Asides

April 15
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Uncategorized Aside

“Then Saul said to Samuel, ‘I have sinned. I violated the LORD’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in to them.'” (I Samuel 15:24, NIV)

It is a sad thing when leaders yield to evil for fear of what others may say or do, as Saul did in today’s reading.

The Christian disciple’s ambition is to always — and everywhere — care more for what his or her heavenly Father says than what others say. Where there is disagreement, the child of God always sides with the Father.

Fear not what others may say or may do when you are faced with a moral decision.  “In all your ways acknowledge Him. . .”  – Luther 

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April 14
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“A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.'” (Luke 22:24-26, NIV)

We now see the glory of the Resurrection, but before we arrive at Easter we must leave Palm Sunday and endure Good Friday. Our attitude through all of it, according to Jesus, is to be as He was: The least of all.  The last of all.  The servant of all. 

The disciples were acting out of their corrupted nature (which, as people, we all share).  This nature aspires to be the greatest of all.  This nature desires to be the first of all. This nature expects to be served by all. 

Because of what Jesus has done for all of us through His death on the cross, and through His resurrection from the dead; His summons to servitude is validated for all time and for all people. Our corrupted, natural ambitions assure nothing but strife, but our obedience to Jesus assures us life in all of its fullness.  – Luther

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April 12
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“But Samuel replied: ‘Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'” (I Samuel 15:22, NIV) 

The adage, “It is better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission,” has no traction in a disciple’s relationship with his or her heavenly Father. 

Like any good parent, God wants you and me to be obedient to His will and to His way because our disobedience always requires a sacrifice: Sacrificed time, sacrificed opportunities, sacrificed relationships that might have sustained us and, most notably, sacrificed intimacy with our God and Creator. 

Simple obedience is always preferable to our most extravagant “make-ups” and “make-goods” for doing wrong.  Always best to do it right the first time up!   – Luther 

Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break, as usual, tomorrow.  Have a great day in worship and praise on this Palm Sunday!  Lord willing, see you again on Monday.

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