WCC 2020-04-12 Service Easter

Well a good Easter morning to all of you. It's great to be able to talk to you again and to trust the Lord has helped you through this week and is blessing you on this special weekend of resurrection, and I just want to make a comment that I hope you had the opportunity to see a Good Friday service and that we're blessed. I know Jane and Rebecca and I we enjoy the service and had communion. And so I trust that this weekend is going well for you. I just want to make a comment before we start into our notes for prayer and praise Friday afternoon. I enjoyed seeing so many of you at the Docks driveway as we had that drive by in our cars to celebrate their 50th Anniversary the balloons the the horns honking the whistles blowing and I just realized that the one who blew her horn the most with Sheila and we just had an absolute blast. I want to say that Linden died last week. We had discussed their anniversary and and we were trying to think of what you doing. I said, let's do a drive-by and let's invite everybody to join us. And I think Linda said there were 18 cars that were there. And so what a great time and I want to thank Linda for coordinating that and I want also think very Hamilton for doing a great job leading the procession and getting everything organized. I want to thank Richard for doing a super job with the pictures and you'll see on your screen several of the pictures that Richard took and of course Judy was just moved to tears and they were so appreciative of everybody taking the time to come down Watson Avenue and God bless them and I just thought you'd appreciate this little story as if we turn down in the Convoy. There was a man standing on his driveway holding onto his rake and I said to him. Do you know what's happening? And he said is this a funeral I said? No, not a funeral. It's too many balloons. It's a it's an anniversary. So I have a little chance to chat with him. And there were neighbors that came out Tears in their eyes saying all isn't this lovely so it was a great church witness in many ways and I'm sure Carl and Judy will have many opportunities to follow up in their Community with the results of that day. So thank you my daughter back as we pulled out said this was tantalisingly short. It was so nice to see many of you. I would have loved to have sat and chatted with you. But again, Do driveway visits talk to everyone as much as you can use the telephone or go on Skype or Zoom or FaceTime or Facebook Messenger because I think it's nice to see a face with a voice the other thing. I want to mention. Of course. We have no birthdays your anniversaries to mention, but you are going to find and I know many of you have already sensed this you're going to have some real mood swings. There's going to be times when you're going to feel exhausted when you're going to feel tired to your bones, and you'll just be all over the map this to a certain standard normal. If you need to talk to anyone. Feel free. If you want to talk to me about it. Please show I give me a call. I too have gone up and down these last couple of weeks. And so don't be discouraged. If you're feeling like you just want to sleep or you're sleeping to not have to think or you're just feeling anxious or angry. Speaking of those issues. I thought it may be good to have a couple of jokes this morning before we get started. The first one is this you can always tell someone's age by watching them. Get out of a car.

Another there's no reason to tailgate me when I'm doing 50 in a 35 and those flashing lights on top of your car look ridiculous. and and finally a wife text her husband on a cold winter morning the text read Windows Frozen won't open. Husband texted back gently pour some lukewarm water over it and then gently tap the edges with a hammer. wife texted back 10 minutes later computer really messed up now.

Oh, I can hear you groaning from here. Anyway, those are just some things to make you smile. Again the Lord's on his throne. And so here's some notes for Praise Adonai Audrey mcmeekin made it home safely from their delivery of all their daughter and all the moving furniture and they're very thankful for their traveling mercies as they came back from DC. And of course every one of us made it through this week. And as far as we know everyone is quite healthy. For prayer I was actually visiting May when the call came in from her sister-in-law that her brother had died. And so would you please pray for me and for norm and for the family in Northern Ireland? It's it's difficult when you're not able to be with family at times like that. Also, Marge and Collins neighbors. Dad John. He's living at the Sierra Vista Home in Elmvale. He now which now has a case of the coronavirus but he is healthy as of now, and so the family are thrilled As far as Rhoda's husband, Rob goes I was talking with Rhoda on Saturday morning. She's finding it very difficult to the one nurse last evening was not very helpful to her. But she's waiting an update on the foot circulation problems that Rob is experiencing and as you know, she can't go to the hospital. And so we need to pray that that she will get answers and have an update on her husband Susan, of course wanted prayer with regard to the ongoing scenario as Vanessa. And in what I want to report to you is that Vanessa is home this weekend here in Wasaga with her mom and her sister and they're having a great visit and they're all just loving being together and I'm sure for Kurt room guard. It's it's just lovely to have their granddaughter home for a visit as well. So keep praying for that whole fam And Crystal is asked for prayer for her herself and her sister in this time. Also, would you pray for all those volunteers and Frontline workers pastors that are working in the food bank? We've had a very busy week. Of course, we have our Tuesday and Thursday times when people come in but we also all day Wednesday were handing out Easter campers. And so there's a number of us that are working in that area and we just would ask you to pray that we would continue to be protected in all that we have to do there again. Don't hesitate to call us. If you need to reach me anytime. Feel free to just give us a call or come on over and we'll chat or you'd like a chain and I to come over and see you where we're certainly making the driveway visits and will come and talk with you as well. And so let's just take a moment. Let's just pray for all these requests and thank the Lord for what he's doing. So father is we have this is a beautiful Resurrection Day Sunday worship. We gain want to thank you for the blessings that are ours in so many ways we pray for the dogs today and then pray your your continued healing and blessing upon them and that this would be a marvelous new decade for them and their marriage. Thanks for everyone who was able to participate and enjoy that moment. We also would pray for those who are trying to make adjustments. They're still still a member of our family members in quarantine and and the self-isolation we pray especially for for May and Norm as they are in their quarantine with the death of May's brother. And for those who have family members in situations such as nursing homes in and they're concerned for Are family members that Lord bring it bring answers in a very practical means for them and for Rhoda with regard to her husband and there are others that we know of that are in hospital. And of course nobody can visit them may they sent your presents and in your power and and we pray for those with ongoing health issues. We think of Richard and Suzanne and and ask your blessing on Suzanne and these days sand for Crystal and her sister we pray for protection on our food bank volunteers as they continue to reach out to me very very strategic needs in our community and we just pray that this weekend Susan and Vanessa and Amelia will enjoy just being together and all that you have for them to do this day. And we pray Lord that says we continue into this new week. We don't know what it will bring but we know you're in charge and so we look to you and as you give us leading we we will phone each other or or text each other whatever the case maybe just to encourage one another so I pray for each and every one end and there are those Lord who are going through times of deep exhaustion and tiredness real mood swings loneliness for many they haven't even had a hug and weeks and so Lord. Would you wrap your arms around them and remind them that they have a tremendous heavenly father who truly loves them. And so Lord, we just bless you and we look forward to watch you're going to show us and remind us of from your word in your name. We pray. Amen.

What a week. I'm sure we would say that ourselves. But when I think of this particular Sunday. I think what a week. Jesus must have had starting the week before on a Sunday morning. He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey crowds rushing forward to worship him and to adore him. course the Jewish spiritual hierarchy Are glum and is John record. The Pharisees said to one another. You see that you are gaining nothing. Look the world is gone after him.

Must have been quite a moment. And Jesus doing all things knew what was going to happen by the end of the week and shortly after that particular moment. There was an actual voice from Heaven God himself spoke loud as the crowds were throwing around Jesus and John recorded in verse 28 father glorify your name and then a voice came from heaven and God himself said I have glorified it and I will glorify it again and the crowd that stood there and heard it said it had thundered other said an angel had spoken to him in Jesus answered this voice has come for your sick. Not mine. Well, Jesus enters the temple. Cleans it out overturns the money changers table. He announces this is to be a House of Prayer not a den of robbers. All that week Jesus goes back and forth from Jerusalem to Bethany the town where Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha lived Lazarus Lazarus. His home was in this small village, which was located on the east side of the Mount of Olives about a mile and a half to km away from Jerusalem. And so he went there to refresh to sleep and then to head back into Jerusalem to speak each day in the temple. It's interesting that Bethany in terms of a title was known as the house of misery because many sick and invalid people lived in that community. It's interested. Jesus focused on being in the midst of great need even when he went to rest today, of course and and after Jesus death and Resurrection, it was called the place of Lazarus. And so Jesus, of course is he's going back and forth from Jerusalem one. One moment. He curses a fig tree the next day. He's teaching a powerful lesson on prayer. And then of course, he's teaching in the temple and this picture before you shows the crowds that must have been listening intently. Of course, the Pharisees didn't like them. They questioned the the reason and why he spoke and who gave him such Authority but he spoke to the crowds hour after our Parables about the two sons one who obey the other who did not parable of the wicked tenants. Parable of the marriage-feast then discussion on should we pay taxes to Caesar? There were questions on Resurrection a woman who had seven husbands in heaven. Whose wife would she be? There was teaching on the greatest commandment. And then there were times when he had discussions with just his his disciples. And then he go back into Jerusalem and more discussions. The Widow's gift was noted. There was a lament over Jerusalem. There's more discussions about last days of tribulation on the Earth. In Jesus says Be watchful. More Parables the Fig Tree the ten maidens the parable of the talents the call to feed the hungry to help the sick. And then as the final hours of this week or approaching Jesus has ointment poured on him for his burial. And then he prepares to have a last supper and then this picture you can see in the triclinium table in those days men would lounge around and eat with one elbow beside them and and dip from the cops or the or the stool that was being served and and Jesus would have talked through that meal with them course as they're having that meal that last supper Judas Iscariot leaves. Jesus reminds Peter that he's going to be sifted by Satan. There's a final talk. There is a him. And then it's off to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. There's the prayer time in the agony of all of that not my will but thine be done and then number of hours later a betrayal. And what happens is the disciples all Runaway. And there's a night and day of agony. Jesus is made to stand before the chief priests anise and then off to the high priest Caiaphas and then over to Pontius Pilate then over to King Herod and then back the pilot and you'll see in this next picture. He's standing as pilot is now directing is his attitude of what shall we do with this man. 1st Peter denies Jesus and there is the call for really should I release Barabbas or this Jesus? To which the crowds are yelling crucify him crucify him. And so Jesus is mocked. There's a crown of thorns. There's a walk. Toward the hill of Golgotha or Calvary. Holding on to his cross until he stumbles and another is conscripted to help carry it. Friday at noon he's hung on the cross. Judas is gone and hung himself.

For 3 hours, there's Darkness.

And then Jesus with an incredibly loud voice says it is finished. And he dies.

The temple veil is split in half. Anna Centurian So surely this was the son of God.

Well, the evening Shadows are shown to darken the Horizon. And so Joseph and Nicodemus go and get permission to take Jesus body down off the cross. He's laid. They laid Jesus body in Joseph's tomb. They wrap him in the spices in A hurried Manner and the stone is rolled against the door.

Saturday night's nothing

pilot gives permission to guard the tomb so the disciples can't steal the body of Jesus and say that he's been resurrected.

Sunday.

The first day of the week

Did Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome and Joanna bring?

The temple they bring the spices that they have been keeping so that they might properly bury Jesus.

There's nothing left to do. The ministry is over and you'll see in this picture that for all intents and purposes.

We're done. But now to the rest of the story.

Matthew recordes the following Behold there was a great earthquake for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and roll back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning in his clothing white as snow in for fear of him. The guards trembled and became like dead men.

Mark says this the women were staying to one another who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the Tomb. And looking up they saw that the stone had been rolled away. It was very large and you'll note in the picture. There are the women and so let me show you now what Mark says in his writing.

Mark says and they entered the tomb.

And I saw a young man sitting on the right hand.

He was dressed in a white robe.

And they were alarmed.

And he said to them. Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified he has risen he is not here. See the place where they laid him, but go and tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee there. You shall see him just as he told you. Matthew record set the women departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and they ran to tell his disciples remember it's very early in the morning. John record the following Mary though stood weeping outside the tomb and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb and she saw notice two angels in White City where the body of Jesus head Lane one at the head and one at the feet and they said to her woman. Why are you weeping? She said that they have taken away my Lord and I do not know where they have laid him. Having said that she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her. Woman, why are you weeping whom are you seeking? Supposing him to be the gardener sending sure if you have carried him away tell me where you've laid him and I will take him away. Jesus said to her Mary. And she turned and said to him and Aramaic rabona, which means teacher Jesus said to Mary do not cling to me for I have not yet ascended to my father, but go to my brothers and say to them I am ascending to my father and your father to my God and your God Mary Magdalene went out and announced disciples. I've seen the Lord and he said these things

Lupin goes on to say as they were talking about these things Jesus himself. State of Mind and sent to the peace to you. But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. Well, of course they did and Jesus said to them, why are you troubled and why do dough to rise in your heart see my hands and my feet and that it is myself touch me and see for a spirit does not have Flesh and Bones as you see that I have and when he said this he showed them his hands and feet and while they were still Dispatch they still disbelieve for joy and we're Marvin. He said to them have you anything here to eat? And they gave him a piece of broiled fish. man What a miracle what a week. I don't know if you caught it, but when Jesus was talking to Mary and he said to her I'm ascending to my father and your father to my God and your God. Do you realize the two thousand years ago? Jesus was ascending to your father. And he is your god. Do you see the Timeless implication of those words that he got her to marry there for you? And I today. So what a week a week of incredible contrast Jesus goes through these 20 + major events and speeches and in in circumstances, then he's dead any on a cross. He's buried in a tomb. And all of a sudden on a Sunday morning. The man is alive. What a week. What a week. And then he immediately. begins to teach them the Timeless realities and what these events really mean Luke says in verse 2244 of Luke 24 Jesus didn't speak into them said these are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you then everything written about me and the law of Moses and the prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled and he opened their minds to understand the scriptures and said to them that it is written the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead and that repentance for the Forgiveness of sins shall be proclaimed in his name or my name is he was be saying it to how many nations what do you read their All Nations beginning from Jerusalem and you are my Witnesses of these things behold. I am sending the promise of my father upon you but stay in the city until you are clothed with power. Ramen High Everything Jesus did was according to plan he and the father had discussed it before the foundation of the very world that they were about to create. Paul sums it up. So incredibly in Hebrews 1 verses 2 and 3. But in these last days he's talking about after the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus has spoken to us or God has spoken to us by his son who me appointed heir of all things through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature henia, pause the universe by the word of his power adapter making the purification for sins. He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Get the picture.

Satan is defeated foe. He continues to be defeated no matter what the world may try to do. What state may try to influence on God's in charge and gods now interceding with you and I as he sits on his throne and Jesus talks to him about us. John sums it all up. What a week. He says no Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ the son of the Living God and by believing you may have life in his name. I know we're not able to be together and sing together, but I'm reminded of the words of a very familiar him. Written by Robert Lowery in 1874 low in the grave. He lay Jesus my Savior waiting. Coming De Jesus my Lord up from the grave he arose with a mighty Triumph for his foes. He arose a Victor from the dark domain and he lives forever with his Saints to rain. He arose arose Hallelujah Christ arose.

Father my prayer this day on this glorious Resurrection commemoration Sunday. Father we may not be together, but the facts Remain the facts. Jesus was killed. He was buried and rose from the grave and he has the power. Over anything that would defeat the human race including death itself. He tore the bars away. He rose out of the grave as the sign that he can t be the savior of the world Lord. My prayer is this week despite our isolation that will have opportunities not only to thank you and praise you for your son and to thank Jesus for all that he has done but people will see that there's something different about us that people will start to begin to think about what is going on and we need a savior. So father pray, I pray for each and every one of us that you would remind us that you are a great. God lift our faith remind us that you're in charge. And even though we may be having quite a week. God is always the Victor. Thanks be to God. And so the Lord bless you and the Lord keep you the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you. Give you his peace.

amen