Sunday 1^st April       Palm Sunday

Zechariah 9: 9-12 

Zacharie 9:9-12

The ears of my heart ~ Les Oreilles de mon coeur

Zechariah's prophecies are dramatic, mysterious and often challenging. 
Forget for a moment that you have ever read the Gospels, imagine you have never heard the account of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. 
Taste again the shock of a victorious king riding on... a donkey. 

'Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope' 
What are the things in my life that keep me constrained, that make me feel like a prisoner?  Freedom from such things can seem like a distant dream.    
But then if a king can ride on a donkey,  why shouldn't a prisoner live full of hope?
What is to stop me from returning to the fortress, coming back to God who is my refuge?  
Today I pray His call to 'come home in hope' will reach the ears of my heart.

Les prophéties de Zacharie sont dramatiques, mystérieuses et souvent provocatrices. Oubliez pour un moment que vous connaissez les Evangiles, imaginez que vous n’avez jamais entendu le récit de l’entrée de Jésus à  Jérusalem.  Appréciez encore une fois le choc d’un roi victorieux monté sur un .....âne. 

Aujourd’hui je prie que je puisse entendre dans mon coeur  Son appel ‘Rentre dans l’espérance’

Anonymous

Saturday 31^st March

Psalm 130

Psaume 130

How do we respond? ~ Comment répondons-nous ?

This psalm is a song of ascents; to be sung as the people were going up to Jerusalem to one of the three main festivals.

Even within the four stanzas of the song itself, there is a feeling of ascension to mirror the upward pilgrimage of those walking to Jerusalem, the city on the hill.

We start by crying ‘out of the depths’ in the first stanza, longing to be heard by God and calling from our lowly position. What are you’re low points? Don’t pretend to be alright, cry to God from these places

The second stanza includes the notion of being able to stand in God’s presence by the forgiveness that he grants. If God has allowed us to stand, who are we to sit back down? Do you need to forgive yourself for something that God already has?

In the third stanza, we have moved yet higher, to the point of the watchmen on the city wall, waiting for the light of morning and with hope in God’s word. What has God promised to you, to us? What is your soul waiting for?

Finally in the fourth stanza there is a feeling of arrival, with the assurance of ‘full redemption’ from the God of ‘unfailing love’. We are heading towards Easter, let’s keep it in mind that this saving work has already been done. In a sense we have already arrived, salvation is ours. How do we respond?

Psaume 130
Ce psaume est un chant d’ascension chanté alors que les gens montaient vers Jérusalem pour se rendre à l’un des trois grands festivals.
A l’intérieur des quatre stances, le sentiment d’ascension reflète le pèlerinage de ceux qui grimpaient vers Jérusalem, la ville sur la colline.

Dans la première stance, nous commençons par invoquer « des profondeurs », espérant être entendu par Dieu depuis notre humble position. Quel sont vos point faibles ? Ne prétendez pas que tout va bien. Appelez Dieu d’où vous vous trouvez.
La seconde stance inclut la notion d’être capable de se trouver en présence de Dieu grâce au pardon qu’il nous accorde. Si Dieu nous permet de nous lever, qui sommes nous pour nous rasseoir ? Avez-vous besoin de vous faire pardonner pour quelque chose que Dieu a déjà pardonné ?
Dans la troisième stance, nous montons encore plus haut, là où se trouvent les gardes du mur de la cité attendant la première lueur de l’aube. Que vous a promis Dieu ? Que nous a-t-il promis ? Qu’attend votre âme ?
Enfin, dans la dernière stance, on a le sentiment d’arriver, avec l’assurance du pardon total de Dieu dont l’amour est infaillible. On avance vers Pâques. Gardons à l’esprit que le travail salvateur a déjà été fait. Dans un certain sens, on est déjà arrivé, nous sommes sauvés.
Comment répondons-nous ?

James Christie Brown

Following ~ Suivant

John 12.20–36a  

Jean 12:20-36a

Like at the beginning, so at the end, Jesus’ public ministry seems to be embraced by a cascade of people who  tell people about Jesus and lead others to him. Al that time the unquenchable light has been in the world and they have come to him, to accept him or to reject him.

Now comes the moment of judgment, the crisis of the world. Now that the hour has come, is Jesus prepared to go all the way? Will he entrust himself entirely to God, giving his all? We should not deceive ourselves that it was easier for him than it is for us. John sees in this moment what the other gospels see in the agony in the garden. But Jesus does not falter and his obedience is approved by God.

“Whoever serves me must follow me.” Have we the courage to follow in obedience where he leads? We need not be ashamed if we struggle with ourselves. Jesus does not judge us. Whether or not to follow is a decision for us alone. It is not by the struggle, but by our response that we judge ourselves.

Lord Jesus Christ, you bring light to my life. I long to follow your light. Give me today the courage to follow after you; and wherever you lead me,  may I glimpse your glory.

