It’s “Maundy Thursday” and I’d like to take a moment to offer a prayer and an invitation to join us tonight at 7:00 p.m. for Maundy Thursday worship. We’re seeking answers this Holy Week and Maundy Thursday is all about being deceived. It is what happens when you invest time and energy and love in someone and then you find they have deceived you. And it hurts. You want an answer but it doesn’t seem to come.
Please join with me in prayer.
Dear Jesus:
On Maundy Thursday, we remember your unselfish example, your betrayal, the institution of Holy Communion and your prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. May we learn from your example, even as receive your Body and Blood in the bread and wine. Help us faithfully seek answers from you. Amen.
It’s “Maundy Thursday” and I’d like to take a moment to offer a prayer and an invitation to join us tonight at 7:00 p.m. for Maundy Thursday worship.
Dear Jesus:
On Maundy Thursday, we remember your unselfish example, your betrayal, the institution of Holy Communion and your prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. May we learn from your example, even as receive your Body and Blood in the bread and wine. Amen.
Dear Jesus, On Maundy Thursday, we remember your unselfish example, your betrayal, the institution of Holy Communion and your prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. May we learn from your example, even as receive your Body and Blood in the bread and wine. Amen.
It is a day leading up to Easter with the strange name, “Maundy Thursday.” The name “Maundy” is from the Latin word “command.” At the Last Supper, just after Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, he said,
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34).
On Maundy Thursday, or “Command Thursday,” we remember Jesus’ command to love one another as Jesus loves us.
I sense that many people will remember that Jesus gave his disciples Holy Communion (The Last Supper) for the first time on Maundy Thursday. Shortly afterwards he would go to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane where Judas would betray him. It would be a long evening of forced appearances before the religious authorities and then Pontius Pilate, humiliation, beatings, and torture, eventually leading to his crucifixion on Good Friday.
However, I think many of us forget that before the Last Supper, Jesus actually washed his disciples’ feet. Just imagine Jesus, the very Son of God, humbly wiping the dirt and crime from the streets of Jerusalem off 12 pairs of feet! Peter speaking for everyone questioned Jesus, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” Jesus responds, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” (John 13:15) Jesus calls us to serve each other – to seek out opportunities to make a difference in someone’s life. For many, that is a huge change because we are very skilled at thinking of ourselves first.
How will you celebrate the Last Supper? Will you be in church? Will you receive communion? If church is part of your plan for today, great, but you do not need to wait until you are in worship to celebrate the Last Supper. On this “Command Thursday,” when Jesus directs us to love as he loves, whose “feet will you wash?”
Wish to read more about Maundy Thursday and you don’t have a Bible? Just search for any of the following scriptures:
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:18-19
It has been a remarkable week. As I recovered from treatment against a spot of evil in my personal life in the guise of Lymphoma, evil seemed to roar its ugly head once again in our nation. From Boston to West, Texas, death and destruction suddenly affected countless people. All of us watched and waited for any news from Boston, praying that suspects would be captured before they could cause anymore ruin. And as we learned more about the massive explosion in Texas, our hearts went out to the families of the first responders who died so suddenly trying to save a city now nearly leveled as well as the nearly 200 injured. As if those were not enough, in Northern Illinois April showers became record braking floods as countless homes were damaged and a typical daily commute quickly became an endurance test of patience through detours.
Last week evil seemed so obvious. With such heartbreak, many questions came to mind. How do brothers living what appears on the surface to be a typical American life, plot and carry out a terrorist attack? Is it simply coincidence that these two terrible events occurred in the same week? Why did so many innocent people lose their lives or suffer injury without warning? Why does God allow such tragedy? Has evil won?
Investigations will eventually tell us why a fertilizer plant exploded and what steps communities can take in the future to prevent a repeat. Countless inquiries will attempt to answer every aspect of the Boston Marathon bombing. However, as we learned following 9-11, some questions will remain and beg for answers.
I find solace knowing that evil has already been defeated. While there are times when the consequences of evil are very apparent in our personal lives or in the lives of those in our community or nation, “the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil(1 John 3:8b)”. Yes, Jesus came to destroy evil. Through His death and resurrection, he succeeded.
