Reading: Acts 1
Pray. Go. Tell. (See yesterday's entry). The call of every follower of Jesus. Perhaps, at times, we are prone to focus on the going. Especially, in America, where we do not see enough of it at times. When is the last time, you introduced yourself to your neighbors or invited them over for a dinner? Have you ever crossed over to the over side of town to see what life over there is like? Are we in danger of living in our own bubbles with ipods in our ears on the way to work, blackberries in our hands on the T, laptops on the tables of our coffee shops, and TVs on in our homes? Are we missing the simple instruction of loving our neighbors by not first getting to know them?
The temptation may be to put some pressure on one's self. I MUST meet my neighbors. This type of thought only produces anxiety and stress. You are not meeting your neighbor because you love them but because you have to. There is a good chance that your neighbors we will see or feel right through that attitude and show little interest in getting to know you more.
Jesus' solution to what he certainly knew were the disciples' failings - pride and lack of love of others (see Peter and James and John, the "sons of thunder" who wanted to call down fire on people) - was prayer. Prayer is talking to God. It is waiting to listen to him speak. It is a reminder we have a Father who loves us and a Brother who died for us. It is learning to enjoy God's grace and receive his forgiveness and Spirit. It is being empowered by the truth and presence of God.
Jesus knew prayer was the key to experiencing the "more" of God. Prayer is not striving. Prayer is simply spending time in relationship with God. We do it both individually and corporately. Alone with the Father and together as a family!
In Acts 1, we see a community of friends who had seen the resurrected Jesus "with one accord devoting themselves to prayer." (Acts 1:14) Young and old, male and female. They are obeying Jesus instruction to wait in the place of prayer. They are devoted to this idea. Not just occasionally doing it. It is a part of their daily lives, and they do it together.
Do you wait in the place of prayer? By yourself? With others? With your church family?
You should for it in this place of experiencing a relationship with our Father in prayer that the Holy Spirit is most often poured out, and we are transformed into a people who gladly go to tell others about the Jesus we love.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Devotional Day 30 for Tuesday 3/30
Reading: Luke 24:36-52
Jesus appeared to two disciples on the Road to Emmaus and Simon Peter. Paul records that Jesus appeared to more than 500 hundred people after he rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:6). In fact, I have heard numerous stories from friends of mine overseas who have met people who have been visited by a radiant Jesus in dreams and visions. In this passage, Jesus appears to all 11 of the disciples.
It was the unified witness of the early church that Jesus indeed rose from the dead. The startling growth of the early church which spread this message of the risen Son of God throughout the Roman Empire in just a couple hundred years despite intense persecution from both the government and other religious movements is incredible. Especially if you consider that their "claim to fame" was that a dead man had risen from the dead and was now seated with God in heaven. A claim they willingly died for. At any moment if Jesus' body had been found, the Christian movement would have been completely discredited. Incredibly, his body has never been found.
Jesus is alive. He showed his disciples his resurrected body and explained to them how the Old Testament Scriptures predicted his death and resurrection. Without the resurrection, the church has no mission and no real purpose - it is just a museum that reminds us of a wonderful man. With the resurrection, the church has purpose and mission. We see that Jesus speaks directly to his disciples about this mission at the end of Luke.
He then gave them two clear instructions.
Jesus appeared to two disciples on the Road to Emmaus and Simon Peter. Paul records that Jesus appeared to more than 500 hundred people after he rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:6). In fact, I have heard numerous stories from friends of mine overseas who have met people who have been visited by a radiant Jesus in dreams and visions. In this passage, Jesus appears to all 11 of the disciples.
It was the unified witness of the early church that Jesus indeed rose from the dead. The startling growth of the early church which spread this message of the risen Son of God throughout the Roman Empire in just a couple hundred years despite intense persecution from both the government and other religious movements is incredible. Especially if you consider that their "claim to fame" was that a dead man had risen from the dead and was now seated with God in heaven. A claim they willingly died for. At any moment if Jesus' body had been found, the Christian movement would have been completely discredited. Incredibly, his body has never been found.
Jesus is alive. He showed his disciples his resurrected body and explained to them how the Old Testament Scriptures predicted his death and resurrection. Without the resurrection, the church has no mission and no real purpose - it is just a museum that reminds us of a wonderful man. With the resurrection, the church has purpose and mission. We see that Jesus speaks directly to his disciples about this mission at the end of Luke.
He then gave them two clear instructions.
- Go and call all people to change their thinking, turn to Jesus, and receive forgiveness of sins in his name.
- Wait to go to all people group's until they had received the promised Holy Spirit, power from on high.
I propose the call of every disciple could simply be defined as this. Pray, go, tell.
We will explore this call more fully over the next few days.
"Repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations... But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:47,49)
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Devotional Day 29 for Monday 3/29
Reading: Luke 24:13-35
Angels have appeared to a group of women who have journeyed to Jesus' empty tomb proclaiming the resurrection of the Son of God, yet doubts still remain. Two disciples are heading home disillusioned and without hope. The reports from the women have only confused them and pained them. They are returning to what they knew before meeting Jesus. Sorrow weighs heavy on their hearts. The painful and very public death of their best friend and leader has destroyed any ability to even dream that the women's report might be true.
Yet, they are not abandoned; their faith in Jesus no matter how weak or nonexistent at this moment is remembered. The resurrected Jesus himself journeys with them on the road to Emmaus. He befriends them (again); he listens to their pain; and he begins to explain to them from the scriptures that what happened to their teacher Jesus was meant to. They stop to retire for the night and still unaware that is Jesus who has journeyed with them. He sits to eat with them and as he breaks the bread they see him! It is their Jesus. He is alive!
He disappears before their eyes, but their faith has returned. Their faith was not in vain. Their hopes are re-awakened. Faith grips their hearts. Joy fills their souls. They hug overjoyed with the realization. He has fulfilled the ancient prophecies. His death was not in vain. The resurrection has changed everything. They rush off to tell their friends. They cannot but help it! Jerusalem is beckoning. A new journey awaits. All must know. Sin has been defeated, and death is no longer master. Forgiveness of sins for all who believe! Jesus is alive; he is still seeking and saving the lost! He has found them.
Angels have appeared to a group of women who have journeyed to Jesus' empty tomb proclaiming the resurrection of the Son of God, yet doubts still remain. Two disciples are heading home disillusioned and without hope. The reports from the women have only confused them and pained them. They are returning to what they knew before meeting Jesus. Sorrow weighs heavy on their hearts. The painful and very public death of their best friend and leader has destroyed any ability to even dream that the women's report might be true.
Yet, they are not abandoned; their faith in Jesus no matter how weak or nonexistent at this moment is remembered. The resurrected Jesus himself journeys with them on the road to Emmaus. He befriends them (again); he listens to their pain; and he begins to explain to them from the scriptures that what happened to their teacher Jesus was meant to. They stop to retire for the night and still unaware that is Jesus who has journeyed with them. He sits to eat with them and as he breaks the bread they see him! It is their Jesus. He is alive!
He disappears before their eyes, but their faith has returned. Their faith was not in vain. Their hopes are re-awakened. Faith grips their hearts. Joy fills their souls. They hug overjoyed with the realization. He has fulfilled the ancient prophecies. His death was not in vain. The resurrection has changed everything. They rush off to tell their friends. They cannot but help it! Jerusalem is beckoning. A new journey awaits. All must know. Sin has been defeated, and death is no longer master. Forgiveness of sins for all who believe! Jesus is alive; he is still seeking and saving the lost! He has found them.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Devotional Day 28 for Sunday 3/28
Reading: Luke 24:1-12
In the cool of the morning, several women journey through a garden to give their last gifts to the man they loved more than any other. He had delivered some of them from demons, taught them, ate their food, healed them, and showed them the love and forgiveness of God. Now, he was dead; yet his memory lived on compelling them to honor his body and his life with their gifts.
Strangely, it was in the cool of the morning thousands of years before near the world's beginning that God had walked through a garden to find a man and his wife who had rebelled against his friendship and rule. That journey resulted in a round of blame shifting and banishment from God's presence into a world cursed by sin.
How different these women's journeys will end! For on arriving at the burial grounds and finding the tomb, they are perplexed to find the heavy stone rolled away from tomb. They rush in seeking the body of their Lord. Only to discover it is not there! All is not as it seemed just moments ago.
Unsure of what to do they hesitate and there surrounded by the reminders of death two dazzling beings like men suddenly break in to their reality. Stunned and terrified, the women fall to the ground. Heaven has invaded earth with the greatest announcement the world will ever hear - "Christ is risen from the dead; he has trampled over death. The glory of God has defeated the night. He is not here; he has risen!"
Imagine for a moment the turmoil of these women's dreams just hours before. Everything they had ever hoped Jesus might be, everything they had hoped he represented of who God was and who they could be had been ripped away. This man they loved had been mocked and ridiculed for what they believed he was - God's Son. He had been tortured and executed for his refusal to deny this reality. Everything they had put their faith in was invalidated and destroyed by their Lord's crucifixion. They would now be the most ridiculed of people for having given everything to him. Having abandoned their own lives to follow him. Quietly they mourned the crushing of their hopes and faith.
Yet, here in the early morning hours, everything changed. He is not here, he is risen. Just as he said he would. The words of Jesus come rushing back into their minds, "The Son of Man must be handed over to evil men and be crucified but on the third day he will rise." Their faith has in the most shocking of ways been suddenly affirmed. Everything they had lived for is suddenly validated. By the resurrection of the man Jesus Christ. He is alive! His promises were true. He was God. Eternal life is possible. We will rise one day with him. Hope for today. Faith for tomorrow. Life awakened from within. In one moment, all of history turns. Nothing will ever be the same.
In the cool of the morning, several women journey through a garden to give their last gifts to the man they loved more than any other. He had delivered some of them from demons, taught them, ate their food, healed them, and showed them the love and forgiveness of God. Now, he was dead; yet his memory lived on compelling them to honor his body and his life with their gifts.
Strangely, it was in the cool of the morning thousands of years before near the world's beginning that God had walked through a garden to find a man and his wife who had rebelled against his friendship and rule. That journey resulted in a round of blame shifting and banishment from God's presence into a world cursed by sin.
How different these women's journeys will end! For on arriving at the burial grounds and finding the tomb, they are perplexed to find the heavy stone rolled away from tomb. They rush in seeking the body of their Lord. Only to discover it is not there! All is not as it seemed just moments ago.
Unsure of what to do they hesitate and there surrounded by the reminders of death two dazzling beings like men suddenly break in to their reality. Stunned and terrified, the women fall to the ground. Heaven has invaded earth with the greatest announcement the world will ever hear - "Christ is risen from the dead; he has trampled over death. The glory of God has defeated the night. He is not here; he has risen!"
Imagine for a moment the turmoil of these women's dreams just hours before. Everything they had ever hoped Jesus might be, everything they had hoped he represented of who God was and who they could be had been ripped away. This man they loved had been mocked and ridiculed for what they believed he was - God's Son. He had been tortured and executed for his refusal to deny this reality. Everything they had put their faith in was invalidated and destroyed by their Lord's crucifixion. They would now be the most ridiculed of people for having given everything to him. Having abandoned their own lives to follow him. Quietly they mourned the crushing of their hopes and faith.
Yet, here in the early morning hours, everything changed. He is not here, he is risen. Just as he said he would. The words of Jesus come rushing back into their minds, "The Son of Man must be handed over to evil men and be crucified but on the third day he will rise." Their faith has in the most shocking of ways been suddenly affirmed. Everything they had lived for is suddenly validated. By the resurrection of the man Jesus Christ. He is alive! His promises were true. He was God. Eternal life is possible. We will rise one day with him. Hope for today. Faith for tomorrow. Life awakened from within. In one moment, all of history turns. Nothing will ever be the same.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Devotional Day 27 for Saturday 3/27
Reading: Luke 23:44-56
The King is dead (vs. 37-38). The innocent man has been crucified (vs. 47). The crowds leave mourning (vs. 48). His acquaintances witness these things from afar (vs. 49). Creation groans waiting for the Son of Man to be revealed. Darkness reigns (vs. 44-45). Life breathes its final breath (vs. 46). He is buried; his lifeless body laid on the hard, cold rock of a newly hewn tomb (vs. 52-53). Death's cruel finality is all too real.
