Summer Days

On this warm summer day, Lord, may we lie back in your love, like on a sunny beach near singing waves, or in shady grass under a whispering tree.

Words from Isaiah

"You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." Isaiah 44:8

Happy Memorial Day!

 

Words from Romans

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18

I Am

I am the Bread of life…the living bread. John 6:35.51 

I am the light of the world John 8:12

I am the door of the sheep. John 10:7 

I am the good shepherd who giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11 

I am the resurrection, and the life. John 11:25

I am the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6

I recently found out a Christian in my family did not know that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one with three parts. He did not know that Jesus is God who came to earth. The above verses tell me that Jesus is saying I AM like this following verse when God used I AM.

And God said unto Moses, I AM That I AM; and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel. I AM hath sent me unto you. Exodus 3:14

According to Henry Morris of ICR in Dallas Texas, this is cleared up by his paragraph in “Days of Praise” published by Institute of Creation:

The Lord Jesus appropriated this divine name to Himself when He told the Jews:

“Before Abraham was born, I am” John 89:58. Correctly assuming that this    statement was nothing less than a direct claim to identity with God, the        Jews immediately (but unsuccessfully) attempted to stone Him to death as a blasphemer.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, please give us the understanding that you were with your son Jesus when he came to earth.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Words from the book of Ruth

May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness...to me. Ruth 1:8

Faith

 

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1

For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Words from Psalm 116

I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:17

Psalm 23

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in paths of righteousness

    for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk

    through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

    for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff,

    they comfort me.

 

You prepare a table before me

    in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

    my cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

    all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

    forever. Psalm 23

Why I Love Eastridge Presbyterian Church

When I began thinking about why I love this church, I started flipping through the photo album in my mind. I saw the photo of the Carol Choir, made up of 1^st through 3^rd graders, singing at the Easter Sunrise service. We were on the porch of the front entrance on the south side, wearing our robes over our coats, and looking out at the congregation standing on the lawn.      

I saw the image of my shoes stuck in the mud on 56^th Street when my sister and I walked home from choir practice. There were no sidewalks.

I saw the picture of every Sunday school class, from kindergarten through 12^th grade, meeting in Fellowship Hall before the Education Wing was completed. Each class was separated only by moveable wooden room dividers. Boy, was It loud!

I also saw the photos of Fellowship Hall, full of activity on Family Nights, when all ages came together for a potluck, educational activities and mission programs.

That’s also where we had 8^th grade Confirmation Class on Sunday night. Parents served dinner between class and youth group, while we played shuffleboard and ping pong. 

I saw the photo of the confirmation class taken on Palm Sunday, when we were introduced to the congregation. Then we took our first communion on Maundy Thursday and became members of the church.

I remember by the time I was in high school the Education Wing had been added, but it was still crowded. The 10^th grade class met in the storage room—when we didn’t go to Mister Donut.

I also saw the images of going to the church office every week to help my mom mimeograph the weekly bulletin. There was no folding machine, and that was my least favorite job.

In my mind, I saw the photos of all the choirs, from young children to adults, joining together to sing “O Holy Night” at Christmas and “The Palms” on Palm Sunday. We filled the chancel.

As an adult, I have mental photos of the Singles Group or Clipper Club fellowship groups getting together to watch football games, have scavenger hunts or Bible studies. And the annual Thanksgiving dinner sponsored by the Clipper Club.

I saw images of what seems like thousands of meetings I’ve attended. I love that Rev. Huxtable started the tradition that every church meeting should begin or end with prayer. I have even felt the Holy Spirit during meetings in this place.

I have mental photos of so many creative worship services, like when we leave Good Friday services in silence or when we joined together for a Maundy Thursday meal seated at tables running down the center aisle of the Sanctuary.

Most of these memories are positive, and I love having those images in my mind.  But I also love the memories of how Eastridge and its people are there for the sad times, too. My parents were charter members and both of their memorial services were here, and my family felt surrounded by love. We were provided with meals after those memorial services, and I’ve received food after health issues. I have been given the opportunity to develop relationships with pastors who listen, care, and serve with energy, intelligence, imagination, and love. I’ve even had the opportunity to benefit from pastoral visits in the emergency room--twice!

I was raised in this church through young adulthood, and then I moved away for six years. When I returned to Lincoln, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to come back here or join another Presbyterian church. As it has turned out, I’m so glad I returned to Eastridge. I love the people of this church and pray that we will continue to share our love with others for another 70 years. 

Robin Hadfield, at the 70th anniversary worship service at Eastridge on May 14, 2023.

Harvest Workers Needed

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. The saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laboureres into his harvest. Matthew 9:35-38

As Jesus traveled about his world he was touched by the many who were in need of a shepherd to give them hope and comfort. As a part of the leadership training for his disciples he asked them to pray for workers to help the many in spiritual and material need. So it is today that we should pray that workers will be called to lead, help and tell the message of the Gospel. Also, as we pray, we should be prepared to allow God to use us as an answer to prayers. Do you feel called to be a harvest worker? How can you use your talents and gifts to serve the Lord and render comfort and help to others? Be open to God’s call to serve and share with others.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for sending your Son Jesus to us. May the worlds of the Gospel written so many years ago deliver to us a message of instruction and guidance to help us serve you and to do your will. Amen.

Gail Keown (reprinted from 2008 devotional)

Make a Joyful Noise

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands, Served the Lord with gladness; Come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord is God; It is he that made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:1-3

This psalm brings me comfort and a sense of peace. Expression by music is a universal language that can bring persons together in a sharing of enjoyment, fellowship, and worship when it is expressed to praise and thank God. When children and youth share their talents and Christian feelings by singing and playing instruments in worship services, I am moved to praise God and be very thankful for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and presence in their lives.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me remember that being a “sheep in the Lord’s pasture” is a blessed gift, and I give thanks unto Him.

Ravera Edwards (reprinted from 2008 devotional)

God in the Details

Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 8:26

When I was in high school, my chemistry teacher introduced us to the Periodic Table by saying, “I know there is a God because there is such order in all of this.” I love to go bird watching and study about birds and nature. I have been intrigued to learn about the delicate balances in nature. When the Swainson’s Hawk arrives exhausted and hungry in South America (flying over 2000 miles non-stop) for its fall migration, it has not eaten since it left our shores. When it finally lands, there are grasshoppers passing through that area at just that particular time, and the hawk has protein rich food immediately available. In the recent documentary movie “March of the Penquins”, I learned that just at the time when the baby penguins are close to starvation, the adult males (their temporary babysitters) produce a single milky ball that is fed to the chicks and sustains them until the adult females return and take over the feeding again. There is a small fish that swims up the Missouri River channel in the fall between Council Bluffs and Sioux City. When the temperature drops, and the small oxbow lakes connected to the river freeze, these fish die, and the migrating eagles and ospreys use them for part of their food source during their migrations. Over and over in nature, there occur these strategic timings and events that make survival possible. The last line of one of my favorite songs is “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” May we find joy in the fact that our God is intimately involved in the details of the world and as HE watches over his creation, He also watches over us with His same great love and care.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful examples you give us of your love. Help us know how precious we are to you and let us praise you for the great things you have done.

Nancy Hall (reprinted from 2008 devotional)

Worries

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! Luke 12:25

Jesus was speaking to his disciples in this passage and the passage speaks to us too. Jesus is commanding us not to worry. In the depths of our soul, where no one else knows our thoughts, sometimes we can find a worry or two or more even though we seem happy on the outside and sometimes worry keeps us from enjoying what we have.  Sometimes we wear worry on our face. Worry is pointless because it can’t fill any of our needs and God loves us and knows what we need. He promises to meet all our real needs but not our desires. Turn your worries over to God in Prayer. God is with you and knows your needs.

Prayer: Lord, I turn my worries over to you. Thank you for providing what I need and for your Love. Amen.

Susan Taylor (reprinted from 2008 devotional)

Perspective

For your ways are in full view of the Lord, who examines all your paths. Proverbs 5:21

At 42 I like to believe that I have a fairly balanced view of the world and life. For example, the spilt milk on the tablecloth and carpet could actually be worse.  It could have been grape juice! My seven-year-old-son has only one perspective. His. My thirteen-year-old daughter will inform you that she has the CORRECT perspective. Hers! Our latest “perspective issue” is about mothers. You’ll have to be the judge as to which of us has the more realistic perspective.

When my daughter was ten, my friend and I directed a summer and fall camp at Calvin Crest. Last weekend I filled in as a sponsor at the middle school retreat at Calvin Crest. Three and a half years ago she was neutral about my presence at camp. Irritate, aggravated, embarrassed, stupefied and just downright mad would better characterize her demeanor this time around.

