Recently a group of pastors were asked, if you had one last sermon to preach, what message would you bring to your people?  I did not have to think too long or hard on this matter, for I have often thought, if I only had one message to bring, it would be on the faithful love of God; a love that established a covenant relationship with His people, that was ultimately displayed in the cross and the empty tomb, and is for the believer, a day-by-day treasure in which we can find peace and joy in a sometimes scary, unstable world.

God speaks through the prophet Isaiah, of His unfailing love (Isaiah 54:10) and the psalmist writes about His lovingkindness (Psalm 103:4).  Both terms translate the Hebrew word 'hesed', which speaks of the loyal, consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, extravagant, unrestrained, unchanging love of the Father.  The word is sometimes translated 'steadfast love', 'mercy', 'kindness' or 'goodness'. It carries the idea of a tenderness toward others. It is a practical love that is always directed outward, that desires to bless others.  It is the love of God in action, as He cares for His people.

'Hesed' is one of the most fundamental attributes of God; His faithful love is revealed from cover to cover in the Holy Scriptures, it is consistent with His covenantal nature.  The psalmist says, Your lovingkindness is before my eyes. (Psalm 26:3 - NKJV)  Everywhere we look, we see the manifestation of God's goodness and grace, even in a fallen world. In part what makes this such a rich truth, is that, as theologian John Oswalt observes, 'hesed' is a completely undeserved kindness and generosity.  

David would write, Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me (Psalm 40:11 - NJKV).  As frail, fragile human beings we sometimes fail to understand just how much we need to experience God's faithful love; may we never take it for granted, but rather confess with David:
     How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the childrn of men put their trust under           the shadow of Your wings.  They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You       give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.  For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light         we see light.  Oh continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You. (Psalm 36-7;10 - NKJV) 

God's loyal love is a bedrock truth of our faith that strengthens us and empowers us as we live out our faith in a world that desperately needs to see love in action.  Because we have received an abudance of 'hesed' from God, we can be conduits of His love, we can be lavish in our expression of 'hesed' love to others.

Friends, no matter what tomorrow may bring, you can trust in, you can rely on God's 'hesed'!

Therefore, like the psalmist, we declare, Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. (Psalm 63:3)

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:22)

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin
                                                                                                                    Stuart K. Hine - How Great Thou Art

Lately I have been reading and reflecting on the words of Tricia McCary Rhodes in her book 'Contemplating the Cross', in which she provides a compelling, graphic narrative of the final days of Jesus' life; words that are terrifying and unsettling, yet powerful and engaging, and is a strange but wonderfuly way, comforting.

The journey of Jesus takes us from the Passover meal with followers, to the Garden of Gethsemane where our Lord is arrested and then endures a night-long ordeal in a mock trial before priests and teachers of the law.  The next morning He is lead to stand before Pilate, who, although declaring, I find no basis for a charge against him (John 19:6), nonetheless condemns Him to die--a brutal death upon a Roman cross.

The steps of Jesus take Him from the courtyard of Pilate along the Via Dolorosa to a hill called Calvary. In the Gospel of Luke, we read, When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left (Luke 23:33).

Tears filled my eyes as I read again the account of the crucifixion, as in my mind's eye I  see the agony of my Lord as the nails are driven into His hands and feet.  I want to turn away, but my gaze is fixed on the blood-stained cross.  

I hear Him speak His final words, a cry of triumph, It is finished (John 19:30), as He surrenders to death, and I know it was through His death that I have been forgiven, set free, reconciled to the Father.

The word of the hymwriter come to mind:
     Was it for crimes that I have done, He groaned upon the tree?
     Amazing pity! grace unknown and love beyond degree. (Isaac Watts - At the Cross)

I know in part, it was my sins that sent the Lord Jesus to the cross; there was no there other way for me to be redeemed.  His suffering was the cost of my salvation.  He was pierced for my transgressions, he was crushed for my iniquities; the punishment that brought me peace was on him, and by his wounds I am healed (Isaiah 53:5).

I marvel again the depth of God's love for me.  45 years, Good Friday, 1977, God intercepted my life and I am forever grateful.

My friends at Valley, as you reflect on the cross, as we journey from Friday to Sunday, may your heart be melted, by a deep sense of humility and gratitude for what Christ has done for you.  May we joyfully shout on 
Easter morning, HE IS RISEN!

​On this weekend, when we will gather around the Communion Table as part of our worship experience as we come together on Sunday, I find myself reflecting again on why I come to the Table of our Lord.

I come, not because I must, but because I may.
        I come, not because duty demands it, but because love compels me.

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  (1 John 4:9)
 
I come because the Lord Jesus invites me to come.
        I come because He asks me to do this in remembrance of Him. 

Luke tells us that Jesus, as He celebrated Passover with His disciples, took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." (22:19)
 
I come to remind myself a price was paid on my behalf.
        I come because here I meet the One who gave His life for me.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
 
I come because at the Table I hear Him speak reassuring words, words of comfort, words I need to hear.
      I come because I am reminded that I am loved by God.

I hear Him speak the words God has always spoken to His people:  I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)
 
I come to find a renewed sense of peace, to remind myself of the grace that is mine in Christ.
        I come because at the Table I find encouragement to stay on the journey with my Lord.

The Apostle Paul reminds us...since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. (Romans 5:1-2)

 I come with my doubts and fears and the struggles of my heart.
       I come to find rest, strength and courage; to refresh my spirit and rekindle my faith and hope.

In this the words of Jesus are both inviting and comforting:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
 
I come because at the Table I acknowledge my sin and seek His forgiveness.
        I come because He is faithful and just and will forgive me and cleanse me.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
 
I come to experience the power of the Cross, the power of His blood.
        I come to experience again the wonder of His love.
 
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 1:10)

I come, not alone, but in community with you, my friends at Valley.
        And so, I hope you will join me as we accept our Lord's invitation to come to His Table.

May we hear Him say to us, as He said to His followers the night He instituted the Lord's Supper:  I have looked forward to this hour with deep longing, anxious to eat this...meal with you... (Luke 22:15).


If you are unable to join us in-person, and would like to receive communion at home, please contact one of our Elders.