Fearless

Today’s Reading: Acts 5

What does it mean to be a “fearless Christ follower?”  Let’s start with what it looks like to be fearless.  To be fearless is not the absence of fear.  Fearless is action in the presence of fear.  To help illustrate this, look at two stories in Acts 5.  The first is about Ananias and Sapphira.  The second, involves the apostles.

Annanias and Sapphira decided, together, to give the proceeds of a real estate deal to the church.  Simple enough, right?  The problem is, they didn’t do it.  Why not?  Consider for a moment that the answer is fear.  At the end of Acts 4, we see the church caring for its own.  Wealthy people, the ones who owned homes and land, were selling them to provide money for the church.  Somewhere, sitting in the congregation is Ananias and Sapphira.  The Holy Spirit was at work and they felt what everyone else did.  The love of God.  They were a part of it.  In fact, they wanted to give to it.  In that moment, they made a pledge to give the land that they owned.

I imagine them getting home that night feeling great about their decision to give back.  It is the right thing to do.  Maybe they have a doubt or two creep in.  Satan whispers to them, “hey, why did you give so much?”  They probably dismissed these early thoughts.  If they are anything like me, however, the thoughts continue.  I would start thinking about how irresponsible it is to give up so much.  I mean, “what about the college funds?”  I fear that we‘ll fail to provide enough for them already.  Then, I think about retirement.  How on earth am I going to fund my life on the little that I have saved.  As you can see, fear is tricky.  It comes to us masterfully disguised.  Ananias and Sapphira, gave in to it.

The apostles stand in stark contrast to Ananias and Sapphira.  When faced with opposition, they stood fearless.  In Acts 5:29, Peter tells the captain of the guards that no matter the consequences, he will obey God.  He didn’t care if they harmed him physically or mentally.  Neither of those were as important to him as the truth of God.  Peter, as Chet Bandy pointed out to us yesterday had defined the ONE thing about this life on earth.  It is that nothing matters except God.

No doubt, today we will be faced with opposition. The question remains how we will choose to deal with it.  Will we choose to uphold the Truth and maintain an eternal perspective?   The Bible is clear that our failure to do so carries the consequence of death.  The apostles, on the other hand, show us that an eternal perspective, armed with Truth gives life.  Everyday, in every circumstance.

 

Boldness

Acts 4

I’m fired up to be studying the book of Acts. Although some of the financial advisors and interns I coach joke with me that I use the term “fired up” a lot, I chose those words strategically here. We moved to Bloomington-Normal, IL in 2011 and began attending Eastview Christian Church during a yearlong study of the book of Acts. Although I’ve attended church most Sundays my entire life (except for a hiatus away in college which I pray our children don’t do), I didn’t know much about Acts except for the story of Saul, who was later called Paul and wrote a good portion of the New Testament, going blind for a brief time. Reading and learning about the disciples’ dangerous witness and the new church’s ridiculous love caused me to catch “fire” for the Lord like never before, and I’m praying I recapture that contagious excitement again and that you do as well.

I believe one the biggest pieces of proof that Jesus was who he said he was, the one true Messiah who was resurrected from the grave, lies in the fact Peter denied Jesus three times and most of the disciples were not to be found during and right after Jesus’ crucifixion. They were scared for their lives. Yet here in Acts 4, Peter and John speak boldly (that’s putting it lightly) to the same Jewish Council who just scourged and killed Jesus when questioned about a lame man they just healed in Jesus’ name in Acts 3. Can you imagine being captured and questioned for speaking in the name of the same person they just tortured and martyred not long ago? Still, Peter says in Acts 4:8-12…

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus[a] is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.[b] 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men[c] by which we must be saved.”

I can just see Peter sending a text message to a friend a few days later telling him of what he said followed by Bitmoji of himself dropping the mic with #Boom after! Would Peter, who just denied knowing Jesus three times not too long ago, really have spoken at all, let alone with the boldness he does here, to the those who just killed Jesus if he had not seen Jesus alive with holes in his hands and side? To me, there is almost no greater proof in the Bible of the Resurrection and everlasting life than this!

Have you ever made a statement or done something under pressure in the heat of the moment that worked out really well and then thought after, “That was really dumb! What was I thinking? I’m glad that worked out ok, but I would never do that again!”? Well, Peter and John do the exact opposite here. After releasing them, the Council brings them back a second time to question them and tell them to not speak of Jesus and to go on with their lives threatening punishment. Still, they say in Acts 4:20, “for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Wow.