It happened innocently enough. We overslept Saturday morning, grumped at one another, and then hurried to church at 7:45 in the morning. I was busy daydreaming about 31 “adolescent free” hours when I heard that there was a need for a female sponsor. Five years ago I would have said nothing, snuck back to my van and left skid marks in the parking lot. On October 16, 2004 I said, “I could probably go.” My son thought that this was fine. My daughter’s answer came in the form of a nonverbal response. (You know what I mean. The eyes were rolling into the back of her head, the huge sigh, the slouching posture and the arms crossing her torso.)

Another mother witnessing this interaction asked my daughter if she would rather have her mother at the retreat or not be able to go at all.  Before my daughter could answer, I informed this mother that based on the way our morning had gone so far, she would probably opt to stay home and shack up with her grandparents for the weekend.  Much to her dismay, I showed up at the retreat. I’m sure that she was relieved when she discovered that my group of middle schoolers consisted of individuals who did not have the same last name as mine. “Is your mom cool?” This is not a complex theological question for an adolescent girl.  Other moms are fine, but your own mom is strange, embarrassing, frustrating, odd….UNCOOL! I’d like to be mad at my daughter, but I’m humbled to tell you that I was no doubt the same at her age. At 42 I now consider my mom one of my best friends. I’m thrilled to spend time with her in public places and have many great stories to tell you about how awesome she really is. This brings me some comfort when my daughter pretends she doesn’t know me.

Prayer: Lord, remind us that one of the greatest gifts of growing old is a clearer perspective. Help us to remember that as we spend time with others today. Amen.

Sara Bevans (reprinted from 2008 devotional)

Jesus Suffered for Us (Number 5)

He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, “I am the Son of God.” In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him. Matthew 27:43-44

They made fun of his trust in God his Father. This would really hurt. The robbers beside him joined in with insults. Really, didn’t they have any better manners. At the very end one of them asked to be in heaven with Jesus and he accepted his request.

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matthew 27:46

He is feeling the horrible pain which he had never felt before, of his Father, God, forsaking him. This is the worst, like your parents not being on your side when you haven’t done anything wrong. It was false accusations while he was dying a slow painful death.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.  The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Matthew 28:2-7

NOW THE TRUTH HAS BEEN TOLD!

“When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. Matthew 28:12-15

Here are the lies again rebutting his rising again from the grave and leaving the tomb. The Jews still believe this story unless they have become Christians. So many have been deprived of knowing the great love our Lord Jesus demonstrated when he died and rose again for us. There are many witnesses who have told the truth as they saw our risen Jesus Christ that first Easter Sunday. Isn’t it interesting that people take money to lie? This was hard for our risen Jesus.  

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Prayer: Oh, Lord, God Almighty, thank you for that first Easter when Jesus walked out of the grave and walked with his friends again. This Easter, help us tell of your Son and his love for us. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Clothing History

I put on righteousness as my clothing: Justice was my robe and my turban. Job 29:14. 

Variety is the spice of life. I am not sure who said that first but I have heard it many times.

In fashion, variety seems to come and go. Styles change as years change. In the 1920’s women bobbed their hair, wore short dresses with dropped waistlines. The 30’s brought clothes on the bias and dreamy looks. While as the 40’s advanced, women worked in men’s jobs and due to little or no fabric being produced for other than the war, their dresses were short and their shoulders padded.

Here we are again in the 20’s. This time, the legs seem to have it with tights and long tops, the rage. Who cares about the length of the dress, it can be short or to the ankle.

Styles come and go. There also styles of Christians. Some read the Bible and pray but ignore the rights of others. Like the 30’s they look good. Others sit in the pew with a bored expression. Like the 20’s they wish they were somewhere more exciting. Some meet and greet like times gone by. Going forward like the 40’s woman.

I have not said anything about the Zoot Suiter of the 40’s. Actually, men of the street but dressed to the nines in what they considered to be their uniforms, they resisted the war movement and were some of the last of the men to be enlisted.  But they were sometimes the most daring and saved the day. Those are our Christians who don’t look the part but step up when the time comes.

What kind of Christian are you? Day to Day or year to year, you may evolve even as styles change. From age to age, we see our roles change. We may take the time to evolve or maybe we are always the same. God sees us and knows our style. I believe he works with that to either help us change or keep us on the correct path.

