Today is Good Friday. It’s when we gather at the foot of the cross to ponder and give thanks that Jesus gave his life for ours. He paid the price for our sin so that we could be reconciled to God. I sometimes tell the story about a young person who asked me why Good … Continue reading To redeem a race of rebels
holy week
Things are not always as they seem
Today is Maundy Thursday. It begins a series of days sometimes called the Triduum which include Good Friday and Easter Sunday. “The big three.” On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ new commandment to love one another and celebrate the inaugural Lord’s Supper. On Good Friday we gather at the foot of the cross to ponder … Continue reading Things are not always as they seem
Fair-weathered, or all-weather?
Hello everyone! After two weeks away, The Up Devotional is back to your email inboxes, social media feeds, and podcast platforms five mornings a week. We are now in what is often called Holy Week. Yesterday was Palm Sunday. This coming weekend we remember and centre ourselves in the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. It … Continue reading Fair-weathered, or all-weather?
Four words for Good Friday
Today is Good Friday. Christians from all over the world gather at special services to ponder the cross and to thank God for what he has done for us in Christ. He has given his life for ours. The Reformer Martin Luther called it the “glorious exchange.” We’re the ones who deserve to be up … Continue reading Four words for Good Friday
And we are its hands
Today is Maundy Thursday. It’s not as well-known as Good Friday, Easter morning, or even Palm Sunday. Some churches hold special services; some don’t. Either way, it’s a very significant day. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34. “Mandatum novum” means “new commandment.” This new commandment is to … Continue reading And we are its hands
Talk not only about what you’re doing, but why
Holy Week is upon us. Like Christmas it can be a time of traditions. We wave palms on Palm Sunday, sing “The Old Rugged Cross” on Good Friday, and say “He is Risen!” on Easter morning. Some people also have family gatherings or Easter Egg hunts. At its heart, a tradition is about passing on … Continue reading Talk not only about what you’re doing, but why
He experienced your death sentence to set you free
In A Tale of Two Cities two characters named Sydney and Charles love the same woman. The two men look a bit alike, but she ends up marrying Charles. They have two children together. Much later, Charles is put in prison and sentenced to death. In a powerful act of self-sacrifice, Sydney breaks into the … Continue reading He experienced your death sentence to set you free
Love one another: The meaning of Maundy Thursday
Today is Maundy Thursday. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin translation of Jesus’ words in John 13:34. “Mandatum novum” means “new commandment.” This new commandment is to “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” We could spend a lifetime pondering and applying those words. And we do. … Continue reading Love one another: The meaning of Maundy Thursday
You are in good hands
I was talking with someone who was feeling uncertain before a big operation. Fair enough. But then they met the doctor. He took extra time, explained what was going to happen in understandable terms, said he had performed this operation many times, showed that he cared, and even offered to pray!
Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
There’s a marine training facility called Parris Island. A young man signed up who was a bit out of step with the others. He was nice enough—but he just didn’t fit in. As a result he got picked on. A lot. In his barracks there were guys who were particularly mean. One of them came … Continue reading Why it’s called ‘good’ Friday