Du début à la fin, le ministère public de Jésus semble être entouré d’une série de personnes qui parlent de lui et lui amènent les gens.
Maintenant vient le moment du jugement. Maintenant que l’heure est venue, Jésus est-il prêt à aller jusqu’au bout ? Ne nous trompons pas en pensant que c’était plus facile pour lui que ce ne l’est pour nous. Jean voit dans ce moment ce que les autres évangiles voient dans l’agonie dans le jardin. Mais Jésus ne chancelle pas et son obéissance est approuvée par Dieu.

« Si quelqu’un me sert, qu’il me suive ». A-t-on le courage de le suivre où il nous conduit ? Nous ne devons pas nous en vouloir si nous n’y arrivons pas. Jésus ne nous juge pas. Suivre ou non est une décision que nous seul pouvons prendre.

Seigneur Jésus, tu apportes la lumière dans ma vie. Donne-moi le courage de te suivre ; et, quel que soit l’endroit où tu me mènes, fais que je puisse entrevoir ta gloire.                                       

 David White

As the deer pants...~ Comme un cerf qui soupire...

Psalm 42   

Psaumes 42

Psalm 42 begins with the following wonderfully beautiful and familiar words bringing to mind a well-known chorus:

 ”As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul pants for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.”

  We have all been able to relate to the psalmist’s desperate feelings of neediness at one time or another in our lives. A little further on and another line stands out for its sheer beauty and healing power:

“Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls,

all of your waves and breakers have swept over me.”

I thank God that he is able to meet us in the very deepest part of our being and speak to our innermost person in a powerful and miraculous way. However downcast we may be at times, we have good cause to put our hope in God our Saviour.

Thanks be to God!

Je remercie Dieu qu’il peut nous rencontrer tout au fond de notre âme et qu’il peut nous parler d’une façon intime, puissant, merveilleux.  Même si nous sommes parfois découragés, nous savons que nous pouvons mettre notre espoir en Dieu notre Sauveur.

Louanges à Dieu!

Sally Gill

Our Father~ Notre Père

Hebrews12.3-13

Hébreux 12:3-13

This passage reminds us that God, as Our Father in Heaven, is not just benevolent but will discipline us if necessary.

One of the dictionary definitions of Discipline is "The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of conduct."

As it was when our parents disciplined us we sometimes find it hard to accept, but if we do it will ultimately strengthen us.

Ce passage nous rappelle que Dieu, notre Père Céleste, n’est pas seulement bienveillant mais il nous disciplinera s’il le faut.

Une des définitions du mot Discipline est "La pratique d’apprendre aux gens à obéir des règlements ou un code de conduite."

Lorsque nos parents nous disciplinaient, nous le trouvions dur à accepter, mais nous savons que cela sert éventuellement à nous rendre plus forts.

Keith Tomlin

Caiaphas' sin

John 11:45 – 57

Jean 11:45- 57

So people always fear the message – the risk of acknowledging the truth is too great, the loss of the comfortable and familiar too high a price to pay.  No doubt a sentiment many of us are guilty of from time to time.  Far easier to follow the leader (here Caiaphas) who gives you the easy way out.

But in another sense Caiaphas was right – Jesus did die, not only for the Jewish nation but for all of us.  Without their profound sin we could not benefit from Jesus' ultimate sacrifice.

Keir Fitch

Persevere

Hebrews 11:17-31

Hébreux 11:17-31

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11: 1  

As I read this passage with verse one in mind, verse 27 caught my attention:

By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.  

I started thinking about Moses’ story, everything he witnessed.  Plagues in Egypt, the burning bush, parting of the Red Sea, wandering in the wilderness.  His story is possibly the most epic series of events one could imagine, a lifetime of witnessing the Lord’s immense power and faithfulness.  I don’t know exactly what was meant by this statement “Moses persevered because he saw him who is invisible” but what I take from it is a charge to notice the Lord’s work when it is in front of you.  This might’ve been an easier task for Moses then for us- pretty hard to ignore all the signs and wonders God performed in his life.  But maybe the Lord’s work is more obvious in our lives than we think- maybe if we could “see him who is invisible” by what he has done and what he is doing in and around us we could be more “sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”  Maybe if we lack perseverance we could be strengthened by simply remembering (seeing) what the Lord has already done.  

So today Lord let us look at the world around us in faith, expecting to see You- the one who is invisible, and, being certain that you are at work let us persevere in our own work to Your glory!

Amen

 Moïse est celui qui a vu "celui qui est invisible". Nous ne sommes pas Moïse qui a vu et connu Dieu pendant une bonne partie de sa vie. Nous ignorons souvent comme percevoir les signes de la présence et de l'action de Dieu dans notre existence. Tel Moïse, soyons cependant ouverts à la présence du Seigneur et, dans la foi, prêts à travailler pour Sa gloire!