Luke 10 describes the time when Jesus sent out 72 disciples on an urgent mission to heal and tell people that the kingdom of God was near. (It is a marvelous story well worth your closer examination.) When the 72 returned, Jesus greets them with the astonishing words:
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you (Luke 10:18-19).”
The enemy, Satan himself, was suffering defeat. Jesus continues saying, “Your names are written in heaven (v.20).” This is true victory, our salvation!
Yes there is much evil around us. Communities will be rocked by horrible, unfortunate explosions in the future. Moreover, we have no reason to believe that terrorism has ended in our nation. At times, like last week, evil will be obvious.
Scripture prepares us for such evil with simple, straightforward advice.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good . . . Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer . . .Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12: 9, 12, 21).”
Let good rule over evil in your life. Be an example for others. We cannot allow evil to win over our lives.
Pastor Warren, Immanuel’s Associate Pastor, joins us as a guest blogger with a recap of a special moment during one of yesterday’s worship services…
Sometimes I feel like Art Linkletter during our Children’s Sermons. Perhaps you remember that show where Mr. Linkletter would sit and talk unscripted with children about certain topics and the “kids would say the darndest things.” Typically, whenever the kids would answer his questions, it would stop Mr. Linkletter in his tracks, and bring about absolute laughter.
Well, I had one of those moments yesterday in our Children’s Sermon. As usual, I had a script in my mind that I would share with the kids and the adults. I was all set to teach them on the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus told his disciples “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” As I invited the kids up to the front, I asked the Elders to stretch a long rope across the altar preventing them from fully coming forward to be with me. It was great. These kids were like herded sheep, all bunched up in the middle aisle, not knowing what to do. I asked them what was preventing them from being with me…they said the rope was stopping them. As I lifted up the rope and invited the kids to come forward for some “Jesus time” they burst forward running up to the front. They were very excited to spend some time learning about Jesus.
Needless to say, all of this pent-up energy that was just released provided for some pretty squirrely kids. In the matter of a few moments, I could see that all my plans were going out the window as their energy was overpowering any of my plans.
The Art Linkletter moment came when I asked the children, “Would Jesus tell his disciples to get those kids away from me?” They cheered “No!” I then asked “What would Jesus tell the disciples?” I was expecting all sorts of answers. Then it happened; that Art Linkletter moment. Right out of the gate, one child boldly responded by saying “the darndest thing.” Little Malachi shouted very clearly “Let the children come to me!” I was stopped in my tracks. I turned to the congregation and said “Did you hear that?” They responded with applause. At which point I knew that my Children’s Sermon was complete. What more could be said than that – the witness of a little child knowing that Jesus puts up no barriers, and desires for them to freely come to Him?
Indeed, kids say the darndest things! Thanks be to God for that!
It was on June 11, 1776 that Thomas Jefferson, aided by James Madison, began to draft a document later known as the Declaration of Independence. On July 4th of that same year, 56 men gathered together to approve this document in a Continental Congress. It wasn’t until nearly a month later, on August 2nd to be exact, that the Declaration was ready for signing. Who would sign it? How many would be willing?
Each man knew the potential cost of doing so. They could lose their homes and property. They could be hanged by the British as rebels. Their wives and children could be thrown into prison. They would be putting all that they had on the line.
Yet, when time came, Richard Henry Lee presented the document. John Hancock was first, and then every man stepped to the table and signed this Declaration of Independence. They broke barriers. They crossed the line.
This weekend in worship we will talk not only about the signers of the Declaration of Independence, but also about another one who breaks principles, ignores our self-imposed realities, and goes beyond what we allow ourselves to believe. The men in that Continental Congress followed the model of Jesus Christ who opened doors that were long believed to be nailed shut. Let’s look at several boundaries and limits in life, how Jesus dealt with them, and how he set the example for us even today.
Please join us for worship this weekend — Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Central, or Sunday at 8:00, 9:15, or 10:45 a.m. -– either in person at 200 North Plum Grove Road, Palatine, IL or online.
