The Pharisees Were Right?--Apr. 18, 2011

Lord Jesus,

The Pharisees said they could do nothing to stop you.
The world thought them pessimistic, and crucified you.
In a larger sense the Pharisees were correct, though—
even crucifixion could not stop you.

I want to know you and the power of your resurrection.
That far I go with Paul; but Paul added he wanted to
share in your suffering, becoming like you in death.
I am not strong enough to wish for that.

You will have to take my weakness and make it strong.
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing. If I
think of suffering like you, my bones shake with terror.
Lord, why does the way of the guilty prosper?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 119:73-80; 145; 121; 6
Jer. 11:18-20; 12:1-17
Phil. 3:1-14
John 12:9-19

Selected Verses
Ps. 6:2
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
     O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.

Jer. 12:1
You will be in the right, O LORD,
     when I lay charges against you;
     but let me put my case to you.
Why does the way of the guilty prosper?
     Why do all who are treacherous thrive?

Phil. 3:10-11
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

John 12:19
The Pharisees then said to one another, “You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after [Jesus]!”