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Jerusalem is crowded with pilgrims who have come to celebrate the Passover in the Holy City. Like me, many of them have heard of the Teacher from Nazareth and the miracles He has done. I was present when He entered the city four days ago, riding on a donkey. I cheered and waved and my husband was among those who cut down palm branches to lay along the path. I had never seen Jesus before and I strained to get a good look at Him.

He looked like any other man, I suppose. Bearded. Long haired. Wearing a simple robe and sandals on His feet. He may have been shorter than my husband, Josiah, but it was hard to tell since He was on a donkey.

“I don’t see what’s so special about HimHim,” I whispered to Josiah.

And as if He had heard my words, Jesus turned to me. His eyes held mine for a moment, searching me. My breath caught in my throat. In that moment, I knew that He had looked into my soul, that He knew all there was to know about me. He knew of the child I had lost three years ago, of the poverty in which Josiah and I lived. He knew that while Josiah was obedient to the teachings of the Torah, I was often unhappy with my life. I tried to pull my gaze away from His face, but I found I could not. My heart pounded in my chest. Would He, like others, condemn me for my childless state?

Then He smiled. Gentle. Caring. A smile that said He knew my life was hard. He nodded His head and touched His hand to His heart. In that simple gesture, I knew two things: I had been forgiven for my faults and lack of faith, and I was loved.

I grabbed Josiah’s arm. “He IS the Messiah,” I whispered. I do not know if Josiah heard me; the crowd was shouting and pushing us away from Jesus as they all tried to get closer. I watched Him even as Josiah put his arm around me and pulled me close to his side, keeping the surging crowd from parting us.

*

Josiah did not want me to be here today, on this hill outside of the city. The Place of Skulls, they call it, the place where the Romans hang their criminals in the most cruel way. My husband tried to persuade me to stay away, but he did not forbid me. He indulges me more than his mother says he should. For the past four days, I have spoken of little else except Jesus.

We stand on a hill, near the site of the crosses. Josiah will not let me move closer. I am on my tiptoes, my hand on the shoulder of my husband, to see. It is a gruesome sight and I will not describe it. It is enough that the memory of it will remain in my mind.

I see those gathered at the foot of His cross. There are soldiers who played dice in the dust, gambling for his cloak. When they look at Him at all, it is to taunt Him.

“Where are your angels?” they inquire. “If you are the Son of God, come down from there!”

He looks down at them, the movement painful to Him. His face is full of pity. “Father, forgive them!” He says. The soldiers at the cross hang their heads.

Another voice, raspy and choked with pain, rises up. “Remember me,” says the man hanging on the cross next to Jesus. “When You come into Your kingdom, remember me!” A young woman at the base of this cross reaches up to the man. Is she his sister? His wife?

Jesus’s words carry on the wind. “This day,” He says, “You will be with Me in Paradise.”

The young woman kneels in the dirt, her head bowed. His words have given her comfort.

His disciple, John, is there, supporting a woman I think is Mary, the mother of Jesus. She leans against him, but she does not take her eyes off her Son. How brave she is. I think of my own son, who lived so briefly and died in my arms. How can she bear this? But she will, I know. She has had His whole lifetime to prepare for this.

“Behold,” Jesus says to John. “This is your mother. Woman,” He says to Mary. “This is your son.”

I hear her cry out. John wraps his arms around her. She will survive. Women always find a way.

The sun grows hot. Josiah tries to lead me away, but I cannot go. I need to be here. I need to do…something. I don’t know what. Not yet. Josiah finds a young boy selling gourds of water. I am sure he paid too much for it, but I sip the cool liquid. Jesus has refused to drink what a soldier offered to Him on a sponge. Josiah says it was probably filled with gall to dull His pain. He chooses to feel each pang.

The sky grows dark and I cling onto Josiah. What is happening? The earth rumbles and shakes. Many in the crowd scream.

“It is finished!” Jesus cries. His voice is strong and sure. His eyes search the crowd. Briefly, they land on me. “Father, into your hands I commit My spirit!” His head collapses onto His chest.

The soldiers look up. One of them cries out, “Surely this Man was the Son of God!”

I lean onto Josiah’s shoulder and my tears stain his tunic. My husband leads me away. He whispers to me soothing words. I give one backward glance at the Cross. I have been a witness.

