a promise.
For there to be ashes at all – something has to burn. Schmearing ashes onto a person’s forehead might seem a little strange, at first, but it is a powerful reminder of what we will be one day – dust and ashes. What will you do when you must stand before your God? Thankfully we don’t need to wonder. Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey to the cross of Calvary where we find Jesus offering himself for us. We are forgiven in Jesus.
How do you never forget something? There is a science to memory. God created us so that it is possible to burn images, feelings, and events into our minds. Transfiguration was one of those events. For the Apostles who witnessed Jesus glory on this side of the grave they were never the same. This week we behold Jesus in all his glory before starting our journey to the cross during the season of Lent.