This weekend we are going to be talking about a message we have from Jesus, summarized in a powerful prayer (John 17:11-19). Jesus prays that we be encouraged in our faith in the midst of a harsh and hostile world. He wants us to tell others that He set aside power and strength that was rightfully His, so that He could become like us and to die in our place to pay our penalty for our sin. This is His mission of salvation and as we tell others, we are indeed empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Shary Frahm took this photo in Cambodia and captioned it “Completely calm and composed in the midst of urban turmoil!” It’s a good reminder that Jesus prays that we be encouraged in our faith in the midst of a harsh and hostile world.
Chaos and hate surround us in Palatine. Chaos and hate surround our missionaries, George and Shary Frahm, in Cambodia. Chaos and hate in the media (both traditional and social) surround everyone. But we are to be “In It, Not of It.” Jesus knew hatred, his disciples knew hatred, our missionaries know hatred, and frankly all those who follow Jesus will come to know it as well. In our country we actually have it pretty easy in this regard, but it’s there all the same. But God’s love and blessings surround us also!
How do you find enough peace in your world so that you can share a message of hope and love?
Please join us for worship this weekend — Saturday at 5:00 p.m. Central or Sunday at 8:00, 9:15, or 10:45 a.m. -– either in person at 200 North Plum Grove Road, Palatine, IL or online.
See you in church!
Pastor Tom
Shary Frahm (right) in Cambodia, sharing Jesus’ message of salvation in ways both large and small.
“And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.” John 17:11-19
Any creative energy I have today is simply due to adrenalin still pumping thorough my body after our Easter Celebration. Sharing the Easter message three times yesterday following our Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services was exhilarating, and yet exhausting. It’s a mountaintop experience to let everyone know the tomb is empty, and yet it is physically draining. However, I will not allow the joy of Easter to become simply another memory this morning. It is far too important!
Yet, I fear that for most people the day after Easter will seem much like any other Monday. In fact, this morning you may find yourself experiencing more than the typical Monday back-to-the-same-routine blues. This is especially true if you added a family gathering or two along with attending a full church service to an already longer than normal weekend.
As I said on Easter, because Jesus lives, our sins are really forgiven. Because Jesus lives, the devil is really defeated. Because Jesus lives, resurrection and eternal life have been won for us. We know this because of the Biblical record and the witnesses who saw it for themselves: Mary Magdalene, the disciples on the Emmaus Road, the ten and the eleven disciples in the Upper Room, a private appearance to Peter, then to 500 disciples all at once, and yes later to the Apostle Paul. He Lives!
Yes now it’s Monday and we are exhausted, weary, and perhaps feeling the effects of too much stress from such a busy weekend. And yes, it may be time to get the kids back to school, get back to work, clean the house, pay the bills or whatever is necessary and expected . . . but don’t forget that just yesterday we were together in a full church shouting “He is Risen Indeed!” For a few minutes at least, we felt good and confident that all was good in life and whatever challenges may lay ahead, with Jesus we can overcome. God seemed closer and more real than he had in months, if not longer.
Here’s something that I suggested you think about last year, and again I encourage you to ponder it:
We are not sure what the disciples did on the Monday after Easter. Perhaps they stayed together celebrating the news of the resurrection, while keeping a low profile in case soldiers or other religious leaders came looking for them. We can’t be certain of anything, except we know that their lives were never the same. The men who had been so timid and fearful were now brave and courageous. Easter made all the difference for their rest of their lives.
Let it be the same for you! Do not allow the day after Easter to take away the encouragement, optimism and hope you felt and knew on Easter Sunday. The tomb was empty and no matter what unpleasantness you may face in the future, just go back in your mind to that empty tomb. There is real power, hope, and confidence there through Jesus Christ.
A PRAYER:
Risen Savior, may the power of your resurrection, fill me today and for the rest of my earthly life. May the memory of your sacrifice never be far from my mind. And May I be an example of your unselfish love and care for all, today and every day. In your most glorious name, I pray. Amen.
Dear Jesus, On Maundy Thursday, we remember your unselfish example, your betrayal, the institution of Holy Communion and your prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. May we learn from your example, even as receive your Body and Blood in the bread and wine. Amen.