Deanna Witwer

John 11.45–end

Hope ~ L’espérance

Jeremiah 31: 31-34

Hope is an oft neglected Christian virtue, and a necessary antidote to suffering. This passage calls us to lift our vision to the new covenant, which is the basis of our faith. It provides a sure certainty of a love that surpasses all else. And, perhaps most wonderful of all, while it acknowledges the wretchedness of the human condition, it declares that our God will triumph and bring us all back home.

Jérémie31 :31-34
L’espérance est une vertu chrétienne maintes fois négligée et un antidote à la souffrance. Ce passage nous invite à regarder vers le nouveau pacte, qui est à la base de notre foi. Il nous assure un amour qui surpasse tout. Et, alors qu’il reconnaît la misère de la condition humaine, il annonce que notre Seigneur triomphera et nous ramènera à la maison.

Andrew Tank

Christ our strength ~ Jésus Christ demeure notre force

John 11: 17-27     

Jean11:17-27

Martha expresses her faith in God and Jesus despite being in a situation where she could feel neglected or angry that her brother’s death was not prevented. Thus we are reminded that whatever happens and whenever we may be inclined to question our faith, our strength remains in Christ, the resurrection and the life.

Marthe exprime sa foi en Dieu et en Jésus, malgré le fait qu’elle se trouve dans une situation où elle pourrait se sentir négligée ou être en colère puisque la mort de son frère ne fut pas empêchée. Nous sommes ainsi rappelés que quoi qu’il arrive et chaque fois que nous sommes tentés de mettre notre foi en doute, Jésus Christ demeure notre force – la résurrection et la vie.

Martin Smith

Who am I? ~ Qui est moi?~ Wie ben ik?

Exodus 6.2–13

Exodus 6.2-13 (Het Boek)

Exode 6.2-13

Who am I? ~ Qui est moi?~ Wie ben ik?

In the book of Exodus the chosen people pack up their scarce belongings willy-nilly and turn their backs on slavery. ‘Egypt’ was the greatest empire of that era, and leaving it meant leaving civilisation as such, the very civilisation that held the children of Israel in bondage, ‘cruel bondage’ as the King James Version calls it. Moses is the one hand-picked by God to talk Pharaoh into letting his slaves go, the slaves who probably have to build Pharaoh’s tomb in his Kingdom of Death and Anguish.

To me the most moving passage in chapter 6 is verse 12: ‘And Moses spake before the Lord, saying, Behold, the children of Israel have not hearkened unto me; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?’

Slaves often suffer from what is known as the Stockholm Syndrom: they’d rather stay where they are, liberty is scarier than slavery, even if it is theoretically more attractive. The appointed liberator isn’t too happy with being chosen either. And interestingly, he claims that the king won’t listen to him anyway, since he is of uncircumcised lips…

But doesn’t circumcision – the sure sign you are a Jew – take place a little lower?

The writer of this chapter (and according to Jewish tradition that writer is Moses himself) depicts Moses as a coward, or an unwilling hero to say the least, who vastly prefers crying off to rebellion. But he is also making a very profound statement on Jewish thinking. Circumcision is about sexual hygiene, certainly; after all, cleanliness is next to godliness. But more importantly, it means getting involved in a continuum of ethical reasoning.
However, ‘Moses’ (the writer) has Moses (the character) say that he does not have circumcised lips, in other words: he is not a proper Jew, not a proper Chosen Person. Of course the Lord, who loves jokes, doesn’t take that argument seriously. But why is Moses saying that?
Because Moses is both a Jew and a non-Jew. He is an adopted prince who was brought up at the Egyptian court. He is, translated into modern terms, both a believer and an atheist. Hence his name, which is Egyptian, meaning ‘Son of’. We find the same suffix in ‘Ramses’: Ra’s Moses, meaning Son of the Sun. Moses is somebody’s son, but his name is only a stub, it is incomplete. Whose son is this Son-of? Is he the Son of Pharaoh or the Son of God? Is he Egypt’s son or Israel’s child? Does he epitomize our own darkness, or is he an early image of the One we call the Son of God?

In the answer to that question lies the entire history of God’s people.    

In deze passage zegt Mozes dat hij ‘onbesneden lippen’ heeft en dus ongeschikt is om de Farao te overreden. De schrijver (en volgens de Joodse traditie is dat Mozes zelf) schildert Mozes als een wel erg onwillige held af, iemand die veel liever niet rebelleert tegen het kwaad dan wel.

Maar waarom zegt Mozes dat hij onbesneden lippen heeft. Besnijdenis speelt zich toch iets lager af?