Prayer: God, hear us as we pray. Pray for a better day or give thanks for this day. Watch over us and keep us safe. Amen

Carolyn Olsen

Words from Romans

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 8:25 

Seasons

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 

For over thirty years, Eastridge Presbyterian Church has been my church home. As life goes, there are always ups and downs. The same goes for churches. They have seasons, too. There were big changes in our denomination and our congregation twelve years ago, and again seven or eight years ago. These were especially difficult seasons for EPC and they affected me deeply. Many of my closest church friends, who had once proclaimed I was part of their church family, left for another church family. I was devastated, shocked, confused, angry, and saddened. Honestly, it felt like a divorce. “Church” did not feel the same. I had a choice to make of whether I stayed or not. I took a long look at the reasons why I should stay. If it was for my church “family”, well, a good share of them left me, so I didn’t trust that anymore (now, their leaving probably had nothing to do with me but this was my thinking in my own grief.) I needed to search further.

So, on my way to church every Sunday, I decided to be open to whatever God wanted me to experience that day. No matter who was there or not there, whether the music suited me, if there were busy/noisy little ones near me, or the sermon was captivating or not, I listened and watched to see if I could sense the Holy Spirit moving in that place and what message I was to take home.

In the early part of the discerning season, God was especially felt in the scripture, the prayers and sermons, communion, and the music, oh, the music! Initially, I admit to retreating socially. I didn’t want to make new friends. I was slow to trust again. I wondered if anyone else was hurting like me. Then, I started to notice the people. I saw God working in and through them! God was there as the pastors and office staff loved and served us, shepherding their flock. God was there in the local and world mission; in the caring work of the deacons, trustees, and session; in the uplifting music leaders and choirs; in the welcoming greeters and ushers; in the compassionate Stephen ministers and pantry volunteers; in the connecting bible studies and children’s ministry. God was there in all of us, imperfect people and in our disagreements, conflict resolution, and uncertainty. God was there in the everyday interaction and genuine, steadfast love, and dedication to each other and our Savior.

I began to reflect on a time, in 2007, when God carried me through a dark season following my divorce. God was there in those same people who loved on our family with prayers, cards, food, rides, youth programs, and the divorce support group. When I was full of shame and doubt, questioning my worth, God was there in others to help me feel accepted, forgiven, and encouraged. There were still others who dug deep in their pockets to give more financially, when I wasn’t able to. I never knew who to thank. God was there in the pew with me, as tears flowed, surrendering my will. He was there in the kindness of several who mentored my son or invited him to sit with them on Sunday mornings, so he wasn’t alone, as I was seated with the choir. It was a place I was allowed to be “soft”; a place to heal.

With forgiveness, healing, and reflection, I’ve come to realize God was there in the early 90’s season when we joined the church, raising our family. He was there in the seasons of 2007 and in the last twelve years. He was always there, is here now, and will be in every season to come. My reason for staying is at EPC is because I truly “experience” God here! The Holy Spirit is moving among us, in, and through us! God is providing, protecting, directing, inspiring, and challenging us. As Bob Goff explains, Jesus doesn’t want us to just agree with Him, He wants us to DO as He teaches! Eastridge Presbyterian offers many ways to find connection, to serve others, to work together, to use our gifts for His glory, to learn, teach, and grow in our faith. I am so grateful to be part of a community where we seek to live out God’s mission of hope, love, equality, inclusion, kindness, and peace. We do so in response to His extravagant love and amazing grace. Honestly, it’s the greatest news ever and the joy can’t help but be shared!

Amen

Diane Worrell Eaton

 

What is Love?

Love is patient; love is kind. I Corinthians 13:4 

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. John 13:34 

I recently had knee replacement surgery and stayed in my daughter's home for almost a month until I was independent. Thinking back on my step-by-step progress, I have become very appreciative of the love my family shared. 

    Love is: your family getting up in the middle of the night to make sure you take your pain medications

    Love is: working out everyone's schedules to get you to and from physical therapy

    Love is: helping get your clean TED and compression socks on every day

    Love is:  helping you get your shoes on and tied

    Love is: having home cooked meals ready for every meal

    Love is: being encouraged and coached to do your home exercise program, even when you don't want to

    Love is: cheering your successes like giving up the walker and the cane

    Love is: helping you with your shower

    Love is: talking with you about your daily progress-and playing cribbage

    Love is: getting your warm clean clothes every day and help in getting them on. 