Now, I know what it is that I must do. For the rest of my life, I will be a witness.

May we, too, live as witnesses to His love, mercy, and resurrection—today and always.

REFLECTIONS ON THE SUNDAY SERMON

Linda Waltersdorf Cobourn, EdD

 March 30, 2025

Pastor Amy Peters, Speaker

FAMILY

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble

1 Peter 3:8

What would it have been like to grow up in the earthly family of Jesus? Our church members called out the adjectives as Pastor Amy talked about the importance of family, both natural and spiritual. We know little about the family life of Jesus when He was a child in Nazareth. The Bible gives us a few facts.

Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55)

Jesus had at least four named brothers. James, probably the writer of the Book of James, and Judas, the writer of the Book of Jude, became followers of Christ. We know less about Joseph, also called Joses, and Simon.

People knew Joseph, a carpenter, as the father of Jesus. Probably because of His birth in Bethlehem and the family’s sojourn in Egypt, no one questioned the parentage of Jesus or His birthdate. The belief exists that Joseph, crucial to Jesus’ early life, died before his ministry began. The Bible’s last reference to Joseph is in Luke 2:48-49.

And are not his sisters here with us? (Mark 6:3)

Jesus had at least two sisters. The plural form of “sisters” shows that there were at least two biological sisters.

This is the little we know of the natural family of Jesus. We probably know a great deal more about our own families! But we know quite a bit about the spiritual family, of which we can be members.

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (I John 4:18-19).

In the spiritual family of Jesus, we have perfect love. We are not perfect people, but the love of our Savior surrounds us.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves (Romans 12:10).

We are commanded to love one another. No matter what.

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12)

Anyone who believes in Jesus as Savior becomes part of God’s family.

            The natural family of Jesus may have had seven or more people living in one house. That’s a big family! But the spiritual family is even bigger. Over 2.6 billion people acknowledge Jesus as Savior.

We need to take care of one another and continue on the path before us.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1b).

How is God asking you to care for His Family?

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR.

Everyone has a “God story” to tell! Please talk to me about sharing yours. If you’ve enjoyed reading this and would like to read more about my faith walk, please join my free blog at: lindaca1.substack.com

REFLECTIONS ON THE SUNDAY SERMON

Linda Waltersdorf Cobourn, EdD

 March 16, 2025

Pastor Amy Peters, Speaker

BREATHING

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

Psalm 46:10

“I missed the exit!” exclaimed my daughter. “Sorry, I’ll get off at the next one and head back.”

I closed my eyes and concentrated on my breathing. One, two, in. Three, four, out. I wondered how my husband, awaiting a heart ablation at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, was breathing. While Ron tried to remain positive despite the multiple surgeries he’d had in the last ten years, the cardiologist was concerned about Ron’s heart. It was enlarged and only working at 30% capacity. An ablation—which destroyed parts of the heart to restore normal rhythm— was minimally invasive, no surgery had ever been routine for my husband.

“It’s not 9 O’clock yet,” said Bonnie. “Surgery isn’t until nine. We’ll make it.”

“Sure,” I said, although I had my doubts. Ron was probably already being prepped for surgery and might be on his way to the operating room. I held back my tears. I’d always been able to pray with Ron and kiss him before each surgery. It looked like I might not make this one.

“Let’s pray,” I told Bonnie. “I’ll call Chris. She can pass the word at church today.”

Breathe in the Spirit of God.

At Sunday’s service, Pastor Amy spoke about JD Walt’s ministry and a breathing exercise that can help us to calm our hearts and minds and concentrate on God. The video is at https://youtu.be/Sypz7muHWOE. It’s a simple practice that can provide assurance for us in any situation. Be conscious of your breathing as you try this. Breathe and exhale deeply. Remember that Jesus grounds you. Your breath comes from God.

Be still. Inhale deeply and hold for a count of two.

And know. Expel your breath for a count of two.

That I. Inhale deeply and hold for a county of two.

A God. Expel your breath for a count of two.

You can continue the verse using two words at a time to rest in the mercy of God. As JD Walt reminds us in the video, we have nothing else to do in those moments but to rest in God and be his Child.

My daughter and I knew our loved one was a Child of God. As Bonnie expertly drove us back to Hahnemann, we breathed and prayed. God knew what was best for Ron. I knew our entire congregation would also be praying, alerted by my best friend, Chris.

We reached the hospital at 9:30 and took the elevator up to Ron’s room, expecting he would already be in surgery. But my husband greeted us with a bright smile.

“They canceled surgery,” he said as we hugged and kissed him. He didn’t know why. In a few minutes, the cardiologist stepped into the room.

“We were preparing him for surgery,” he said, “when suddenly his heart went back into rhythm. It’s beating normally now.” He held his hands up. “I can’t explain it.”

Bonnie and I looked at each other. “Do you know what time that was?” I asked.

Dr. Engle looked at his watch. “Around 9:05, I think.”

We nodded, understanding that God had heard and responded to our prayers.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

            We live in a troubled world with many unknowns. But we can, always and anywhere, breathe in the peace of God. How can you trust His peace today?

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR.

Everyone has a “God story” to tell! Please talk to me about sharing yours. If you’ve enjoyed reading this and would like to read more about my own faith walk, please join my free blog at  Quirky: Because we’re all a little different | Linda Cobourn | Substack

As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him

Psalm 18:30 (NIV)

REFLECTIONS ON THE SUNDAY SERMON

February 16, 2025

Pastor Cliff Werline, Speaker

“Lord, be my shield,” I prayed as I started my car at 6:15 am on a cold Friday. Since my retirement from teaching in June, I hadn’t needed to be out in the winter’s morning hours, but today my daughter needed me. Living with a condition known as “iron-deficiency anemia”, Bonnie requires iron infusions every few months to bolster her red blood cells. Usually, her husband is able to take her to the series of five infusions over three weeks, but Jared was unable to get off today. I was happy to help.

But driving when it is still dark out is not something I do lightly. I have a visual disorder called keratoconus which causes double-vision and “halos” around lights. Still, a mom does what a mom has to do.

“Be my shield and my buckler!” I said as I drove the twenty minutes to her house. “I take refuge in you, Lord!”

God is perfect. As Pastor Cliff pointed out on Sunday, there are very few “perfect” things in the world. Among those scarce things are the Word of God and the Sacrifice of Jesus. Nothing else is truly flawless. While the pearl in John Steinbeck’s book, The Pearl, is said to be “perfect, reflecting light and refining it,” only God and his law are perfect.

The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.

Psalm 19:7

As any of my ninth-grade high school students could tell you, having the “perfect pearl” did not work out so well for Kino and Juana.

How much better to trust in the promises of God! God is always faithful to his promises.

God treated me to a beautiful view of the sunrise on my drive, and as I pulled up to Bonnie’s house, I thanked God for his protection and faithfulness. God, however, wasn’t finished. He had something else in mind to gladden my heart.

Bonnie and I were sitting in the waiting room at the hematologist and we started talking about her brother, Allen, an adult with autism spectrum disorder. Back in October, I’d done one of the hardest things a mother could ever have to do: I committed him to a psychiatric hospital because his autism mixed with traumatic grief had spiraled him out of control.

“He’s come a long way since the hospital,” my daughter commented. “When he calls me every day, he actually has a conversation with me.”

I nodded. People at church also mentioned that Allen was more engaged during and after services.  Finally agreeing to medication, my son was adjusting to a life in which he had more control. “He wants to learn to cook more things,” I told my daughter.

Just then, a woman sitting in a chair across from us broke in.”I don’t mean to interrupt,” she said. “But are you talking about someone with autism?”

I told her it was my son and she told me she had a niece on the spectrum. We conversed for the next few minutes as Bonnie went into get her infusion, and I reached into my purse and pulled out a card that had the link and QAR to my blog. “I write about autism, ” I told her, “among other things. Maybe you would be interested in reading it.”

She took the card. “I am signing up now!” she said. And she did. We talked for a few more minutes, sharing the knowns and the unknowns about the spectrum disorder,  until she, too, was called back.

Among the many reasons I retired–and I had a hundred!–was the desire to write more about autism and widowhood combined with faith. And I had just had the opportunity to reach one more person.

 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

II Corinthians 1:20

This world, Cliff reminded us, is just a shadow of what we will one day experience. Yet if we allow ourselves to, we can experience the glory of God wherever we are, even in a waiting room.

Where can you find God today?

Linda Cobourn also writes at  Quirky: Because we’re all a little different