Tuesday before Crucifixion - Anticipation

"And He entered and was passing through Jericho.  And behold, there was a man by the name of Zaccheus; and he was a chief tax gatherer, and he was rich.  And he was trying to see who Jesus was, and he was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.  And he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way.

"And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, 'Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.'  And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly.  And when they saw it, they all began to grumble, saying, 'He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.'" Luke 19:1-7

Jesus and His followers would now be travelling through what was known as the Imperial Estates into Jericho, the city God gave to Joshua in one of the strangest battles ever known.

Probably all the disciples and followers (likely a large group) would already be laughing with joy and relief.  And knowing they would be dining at Zaccheus' place, they knew they were in for a spectacular meal!  They were more than ready for a good celebration in anticipation of what would be coming.  They were tired of hearing Him talk of His martyrdom.

Finally, they would see some action as He claimed His rightful place as Messiah.  The battle and victory against the Romans was assured.  Their elevation among their peers (who failed to recognise the Messiah) would be their reward.  They would enjoy a long and blessed reign with Jesus -- this preoccupied, quiet and meek man they had come to love.

But Christ anticipated something far different.  He knew (even though He laughed and celebrated with His beloved followers) the seriousness, the finality, true meaning and strength of this final act of His obedience.  That once complete, would open the door for all people to a lifetime relationship with His Heavenly Father. 

But there were still a few days to go.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who prays for you each morning, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        Families grieving for the loss of their loved ones from the plane crash of the Germanwing plane that killed 150 people.
• ·        Those in Vanuatu - The cyclone was described as apocalyptic.
• ·        Growing tensions in the Middle East, especially right now in Yemen.

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING

• ·        Adrian - found a finger-size tumour behind his ear and it took a week for him to convince the doctors it needed to be seen.  They excised it and sent it to the lab.  They think it is not cancer, but won't know till results are back.  They have adjusted his new medicines and slowly he is sounding better and stronger.  He is still praising the Lord and preparing for Easter.
• ·        Paul NS - has had one of the TV series ideas he has written (while he waits for a new role) accepted and they are now talking of paying him an advance.  Thank you for praying.  He has not had work since 2012.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        My brother, Tim with COPD (Cardio-Obstructive Pulmonary Artery Disease), that He has patience and wisdom to manage his health and the limitations to his breathing.  He has had three upper respiratory infections in the past months and did not get his flu shot this year.
• ·        Shan - Needs clarity of purpose and direction for his ministry.
• ·        Helen Birdsall - remains in hospital recovering.  Please pray for her and her husband.
• ·        Otto - home from hospital recovering from upper respiratory infection.
• ·        Maureen - recovering from surgery on her shoulder.
• ·        Emily - please pray for her time to rest and consider her options and her hope to return to Australia.
• ·        Rachael asks:  Please pray for Chris, who is on the wait list for a heart transplant - that if it is God's will for him to get one that the surgery is successful and that he fully recovers.
• ·        Yangrae and the Uniting Church he shepherds, that he and his family will have the energy and good health to feed the flock he has been entrusted with.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS

• ·        David R - as he manages his macular degeneration and a host f other health challenges and for Heidi who cares for him.
• ·        Audley and Beverly (stroke) for their situation and his return to the ministry.
• ·        Nancy has reached a plateau in her efforts for full recovery from a life-threatening head injury.  Pray she and Fred will be at peace and take some time to be grateful and stop striving for more from her.
• ·        BG that is blinding headaches will finally stop.
• ·        Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of very serious medical challenges and poor care, with dwindling funds and few friends to help.  Give him energy, strength and resolve as he deals with a worldly system that has abused him.  And bring someone to him to share Christ's decision for him.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH ONGOING JOB-RELATED CHALLENGES

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• ·        Hans - needs wisdom, confidence and courage to guide him during this time, some emergency funds and a suitable job.
• ·        Elina - no word yet on results of her graduate program interview.  She says she is grateful for your prayers.
• ·        Deepak - that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he works to make his business more profitable.

SOMETHING NEW FOR PRAYER WARRIORS

Elaine and Jim started a new ministry in Hong Kong and have some great news for those with a gift and heart for prayer:  An online church with a Prayer room.  It is open 24/7 and there is an army of prayers waiting to serve.  Go here and learn more:  https://www.thelittlechurchworld.org/prayer-room

ONGOING PRAYERS

• ·        Wezley an 18 year old who has lost her direction and way, that she will find the Lord in her life.
• ·        Phil (the man who has let Adrian stay in his home) for understanding, patience, empathy, compassion and gentleness.
• ·        Buddy and Susan Smith and Kevin and Sandy Currell - ministers of grace and salvation in Australia.
• ·        Fion as he supports his ageing parents and manages a heavy load of personal challenges
• ·        Bettina for additional strength and wisdom.
• ·        Isaias and Judith (in Philippines) were called to train other Christian lay leaders and they work tirelessly in challenging conditions.  Please keep them in your prayers as they plan the future of the ministry.  Perhaps you would like to learn more about his work there:  search Ambassadors for Christ and look for Isaias Catorce.
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PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• ·        For Christ-centred, bible-based revival in the USA.
• ·        For the many individuals in Singapore, China, Russia and India who read the WeakDay Devotion.  (it seems to be gathering an audience in unexpected geographic locations).
• ·        The Catholic Church and the new Pope that he will always put Jesus first.

ADDITIONAL PRAYER REQUESTS

• ·        That the Lord's hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read these devotions.  That His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!
• ·        Jen needs the watchful care of the Lord in her life.
• ·        Linda and Ian, Rob and his daughter, Reg, Annette and Lyle, Carla and Paul, Jeff and Rachael and their wonderful families.  Thanksgiving for their practical support over the years.