Messages and Notes

“Lamedh” (ל) is the twelfth letter of the Hebrew alphabet and serves as the heading for the twelfth section of Psalm 119 (verses 89-96). Each verse in this section begins with “Lamedh” in the original Hebrew, maintaining the acrostic pattern of the psalm.

The symbolic meaning of “Lamedh” can be explored in various dimensions:

Literal Meaning and Symbolism: “Lamedh” literally means “to learn” or “to teach” in Hebrew. This connection highlights the themes of learning and instruction that are central to Psalm 119. In this context, “Lamedh” represents the learning and application of God’s law, underscoring the psalmist’s dedication to understanding and living out the teachings of the scriptures.

Shape and Representation: The shape of the letter “Lamedh” is unique as it is the tallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet and is said to represent a tower reaching from the earth to the heavens. Symbolically, this can illustrate the connection between human and divine, suggesting that God’s laws provide a bridge or conduit through which humans can reach toward divine understanding and spirituality.

Authority and Guidance: “Lamedh” is considered to signify authority and control, reflecting the authoritative nature of God’s word as a guide for life. This symbolizes the ultimate authority of the scriptures and their role in guiding the moral and spiritual walk of believers.

Heart of Wisdom: In Jewish thought, “Lamedh” is sometimes associated with the “heart,” implying a deep, internalized wisdom. This correlates with the psalmist’s expressions about the depth and richness of God’s commandments, which are more than rules—they are deep insights into life and conduits of wisdom.

Role of Instruction in Spiritual Growth: Given its association with teaching and learning, “Lamedh” emphasizes the ongoing process of spiritual education through God’s word. It represents the continuous growth in understanding and the never-ending journey of aligning one’s life more closely with divine precepts.

In summary, “Lamedh” in Psalm 119 symbolizes the profound relationship between learning God’s laws and reaching towards spiritual maturity. It highlights the role of God’s commandments as authoritative guidance for living, the deep wisdom contained within the scriptures, and the connection they provide between earthly existence and divine truth. Through the lens of “Lamedh,” the psalmist portrays the scriptures as both a foundational learning tool and a bridge to higher spiritual understanding.

Psalm 119:89-96: Verse by Verse Analysis

Verse 89:

Text: “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”

Reflection: The psalmist emphasizes the unchanging and everlasting nature of God’s word, highlighting its stability and permanence.

Cross-reference: Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”

Verse 90:

Text: “Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.”

Reflection: This verse connects God’s faithfulness with the enduring creation, suggesting that just as the earth remains, so does God’s reliability from one generation to the next.

Cross-reference: Lamentations 3:23 – “Great is your faithfulness.”

Verse 91:

Text: “Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.”

Reflection: The psalmist observes that all of creation adheres to God’s laws, underscoring the idea that God’s ordinances are not only enduring but also universal.

Cross-reference: Colossians 1:16-17 – “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

Verse 92:

Text: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”

Reflection: Reflecting on personal hardships, the psalmist credits his survival to the joy and strength found in God’s law.

Cross-reference: Job 23:12 – “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”

Verse 93:

Text: “I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.”

Reflection: Committing to remember God’s teachings, the psalmist acknowledges that these precepts have been life-saving.

Cross-reference: Deuteronomy 6:24 – “The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.”

Verse 94:

Text: “Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.”

Reflection: Declaring himself to belong to God, the psalmist seeks salvation, grounding his plea in his pursuit of God’s laws.

Cross-reference: Psalm 86:2 – “Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God;”

Verse 95:

Text: “The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.”

Reflection: Despite threats from the wicked, the psalmist remains focused on studying and reflecting on God’s statutes.

Cross-reference: Psalm 37:32 – “The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, intent on putting them to death;”

Verse 96:

Text: “To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.”

Reflection: The psalmist observes that everything else has limitations, but God’s commands are limitless and infinitely profound.

Cross-reference: Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Key Takeaways from Psalm 119:89-96:

Eternal and Unchanging Word: The psalmist highlights the eternal, unchanging nature of God’s word, which serves as a stable foundation in the believer’s life.

Faithfulness of God Across Generations: God’s faithfulness is depicted as enduring and reliable, extending through all generations and mirrored in the consistent order of creation.

Sustaining Power of God’s Law: Reflecting on personal experiences of affliction, the psalmist credits God’s precepts with providing not only physical but also spiritual sustenance and protection.

Permanence of Divine Commands: In a world where all things have limits, God’s commands stand out as limitless, offering boundless wisdom and guidance.

