Tag Archives: Christ is King

Paradise

Kingdom Building

November 22, 2019

Scripture Reading: Luke 23:33-43

One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’ –Luke 23:38-43

The word Paradise is an ancient Persian word meaning “enclosure, garden, park.”* Isn’t that wonderful imagery to soothe a troubled soul. More important than being assured that a haven awaits just ahead is the assurance that Jesus will be there too.

Of course, we have that promise right now, that the Spirit of God is with us in all that we do. Providing guidance and support. Sometimes we get so caught up in the chaos of the world we forget to recognize that fact to our peril.

Safe in the arms of Jesus,
  Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded,
  Sweetly my soul doth rest.
Hark! ’tis a song of heaven
  Borne in the sweetest voice,
Echoed by saints in spirit,
  Making my heart rejoice.


   Safe in the arms of Jesus,
  Safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded,
    Sweetly my soul doth rest*.

Prayer: Lord of Life, comfort us in your continuous presence with each of us and all of us together as we seek to turn this world into a Paradise. Amen.

*https://biblehub.com/greek/3857.htm

**First verse and chorus of Safe in the Arms of Jesus by Fanny Jane Crosby see at https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/679

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Christ is King

Kingdom Building

November 21, 2019

Scripture Reading:
Luke 23:33-43

When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!’ The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine, and saying, ‘If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!’ There was also an inscription over him, ‘This is the King of the Jews.’ –Luke 23:33-37

I experienced a bit of shock when I read the above scripture. After all I am making plans for Thanksgiving. My church is having its annual Giving Thanks dinner on Sunday after which we decorate the church for the next Sunday when Advent begins. Why does the church year end with the crucifixion? And then I remember that in the traditional liturgical calendar the last Sunday in that calendar is designate as Christ is King Sunday.  The end is a new beginning. The incarnation of God  results in the call  for God’s followers working in partnership with Christ the King as he implements the full Kingdom of God.

As we count our blessing this Thanksgiving, let us consider how we can spread those blessing throughout the earth. As we enter the time of waiting for the coming of the Christ child, let us grow in spirit and truth toward actualizing the Kingdom of God.

Prayer: Thank you God for coming and dwelling among us to show us the way to the rule of love being realized in our world. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.