Yet, in the midst of these verses, a glimmer of doubt remains. Jesus' acquaintances particularly the women seem to be waiting, watching to see what will happen (vs. 49, 55). They have not lost their love for the man who knew "everything they ever did" (John 4:39) yet told them "your faith has saved you, go in peace." (Luke 7:50) A good man named Joseph still looks for the kingdom of God (vs. 51). On the Sabbath day, they rest. Waiting in quiet solitude... for Sunday to arrive.
The King is dead (vs. 37-38). The innocent man has been crucified (vs. 47). The crowds leave mourning (vs. 48). His acquaintances witness these things from afar (vs. 49). Creation groans waiting for the Son of Man to be revealed. Darkness reigns (vs. 44-45). Life breathes its final breath (vs. 46). He is buried; his lifeless body laid on the hard, cold rock of a newly hewn tomb (vs. 52-53). Death's cruel finality is all too real.
Yet, in the midst of these verses, a glimmer of doubt remains. Jesus' acquaintances particularly the women seem to be waiting, watching to see what will happen (vs. 49, 55). They have not lost their love for the man who knew "everything they ever did" (John 4:39) yet told them "your faith has saved you, go in peace." (Luke 7:50) A good man named Joseph still looks for the kingdom of God (vs. 51). On the Sabbath day, they rest. Waiting in quiet solitude... for Sunday to arrive.
"For there is hope for a tree,
if it be cut down, that it will sprout again,
and that its shoots will not cease.
Though its root grow old in the earth,
and its stump die in the soil,
yet at the scent of water it will bud
and put out branches like a young plant."
Job 14:7-9
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Devotional Day 26 for Friday 3/26
Reading: Luke 23:26-43
Jesus has been sentenced, beaten, and flogged. He is sleep deprived. His exhausted body is led away to the mount of crucifixion. While the crowds had called for his death (vs. 21), there are many yet who understand the tragedy of these events. They weep and mourn behind him. Their hero, the innocent one who knew no wrong is being led away to death.
Jesus is so weak he cannot carry his own cross; yet in the midst of his exhaustion, he turns to the grieving crowds. "Weep not for me!" he startlingly declares. For Jesus knows something these crowds know not of - the coming judgment of Jerusalem. For if while the Son of God was with them they rejected the Christ, what will happen when he was gone. The life, healing, peace, and reconciliation he brought to the land of Palestine and the people of Israel is about to be stuffed out. The wood will dry and the fire of judgment will burn it up (vs. 31, Ezekiel 20:47).
Who can escape the coming wrath?
Even as he is nailed to and hung on a cross, the heart of God is revealed in these words that echo for all eternity: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Perhaps, the criminal on the cross next to Jesus heard these words, perhaps he had heard the stories of the greatest teacher and healer Israel had ever known, the stories of how he healed the paralytic and forgave the prostitute. And as this robber prepares to face the sentence for his evil deeds, hope for the first time in a very long time begins to awaken in his heart. He watches Jesus' marred body on the cross thrust violently into the ground. He watches as his fellow criminal bitterly rails against the Son of God pouring out his anger for the just judgment he as a thief is experiencing.
The whole time the words of Jesus are burning in his ears... "Father forgive them... father forgive them... forgive them.. they don't know what they are doing." Faith and fear seize him at the same time. He cries out in a desperate plea to his dying friend, "Do you not fear God? We are getting what we deserve but this man has done nothing wrong." He pleas with him to turn before it is too late.
Then, he himself turns to Jesus. Fear and hope in his eyes. He has one request: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus words are sweeter than the ones that first brought hope to his life, "This day you will be with me in Paradise." Faith fully fills his heart. He faces death at peace with God and man. Eternity await, judgment is past. Forgiveness is free. Life is eternal. Love is real. Mercy triumphs... over judgment. Death is as close as ever, but Jesus awaits him. He'll see him - on the other side.
Jesus has been sentenced, beaten, and flogged. He is sleep deprived. His exhausted body is led away to the mount of crucifixion. While the crowds had called for his death (vs. 21), there are many yet who understand the tragedy of these events. They weep and mourn behind him. Their hero, the innocent one who knew no wrong is being led away to death.
