March 16, 2010

Opening Hymns:
Meekness and Majesty 157
My Faith Looks Up to Thee 162

Scripture Reading:
John 12:4-6

Message Plane Ride of Life
It has been a while since I’ve been on an airplane… but I’ve ridden on them enough times to remember the pre-flying lessons that the flight attendants give. “Exist are located here, here, and here. If there is an emergency, go to the exit closest to you… it may be behind you.” One of the most important things that I’ve taken from this talk is if oxygen is needed, put your own on before helping the child next to you. It is a wonderful reminder that, while we are suppose to help others around us, we must first ensure that we are taken care of. If, for instance, we helped the child get their mask on first we might not have enough oxygen and pass out… the child might not be able to get the oxygen on for us.

This also reflects one of the things that I learned from this scripture. Jesus does care about and love the poor. He also meets His own needs. Jesus, at this point knew He was going to die. The perfume was, as Jesus later mentions, for the day of His burial. This scripture also teaches one, that selfishly going against the will of God is not good either.

Judas is able to show us two extremes. First, by saying that the perfume should be sold and the money given to the poor, shows the extreme of giving so that ones own needs are not met. The other extreme is shown to us through the author, John, who states that Judas was taking the money and wanted it for himself. This shows selfishness that goes beyond meeting ones own needs and directly interferes with the will of God. As we live each day as ambassadors to God we must remember to take care of ourselves. At the same time we must be careful not to become selfish and stray from the will of God.

Time of Prayer
*Respond: Lord hear our prayer

For people out helping with natural disasters, be with them and give them strength to serve those around them. Be with those also that are facing disasters of their own we pray to the Lord*
For students as the school year comes closer and closer to an end that they might have the knowledge they need to do well in their next phase of life, we pray to the Lord*
For all that suffer the loss of a child, that they might be comforted by You, and by those that surround them we pray to the Lord*

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
There is a Redeemer 211

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, and serve the Lord
Thanks be to God