Will Vaus

I believe that part of the message of Holy Week is, as Corrie ten Boom put it, “There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.” Jesus identifies with all our struggles because he has been there before us and triumphed through them and over them. I believe we can discover Jesus in our struggles right now, whatever they may be, and he can help us through them. “But what does this have to do with Palm Sunday?” you may ask. Wasn’t Palm Sunday a day of triumph for Jesus? Yes, to all outward appearances Jesus made a triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Perhaps multitudes were singing his praises. But as Luke records for us, Jesus wept amidst the shouting. He wept because he knew judgment was coming on the city. He wept because his people did not recognize the time of God’s coming to them. (See Luke 19:41-44.) So, Jesus identifies with our struggles… in relationships, with betrayal, when facing death, and even in success. What struggles are there in success? To discover the answer let’s rea...

Listen for God’s word to you from Colossians 4:2-6…   Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant [ a ]  in the Lord.  I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our  circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.  He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. My fellow prisoner ...

Listen for God’s word to you from Colossians 3:18-4:1… Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.   Introduction  How might you respond if I stood before you today and began by...