EASTER SATURDAY: Low In The Grave He Lay

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Saviour

Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

(Robert Lowry)

"All good things come to those who wait", but

GOD COMES IN ALL HIS FULLNESS TO THOSE WHO WAIT ON HIM

GOOD FRIDAY: He Took My Place

Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,

yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted.
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.

ISAIAH 53:4-5 (NIV)

On The Road With Jesus

PALM SUNDAY ~ This most significant day marked the beginning of the last week that Jesus would spend as “God-man”. His journey along the road to Jerusalem that day also marked the 'beginning of the end' of his earthly ministry. On that road to Jerusalem, every step Jesus traveled was one closer to His own death, burial and glorious Resurrection.

Reflecting on Matthew 21:1-11, the Road to Jerusalem that Jesus travelled was clearly also:

• A Road of Humility (verses 1-3)
• A Road of Fulfilment (verses 4-5)
• A Road of Submission (verses 6-8)
• A Road of Destiny (verses 9-11)

Likewise, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to respond to God's love, through the power of His Spirit at work within us. We do this by seeking to live our lives with humility, fulfilled within the will of God, submitted to the Lordship of Christ - for we are destined to eternal life.

As you ponder on the events of Holy Week over the next few days, I pray that you might recommit to walking the road of humility, obedience and submission to the Lord Jesus in all you do. May the assurance of your faith be deepened into God's love more and more.

Matthew 21:4-5 (NJKV) ~ “All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ...'Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey - a colt, the foal of a donkey.'”

Christ At Coal Creek

While on holiday recently I revisted Coal Creek Heritage Museum, as my last visit there would have been some 28 years ago on a primary school excursion. Historic, hey?

While strolling the various heritage buildings I paused for some moments in a little old church. The interior decor was striking, for despite its simplicity it depicted a complexity of emotions.

My attention was immediately drawn to a framed velvet artwork in the left corner behind the pulpit, which I photographed as shown here. I later learned that it is a reproduction of Hofmann's Christ In Gethsemane.

Further research revealed that the German artist's (1824-1911) religious works were symbolic of the profound faith that guided his life and fed his creative genius. He painted subjects from literature and mythology, but is best known for his paintings of the life of Christ. Deeply affected by his beloved mother’s death, Hofmann was inspired to paint his first large religious work, “The Burial of Christ”. Interestingly, he was deeply devout and diligently studied the Bible before painting any scene from Christ’s life, strongly believing that unless someone was moved to their innermost soul while painting religious subjects, they were incapable of the task.

During these weeks of Lenten reflection I've been constantly reminded that the gospel is deeply personal. Yes, the sacrifice of Christ was deeply personal and continues to deepen within me a greater personal appreciation of the extent of God's love.

As I left that little church at Coal Creek, I took with me a deeper desire for personal spiritual engagement summed up well by the words on a plaque by the door.

Whosoever thou art that enterest this Church,

Remember it is the House of God.

Be reverent,

Be silent,

Be thoughtful,

And leave it not without a prayer to God

For thyself,

For those who minister,

And those who worship here.

The Lord Is My Chaplain

I attended a divisional chaplains meeting this morning and was greatly encouraged by the focussed discussion that took place. While there were many definitions of chaplaincy, it was affirming to be reminded of the value of chaplaincy in our changing world and to hear an acknowledgment that, first and foremost, chaplaincy is a ministry.

As a result of this and other personal reflections, I was inspired to compose the following paraphase of the well-known and often-quoted Psalm 23.

The Lord is my Chaplain!

Together we journey through life as trusted companions

He listens to me in gentle understanding

Always encouraging and supportive, never pushy or threatening

When I tread the streets of frustration, despair and anxiety

He guides me to discover the fullness of His love, grace and peace

I am reminded that He is ever-near, guarding and sustaining

Despite facing uncertain cirumstances and changing scenarios

His constant presence fosters hope and strength within me

And helps me to envision a better future

Where I'll know the joy of His eternal care

copyright 2009, Timothy D Lynn

Voice Of The Church ~ Conference and Concert

Come along for all or part of the day vocal conference, and plan to attend the 7.30pm combined vocal concert at Doncaster Corps featuring singers from Camberwell, Mooroolbark, Northcote and Warragul Salvos.

SING PRAISES TO HIS NAME!

1 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV) ~ "Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."

Informed Prayer, Prayerful Action

Today's World Day of Prayer service was focussed on Papua New Guinea.

My wife did a sterling job in arranging and leading the prayer liturgy through, with assistance from a few reader volunteers.

The highlight though was our guest speaker.

Brigadier Gwen Pedersen, a exemplary missionary officer, spoke firsthand of her ministry and service in Papua New Guinea over many years, where she lived and served in retirement with her husband, Brigadier Vic.

Brigadier Gwen took us on a most interesting and engaging journey of the places she visited and the people she loved, delighting us with humourous stories and cause for Christian concern.

This year's chosen theme, In Christ We Are Many Yet One Body, was well highlighted through this personal and prayerful reflection time.

Romans 12:5-6a (NIV) ~ "...in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us."