Keeping the Pace with Rev. Joshua Ssali

Suffering and Salvation

Daily Devotion Theme: suffering and Salvation Read: Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 18:1-19:42 ; Luke 23:32-33) “…Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head…they slapped him in the face…took charge of Jesus…Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle…” (John 19:1- 3; 17-14 In the sixteenth century, Oliver Cromwell ordered an English soldier to be executed for a cowardly crime. The execution was set for the evening bell. However, at the scheduled time, no sound came from the bell tower. An investigation revealed that the girl engaged to marry the condemned man had climbed into the bell tower and held onto the clapper of the giant bell to prevent it from ringing. They found her there with bleeding, torn hands. We are all sinners under sentence of death, but Christ suffered in our place. He was pierced for our transgressions. (Isaiah 53:5) Calvary's Hill had three crosses, Luke says; two of them were criminals, as Luke 23:26 states. “One threw insults at Jesus, ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” (v.38), but the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” (v.40-41). Today, on Good Friday, we remember three crosses: one of the men who was pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5), the Cross of Redemption—mercy and grace in the middle; the cross of rejection—remorse and regret, the man who insulted Christ; and the cross of reception—repentance and rejoicing, as David E. said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Which side or cross are you on? In seasons of suffering, Scripture calls us to stay clear, courageous, and deeply connected to Christ, who paid the price for our salvation (1 Peter 1:18). As you pray, thank Jesus for the price He paid for our survival and salvation. In Jesus’ name. Amen. By Rev Godfrey Kyome

Servant-hood and Love

Daily Devotional Theme: Servant-hood and Love Read:Exodus 12:1-14; 1 Cor 11:23-29; Matthew 26:17-75. John 13:1-17 “It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end… The evening meal was in progress, so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him…” ( John 13:1-17) During campaigns, aspiring leaders sing, dance for the community, walk barefoot, eat at Slams and markets, and interact with people of low status, demonstrating the spirit of servant leadership as they seek voters. It’s said, “The way to the throne is through servants’ quarters.” Matthew H., however, “A man can counterfeit hope and all the other graces, but it is very difficult to counterfeit humility. One soon detects mock humility.” On this Holy Thursday, or Maundy Thursday (Maundy from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” from John 13:34, “A new command I give you”), Jesus knew that the time had come for him to die in obedience to the Father’s will. He revealed humble service and leadership (13:1-17). His coming was an act of love for all mankind (3:16). Foot-washing was common in Palestine. The streets were dusty, and people wore sandals without socks. It was a sign of honor for a host to provide a servant to wash a guest’s feet; this task was usually performed by the lowest slave. Not providing for it was considered a breach of hospitality (1 Samuel 25:41; Luke 7:40-50; 1 Timothy 5:10). Wives often washed their husbands' feet, and children washed their parents' feet. Most people, of course, had to wash their own feet. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet to demonstrate servant leadership, love, and humility. A king! No wonder Peter hesitated. Being a Christian means serving others with humility and love, even your enemies, just as Jesus did with Judas. As you pray, Ask God to instill in you the grace of humility and servanthood. In Jesus’ name. Amen. By Rev. Godfrey Kyome

Faithful Amidst Betrayal (Christ our Ultimate Hope)

Daily Devotion Theme: Faithful Amidst Betrayal (Christ our Ultimate Hope) Read: Psalm 22:1-11, Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 26:14-16 “...Our ancestors trusted you, and you rescued them. When they cried out for help, you saved them, and you did not let them down when they depended on you…Brutal enemies attack me….like a pack of dogs, tearing at my hands…my enemies just stare and sneer at me. They took my clothes and gambled for them…” Psalm 22:4-5; 16-18 CEV Today is the third day of Holy Week, Holy Wednesday, when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver… (Matthew 26:14-16). Some biblical scholars believe that Judas was disappointed with Jesus because he did not start a political revolution against the tyrant Rome. If that’s true, Judas had lost hope in Jesus, and it is also assumed he never had a deeper relationship with Christ; he ever called him Lord like others, but Rabbi. Is it possible that when people’s expectations are not met, they lose hope and trust, and consequently betray others? The theme for April is “Christ, our ultimate hope,” and the theme for today is “Faithful Amidst Betrayal.” David’s Psalm 22 is known as a messianic psalm because it contains prophetic content about Jesus’ crucifixion. Other Psalms include: Ps. 2, which speaks of an anointed son; Ps. 41, about betrayal by a friend; and Ps. 16, which discusses resurrection. David alternates between intense lamentation (Ps. 22:1-21) and ultimate confidence in God's deliverance (v. 22-31). Amidst all trials, David never doubted God’s faithfulness. Our Lord is called, ‘faithful and true’ (Rev 1:5, 19:11). Moses, Joseph, and Daniel were among those who remained faithful amid trials. Antipas (Rev 2:13) was killed for refusing to worship the Roman emperor. We have a High Priest (Jesus) whom we can trust, who went through all betrayals and trials (Hebrews 4:14-16). But when He returns, will He find faith on earth? (Luke 18:8). We are surrounded by unfaithful people, but the Bible calls us to remain faithful even to death (Rev 2:10). Are you among the faithful? As you pray, ask God to give you grace to stay faithful during trials or betrayals, in Jesus’ name. Amen By Rev Godfrey Kyome

