by Steve Liersch
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Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than 12 legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled … (Matthew 26:53,54a).
Read Matthew 26:47–56
I read that a Roman legion had 6,000 soldiers. How amazing would it be to have the capacity to call on more than 70,000 angels to look after you in some of life’s toughest moments? Jesus did. I could’ve used just a couple of them back in my school days to get rid of a mouthy older kid in the playground and certainly in the sports arena. Some people are just painful and bullies. Come to think of it, I’ve come across a couple of them throughout my adult life. Sadly, I keep reading and seeing how an imbalance of power gets to intimidate, harm and even kill the so-called lesser person.
Our society, and indeed our church, runs campaigns to end things like domestic violence and bullying in the workplace. We’ve created safe place and child-safe strategies and policies. I really wish and pray that the legions would step in and protect the innocent and vulnerable. And I certainly can’t see the will of God being done as evil seems to run rampant. I struggled with this one. So, what can we learn from today’s lesson?
Jesus said he had 12 legions of angels at his disposal by simply calling on his Father to intervene. Jesus’ arrest would have been a no-contest event, but that was never God’s intention. His plan of salvation needed to unfold, and it included Jesus having to suffer incredibly so that you and I would ultimately be free from the effects of sin.
We believe and confess that our Almighty God can do anything, but so often, we want the easy way out. Maybe, just maybe, God lets us enter many of life’s toughest situations with the end goal in mind. If life were so easy, how would I learn to trust him no matter what? How would I ever learn patience? And I can see my pride levels rising as I cruise through without any obstacles to test my resilience or reliance on his strength.
Keep struggling with this one, but continue trusting in a God who has your back.
Almighty Heavenly Father, teach me your ways and help me always trust you no matter what happens in this life. I thank you for the best life that’s still coming through faith in Jesus. Amen.
Pastor Steve Liersch and his wife, Angelyn, are now empty-nesters living in Port Kennedy in the southern coastal suburbs of Perth. Steve says that he sees every day as a gift from God, allowing him to discover new ways to journey with Jesus and learn more about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as how his Heavenly Father wants to use him in some small or great way.
by Steve Liersch
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will’ (Matthew 26:39).
Read Matthew 26:36–46
The prayers below could be lacking something. If they sound familiar, give yourself a point.
- Dear God, please give us a fine day on Saturday so that the family gathering in the park can be a success and we all have a great time. Amen.
- Dear God, please help our dog respond to the medication so that she doesn’t have to suffer and gets well soon. Amen.
- Dear God, of all the beautiful people in the world, why is Grandma so sick? Please make her better so that we can spend Christmas together again. Amen.
These prayers are great. They call on God to do what we can’t do as people. Control the weather (1), provide healthy pets (2), and heal the sick (3). I have prayed these sorts of prayers all my life. It’s what I’ve been taught to do. It’s what I desire to have happen for the wellbeing of all … or is it?
Without sparking a huge debate so that my email inbox or phone doesn’t go ballistic, could it be possible that by stopping the prayers as I have, they are missing what God’s will is actually trying to bring about? As a result, am I open to that so that his will might be done?
Consider this:
- What if God sent rain because a drought was in progress?
- What if God wanted to show that some people care more about their pets than their family?
- Grandma has a beautiful faith. What if God is calling her to heaven?
Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals more than just his desire to have the cup of death taken away from him. Although it would suit him from a human perspective to be spared the impending agony, his prayer also shows how he is reliant on his Heavenly Father’s will to be done as he surrenders in complete obedience. ‘Yet not as I will, but as you will’ (verse 39).
Consider adding these words to your prayers more, and be at peace with God’s response.
Heavenly Father, help me to trust you more, so that your will is also my desire. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Pastor Steve Liersch and his wife, Angelyn, are now empty-nesters living in Port Kennedy in the southern coastal suburbs of Perth. Steve says that he sees every day as a gift from God, allowing him to discover new ways to journey with Jesus and learn more about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as how his Heavenly Father wants to use him in some small or great way.
by Steve Liersch
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same (Matthew 26:35).
Read Matthew 26:26–35
We see it time and time again. A group united around its brave leader – until …? Sadly, politics provides many of these moments where a campaign leading up to an election constantly shows many of the party faithful, colleagues and those who believe in the promise of the leader before them, all gathered around together nodding their heads in agreement as the leader speaks. Until? Yep, if the party loses the election, many of those who were bravely following their now-defeated leader are suddenly running for the door. Nowhere in sight to face the barrage of constant questions of where it all went wrong.
Peter was his name. ‘Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will’ (verse 33). To which Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, this very night, before the cock crows, you will disown me three times’ (verse 34). And here’s the kicker: ‘And all the other disciples said the same’ (verse 35). Within hours, the disciples deserted Jesus in the garden following his arrest. Their leader is gone, their bravery melted away, and Jesus’ words become reality.
We all want to be on the winning team. Words are cheap if actions don’t follow them. When Jesus predicted his death in Matthew 16:21–28, Peter said to him, ‘Surely not, Lord. This will never happen to you.’
Peter put himself out there as the brave leader designated by Jesus to lead his disciples. Yet he needed to learn a few lessons that had to be lived through rather than just spoken about in one of Jesus’ teaching sessions on a mountainside.
Sometimes, our failures can teach us more about ourselves than we care to learn. I would never do that – until …? I couldn’t see myself ever being part of that – until …? I wouldn’t dare say anything like that – until …? Yet nothing surprises Jesus about the humans he came to save. Sin, human failure, even Satan’s joy at the scene on Golgotha, seemed to have won – until …? Until Jesus spoke salvation over creation, ‘Father, forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing’ (Luke 23:34).
How many ‘untils’ do you need to repent of?
Heavenly Father, please keep drawing me back to you in repentance. Please help me to live here on Earth by your grace until I live with you forever. Amen.
Pastor Steve Liersch and his wife, Angelyn, are now empty-nesters living in Port Kennedy in the southern coastal suburbs of Perth. Steve says that he sees every day as a gift from God, allowing him to discover new ways to journey with Jesus and learn more about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as how his Heavenly Father wants to use him in some small or great way.
by Steve Liersch
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Jesus replied, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me’ (Matthew 26:23).
Read Matthew 26:17–25
It took around three years to form and train the group that we have come to know as the 12 disciples. All along, you can’t help but think that Jesus would have chosen only the best followers to train and carry on his ministry. Judas was among them. The gospels of Matthew (26:14–16), Mark (14:10,11) and Luke (22:3–6) all refer to Judas as the one who would betray Jesus into the hands of his enemies. God knows, and Jesus knows, that Judas would be an integral part of his plan of salvation. Go figure!
How often do we hear stories of an ‘insider’ doing damage to an organisation? For example, a club captain doing drugs or scheming to move to another club (topical to a couple of AFL teams), a childcare worker abusing a child, or a business manager diddling the books. So many times, we hear of trust being betrayed and comments like, ‘I never thought they were that sort of person.’
In Jesus’ case, he knew what was about to unfold. He even knew who would do what and predicted it so that people would be aware that nothing is beyond his knowledge. ‘Peter, you will deny me three times before the rooster crows.’ It wasn’t just Judas who would fail.
In verse 25 of today’s text, we read, ‘Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?” Jesus answered, “You have said so.”’ No-one likes to be called out for doing the wrong thing.
Yet this is no ordinary meal being shared with Jesus. In just a few minutes after this exchange with Judas, Jesus speaks words that he, along with you and I, need to hear constantly, ‘This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.’
This is the best ‘bombshell’ that Jesus could ever speak. Betrayal, denial, scheming, deceitfulness – the list goes on. And Jesus’ response is: ‘Forgiveness is available through what I am about to do for you.’ If only Judas had waited a few days to see how it all turned out. That forgiveness could have been his despite what he had done.
Don’t wait too long to repent and make peace with God as you receive his forgiveness. The results will be life-changing.
Thank you, Jesus, for your forgiveness. Please work through your Holy Spirit so that I may ask for it every day. Amen.
Pastor Steve Liersch and his wife, Angelyn, are now empty-nesters living in Port Kennedy in the southern coastal suburbs of Perth. Steve says that he sees every day as a gift from God, allowing him to discover new ways to journey with Jesus and learn more about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as how his Heavenly Father wants to use him in some small or great way.
by Steve Liersch
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they schemed to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him (Matthew 26:3,4).
Read Matthew 26:1–16
It’s easy to get frustrated and even angry with people who should know better. People who do the wrong thing, even to the point of being outright evil. Think here of adults abusing children in their care. Or financial advisors ripping off their clients for large sums of money. Or experienced drivers leaving their passengers seriously injured or dead as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They should all know better. They are in a position of trust. No-one would have ever thought it possible that they would do such a thing.
God knows what you and I are all capable of because we’re sinful. Because, given the right circumstances, everyone is capable of something terrible sooner or later. Thankfully, most of the time, we are guided by our values and principles, maintaining a healthy balance between right and wrong, and we choose what is right. But not always – especially if we can get away with it.
The story leading up to Jesus’ death reflects poorly on the chief priests and elders of the Jewish society at that time. Peter exposed their evil plans in Acts 2:23: ‘This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.’ Ouch. That’s a bit hurtful, isn’t it?
Thankfully, God did use their evil ways to ensure we and the whole world are forgiven our sins. God can transform evil situations and turn them around for some good. Romans 8:28 reads, ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’
At Pentecost, we read:
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’ (Acts 2:37,38).
Ahh! Now there’s grace at work.
Recall a time when God used a bad situation and turned it out for the good. Thank him.
Dear God, you never waste a moment to help lead people back to you in repentance. Please continue doing that in my life as well. Amen.
Pastor Steve Liersch and his wife, Angelyn, are now empty-nesters living in Port Kennedy in the southern coastal suburbs of Perth. Steve says that he sees every day as a gift from God, allowing him to discover new ways to journey with Jesus and learn more about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as how his Heavenly Father wants to use him in some small or great way.
by Steve Liersch
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go (Luke 10:1).
Read Luke 10:1–11,16–20
I’ve always enjoyed mathematics, although I know that not everyone shares this sentiment. When my children were in primary school, we had a times tables chart inside the toilet on the wall facing the seat. All that time for them and anyone else who visited our house to learn or get a refresher course in multiplication. It isn’t until you get to 6 x 12 that we first encounter the number 72. That’s a lot for a kid to get their head around. Not for Jesus.
Often, we only think of Jesus having 12 disciples. Yes, there might have only been that number in his inner circle that we read and hear about, but there were more – lots more. By the time he was ready to give them one of their first practical exercises in sharing the good news about the kingdom of heaven, we learn from Luke 10 that there were 72 of them. Not only that, but even if the 12 disciples each took one more person, that would still total only 24.
Where did the other 60 come from? And who were they? And how did they get to be included in such a daunting task as going to neighbouring villages? How did they muster up enough courage to talk to strangers? And fancy not taking a purse, bag or sandals, not to mention not greeting anyone on the road, until they found a ‘house of peace’.
After the 72 returned with joy (verse 17), they reported that even the demons submitted to them in Jesus’ name. There’s the clue and the ‘glue’ that makes God’s ‘Great Commission’ possible. They, like us, go in Jesus’ name, speak about Jesus and go in the power of the Holy Spirit because he is with us all to the close of the age (Matthew 28:20).
Practise speaking about your friend and Saviour Jesus with someone you know, and see what the results may be as the Holy Spirit leads you. (Give it a bit of time to bear fruit, too.)
Lord of the harvest, you promise to be with me like you were with your first disciples. Give me the courage and willingness to speak of you as my Lord and Saviour to help your kingdom grow. In your name, I pray, Amen.
Pastor Steve Liersch and his wife, Angelyn, are now empty-nesters living in Port Kennedy in the southern coastal suburbs of Perth. Steve says that he sees every day as a gift from God, allowing him to discover new ways to journey with Jesus and learn more about the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as how his Heavenly Father wants to use him in some small or great way.
by Dianne Eckermann
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals (Psalm 66:5).
Read Psalm 66:1–9
The word ‘awesome’ is used so frequently in everyday life that its meaning could well become tired. All kinds of things are described as awesome. It might be a completely unexpected victory in a game of football, a wonderful holiday or a stunning sunset. It might also refer to something super exciting or amazingly beautiful. In short, ‘awesome’ sums up all sorts of human experiences that we find hard to put into words.
The psalmist uses the word ‘awesome’ twice in today’s reading to praise what God has done. God’s amazing deeds are so profound that the psalmist cannot help but shout for joy. He recognises how much God has done and continues to do for all people. God’s awesome deeds and his great power invoke a deep emotional response in the psalmist.
Essentially, this is what ‘awesome’ means. It is not a particularly biblical word. In fact, in the original King James translation of this psalm, the word ‘terrible’ is used instead. That no longer translates in the same way in Modern English. However, in context, both words attempt to capture the reverence, majesty and awe of trying to comprehend the full completeness of God’s love and care for all people. It is no wonder the psalmist sings and praises God, as there is nothing on Earth that can compare with God and his awesome deeds.
Perhaps if we hear someone say they had an awesome day, or if we feel we had an awesome experience, we can take that emotion and identify it as just a fraction of the awesomeness that is God. We can remind ourselves again of his continual presence in our everyday lives.
Lord, we shout for joy when we consider all you have done for us. We praise and thank you for your awesome love for all people and ask that you help us share that love with one another. Amen.
Dianne has served in Lutheran education as a teacher, school leader and system leader at Lutheran Education Australia. Now retired from full-time work, she continues to volunteer on several committees and as a school board member. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband, Robert, and is in strong demand as a babysitter for her three grandchildren.
by Dianne Eckermann
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21)
Read Matthew 25:14–30
Like the other parables in the two chapters of Matthew we have been reading this week, this parable about the three servants tells us about how people have behaved while waiting. This parable appears to be about a demanding master, which sounds strange to our modern ears. Similarly, the treatment of the third servant seems unduly harsh in our world, with employment laws intended to protect workers.
The parable also seems to justify giving even more to those who already have a lot and punishing those who have little; however, we know this is not at all how Jesus works. The master going on a journey and promising to return sounds much like Jesus promising to return. Jesus is not harsh or unjust, so this message is not so much about judgement but about using the gifts we have.
When the master in the parable goes away on a long journey, promising to return, he entrusts a great deal to his servants. Each servant is given an amount according to their ability, so the master is not expecting more from the servants than they can deliver. He trusts each of them. What he offers to the first two servants, who use what they have been given for his benefit, is a share in his happiness. The trust the master has given them has been nothing to be afraid of, but an opportunity to share in his joy.
In contrast, the third servant buries his gift from the master. He does not even attempt to use what he has been given, apparently because he fears what has been entrusted to him. In doing so, he is not responding to a share in the happiness his master is willing to share with him.
This parable, therefore, is about looking for opportunities to use what we have been given wisely and effectively for the sake of Jesus, who loved us so much he gave all for us.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the individual gifts you have entrusted to us, and we ask you to help us to use what we have been given in your service and for your glory. Amen.
Dianne has served in Lutheran education as a teacher, school leader and system leader at Lutheran Education Australia. Now retired from full-time work, she continues to volunteer on several committees and as a school board member. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband, Robert, and is in strong demand as a babysitter for her three grandchildren.
by Dianne Eckermann
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour (Matthew 25:13).
Read Matthew 25:1–13
The parable of the 10 young women reminds us of just how human we are, even the most organised people among us. We can identify with the young women who did not have enough oil for their lamps because we all, at some time, will have forgotten something crucial. We might have remembered the birthday candles but forgotten the matches, gone on holiday with the mobile phone but forgotten the charger, or arrived at the airport and left the passport at home.
This parable also continues the theme of the readings for this week, namely the need to be prepared and to keep watch because there is much we do not know. Let’s examine the parable in more detail. We realise the young women waiting to light the way for the bridegroom did not have a particularly onerous task. Their role during the whole complex wedding celebration was clear and simple. All they had to do was be prepared with their welcoming lamps to light the darkness. It didn’t matter that they had fallen asleep because they were all awoken in time for the delayed arrival of the groom.
They really only had one task: to light the way to the celebration. And this task only required two things: a lamp and some lamp oil. The arrival of the bridegroom was delayed, but it was certain that he would eventually arrive; therefore, it was important to be prepared when the big arrival finally happened.
The parable tells us that those who were prepared were included, and those who were not prepared were excluded. The bridegroom is Christ; the wedding feast is the promise of his kingdom. This parable is not just about the certainty of Christ’s arrival; it is also about recognising he might be delayed. To be prepared is to anticipate the arrival of Jesus, even though the world has been waiting a long time. It is for this reason that we live our lives knowing the certainty of Jesus’ promise to return.
Dear Jesus, we hope for your return and ask that you keep us strong in faith as we pray, ‘Come, Lord Jesus.’ Amen.
Dianne has served in Lutheran education as a teacher, school leader and system leader at Lutheran Education Australia. Now retired from full-time work, she continues to volunteer on several committees and as a school board member. She lives in the Adelaide Hills with her husband, Robert, and is in strong demand as a babysitter for her three grandchildren.