It may seem strange, but I’ve often thought about what I would do if someone put a gun to my head threatening my life and asked me if I believe in Jesus. I’ve always believed I would speak with courage if I faced this situation. Instead of asking myself this question about the scenario which is (I hope) is highly unlikely to ever happen, I should be asking myself if I will tell my neighbor, co-worker, friend, or even a family member about the love and saving grace of Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection on Easter. We will talk with them about the game last night (as I have the NCAA Men’s basketball championship on right now and will probably be discussing it tomorrow), a TV show, a movie we just saw, or even a controversial political or social issue, but not about our knowledge, faith, and relationship with Jesus. Gang..this is serious stuff! We are talking about where they will spend eternity…as in “for-ev-er!” I had to lighten a serious topic up a little bit with The Sandlot reference there for movie fans. We must trust the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say as the Bible states here in Acts 4:8 and Acts 4:31. Let us not stop speaking boldly to others about what we have seen and heard today and every day. It may be the difference in where they spend eternity. I know that sounds like a lot of responsibility, but it’s NOT ON YOU once you decide to speak, it’s on the Holy Spirit, and most importantly, it’s NOT ABOUT YOU either!

From Simon to Peter

Acts 3

In today’s story, we read about how Peter used his power to perform a miracle: healing a lame beggar.

3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.

What a transformation from a few weeks ago? My last post was about Peter’s denial. Now, we see Peter using his power and not shying away from being known as Jesus’ follower.

Let’s think about this transformation a bit more. Just like Tracy mentioned in her Follow Jesus post this week, Peter was a fisherman by trade, working to make a living.   He was an regular man, with a wife, living a regular life.  Now, we see him become a fisher of men during the day and continue to be a fisherman at night. He was the one who tried to walk on water. He was always engaged, asking tons of questions, sometimes not thinking about what he was asking or saying, but we knew he loved Jesus with all his heart and with all his soul. He was eager, bold and outspoken.  In the book Twelve Ordinary Men, he is referred to as double-minded, unstable. He was one of the few who experienced the Transfiguration. He reacted quickly and radically to Jesus wanting to wash his feet. He also slept while Jesus went off to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane trying to be ever faithful, but failing. When he awoke and the soldiers arrived, he immediately defended Jesus, even going so far as to cut off the ear of a soldier!

In the Bible, Peter is mentioned more than the other disciple.  He is the first name on all the lists about disciples and apostles. As Jesus was on Earth, Peter was viewed as Jesus’ right hand man as he is ever prominent in stories. He stood out as the leader and spokesman for the twelve. He was in the inner circle. He was also the one the Lord named: Simon (whom he named Peter) Luke 6:14. Peter, in Greek, means “Rock”. Sometimes we saw him act like a rock and sometimes not so much! Jesus refers to him as both Simon and Peter. Simon may represent him as the person before he met Jesus. Then over time he, Peter, transforms, especially in the book of Acts, demonstrating how he truly became a leader.

So far in Acts, Peter has been the one taking charge.  He has developed into the leader God wanted him to be. He appears to be more in control of what he says and what he does. He determined they needed to replace Judas with Matthias. He was the one who started interpreting the tongues and understood this work as one of the Holy Spirit. He also demonstrated courage as he delivered his sermon on Pentecost in yesterday’s reading and he continues his newfound confidence by deciding to heal the lame beggar. He did not hesitate or ask questions this time; he used his reactionary nature for the good of another.

How was this transformation possible? I believe Peter finally understood what Jesus was telling him. Even with Jesus foretelling the story, did Peter truly believe? Maybe, but it was not until it happened and then after he denied him three times, the truth rang out. Peter was not perfect; he finally understood God’s plan for him. He kept developing as a person.

Can we see everything in black and white before we believe or do we have to really experience it before we believe?  Do we react too quickly in certain situations? Do we take the time to listen to what is being said so that we can transform ourselves and have the confidence to believe without seeing? Simon’s transformation into Peter may seem like a big jump, but this is just another example of God’s power and patience. He has a plan for all of us, and all we need to do is trust him.

For your reading pleasure: Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master shaped his disciples for greatness and what he wants to do with you by John MacArthur.

Live Like It.

Did your life really change after you accepted Christ?

I love Acts 2, because it reminds me just how much power the Holy Spirit can have in our earthly lives. This power is incredible, and I often forget that I have the very power of Christ in my heart. Read Acts 2 with me today… it’s full of so much insight about the first time the Holy Spirit was given to Christians.

