Acceptance

March 1, 2015

Opening Hymns:
723 Shall We Gather at the River http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh723.sht

Scripture Reading:
Mark 8:31-38

³¹ He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. ³² He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

³³ But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

The Way of the Cross

³⁴ Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ³⁵ For whoever wants to save their life^[a] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ³⁷ Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? ³⁸ If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

Message:
It is so hard to lose someone we love. Sometimes the loss can seem unbearable, and other times we can recognize that though we mourn our loved one now is at peace. But even though we know that their suffering has ended, we can still have a hard time letting go.

In today’s scripture Peter is coming face to face with the idea of losing Jesus, and he cannot accept it. Jesus is still young. He has been his friend and teacher. Peter did not want to lose Him. So he rebukes Jesus. He is no doubt shocked when Jesus rebukes him harshly. One thing that Peter did not understand was that through His death, Christ would become our savior.

As I read the scripture I can see myself in Peter’s shoes. I’ve often had a hard time with the passing of family, friends, and patients. While death is a natural part of life, it can often be so hard to accept. I can surly understand why Peter has a hard time. But as Jesus’ words come true, His disciples can see why He died, and how He came to save them, and all of us from sin.

When I think of all those I know who have now passed on… I remember that through Jesus’ death, they too are resurrected, and brought to eternal life. Their suffering has ended. They leave us with memories and lessons of their own.

Time of Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, comfort us when we morn. Remind us of Your love, and the salvation that is granted to all who believe. Let us remember the new life that is given to us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Thank You for Your love, comfort, and forgiveness. During the struggles and challenges in life, let us cling to You. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
378 Amazing Grace http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh378.sht

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.