The Lent Devotions are finished now but I'll be leaving them on the site for a while so you can use them any time you like.

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16, KJV

Jesus is silent on Saturday. So is God. And while our tendency is to fill the gap with busyness and rush urgently towards Sunday, it is best we wait.

Lie still. Breathe. Be patient. Trust God. Feel his arms. Receive his comfort. God’s silence is never an indication of his absence, inactivity is never apathy. 

Jesus has said it is finished. Tomorrow he will prove it. Today we can rest in his victory.

Let’s pray
We’re going to end our devotions series in worship using a beautiful song by Darlene Zschech.

Thank you for the cross, Lord, thank you for the price you paid, bearing all my sin and shame, in love you came, and gave amazing grace. Thank you for this love, Lord, thank you for the nail-pierced hands, washed me in your cleansing flow, now all I know your forgiveness and embrace. Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne. Crown You now with many crowns, you reign victorious. High and lifted up, Jesus Son of God, the darling of Heaven crucified. Worthy is the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb.

Want more? Order my new book Developing Kingdom Resilience here!

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”… And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.  When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:45-54, ESV

Jews started their day at 6am and so the ninth hour for them would fall at 3pm. Even since I said ‘yes’ to Jesus I take a few moments at 3pm on Good Friday to reflect on the astonishing love shown to us at the cross. And to think about the noise! Jesus’ last cries, the chatter of the onlookers, the weeping of the women at the foot of the cross, the curtain of the temple rendering in two, the earth shaking, tombs breaking open, dead people resurrected, soldiers calling out in amazement… There was nothing quiet about the crucifixion. God announced it in the heavens and on the earth. No-one could miss it.

We cannot stay quiet about the saving sacrifice of Jesus. Commit to telling someone about him soon. Ensure no-one misses it.

Let’s pray
Make me bold, Lord. Make me noisy. Help me shout about you. Help me fill the space in front of me with praise and thanks. Help me tell others the good news. I love you, Jesus. I am so grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Want more? Order my new book Developing Kingdom Resilience here!

“When it was morning, the religious leaders of the people and the high priests and scholars all got together and brought him before their High Council. They said, “Are you the Messiah?” He answered, “If I said yes, you wouldn’t believe me. If I asked what you meant by your question, you wouldn’t answer me. So here’s what I have to say: From here on the Son of Man takes his place at God’s right hand, the place of power.” Luke 22:66-69, MSG

Jesus has endured the bleakest of nights and now moves into the worst of days. It is difficult for us to comprehend how he can be so calm and full of authority. But there is a clue to his ability to face persecution with such endurance and resilience. It’s in the statement he makes to the high priests “From here on the Son of Man takes his place at God’s right hand, the place of power.” Not “from the moment you crucify me”, not “from the moment I die” not “from the moment I rise again.” From here on!

From here on Jesus will not be subject to the will of the people, the priests or the Romans. From here on he will never move from his position as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. From here on he will receive the highest honour and praise and remain at the right hand of the Father. From here on he is the definition of sacrifice and power. For ever!

As we move from Maundy Thursday - the bleakest of nights - to Good Friday - the worst of days – remember from here on everything, EVERYTHING changes.

Let’s pray
I come to the altar tonight, Jesus, knowing your arms are open wide to receive me. Thank you that from here on everything changes. I love you, Jesus and I am so grateful. Thank you. Amen

Want more? Order my new book Developing Kingdom Resilience here!