Mozes is zowel een Jood als een niet-Jood. Hij is een geadopteerde prins, opgevoed aan het Egyptische hof. Hij is, in moderne termen, zowel een gelovige als een atheïst. Vandaar zijn naam, die Egyptisch is en ‘Zoon van’ betekent. Dezelfde suffix vinden we in ‘Ramses’: Ra’s Mozes, wat Zoon van de Zon betekent. Mozes is iemands zoon, maar zijn naam is een stompje, hij is incompleet. Wiens zoon is deze Zoon-van? Is hij de zoon van de farao of die van God? Belichaamt hij de duisternis en de slavendienst – de Joden bouwden waarschijnlijk piramides, tempels voor dode koningen – of is hij een vroege voorloper van degene die wij de Zoon van God noemen?

In het antwoord op die vraag ligt de hele geschiedenis van Gods volk besloten.

 Moïse, symbole du peuple de Dieu? Fils de pharaon, et fils d'esclave. Guide du peuple hébreu se disant incapable d'exprimer ses besoins, lui l'homme aux lèvres non circoncises? N'avons-nous pas tous, en nous, quelque chose de Moïse?

Benno Barnard

Draw Near to God

Hebrews 10: 22-25

Hébreux 10:22-25

I have focused just on 4 verses from Hebrews as this is such a rich passage with lots to think on for a day, and indeed a whole lot longer!

In Lent when we are reflecting on how we live our lives as Christians, this passage gives hope and encouragement, reminding us of the need to persevere in hope, calls on us to encourage others, and reminds us of our need to meet each other and come together in worship. I like its directness and practicality.

Here are four sentences I take from it for the day. I have taken equivalent passages from French and German translations of the Bible and hope these speak for themselves and will be helpful to those who are more comfortable with these langauges.

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart.

Approchons-nous donc de Dieu avec un coeur droit.

Darum wollen wir vor Gott hintreten mit offenem Herzen.

Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise.

Restons fermement attachés à l'espérance que nous reconnaissons comme vraie, car celui qui nous a fait les promesses est digne de confiance.

Wir wollen an der Hoffnung festhalten, zu der wir uns bekennen, und wollen nicht schwanken; denn Gott, der die Zusagen gegeben hat, steht zu seinem Wort.

Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.

Et veillons les uns sur les autres pour nous encourager mutuellement à l'amour et à la pratique du bien.

Lasst uns aufeinander achten! Wir wollen uns zu gegenseitiger Liebe ermutigen und einander anspornen, Gutes zu tun.

Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more, since you see that the Day of the Lord is coming nearer.

Ne prenons pas, comme certains, l'habitude de délaisser nos réunions. Au contraire, encourageons-nous mutuellement, et cela d'autant plus que vous voyez se rapprocher le jour du Seigneur.

Versäumt nicht die Zusammenkünfte eurer Gemeinde, wie es sich einige angewöhnt haben. Ermahnt euch gegenseitig dabeizubleiben. Ihr seht ja, dass der Tag nahe ist, an dem der Herr kommt.

Helen Campbell

Exodus 4:1-23   Exode4:1-23

Please send someone else~S’il te plaît, envoie quelqu’un d’autre.

I am drawn to stories of people who are changed by God from timid and insecure to courageous.  Moses is a beautiful example of a man who is so transformed.  In this passage we are told the LORD’s anger burned against Moses who was constantly trying to find ways out of doing the, seemingly overwhelming, liberating work God had called him to.  But we know that later in the story Moses does return to his people in Egypt and that he does confront Pharaoh. 

A similar story is that of Oscar Romero of El Salvador, the Archbishop who was martyred as he was serving communion to his church in San Salvador.  Only three years before, a timid Romero was sent by the church to a war torn country in the hopes that he would maintain the status quo.  In the face of gross injustice, God transformed Romero into a man of action on behalf of the poor.

Stories like these give me hope that God can use me in his liberating work - that he can transform me though I am tempted to say, “Please send someone else.”

Je suis toujours attiré vers les histoires des gens qui sont transformés par Dieu, qui ne sont plus timides et anxieux, mais deviennent pleins de courage. Moïse est un parfait  exemple d’un homme qui est transformé de cette manière. Dans ce passage on nous dit que le Seigneur s’est mis en colère contre Moïse, qui cherchait constamment à trouver un moyen d’éviter cet énorme travail de libération auquel Dieu l’avait appelé.

Nous savons pourtant que, plus tard dans l’histoire, Moïse retourne effectivement auprès de son peuple en Egypte, et qu’il fait face au Pharaon.

L’histoire d’Oscar Romero, Archevêque d’ El Salvador, ressemble beaucoup à celle de Moïse. L’Archevêque était assassiné pendant qu’il officiait à la Sainte Communion dans son église de San Salvador. Seulement trois ans auparavant, l’église avait envoyé un Romero timide dans ce pays déchiré par la guerre, dans l’espoir qu’il allait soutenir l’établissement. Mais confronté par de terribles injustices, Romero était transformé par Dieu et est devenu un homme d’action qui luttait pour la cause des pauvres.

De telles histoires me donnent l’espoir que Dieu peut se servir de moi dans son travail de libération – qu’il peut me transformer, même si je suis tenté de dire: ‘S’il te plaît, envoie quelqu’un d’autre.”

