D-V's Desk

This Sunday (19 May) the Western church celebrates the "birthday of the church."  The day when God's Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus' first followers.  From that moment on, they (and history) would never be the same.   Jesus' followers boldly go forth into the world to tell others about Jesus.  They share God's radical love and forgiveness.  They heal and restore life to the dead.  A small group grows and grows with the help of God's Holy Spirit to strengthen and sustain them. Pentecost has its roots in the Jewish tradition.  In the original context, the festival of weeks (as it is also called) is a harvest festival.   Fifty days after the Passover, by the Law of Moses, all Jewish persons were to be in Jerusalem to celebrate the feast  (Leviticus 23:12-22) . The first of the crops would be presented at the Temple.  Thanks would be given as these first fruits were dedicated to God.  Then prayers would be offered to God ask...

            Prayer is a powerful thing.   We have experienced that this past week.   Our prayers and our love have been surrounding Deacon Dorothy and Andy.   Jesus Himself sets the example of taking time to connect with God in prayer.   This morning, we have an extended prayer of Jesus’. Scholars call this “The High Priestly” Prayer.   Here we see Jesus in His role as mediator and intercessor.   The great High Priest, as Hebrews phrases it (4:14-16).   Jesus is actively praying for His friends.   This prayer comes as part of Jesus’ teachings and prayers of Maundy Thursday.   Can you imagine that?   Jesus is just hours away from betrayal, suffering, and death.   Yet, Jesus is not thinking of Himself at this time.   No.   Rather, Jesus is thinking about His followers.   Jesus is thinking about those who will be in deep distress and in great pain after His death. In His great prayer, ...