Let’s talk about Mark 14:12-26 and Maundy Thursday, the Day of the Last Supper (Passover Meal) and so much more…
On this day, Jesus gathers with his disciples in the upper room to prepare them for his death, and to prepare himself as well. Jesus celebrates the Passover meal and gives it new meaning as he washes their feet, predicts his betrayal, and institutes the “Lord’s Supper.” After singing a hymn, they walk to the Garden of Gethsemane. There Jesus prays in agony, knowing what lay ahead of him.
It is a day rich in meaning and example for all. For instance by washing his disciples feet (John 13:2-17), Jesus not only gives a lesson in humility but teaches us the principle of selfless service that would be witnessed the next day as he hung on the cross. Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (v 15).
Consider what you can do to serve someone in need. Is there a task you can accomplish that will benefit someone else? Perhaps without the person even knowing of your action, you can make a difference today in his or her life.
PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
On Maundy Thursday, we remember your unselfish example, your betrayal, the institution of Holy Communion and your prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. May we learn from your example, even as receive your Body and Blood in the bread and wine. Amen.
You are invited to join us this evening at 7:00 p.m. CST to hear “The Voice of Pilate”, receive Holy Communion, and witness the “Stripping of the Altar.” Join us in person at 200 North Plum Grove Road, Palatine, IL or online.
Many of us say quite honestly, “I want a better life!” But that “better life” can be difficult to define. Perhaps it is a full life – a life that isn’t missing out on whatever we feel is important at the moment. Sometimes this requires a total makeover. Or perhaps such a drastic change isn’t needed, but a new job, new friends, or even a new house would sure help. Perhaps a new car will give you more life – you hope!
When we say, “I want more out of life,” I think whether we realize it or not, we are really talking about a vibrant, exciting life and not a stagnant life, not even a stagnant life filled with material possessions. We want a full-flowing life! A stagnant life is like a smelly old pond that has no stream to freshen it, and no place to drain the stale water.
How about an abundant life? An abundant life is a life that gives you much more than the very basic needs. It is a life that has meaning and makes a difference. It’s a life that is noticed and an example for others. I am convinced that Jesus knows exactly what you desire and in fact he said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Jesus is using the good shepherd analogy in this section of scripture. As a good shepherd he chooses the best pasture land, feeds and waters his sheep, providing us with the abundant life. We hear and follow his voice because he is our protector and knows where all good things are for us! When you get lost, he does not abandon you but leaves everything else to come and find you. He gives us more than what it takes to survive; he gives us life in the fullest possible sense. It is a life with sincere spiritual joy and a real sense of fullness.
However a full abundant life does not come problem-free this side of heaven. Jesus also warns us that, “in this life you will have trouble” (John 16:33). As you experience troubles living the abundant life however, you still have joy, contentment and peace because Jesus finishes that passage with the words, “take heart; I have overcome the world.” In the abundant life, you work through your troubles with the one who has already overcome all things!
The Christian abundant life is anything but boring and unexciting. Living the abundant life means that we live each day to the fullest and we know without any doubt that Jesus is walking alongside of us. When we stumble, and we will, he will help us get “back up on the horse.” It is seeing God-given potential in everyone, including you. It is being inspired to speak and offer comfort to the troubled, take on new ventures even with an element of risk and being the first to apologize when you fail. It is using all of the resources God has given you to manage to support his work so that others will know the abundant life you enjoy.
I know you want this life. Jesus wants you to have it. It is there for you because he gives it to you!
See you in church, and see you living abundantly,
Pastor Tom
It’s “Maundy Thursday” and I’d like to take a moment to offer a prayer and an invitation to join us tonight at 7:00 p.m. for Maundy Thursday worship. We’re seeking answers this Holy Week and Maundy Thursday is all about being deceived. It is what happens when you invest time and energy and love in someone and then you find they have deceived you. And it hurts. You want an answer but it doesn’t seem to come.
It’s “Maundy Thursday” and I’d like to take a moment to offer a prayer and an invitation to join us tonight at 7:00 p.m. for Maundy Thursday worship.
Many of us say quite honestly, “I want a better life!” But that “better life” can be difficult to define. Perhaps it is a full life – a life that isn’t missing out on whatever we feel is important at the moment. Sometimes this requires a total makeover. Or perhaps such a drastic change isn’t needed, but a new job, new friends, or even a new house would sure help. Perhaps a new car will give you more life – you hope!
Pastor Tom's Blog 