Madison Avenue Church of the Brethren
645 Madison Avenue, York, PA  17404
Phone:  854-1885

The Lamplighter
March  2009
Editor:  Lillian Geltz

From the Pastor’s Desk
It is that time of year again when we begin to prepare for Easter Sunday.  It is the season of Lent.  As part of our preparation, let us consider the following devotion written by Billy Graham.  The main reason Jesus died on the cross was to save us from our sins.  But the New Testament also stresses the importance of His suffering as an example for us.
The Greek word for “example” comes from ancient school life, and refers to something written down by the teacher, so it could be followed and copied exactly by a child learning to write.  Christ is our copybook.  We look to Him as our teacher, and by His suffering He gave us an example to follow so we can learn how suffering is to be borne.
How did He bear it?  By not giving in to despair or doubt.  By looking beyond it and seeing the glory that was to come.  By knowing the Father was with Him and would use His suffering for good.  The same can be true for us.
The author of Hebrews writes, “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3, NIV).  Yes, consider Him.
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