Week:12, Season:1,
2013
Posted on Saturday by PCT
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Participation Brings Miracles
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Scripture:《
Luke 19:28-40
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19:28 And when he had thus spoken, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem. 29 And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, 30 Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. 31 And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him. 32 And they that were sent went their way, and found even as he had said unto them. 33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them, Why loose ye the colt? 34 And they said, The Lord hath need of him. 35 And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon. 36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. 37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; 38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples. 40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.
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28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, “Why are you untying it?” say, “The Lord needs it.”’ 32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, ‘Why are you untying the colt?’ 34 They replied, ‘The Lord needs it.’ 35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ 39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ 40 ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’
The power of candles
What can a candle do? Perhaps it creates the anticipation of birthday wishes; perhaps it accompanies people through a stormy night with no electricity; perhaps it brings warmth to people praying in the dark. Unbelievably, the faint glowing of candles in the dark has influenced the democratic development and social reform of the Europe and even the whole world!
Every Monday afternoon since the 20th September 1982, by faith and with love, several Christians had gathered at St. Nikolaikirche Church in Leipzig East Germany for peace prayer meetings. After a few years, the few original members of this prayer meeting had become thousands. Candle lights and sincere prayers brought great comfort to people in East Germany, which had been ruled under Communism. On the 9th November 1989, after the prayer meeting, five hundred thousand people gathered in front of St. Nikolaikirche Church. They lit seventy thousand candles to request peaceful reform. This silent request confounded the tank-driven armies of East Germany. After that, this peaceful “candle light coup” indirectly overthrew the political power of the Communists in East Germany. Soon, Communist parties in other Eastern European countries were breaking up one by one as the dominoes fell to the ground. Even the big brother of the Communist world, Soviet Union, also eventually disintegrated.
How could candles achieve such powerful change in the world? The force behind it was the participation of people. A single candle only glows with a faint light, but thousands of candles build a great light. The power of people carrying seventy thousand candles was great enough to influence the entirety of Europe and change the world! This miracle came from God, but we also cannot deny the incredible power gathered by the people’s participation which made candles work beyond even their expectations.
“Palm Sunday” participated in by many
There is a miracle story about people’s participation before Jesus rose. Palm Sunday remembers Jesus entering Jerusalem on a colt with glory. People took palm branches, a symbol of a King’s entrance, and went out to welcome him with shouting. Out of the blue, a few days after Jesus had arrived in Jerusalem, he was tortured by a series of cruel punishments and put to death. Unexpectedly, this Jesus who had died on the cross rose again, and he is the Messiah who brings salvation to the world!
This miracle that changed the world was achieved by the participation of many people. Firstly, two disciples were sent to look for a colt for Jesus. In the description of verses 29-34, the two disciples did not ask many questions, but only followed Jesus’ instructions.
Secondly, the colt and his mater participated in this event. The master accepted the request that “the Lord needs it” (Luke 19:34) His humble attitude allowed this colt to be involved in the holy mission of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
Thirdly, people went out to welcome Jesus. In Luke 19:36 it says, “As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.” Jesus’ welcome was not like the ceremony of a King’s royal entry, for which luxurious carpets are prepared beforehand. People spontaneously spread their cloaks on the ground to make a carpet to welcome Jesus, the Messiah.
Finally, Jesus’ disciples were involved. They shouted with joy to witness this touching moment. They quoted a Psalm (Luke 19:38) to praise and give thanks for being part of this miracle.
A miracle that changed the whole world began there.
Miracles on earth
“What is miracle?” This seems to be a very common question of faith. The vivid story of Jesus entering Jerusalem may give us a best explanation of miracles: when one event belongs to the kingdom of God, even though opposition arises (for example the Pharisees in verse 39), most people are willing to follow the voice of God, to participate and make an effort for this holy event to happen. The action of relying on God’s power to make the impossible possible is a miracle.
The “candle light coup” happened in Europe 20 years ago, and is also a miracle achieved by people’s participation. In April 2011, the “Kuokuang Petrochemical Project” was withdrawn. In early 2012, “A Long Trail”, which was going to become a cement coast, became a natural reservation. Not long ago, Taitung “Mirabay project” was judged illegal and stopped. These environmental events which it had seemed impossible to prevent all achieved incredible results through the care, prayers, actions and participation of many people. They are miracles for all the Christians involved.
Likewise, participation at church can bring miracles. Many Christians criticise their churches but do not know that praying often to understand God’s will and involving in church is often the key to making churches better.
Become the candle in the kingdom of God
“Palm Sunday,” reminds us we are about to enter Passion Week. It is not a time for entertainment. We should quieten ourselves in the suffering of Jesus and rethink his crucifixion, the correlations of his death and resurrection, and their meaning for our own lives. In the meantime, we can allow the old self to die with Jesus and get ready for our new lives at Easter. The Bible verses about Palm Sunday also remind us to actively participate in Jesus’ life and create the miracles of heaven with him.
Every Christian is like a candle; though the light is faint, when each of us willing to burn and do our best to participate in the kingdom of God, we will be able to shine with a glorious light which can move the earth. We will be able to fulfil God’s miracles on earth!
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For discussion:
1. Does your church or fellowship need everyone’s participation? Which missions require everyone to work together? Have you had any experiences of events where, because of everyone’s participation, a wonderful change was made?
2. From the point of view of faith, what are the public issues in Taiwan’s society that you think you should pay more attention to? How can you be a part of it as a Christian?
3. It is Passion Week after Palm Sunday. How do you prepare to suffer with Jesus and experience his love and sacrifice?
Please pray for:
1. That you and your church brothers and sisters can become actively involved in church life.
2. That God can quieten our minds during Passion Week and allow us to meet Jesus and know how precious our faith is to us.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for being our salvation and cleansing my sins with your precious blood. At entering Passion Week, I am willing to let go of my old self and ask for your guidance. I ask for more intimate connections with you from depths of my heart, so that I can experience the truth of your crucifixion and resurrection and reflect on my life once again. Lord Jesus, please help me to understand your purpose for me. Allow me to follow you and live your amazing plan to witness your great miracles. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Something you can do:
1. Set up a commitment with Jesus in Passion Week (e.g. to fast and pray or meditate). Ask for help from God to put your plan into practice.
2. List the church missions which need people to become involved in them (e.g. a fellowship event, pastoral care, and the Sunday service, etc.) and faith issues that need discussion (e.g., social injustice or environmental protection.)
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