March 25, 2012

Scriptures for March 25th: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33; Theme: Keeping our Covenants with God; Song: Lift Him Up Jeremiah: Have you noticed that the scriptures during the season of lent all have a theme. The theme of the old testament lessons has been our promise with God. Or should I say, God’s promise with us. Along with that promise is God’s contract to be in relationship with us – that is called a covenant. In Jeremiah, he is telling us that God is about to make a new covenant with us. In order to make a covenant, something has to be cut. God says that this new covenant will not be written in stone, but will be written on the hearts of the faithful. Instead of cutting into stone, does that mean that God will cut into our hearts? Does that mean that we will understand that the new promises require something of us? Will we understand that if God changes the covenant, that God will make the sacrifice for us? if God loves you, what does it mean for you to love God? John: Jesus has always said that his job is to save the Jewish people, so when Greeks come to him and ask question what does that mean? How does he respond to them? Does he extend to them the gift of salvation? Yes, Jesus tells them the truth, just as he has shared with his disciples. He predicts that things will get worse for him, but that is okay. Because he is the sacrifice, not just for the Jews, but for all of us. If a grain of wheat does not die, it does not produce. He is that grain of wheat. But it helps us understand what it means to follow him to the cross. We too have to sacrifice our will for God’s will. If he be lifted up, he will draw all people (Greek and Jew) to him. Lenten season is about waiting for new life, but the only way we have new life is to experience death on the cross. Good Friday is still before us. Questions: What does it mean for the covenant to be written on our hearts? If it is not our hearts, what is it that is being sacrificed inside of us? (our sinful nature) What difference does forgiveness make in our lives? If Jesus can share so easily with strangers, why is it so hard for us today? What are you doing to lift up Jesus? What difference will the resurrection make in your life?