His Peaceful Kingdom

Daily Devotion Theme: His Peaceful Kingdom Read: Isaiah 11:1-9 ; NT: Luke 19:28-40, Romans 14:17: “…A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord...” (Isaiah 11:1-2) Today is the second day of Holy Week, called Holy Tuesday or Fig Tuesday. It is a day marked by intense confrontations between Jewish leaders and teachings on topics such as marriage in heaven, paying taxes to Caesar, the source of His authority, and the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 21:23-23:39; Luke 20:1-21:4) etc. But today, our focus is on “His peaceful Kingdom.” A few thoughts: One, you cannot have a Peaceful Kingdom unless you have a Peaceful King. Isaiah 11:1-2 talks about the Peaceful King. He is peaceful first of all because “He is a Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6); He is peace itself. Second, He was anointed with the Spirit of the Lord; (Luke 4:18) with Seven attributes: (v.-2) The Spirit of the Lord, 2) The spirit of wisdom 3) The Spirit of understanding 4) The Spirit of counsel 5) The Spirit of might (power)6) The Spirit of Knowledge 7) The Spirit of the fear of the Lord. No one could stand him! Third, Peace is one of the foundations of the Kingdom of God (Romans 14:17). Jesus came to proclaim a peaceful Kingdom of God (Luke 4:18-19), but also to reintroduce the Kingdom (Myles. M). We have the Kingdom mandate (Matt 24:14) to proclaim, reintroduce, and live with a kingdom mindset of peace. Whoever is led by the Spirit of God is a child of God (Rom 8:14). If we are led by the same Spirit, we should be people of peace, unless we have a different spirit with different attributes. Otherwise, we are citizens, ambassadors, servants, friends, and children of a peaceful Kingdom. We are meant to be men and women of peace. The question is, are you a child of a peaceful King? A copy-cut of your peaceful Father? Or…? As you pray, Confess to God that unpeaceful area of your life, invite Him, and submit to His peaceful Lordship. In Jesus name. By Rev Godfrey Kyome

The King who Brings Peace

Daily Devotion Theme: The King who Brings Peace. Read: Zechariah 9:9-12; Matthew 21:1-11 No one switches on a flashlight in an area flooded by direct sunlight. We put on the light in order to dismiss darkness. It is the darkness that makes the light necessary. God from eternity knew that people would choose darkness rather than light, and therefore He had to bring His light in Jesus Christ to shine in the midst of darkness. Light shines in the darkness but people love darkness instead. John 3:19 “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey…” (Matthew 21:1– 5) This day, Palm Sunday, marks Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, symbolizing victory and fulfilling prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). Kings and generals rode horses in similar processions (2 Kings 9:13). Palm branches signified triumph in ancient Rome and Greece. Jesus reveals Israel's spiritual blindness, corruption, and fruitlessness. Three things to note: 1. Christ is King: He's Lord, Savior, all-knowing (Ps 139), and all-powerful (Ps 50:10, 24:1). He sent for the colt, and it was brought. He came as a lamb, but will return as the Lion of Judah (Rev 1:7). 2. The crowd's response: They welcomed Him with palm branches and cloaks, but forgot prophecy. When asked "Who is this?", they said "Jesus, prophet from Nazareth" - forgetting Zechariah's words. Despite seeing miracles, they didn't fully recognize Him as Messiah. 3. The cry for salvation: They shouted "Hosanna" - a cry for deliverance. We have a King who saves (Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13). His name is a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). He will lead us to triumph (2 Cor 2:14). As you pray, take time to acknowledge and praise the King of peace and Lord of Lords (Rev 19:16), in Jesus’ name. Amen. By Rev Godfrey Kyome