April 25, 2024 – The Coffee Shop Devotions: Barbie Frappuccino

“When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “Listen, he is calling for Elijah.” And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion who stood facing him saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” There were also women looking on from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome, who followed him when he was in Galilee and ministered to him, and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.” Mark 15:33-41

The local coffee shop that offers the Barbie Frappuccino only offers it from their “secret” menu. They describe this drink as such: “What better way to celebrate Barbie than with a Starbucks secret menu drink in honor of everyone’s favorite blonde? This pink frappuccino starts with a Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with three additional pumps of vanilla, strawberry or raspberry purée, a scoop of dragonfruit inclusion and a whipped cream topper. The result is a very sweet and slightly fruity bright pink beverage.”

Fruity beverage or not, the Barbie Frappuccino would never be whispered from my lips in any other way than this series of devotions. But I can only imagine that slapping the name “Barbie” on any drink, sandwich, doll, or action figure and you will get people to spend their money to buy it.

And then we have the person of Salome from the Gospels. She is not as well-known as Barbie, but she has a significant role to play in the life and death of Jesus. As the Gospel of Mark tells us, Salome was one of a few women “..who followed him (Jesus) when he was in Galilee and ministered to him, and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.” I imagine a day when the name Barbie will be as mundane and as obscure as the name Salome is to many people today. But the difference will come in their enduring legacy. While Barbie will have accomplished nothing more than turning the world more pink, Salome will be remembered for her devotion to and ministry to Jesus – especially when he was at his weakest and most vulnerable. If I can be remembered for nothing other than being devoted to Jesus, well, that is good enough for me.

Pastor Dave

April 24, 2024 – The Coffee Shop Devotions: Clover Vertica Starbucks Reserve® Sun-Dried Ethiopia Kayon Mountain Farm

“When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to prepare for his arrival, but they did not receive him because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.” Luke 9:51-56

Kayon Mountain Farm. Kayon translates to “goal,” a mantra for these extraordinarily driven farmers who take great care in the name of remarkable coffee. They employ extensive pruning and use half of their land for shade trees. Managing each and every step of the coffee’s journey, their passion shows throughout the process—all the way to directly exporting, which allows them to ensure their vision for each cup. With flavors of lavender and lemon, this one is no exception. A testament to the power of ambition.”

This is how my local coffee establishment website explains this offering of coffee. When the name of the drink is three times longer than the name of the franchise that offers it, I begin to wonder about the people who name the drinks. But they have a particular goal in mind – to confuse people so much with the fancy name that you think you are drinking someone unique and special. And maybe you are. That is their goal, I think.

Thank goodness Jesus had the goal to continue his ministry all the way to and into Jerusalem. Even though he knew the consequences, even though he knew that Jerusalem was the city who “killed the prophets and stoned those sent to it”, he set his face and his mind to heading into the political maelstrom that was to come. No matter the cost, Jesus knew his mission and died for the sake of all humanity.

Next time you sit down to a good old fashion cup of Clover Vertica Sun- Dried Ethiopia Kayon Mountain Farm Coffee, remember Jesus – his name is much shorter and accomplished more for you than that single cup of coffee.

Pastor Dave