6.4.12

April 3, 2012


Opening Hymn:
Lead On, O King Eternal (Red Hymnal 580)

Scripture Reading:
John 12:20-36

Message: Temptation to stop
 27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” In this scripture Jesus, for a moment, recognizes that He can choose to save Himself from death. It is only for that moment. He decides to continue down the path to glorify God’s name, to die on the cross, to save us from sins. His life is almost over. But His story will always continue on.

Sometimes when it matters the most, it is the most difficult as well. Jesus knows how important it is that He faces the cross. However, He also recognizes His disciples will tempt Him not to go. He understands that one of His chosen 12 will betray Him, and that another of His twelve will deny Him. How hard it would be to face the hardest time in His life… and feel essentially alone. Knowing that He could choose to avoid it must have been harder still. Yet for our sake He continues on.

Through all of life’s challenges let us remember Christ who has suffered and struggled as we have. Let us never forget that He continued on for our sake. Let us all continue on in our lives to serve God. No matter what the future brings! Christ can overcome any challenge, and through Him so can we. Let us all keep loving and serving, then, until God calls us home to Him. Amen

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for all the sacrifices that You have made for us. Guide us through our challenges and doubts on this day, and every day. Help us remember Your unfailing love. Give us strength when we feel too weak. Give us courage when we are afraid. Show us Your path when we are lost. Help us show Your love and compassion to those who are in need. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Lord Speak to Me (Red Hymnal 463)

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, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God

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