Brandon Witwer

John 10:1-10

God calls each of us by name~ Dieu nous appelle chacun par son nom

When we drive past a field of sheep they may look like identical woolly clones, but each animal is an individual with its own character and quirks, just as we are. One of the cows in the herd I looked after many years ago had a sweet tooth, and would pick brambles from the hedge, and plums from an overhanging tree, as we walked up from the fields for milking.  Not what you expect from a cow, but very endearing!

God calls each of us by name, knows our quirks, and loves us for them.  May we too appreciate the uniqueness and quirks of those around us, however different they may be from ourselves, and never forget that everyone is special to God, and loved by him.

Jean 10:1-10

Lorsque l’on passe à côté d’un champ de moutons, ces derniers ressemblent à des clones laineux identiques. Pourtant, chaque animal a son propre caractère, comme nous. L’une des vaches du troupeau dont je m’occupais il y a des années aimait les douceurs et elle arrachait les mûres et les prunes qui dépassaient le long du chemin de retour pour la traite. Pas vraiment ce que l’on attend d’une vache mais cela la rendait attachante !

Le Seigneur nous appelle par notre nom, connait nos particularités et nous aime pour celles-ci. Sachons appréciez celles de ceux qui nous entourent, quelles que soient nos différences, et n’oublions jamais que chacun est spécial aux yeux de Dieu, et est aimé par lui.

Zelie Pepiette

True blindness

True blindness

John 9: 18 – end

Jean 9:18-41

In this story we learn about three types of characters. The parents who are afraid to do wrong by the Jews, the Jews who don’t believe and discredit everything the young man says and finally the young man who is very courageous and stands up to the Jews for what is right.

In our lives we should strive to live like the young man and stand up to the people who are wrong and living in sin. We should be brave to call Jesus the Son of Man, the long-awaited Messiah.

It is weird that the Jews claim not to know who Jesus is, when in reality they fear Him for what He will do next. In their minds they believe He works for Satan and not for God, because earlier in the passage it is made clear that the healing was done on the Sabbath. This is of course the Holy day which must not be defiled.

On the other hand Jesus is not acting like they expected the Messiah to handle. The Jews have conjured up an image of him by interpretation of the prophesies which are in the Holy scripture. This is why they are and will stay blind until they truly open their eyes and acknowledge that He is the true Messiah. They are walking through life with blinkers on, which they can’t shake off themselves and see the truth about Jesus.

This is because they have completely misunderstood the meaning of the Sabbath. The Jews have made the rules of abiding by the Sabbath a lot more rigorous then God had commanded it. In Matthew 12: 1 – 14 Jesus points out that it was not wrong to eat on the Sabbath, even if you’ve had to work for it. Nor was it wrong to do good on the Sabbath, like healing which is the work of mercy. The Lord of the Sabbath is after all merciful so he doesn’t mind us or Jesus doing works of mercy on the Sabbath.

On a final note in the lyrics of Amazing Grace namely in the first verse there is a reference to this bible passage.

Jenny Freeman

Mothering Sunday~ Fête des mères

2Corinthians 1:3-7

2 Corinthiens 1 :3-7

Distressed for our Comfort and Salvation (2 Corinthians 1:6)
Mothering Sunday marks a shift from the rhythm of lent. Could it be all celebrations? Perhaps, a celebration of the joys and challenges of mothers. Motherhood is a gift, and so are child-care skills. It can be very challenging and at the same time a source of deep joy.

Like every other mother, Mary witnessed the pains and stress of child-bearing. Mothers give birth to 'human life' through pain and discomfort. We experience life through the sacrifice of others. So would we all experience 'that life' through the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. And so are we being challenged daily to accept providential opportunities for our personal discomfort and pains for the life of others, our friends, colleagues and our communities.

A simple 'thank you' to our mums today would be ideal, and also to all those who in many ways die a little for us to live.

Affligés, pour notre consolation et notre salut (2 Corinthiens 1 :6)
Le jour de la Fête des mères marque un changement dans le rythme du Carême. Si c’est une fête, c’est celle des joies et des défis des mères. La maternité est un cadeau. Elle est porteuse de défis mais aussi de grandes joies.
Comme les autres mères, Marie connut les douleurs de la maternité. Les mères donnent naissance à « la vie humaine » dans la douleur. Nous faisons l’expérience de la vie à travers le sacrifice des autres. Faisons l’expérience de « cette vie » à travers la souffrance et le sacrifice du Christ. Nous sommes mis au défi d’accepter quotidiennement l’inconfort et les peines pour la vie des autres, nos amis, collègues et nos communautés.
Dire aujourd’hui simplement « merci » à nos mamans serait idéal, ainsi qu’à tous ceux qui, d’une manière ou d’une autre, meurent un peu pour que l’on puisse vivre.

