Vine and Branches | April 6th

 “I am the vine; you are the branches.”

  John 15:8

  Beloved, there is only one vine in this life; everyone else is a branch. When Jesus described Himself as the only source of life for our faith and Christian living, He not only identified Himself as the exclusive source but also claimed it. In doing this, He excluded us and everyone else from being the vine.

  This is important to know for our well-being. First, we would not assume responsibility for others, no matter how much we love them. We cannot be the ultimate source for others' joy, peace, and encouragement. There is only one Almighty God. Able to meet the deepest needs of the soul and heart. Never take this upon yourself.

  While this is true for us, we should not put that expectation on others. Do not expect someone else to make you happy. To be the source of your peace or the strength of your life. It is unfair to put that on someone who is only a branch like yourself. It is unhealthy for you and for them. It is another form of idolatry. We will improperly view them, and when they fail, because they will, we will be angry and critical of a branch that was never meant to be the vine.

  Abide in Christ today. You and everyone around you who are children of God are only branches. Each branch is receiving life from Christ. He is the only vine.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

Good Friday | April 3rd

  “When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.”

  Matthew 27:57-60

  There is a song by Paul Zach titled “He’s Gone.” I value this song in relation to the death of our Lord because it does not conclude with a triumphant resolution. Instead, it leaves the listener with the stark reality of the sealed tomb and the disciples’ perception that Jesus was truly gone.

  Beloved, sometimes we move too quickly to the hope of the resurrection without fully contemplating the sacrifice of our Lord and the despair experienced by His followers. It is essential to acknowledge suffering, loss, and the finality of life. When was the last time you visited a cemetery, not for a ceremony or to mourn someone you knew, but simply to be present? Solitude in a cemetery during the bleakness of winter can evoke a profound awareness of mortality and the frailty of life on this side of eternity. Such moments prompt reflection on loss and personal mortality. When did you last choose to be alone, intentionally isolating yourself to confront uncomfortable realities?

  Such experiences are not intended to provoke depression, fear, or overwhelming grief. Rather, these seasons can impart wisdom, greater sobriety, and a deeper understanding of genuine comfort. If we move too quickly beyond Friday and Saturday, we risk failing to appreciate the glory, victory, and comfort that Sunday brings.

  A great stone was rolled to the entrance of the tomb, and Joseph went away. There are seasons in life that reflect the pain, defeat, loss, and finality of this moment. Ignoring these experiences, or failing to question and explore our responses to them, is unwise. This inability to linger in the discomfort of Friday night’s fear or to wrestle with anger, doubt, and grief on Saturday often results in an inability to truly comfort others. Sunday will come, and Resurrection Day brings hope and joy to the broken-hearted. Those who have been forgiven much, love much. Let us remain still today. Sunday will come.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight

A Clean House | April 2nd

 “And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple.”

   Mark 11:15-16

  Beloved, many of us celebrate Resurrection Sunday by wearing something new. It’s a joyful time, and we want to look our best and feel hopeful. While this is meaningful, let’s also remember Jesus’ actions during Passion Week when he cleansed the temple. Are there things in our hearts that need to be removed? Do we have attitudes that need to change or burdens we should lay down?

  We desire to worship our risen Lord and seek His transformative work within us, so that we may reflect His life. Christ comes to cleanse our hearts and renew a right spirit within us. This transformation, accomplished by the Holy Spirit, is glorious yet involves significant change. It requires wrestling, brokenness, repentance, humility, and surrender.

  Do not fear the intense struggle that may arise within your mind and heart as the Spirit purifies your temple. You are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God will reign within your heart, permitting no compromise. It is beneficial for us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, for He will raise you into a greater likeness of Christ each day.

  May the Lord continually cleanse our hearts and lives, for we belong to Him.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight