Praying with Jesus 1: In times of trial

After fasting for 40 days and nights in the wilderness, Jesus is tempted by the devil.  (Matthew 4:1-11)

Is this time in the wilderness a test or a trial?  

(... and what might the difference be?)

• A test is something that assesses what we've learned and whether we are ready to advanced to the next stage.
• A trial is something that is designed to teach us what is necessary for the next stage.

Pastor Rob reflects on how understanding this wilderness temptation as a trial can help us do two things:

First, it can deepen our appreciation of fasting as preparation for the trials of life.

Second, it can deepen our connection to Jesus as one who prays with us during the trials of life.

The artwork is Christ in the Desert by Vasily Polenov, 1909

You are the salt of the earth

You are the salt of the earth (Jesus, Gospel of Matthew, Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:13)

This winter has been all about snow, cold and SALT!

When Jesus declares that we are the salt of the earth, this is a word of Gospel:  We are valued.  It is also a word of challenge:  we are called to work hard for others.

So far, so good. But wait, Jesus also says salt might lose its flavor.  What might that mean?  Hint:  It has to do with foolishness.  

Blessed are the Peacemakers

 

"Blessed are the Peacemakers."  Jesus Christ, Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew (5:1-12)

"Blessed are the Peacemakers" is a word of great challenge to us -- peace is not the norm.  What it mean for us to be peacemakers in our lives, in our communities and even in our world?

"Blessed are the Peacemakers" is a word of great promise for us -- peace will be the norm in Kingdom come.  Jesus promise of peace invites us to see the world, not as our eyes see it, as it is, but how it can and one day will be -- reconciled through and to him.

The image is from a basketball game that tells the story of what it might look like when we begin to see what the eyes cannot!