Augustine Nwaekwe

The door to blessing is a contrite heart La porte qui mène à la benediction est un coeur contrit

Psalm 130

Psaumes 130

L’un des chants d’ascension chanté lors de la consécration du Temple de Salomon.

A Song of Ascents, one of the songs sung at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple by the Levite chorus with harps and lyres. Their ‘song of ascent’ from ‘out of the depths’ (v. 1) was part of a ritual procession up the fifteen steps from the dark lower courtyard to the sanctuary above. This, the eleventh song, was sung on the tenth step at around 4 a.m., under the full harvest moon of the Feast of Tabernacles. The singing Levites faced eastward, looking past the Temple guard on the low eastern wall to the Mount of Olives, where the soon-rising Morning Star would herald the coming of the warm fruitful sun (v. 5-6).

                But the depths from which Israel ascends are, of course, all the adversities of their past until Solomon’s glorious reign. These troubles were due to Israel’s unfaithfulness and idolatry. The Levites’ song serves both as confession and reminder that it is the fear of Yehowàh which keeps them in covenant faithfulness (v. 3-4). They ascend from the lower darkness toward the coming time of blessing when Israel, under David’s son, will shine in the world (vv. 7-8). Yet Solomon was only a shadow of the one to come, under whose blessing the faithful will shine like the stars for ever and ever. Until then, the door to blessing is a contrite heart.

David Mitchell

God cannot be packaged ~ On ne peut pas mettre Dieu dans un emballage.

Friday 16^th March

Hebrews 7.11–end

Hébreux 7:11-28

We crave for order – in our life, in our human relationships, in our relationship with God. We seek it in rules and rituals, symbols and sacrifice, priesthood and Temple. Can these assure us of God’s presence? Can they give us access to God?

This order, the author of the letter to the Hebrews tells us, is “now set aside because it was weak and useless”. Instead, through Christ a “better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God”. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well that the time has come, “when the true worshippers will worship the father in spirit and truth” (John 4.23). The true worshippers find God’s presence not tied to the old order of rules, sacrifice and Temple but in his living and life-giving spirit.

“The wind blows wherever it pleases”. God’s spirit cannot be boxed into our “weak and useless order”. Through his spirit, God is present - on his terms, not ours. That is the better hope, the new order, the superior covenant. (Heb. 7.19; 8.6; 9.10).

 “Le vent souffle là où il veut”.  L’Esprit de Dieu ne peut pas être limité par notre ‘organisation faible et inutile’. A travers son Esprit Dieu se montre présent – avec Ses conditions à Lui, pas les nôtres.  Cela est  la meilleure espérance, le nouvel ordre, l’alliance bien meilleure. (Héb. 7.19; 8.6; 9.10).

The Law is only a shadow of the good things coming

Hebrews 7.1–10

Hébreux 7 : 1-10

Hebreeën 7:1-10

(Dutch and French following)

The Law is only a shadow of the good things coming….  Hebrews 10: 1

During Lent we focus solemnly on preparing for the death of Jesus at the hand of those who despised Him. They did not want their easy, comfortable, regulated lives to be overturned by a man who preached a message of faith, repentance, forgiveness, justice, hope and love.  They could not believe that this humble man was the promised Messiah and would be the savior of the world.  They could not believe that this man came to fulfill the Law and create a new order.  They were so focused on the functionality of the Law they could not see the good that would come from the fulfillment of the Law.

The Law had become people-driven rather than God- driven.  It was no longer about how to live in the fullness of God but in a way that was acceptable to the religious leaders of the time.  Jesus turned the Law on its head, taught that to truly live in the Law was to live a God-orientated life and to focus on the promises God had made to his people of forgiveness, redemption and abundance; all good things.  We may prepare ourselves in Lent for the death of our Lord but we also prepare ourselves for the resurrection – the resurrection that triumphed over the hate and mistrust of the religious leaders, the resurrection that was the pinnacle of the good things that were promised by Jesus as it gives us eternal hope and life.

During Lent, lets us pray that our focus will always be on the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. Let us ask God’s forgiveness for when we are self-driven rather than God-driven and let us endure the pain of Christ’s death through the hope and light and good of the resurrection.  Amen.

Gedurende de vastentijd bereiden wij ons vaak enkel voor op de dood van Jezus die vermoord werd door hen die Hem verafschuwden. Zij wouden niet dat hun comfortabel en gereguleerde leven moest veranderen door een man die een boodschap van geloof, bekering, vergeving, rechtvaardigheid, hoop en liefde preekte. Zij konden niet geloven dat deze bescheiden man de beloofde Messias en Verlosser was. Ze konden niet geloven dat deze man gekomen was om de wet te vervullen en een nieuwe wereldorde kwam ingang zetten. Ze waren zo gericht op de functionaliteit van de wet dat ze het goede dat uit de vervulling van de wet voortvloeide, niet konden zien.

