I am struck by two ‘spaces’ in this picture. The first ‘space’, shows Jesus a huge separation from his mother and the disciple whom he loved. Even though Jesus is still rooted, by the cross, within humanity, this painting denotes that he has entered into another realm which is beyond our sight. He is present […]
URC Daily Devotion 28th March
Like many of Spencer’s pictures, his portrayal of the removal of Christ’s garments projects a haunting and somewhat sinister effect. John’s Gospel, like the Synoptics, places this scene at Golgotha, whereas the painting seems to be set indoors judging by the floor tiles: not in a cell or dungeon, but in the same dark room […]
Daily Devotion by Lindsey Sanderson
1 Great is the LORD—his praise all else excels—In our God’s city, on his holy hill.2 Mount Zion is the joy of all the earth,So high and fair like mountains of the north;Here is the city where the Great King dwells. 3 God is the fortress of Jerusalem.4 When kings joined forces, ready to advance,5 […]
URC Daily Devotion 26th March
As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross. Reflection We can but speculate as to whether Simon of Cyrene realised, as he embraced the Cross, the significance of the One for whom he carried it. The gospel states that he was “compelled” […]
URC Daily Devotion 25th March Palm Sunday
I waited long upon the LORD;He heard my cry and turned to me.He raised me from the slimy pitAnd from the mire he pulled me free. He set my feet on solid rock,A place to stand both firm and broad.He put a new song in my mouth,A joyful hymn of praise to God. Many will […]
Pictures in our Current Devotional Series
Dear Friends Last week we started a series of reflections on the Way of the Cross which includes pictures. Some of you have asked for more details of these pictures and some of you have mentioned you can’t see them. If you have opted to receive the Devotions as “Plain Text” ie like an email […]
URC Daily Devotion 23rd March
When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had been wanting to see him for a long […]
URC Daily Devotion 22nd March
When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the Governor. Now Jesus stood before the Governor; and the Governor asked him, “Are you the King of the […]
URC Daily Devotion 21st March
Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, in whose house the scribes and the elders had gathered. But Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest; and going inside, he sat with the guards in order to see how this would end. […]
URC Daily Devotion 20th March
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; with him was a large crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, ‘The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him.’ At once he came up […]