Jesus is so weak he cannot carry his own cross; yet in the midst of his exhaustion, he turns to the grieving crowds. "Weep not for me!" he startlingly declares. For Jesus knows something these crowds know not of - the coming judgment of Jerusalem. For if while the Son of God was with them they rejected the Christ, what will happen when he was gone. The life, healing, peace, and reconciliation he brought to the land of Palestine and the people of Israel is about to be stuffed out. The wood will dry and the fire of judgment will burn it up (vs. 31, Ezekiel 20:47).
Who can escape the coming wrath?
Even as he is nailed to and hung on a cross, the heart of God is revealed in these words that echo for all eternity: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Perhaps, the criminal on the cross next to Jesus heard these words, perhaps he had heard the stories of the greatest teacher and healer Israel had ever known, the stories of how he healed the paralytic and forgave the prostitute. And as this robber prepares to face the sentence for his evil deeds, hope for the first time in a very long time begins to awaken in his heart. He watches Jesus' marred body on the cross thrust violently into the ground. He watches as his fellow criminal bitterly rails against the Son of God pouring out his anger for the just judgment he as a thief is experiencing.
The whole time the words of Jesus are burning in his ears... "Father forgive them... father forgive them... forgive them.. they don't know what they are doing." Faith and fear seize him at the same time. He cries out in a desperate plea to his dying friend, "Do you not fear God? We are getting what we deserve but this man has done nothing wrong." He pleas with him to turn before it is too late.
Then, he himself turns to Jesus. Fear and hope in his eyes. He has one request: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus words are sweeter than the ones that first brought hope to his life, "This day you will be with me in Paradise." Faith fully fills his heart. He faces death at peace with God and man. Eternity await, judgment is past. Forgiveness is free. Life is eternal. Love is real. Mercy triumphs... over judgment. Death is as close as ever, but Jesus awaits him. He'll see him - on the other side.
"But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (2 Cor. 3:16, Rom. 10:13)
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Devotional Day 25 for Thursday 3/25
Reading: Luke 23:1-25
Additional Reading: Hebrews 1:1-14
The longest day in human history began with the betrayal of an innocent man. It continued with a sham trial that lasted until day break. Now in the early morning hours, Jesus stands before the only man in Jerusalem that can seal his fate - the Roman governor Pilate.
The author Luke's primary focus in this passage is the innocence of Jesus highlighted by Pilate's reluctance to sentence him to death. Here are Pilate's words and actions.
Additional Reading: Hebrews 1:1-14
The longest day in human history began with the betrayal of an innocent man. It continued with a sham trial that lasted until day break. Now in the early morning hours, Jesus stands before the only man in Jerusalem that can seal his fate - the Roman governor Pilate.
The author Luke's primary focus in this passage is the innocence of Jesus highlighted by Pilate's reluctance to sentence him to death. Here are Pilate's words and actions.
- "I find no guilt in this man." (vs. 4)
- He sent him to Herod when he found out Jesus was outside his jurisdiction (vs. 6-7)
- "After examining him, I did not find this man guilty of any the charges against him (vs. 14)
- "Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us..." (vs. 15)
- "Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him." (vs. 15)
- Pilate addressed them once more desiring to release Jesus... (vs. 20)
- "I have found no guilt in him deserving death." (vs. 22)
Why is the innocence of Jesus so important to Luke? To understand why, we must understand that Jesus was preparing to offer his life as a sacrifice for all sin. According to Leviticus 22:21, "And when anyone offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering from the herd or from the flock, to be accepted it must be perfect; there shall be no blemish in it."
Jesus' innocence is of primary importance because a less than perfect offering could not accomplish what the author of Hebrews reveals it accomplished: "Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins... by which he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:12,14)
Jesus led a perfect life and was the perfect sacrifice. Because of this he is able to forgive and make holy all who come to him acknowledging their sin. He has borne our sin on the cross. Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus. No sacrifice on our part is necessary. This reality is what Luke and the author of Hebrews point us to. Allow this truth to sink deep into your heart.
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