De wet werd mens-geleid in plaats van God-geleid. Het ging niet langer over hoe dat mensen in de volheid van God konden leven dan wel over over een manier van leven dat aanvaard werd door de religieuze leiders van toen. Jezus draaide de wet op zijn kop. Hij liet zien dat, om echt de wet te volgen, mensen een God-georiënteerd leven moesten leiden door op de beloftes van God te vertrouwen - beloftes van vergeving, verlossing en overvloed, allemaal goede dingen. Tijdens de vastentijd, kunnen we ons voorbereiden op de dood van Jezus maar, we kunnen ons ook voorbereiden op de verrijzenis - de verrijzenis dat zegevierde over de haat en wantrouwen van religieuze leiders. De opstanding is het hoogtepunt van de goede beloftes van God want het heeft ons hoop en het eeuwige leven gegeven.

Laten we dan tijdens de vastentijd bidden dat we altijd gericht mogen zijn op de vervulling van God's beloftes in plaats van onze eigen eisen. Laten we God om Zijn vergeving vragen wanneer we op ons eigen gericht zijn i.p.v. op Hem en laten we bidden dat we de pijn van Jezus' dood weten te doorstaan door de hoop en het licht en alles goeds dat van Zijn verrijzenis komt. Amen.

La loi n'est que l'ombre des biens à venir... Hébreux 10 v 1
Durant le carême nous nous concentrons solennellement pour commémorer la mort de Jésus aux mains de ceux qui le méprisaient. Ils ne voulaient pas que leurs vies confortables et faciles ne soient bouleversées par un homme qui prêchait un message de foi, repentance, pardon, justice, espoir et amour. Ils ne pouvaient pas croire que cette homme humble était le Messie attendu et serait le sauveur du monde. Ils ne pouvaient pas croire que cet homme était venu pour accomplir la Loi et créer un nouvel ordre. Ils focalisaient sur la fonctionnalité de la Loi et ne pouvaient pas voir le bien qui adviendrait de l'accomplissement de la Loi.

La Loi était avait finit par être conduite par les hommes plutôt que par Dieu. Il ne s'agissait plus de vivre dans la plénitude de Dieu mais plutôtd'une manière acceptable pour les responsables religieux de l'époque. Jésus remit la Loi à sa place et enseigna que vivre vraiment la Loi était vivre une vie orientée vers Dieu et se concentrer sur les promesses que Dieu avait faites à son peuple: promesses de pardon, rédemption, et abondance, toutes étant de bonne choses. Nous préparons peut être le carême en regardant à la mort de notre seigneur, mais nous nous préparons aussi pour sa résurrection - la résurrection qui a triomphée de la haine et la méfiance des responsables religieux, la résurrection était l’apogée des bonne choses promises par Dieu car elle nous donne l'espérance et la vie éternelle.

Durant le carême prions pour être toujours centrés sur l'accomplissement des promesses de Dieu plutôt que sur nos propres demandes. Demandons le pardon de Dieu pour toutes les fois où nous ne sommes plus conduits par Dieu mais par nos propres intérêts, et prions de pouvoir endurer la mort de Christ grâce à l'espérance et la lumière de sa résurrection. Amen.
Heather Roy

Heather thanks her colleagues for the translations.

Prière d’un home battu.~The prayer of a desperate person

Psaume 38

Psalm 38

Prière d’un home battu.

The prayer of a desperate person

Cet homme abattu et désespéré s’adresse à l’Eternel en Le suppliant de stopper la punition insupportable envoyée contre lui à cause de fautes commises.  Il ne dit pas quelles sont ses fautes mais s’étend plutôt sur leurs conséquences.

Ses malheurs sont l’effet de ses fautes et de la punition de Dieu.  Ici, nous pouvons constater que quand on s’éloigne de la grâce de Dieu on est exposé à toutes sortes de malheurs : l’accablement, la tristesse, le dépérissement, la maladie,  etc.  les ennemies se multiplie et la famille s’éloigne.  Alors, que faire pour en sortir ?

La meilleure attitude à adopter est de se repentir de ses fautes, s’attacher à Dieu et chercher également le bien de ses adversaires.

Quiconque sait se repentir reçois le pardon de Dieu et une restauration complète.  N’est-ce pas le pourquoi le Seigneur Jésus est venu sur terre !  Il est notre Salut et notre vie.

Lucy Fonderson

Psalm 6

Psalm 6

Psaumes 6

The Oxford dictionary says that Lent is a 40 day period devoted (by Christ) through fasting and being tempted by Satan for the Celebration of Easter.
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the desert. After 40 days he returned in the Power of the Holy Spirit, then His work began – the question is now how do I come out of the wilderness of life.
Readings to help are:

·         Psalms – 6, 9, 61, 62, 64

·         Genesis 47:28 – end chapter 48

·         Hebrews 5:11 – 6:12

·         John 7:53 – 8:11.

The Holy Spirit is our inspiration and Power to help us.
Prayer:
“Lord by reading and reflecting on your word today open my ears to hear You and my heart to receive You. Amen.”

Psaumes 6
Le dictionnaire Larousse dit que le Carême est un « temps de pénitence consacré à la préparation de Pâques (…) soit quarante jours. Jeûne observé pendant cette période ».
Comment sortir du désert ?
Lectures recommandées :
- Psaumes 6, 9, 61, 62, 64
- Genèse 47:28 – fin du chapitre 48
- Hébreux 5:11 – 6:12
- Jean 7:53 – 8:11.
Seigneur, je prie que la lecture de ta parole ouvre mes oreilles et prépare mon cœur à te recevoir. Amen.

Rie Arthern

Our advocate, liaison, high priest, friend

Hebrews 4:14 – 5:10

Hébreux 4:14 - 5:10

Imagine having the opportunity to meet someone you have overwhelming admiration and respect for, but who also intimidates you greatly (for all the right reasons) – they are extremely intelligent, brilliant, amazing. Imagine that you know you will look (and feel) like an idiot if you approach them directly. They know you are a complete loser and if you just walk up to this person, you’ll be deeply embarrassed and ashamed.

Now…stretch your imagination to the ultimate encounter: with God. Gulp.

BUT…you have someone along with you to speak on your behalf, introduce you and ‘cover’ for you so you don’t look so bad. This liaison knows you intimately, knows all your failings and exactly why you are a failure. But somehow he thinks you’re great anyways. He can ‘empathize with [your] weaknesses’ and is ‘able to deal gently’ with you, even though you are ‘ignorant and are going astray’. He’s close to God – his son, in fact – and therefore, perhaps you should be just as intimidated by him. And yet, he’s approachable, and approaches you.

And so you can approach God with confidence, so that you ‘may receive mercy and find grace’.

Dans notre vie quotidienne, nous nous sentons parfois tellement petits, tellement inférieurs par rapport à certaines personnes, celles que nous admirons en particulier. Imaginez maintenant ce que l'on ressent en présence de Dieu lui-même! Il y a cependant une différence de taille.  Jésus, le fils de Dieu lui-même, nous comprend et intercède pour nous!

~ Kendrah Jespersen

The Temple

John 2:13-22

Jean 2:13-22

In this passage, our Lord visits the Temple in Jerusalem for the festival of Passover and witnesses a scene that ignites righteous indignation. The Temple, God’s dwelling place, had become a marketplace for selling animals and doing business. Scripture states:

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

 ¹⁶ Ne savez-vous pas que vous êtes le temple de Dieu^[a] et que l'Esprit de Dieu habite en vous? 1 Corinthiens 3:16

So, just as Jesus cleanses the Temple in Jerusalem by casting out those who were abusing and misusing it (John 2:15-16), He died and rose again (John 2:19) in order to cleanse our Temples from the defilement of sin for us to fulfill our original purpose—fellowship and communion with God.

Laissez Jésus vous purifier aussi

Ijeoma Umelo

The People Continue in Confusion ~ Le peuple continue dans la Confusion

John 7 : 25-36

Jean 7 : 25-36

Perhaps those hearing Jesus’ teaching during The Feast of the Tabernacles may have been genuinely perplexed because of the many rumours and accusations in circulation and the differing opinions about Old Testament teaching regarding the Messiah.

However, two very human reactions to Jesus and his preaching show confusion amongst the people of Jerusalem: “Isn’t this the person they are trying to kill?” and, “Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?” the wording of this question seems to imply that the crowd expected a negative response (vv 25-26) although the rulers were not hindering Jesus’ preaching or seeking to apprehend Him at this point.

“But we know where this man is from; when the Christ comes, no-one will know where he is from” v27  Again the human element continues to hinder the people’s recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.  In their minds Jesus could not be the Messiah because they knew him to be a carpenter’s son from Nazareth.  Jesus then confirms to his listeners that the true problem is not about his identity but rather a lack of knowledge of the One who sent him and the Old Testament scriptures.  The people could have known if they had wanted to, but had chosen to ignore the truth.

Then the listeners began to differ in their response to Jesus, the Pharisees met with the chief priests and sent the temple guard to arrest him, while others in the crowd put their faith in him. 

What was the motivation for these different reactions?  We learn that “no-one laid a hand on him because his time had not yet come”

Jesus’ sensitivity to the importance of God’s timetable seems to prevail throughout this passage.  Can we conclude that by accepting God’s calling for us today He is asks that we listen and wait for His timetable for us?

 In our busy world are we able to obey and wait patiently for God to reveal his care and wise intentions for us? Or are we tempted to run ahead doing what we feel is best and hoping God will approve? 

Can we dare to ask God to make us aware of his timetable for us?  Can we trust that he will do it just as he did through His Son while He was on earth as man?  And if so, do we have the patience to wait?

Susan Hambursin