Resolute Focus on God’s Word: Despite adversities and external threats, the psalmist’s commitment to meditate on and adhere to God’s statutes

“Kaph” (כ) is the eleventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet and serves as the heading for the eleventh section of Psalm 119 (verses 81-88). In this section, as with others, each verse begins with “Kaph” in the original Hebrew text, continuing the acrostic structure that characterizes the psalm.

The symbolic meaning of “Kaph” can be understood in several ways:

Literal Meaning and Symbolism: “Kaph” means “palm” of the hand in Hebrew. This can symbolize openness to receive, hold, or offer something. In the context of Psalm 119, “Kaph” could represent the psalmist’s openness to receiving God’s teachings and blessings, holding onto God’s promises, and offering prayers and obedience in return.

Protection and Care: The image of a palm can also evoke notions of protection (as in covering) and care (as in cradling). This aligns with the themes of Psalm 119, where the psalmist seeks God’s protection and care through adherence to His commandments, especially amidst affliction and persecution.

Human Effort and Divine Provision: The hand is a symbol of human action and effort. “Kaph,” therefore, might signify the interaction between human effort—in studying, understanding, and following God’s law—and divine provision, where God offers guidance, strength, and comfort through His word.

Gesture of Prayer and Supplication: Hands are often used in prayer as a gesture of supplication and devotion. This could reflect the psalmist’s prayers for understanding, deliverance, and the strength to remain faithful to God’s statutes, symbolizing a continuous dialogue between the believer and the divine.

Capacity to Act and Create: Given its association with the hand, “Kaph” can symbolize the capacity to act and to create. In Psalm 119, this might represent the creative and transformative power of God’s word in the believer’s life, enabling action in accordance with divine will and contributing to the believer’s spiritual growth and development.

In summary, “Kaph” in Psalm 119 symbolizes the psalmist’s openness to receiving divine wisdom, seeking protection and care through God’s commandments, the interplay of human effort with divine guidance, the importance of prayerful supplication, and the capacity for action and transformation under the guidance of God’s word.

Psalm 119:81-88: Verse by Verse Analysis

Verse 81:

Text: “My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.”

Reflection: The psalmist expresses a deep, consuming desire for God’s deliverance, indicating a state of exhaustion from waiting yet maintains hope through God’s promises.

Cross-reference: Lamentations 3:25-26 – “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Verse 82:

Text: “My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, ‘When will you comfort me?'”

Reflection: A vivid depiction of the psalmist’s eagerness for God’s fulfillment of His promise, showing physical and emotional strain from waiting for divine consolation.

Cross-reference: Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Verse 83:

Text: “Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.”

Reflection: Despite feeling dried out and withered from trials, similar to a wineskin exposed to smoke, the psalmist remains committed to God’s laws.

Cross-reference: James 1:12 – “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Verse 84:

Text: “How long must your servant wait? When will you punish those who persecute me?”

Reflection: An expression of impatience and longing for justice, the psalmist questions the timing of God’s intervention against his adversaries.

Cross-reference: Revelation 6:10 – “They called out in a loud voice, ‘How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?'”

Verse 85:

Text: “The arrogant dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law.”

Reflection: The psalmist describes the deceitful tactics of the arrogant who actively work against him in ways that violate God’s law.

Cross-reference: Psalm 7:15-16 – “Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit they have made. The trouble they cause recoils on them; their violence comes down on their own heads.”

Verse 86:

Text: “All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.”

Reflection: Affirming the reliability of God’s commands, the psalmist seeks divine assistance amidst undeserved persecution.

Cross-reference: 2 Timothy 3:12 – “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Verse 87:

Text: “They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.”

Reflection: Despite the severity of his trials, to the point of nearly being destroyed, the psalmist’s dedication to God’s precepts remains unshaken.

Cross-reference: Job 17:9 – “The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.”

Verse 88:

Text: “In your unfailing love preserve my life, that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.”

Reflection: The psalmist appeals for life preservation, motivated by a desire to continue living in obedience to God’s statutes, highlighting the intertwining of divine love and the commitment to God’s commandments.

Cross-reference: Psalm 36:7 – “How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”

Key Takeaways from Psalm 119:81-88:

Longing for Deliverance and Divine Justice: These verses vividly portray the psalmist’s intense longing for salvation and yearning for God’s justice, emphasizing the tension between enduring suffering and maintaining hope in God’s promises.

Resilience Amidst Adversity: Despite facing significant trials and persecution, the psalmist’s adherence to God’s decrees remains steadfast, showcasing the strength of faith even when faced with the prospect of destruction.

