April 1, 2012

Today we will celebrate the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, on this first day of holy week. Our choir, orchestra and drama team will present the Easter musical at 8:15 and 11:00, and Pastor Richard Fine will preach at 9:30 and 10:40 (Richard is planting a new United Methodist church between Battlefield and Republic.) Our new district superintendent Bart Hildreth will also be joining us in worship today. After worship, our children’s department will conduct an Easter egg hunt, followed by a meeting with our confirmands, parents, and mentors to prepare for the April 15 confirmation Sunday.

Romans 13

In this chapter the writer (Paul) encourages believers to be subject to government officials, to pay taxes, tributes and anything else that is due. “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” (Verse 8) This chapter picks up on the very practical applications that Paul was applying in chapter 12.

“And this do, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.” (Verse 11) John Wesley used the expression “spiritually asleep” and I find it a good way to describe people who are not yet alive in Christ. This verse succinctly states that concept.

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to is lusts.” (Verse 14) This is a daily practice, and a lifelong struggle with the flesh. It is always tragic when a person gives in to the flesh and its lusts and ends up damaging self, family, friends, and sometimes the church.

Guide my steps today, most holy Lord as I serve you as a pastor of the Wesley United Methodist Church here in Springfield.