I'm sure I could add many more love thoughts, knowing I would not have done so well without my family's love and caring. I have so many things to be thankful for besides my family's care, prayers and calls from family and friends, flowers to brighten my days, my son-in-law putting up grab bars in my home shower, and my daughter's friends contributing comfort food to help in my healing. God has provided me with many blessings, all that I need every day.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love given freely to us. Thank you for the blessings of family and friends. Thank you for your healing and providing doctors and therapists to care for us. And most of all, thank you for sending your son Jesus to teach us about love.  

Nancy Hall

 

God On My Side

God, for your sake, help me! Use your influence to clear me.

   Listen, God—I'm desperate.

      Don't be too busy to hear me.

 Oh, look! God's right here helping!

      God's on my side,

 I'm ready now to worship, so ready.

      I thank you, God—you're so good.

                                                            Psalm 54:1-2, 4, 6 (The Message)           

I was looking through some old devotions I had written. I found one in which I talked about how busy I was and all the chores I needed to get done. I’m retired now so I don’t have any work obligations. But there are still a number of projects around my house that I seem to have trouble getting done.            

In the previous devotion, I noted that if I slow down and take some time to think about my to-do list, I realize that it is nothing compared to many other folks. In one day recently, I learned of two friends who are facing health hurdles. I realized that I need to put the focus on others more than on myself because everyone is facing something.  

No matter how difficult life can be, God is always there. He’s always with us and He’s always available to listen to us—even if we’re being selfish and whining about something personal. He forgives and is willing to listen even when I’m focused only on myself. He gives me the energy to keep going even when I’m tired.  

With God on my side, I can be ready again to worship God and to thank him for his gifts.                               

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your love and help even when I’m too focused only on myself. Thank you for listening when I need you to hear me. You’re right here helping all the time. Forgive me for forgetting you at times. Help me to be ever ready to worship you. 

Robin Hadfield

Helping Little Ebert from Bolivia

Anyone who oppresses the poor is insulting God who made them. To help the poor is to honor God. Proverbs 14:31

Two years ago at the Northminster Presbyterian Church in Tucson I heard about helping children in need in poor countries. I heard about Compassion International which is a Christ Centered, Child Focused, Church Based and Committed to Integrity organization founded by a Rev. Swanson. It is headquartered in Colorado Springs.  It started with 34 orphans in South Korea and today it has grown to serve more than 2 million children in 26 countries.

Compassion is linked to local churches in areas where the need is great.  Compassion reaches out for sponsorships from people who are passionate about helping children learn about Jesus, learning to read and write, personal hygiene and healthy nutrition.

For a small fee each month you can sponsor a child to help him overcome poverty.  Phil and I have sponsored Ebert in Bolivia for two years now. He is now seven years old and because he has a sponsor he can go to his church school, which also reaches out to his parents.

We exchange letters-some written by his bigger brother or his Mother but Ebert says thank you because soon he will be able to write with the help of his wonderful Christian teachers. The teachers translate my letters to the language they understand. We encourage Ebert to continue in school and learn about Jesus.  When we send Ebert a birthday or Christmas gift the money goes to the school who will help the mother buy something Ebert wants or needs. Phil and I feel we are helping Ebert grow in Christian love.

Prayer: Thank you God for finding Ebert for us to love and help. Keep him in yours arms so he can grow and become a Christian leader in community, teaching others of your love. Amen

Eleanor Etzelmiller (reprinted from 2017)

Jesus Suffered Mentally, Too (Number 4)

Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. Matthew 27:27-31

They beat this innocent man, and no one stopped them. They dressed and undressed him. We don’t even treat murderers this embarrassing way.

As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. Matthew 27:32

They made him carry his own cross until he was too weak. Isn’t this like making a condemned to death man today turn the electric chair switch?

When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  Matthew 27:35

They set up a gambling table to distribute his clothes; the lowest of the low was happening to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Matthew 27:37 He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Isaiah 53:9 Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. Matthew 27:38

They mocked him again and put him in the company of robbers just as it said in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. This behavior had been prophesized and these chief priests knew what had been said.

“He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’ the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. Matthew 27:42

He could have done what the passing people said, “Come down from the cross,” but he died for us. He had to feel no one cared or knew him. They knew what he had done as he saved others and belittled him that he couldn’t save himself. How awful would that feel. But we know he endured for us because he loved us.

Prayer: Dear Father in Heaven, it is hard for us to read all the mentally difficult items Jesus had to endure before he was subjected to the cruel death of crucifixion. His friends, the people of the church where he preached and the people of the town, including robbers and criminals mocked him in the end. He had spent his life healing and teaching and had to die because he was envied. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck