What we do in our lives…how we live our lives…determines our future and our ending. Yes. We do still have some control over our everyday lives. Many persons have tough beginnings and yet by some way or another are found to have favorable endings. Some overcome and some do not. There are many people who have rough starts and many people who are there to help over the bumpy roads. Are they willing to hear the voice of reason and wisdom? Will they hear…even starting from childhood, will they listen, hear, and follow? It takes time to teach and convince that the way of wisdom will save them much heartache, stress an distress. Jesus, as always, is the great teacher. His students are not greater than He. He serves in a lowly fashion: washing the disciples feet and teaching the way of “servant leadership.” Those who follow the teaching and ways of Christ are called to a single attitude, not just a single act. It might mean taking out the trash, cleaning bathrooms (I had to do that at home as a child. And, I had to wash my own clothes every week by hand.) Some parents now don’t require their children to perform humble tasks at home, such as washing the dishes. And don’t talk about washing their own clothes..huuum. Humility is a principle in following Christ. Contrarily, boastfulness, pride, greed and arrogance lead us into a road of defeat. When Jesus spoke of the one who would betray Him, he subtle points out the betrayer, Judas, predestined to fulfill various scriptures (Psalm 41:9; 69:25; Acts 1:20). The disciples were sad and wondered who that person among them might be. Even Judas said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” Jesus’ answer was sort of direct, but indirect. The Passover meal progresses. Jesus had already predicted His betrayal (Mt. 17:22; Mk. 9:31). The apostles are shocked and confused. They question among themselves which of them might it be. In this culture, to betray one with whom you have shared intimate table fellowship is the height of treachery. Judas takes the bread (John 13:27-30). And at the height of his hypocrisy, he pretends he is going to handle the business of the treasurer and under the Satanic veil of deception and treachery. John records, “And it was night.” As we move along into The Lord’s Supper, the “eucharisteo,” (giving thanks); Eucharist. The table is set. We see the bread and the wine.” It is a spiritual Christian Celebration which we celebrate and many will be celebrating the “this first Sunday” in January to mark a “new beginning for a new year, 2020. Jesus sits down with His closest friends for one last meal, a sacred event demonstrating deep affinity, kinship, invoking God’s presence, inviting Him into their presence. All are invited, no one excluded, greatest to the least for redemption and forgiveness. It’s a historical sacred event marking the Jews release from slavery and our release from the bondage of sin and depravation and loss. Four voices of the apostles record this sacred event (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). The Passover meal included four cups; each line stood for one line from Exodus 6:6-7a. Cup #1-“I am the Lord, and will bring you from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” (or whoever they may be today) His promises are true to us today. His timing is perfect. Cup#2-“I will free you from being slaves to them.” His promises never fail. Practice the element of obedience. Cup#3-“I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” Stand by. Watch and pray. Cup#4-“I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God.” He will give us the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, according to His way, not the way of the adversary.
Jeanette Grattan Parker, Phd. Founder/Superintendent Today’s Fresh Start Charter School. 4514 Crenshaw BL-323-293-9826: www.todaysfreshstart.org thanks for reading! www.Askdrjeanetteparker.com “Inquiring Minds Want To Know© all rights reserved. Ask Dr. Jeanette Parker™