Trust in God’s Unfailing Love: The psalmist’s appeals for preservation and help are rooted in trust in God’s unfailing love, highlighting the belief that divine compassion is the foundation for enduring obedience to God’s statutes.

The Virtue of Patience in Suffering: The expressions of waiting, questioning the timing of God’s intervention, and enduring persecution underscore the virtue of patience, as the psalmist navigates the challenges of maintaining faithfulness amidst suffering.

Affirmation of God’s Commandments: Amidst the challenges, there is a continual affirmation of the trustworthiness and value of God’s commands, which serve as a guide and source of hope for the beleaguered believer.

Mark 16:1-7 NIV‬ When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. [2] Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb [3] and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” [4] But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. [5] As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. [6] “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. [7] But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’ ”

Here are three central reasons why Easter is important to the Christian:

Resurrection of Jesus Christ:

• Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion.
• This event is the fulfillment of the promises made in the Old Testament and the definitive proof of Jesus’ divine nature.
• The resurrection is central to Christian belief because it demonstrates Jesus’ victory over sin and death, affirming the belief in life after death for all who believe in Him (1 Corinthians 15:17-20).

Foundation of Christian Faith:

• The Apostle Paul stated that if Christ has not been raised, the Christian faith is futile, and believers are still in their sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).
• The resurrection is thus foundational to the Christian faith; it validates Jesus’ teachings, His sacrificial death for the sins of humanity, and His claims of divinity.
• Without the resurrection, the crucifixion would be the end of the story, making the hope of salvation and eternal life void.

Promise of Eternal Life:

• Easter embodies the promise of eternal life for Christians.
• The resurrection of Jesus is seen as the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (died in faith), promising believers resurrection and eternal life with God.
• This hope of resurrection and new life begins now through spiritual renewal and transformation and culminates in the believer’s own resurrection to eternal life (John 11:25-26).
• Easter, therefore, is not just a historical event to be remembered; it is a current reality that influences how Christians live their lives, offering hope, joy, and the promise of redemption and renewal.

Matthew 27:59-61

Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.

He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

A Saturday Prayer

Father, We recognize the significance of Holy Saturday for the Easter season. It is not merely a day between Good Friday and Easter, but it is a day to observe in consecration of what You did for us. We leave our own agendas, our own desires, and our own pleas at the door and crave today to be still and rest in Your presence. We are so grateful for the ability to quiet our hearts and stand in Your presence, we want to come to know Your heart more this day. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to die for us, and thank You that You kept Your promise that Easter Sunday. Let us not be so hurried in our own lives that we forget the glory that You brought forth that day, and every day.
In Jesus name, Amen

Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed. ² So they bound him, led him away and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

³ When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders. ⁴ “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.”

“What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.”

⁵ So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

⁶ The chief priests picked up the coins and said, “It is against the law to put this into the treasury, since it is blood money.” ⁷ So they decided to use the money to buy the potter’s field as a burial place for foreigners. ⁸ That is why it has been called the Field of Blood to this day. ⁹ Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price set on him by the people of Israel, ¹⁰ and they used them to buy the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”^[a]

Jesus Before Pilate

¹¹ Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ¹³ Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ¹⁴ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

¹⁵ Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. ¹⁶ At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus^[b] Barabbas. ¹⁷ So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?” ¹⁸ For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

¹⁹ While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”

²⁰ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

²¹ “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify him!”

²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

²⁵ All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!”

²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus

²⁷ Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. ²⁸ They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹ and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. ³⁰ They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. ³¹ After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

³² As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. ³³ They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). ³⁴ There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. ³⁵ When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ³⁶ And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. ³⁷ Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

³⁸ Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁹ Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads ⁴⁰ and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” ⁴¹ In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. ⁴² “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. ⁴³ He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” ⁴⁴ In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus

⁴⁵ From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,^[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).^[d]

⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split ⁵² and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and^[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

⁵⁵ Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. ⁵⁶ Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,^[f] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

The Burial of Jesus

⁵⁷ As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. ⁵⁹ Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. ⁶¹ Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

“Maundy” in “Maundy Thursday” refers to the commandment or mandate given by Jesus Christ to His disciples during the Last Supper, as recounted in the Christian Scriptures. The word “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “commandment” or “order.” This term reflects Jesus’ words to His disciples, as recorded in John 13:34 NIV: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

The Last Supper

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.” After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he 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.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

John 13:3‭-‬17

Jesus Washes The Disciples Feet

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 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. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should

Matthew 26:6-16

Jesus Anointed at Bethany

 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper,  a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.  “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.  The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me.  When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial.  Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver.  From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.