I believe that there are so many little lessons we can learn from Acts 2. To start, I love the fact that the very first time the Holy Spirit came upon believers, they were all together. I think this is so powerful… I often have personally experienced Jesus the most when I’ve been purposefully surrounding myself with other people who love the Lord. Jesus placed a big emphasis on community during His life and His ministry here on earth, so I don’t think it’s any coincidence that God decided to pour out the Holy Spirit for the first time when believers were all together, doing life together and worshipping together. That’s a powerful place to be; as Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Something else that stood out to me in Acts 2 was how dramatically the people who received the Holy Spirit were changed immediately. Now, I don’t know about you, but when I was baptized and received the Holy Spirit, I didn’t exactly begin speaking in multiple languages. In fact, nothing that outwardly dramatic happened or changed in my life. However, I think there is a lesson for us in this… the power that caused the events we read about in Acts 2 is the same power that we receive when we accept Christ and receive the Holy Spirit. While this power may not be manifested so visibly or dramatically when we receive Christ, our acceptance of Him grants us access to the power of God working in and through our lives, and our souls are sealed in eternity instantly. THAT is something amazing.

Third, I was encouraged reading that believers have been enduring persecution and hardship in their faith since day. one. That just speaks to my heart in the world we live in today! Did you catch the ridicule of the doubters in verse 13? Acts 2:13 states that some who watched the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the results of this gift attributed these crazy events to too much alcohol and made fun of the believers. How encouraging that the same challenging and hurtful ridicule that we Christians sometimes endure at our workplaces, within our family and friend groups, and from our society as a whole has been going on since the very beginning of time.

Lastly, the fourth aspect of Acts 2 that stood out to me was the fact that, after receiving the Holy Spirit, the believers did not stay where they were. Verse 38 says,

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

As soon as they had received the Holy Spirit, the believers began preaching and sharing Christ with the world and with those who were watching. Verses 42-47 say,

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Not only did the believers immediately begin teaching, but their very lifestyles changed dramatically from day one. We may not live in a time when Acts 2-like events are happening all around us all the time, but we who have accepted Jesus do have that same Acts 2 Holy Sprit residing within us. Be encouraged today to live like it.

Follow Jesus

 

Todays reading is Acts 1

After spending 3 months in the gospels, I feel like we have had a pretty close look at Jesus’ disciples lives. Twelve ordinary men, working each day to make a living, maintaining family relationships and obligations and being engaged in their communities. Sounds pretty much like us, right? Regular people doing regular things each day to make a living and keeping relationships with our families. Then Jesus meets each of them and their lives change completely. Jesus says leave your jobs and your families and follow me. There is something about Him that makes each of those men agree to literally drop their lives and go with Him. So they have left everything that they know and every security of their lives to be with Jesus. Along the way, Jesus is honest with them and tells them what they will suffer and encounter being associated with Him. They are hated, persecuted and beaten because of their relationship with Him. Then they have to watch and live through their friend and leader being accused falsely, convicted of things He didn’t do and then die in a manor that is a far greater consequence than the death He should have been given if He was actually guilty of what they had accused. Through all of this, they don’t completely understand what is happening and why it is happening.

So we start Acts during the forty days after Jesus death. I’m trying to put myself in minds of those disciples. At what point do they realize that all is not lost? When do they start to turn from grieving their loss to realizing that Jesus’ ministry is now squarely on their shoulders and they have huge responsibility to share the story? I wish that Acts 1:3 was an entire book. It says, “ During the forty days after He suffered and died, He appeared to them from time to time, and He proved to them in many ways that He was actually alive. And He talked to them about the Kingdom of God.” There is SO much missing here! I want so badly to know what this time looked like, I want to hear the conversations that gave these men the understanding and insight they needed to be all in and ready to take Jesus story to the ends of the earth even after all they have lived through in the last 3+ years. Because of the rest of the chapter, we can only assume that Jesus ministered, explained, encouraged, reassured and bolstered this group of men to prepare them for the rest of their lives.

These ordinary men, people like us with regular jobs and families who love them, have just spent about 3 years with Jesus and had their lives, their hearts and their minds turned upside down, are encouraged and ready to spread the gospel without their leader physically at their side. The last half of the chapter tells us how they went about the business of replacing Judas so they could carry out their calling in full force. They are so encouraged, fueled and full of passion for their work that they almost seem unfazed by Jesus ascension. Luke provides us no other comment on their reaction except that they watched and strained to see Jesus rising into heaven. Once more Jesus reassures them by sending two angels to tell them that Jesus has been taken to heaven but that someday He will return from heaven in the same way He went.

This chapter shows me that Jesus is with me in whatever I am dealing with. He knows what is going on in my life, He is walking through it with me, and is willing to prepare and ready me for what lies ahead if I am willing to follow Him.

 

 

Introduction to Acts

    Together, our Bible Journal community has finished reading the four gospels – Matthew, Mark,  Luke and John – and tomorrow, we will begin reading the book of Acts.  I’m looking forward to reading this book!  The book of Acts was written between 60 and 62 AD by the apostle Luke, and it is a sequel to his gospel.

The book of Acts was written for three specific purposes.  First, it describes how the early believers were blessed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Second, it records the birth of the church in Jerusalem.  Finally, it tells the story of the spread of the gospel from the Jewish believers to the Gentile (non-Jewish) people in Rome and from there, past the borders of Europe and the Middle East to the world beyond.

We will read about several key people in the book of Acts.  Some of them will be familiar to us from our reading of the gospels; others we are introduced to for the very first time in this book.  We will read of the apostle Peter’s incredible sermon on the day of Pentecost, when those listening received the Holy Spirit.  Peter’s powerful sermon resulted in 3000 people choosing to follow Christ!  Later in this book, we will listen to Peter preach to the Gentiles.  We will read of Philip’s travel to Samaria where he taught the people there about Jesus; many of these people were not Jewish.  And we will read of the apostle Stephen and his incredible display of courage and forgiveness when he was faced with martyrdom.

It is in the book of Acts that we first read about Saul.  A brutal persecutor of Christians, Saul attended Stephen’s stoning.  However, after a remarkable encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, he dedicated his life to Christ and began telling people how the course of his entire life had been altered because of Him.  We will learn that Saul changed his name to Paul, a Greek name, to better connect with the Gentile population, and we will travel with him on his three missionary journeys that ended with his house arrest in Rome.  Luke traveled with Paul during these trips, so what we read is a first-hand, eyewitness account.  We will also read of Lydia, who after a conversation with Paul became the first convert in the Gentile region of Macedonia.  She, along with her family, was changed forever by Paul’s obedience to Christ.

    There are several other key people who we will meet in the pages of Acts, including John, James, Barnabas (he is one of my favorites – I love the story of his friendship with Paul), Silas and Apollos.  We will learn that the term “Christian” was first coined during this time in history, and that this word was first used in the city of Antioch.  What a full, rich book this is!  I’m excited to begin this journey together as we seek to learn more about the spread of Christianity through the obedience of God’s people.  

 

Source:  biblehub.com/summary/acts/7.htm

 

 

Breakfast with Jesus

Today’s Reading: John 21
As I am reading and reflecting on the final Chapter of the gospels of the apostles, I am overwhelmed with the song “Just a closer walk with Thee”, which was one of my grandmother’s favorite song.  On March 30th she would have been 97 years young.  She went to glory in 2004 and I truly really miss that lady.  I can still remember how she spoke, her “grandmother” smell – Red Door or White Diamonds, and her love for me.  She was a true rock of my foundation as a person, a man, a father, and as a Christian.  She was a minster’s wife for over 50 years, in the life and death of my grandfather.  It is fitting that the last Chapter and the song complement each other.
While I was reviewing the 21st Chapter, I had a realization that this is the second time that this particular passage has been given to me to review.  My journey in this Christian life has taken me to different places and allowed me to interact with many different and amazing people.  In 2004,  I had the chance to give my summer to service in the Dominican Republic.  The people I served did not have running water or electricity.  They would not have a dollar to spend for health care or any wants or needs.  They were completely impoverished by any standards, but they were the warmest people that I have ever encountered.  Their lives reflected God’s grace and they shared that with me.  As I completed my mission, I had a special chance to do some spiritual reflections lead by Jesuit brother and he gave me this passage to read.
John 21:10-14
            Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.  Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.  Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.  This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
What made this reflection even more powerful was the way it was executed:  My friends and I met on the beach at sunrise(~ 5am in the morning) and had devotion there.  It was almost surreal, you are there on the beach looking out to the ocean and “having breakfast” with Jesus.
After many years, I am amazed to have this passage revealed to me again some profound reflections:
1.) When we have experienced the fullness of Christ, will we forget his awesomeness and return to what we had before. John 21:1-3
2.) Jesus calls us every morning (daily) to spend time with him and have breakfast.  A renewing of the body to prepare for the day and journey ahead. John 21:12
3.) Jesus is in the miracle business and will always be looking out for you no matter how far you think you have gone from him.  (153 fish is the sign of abundance.  Coincidentally this is the number of recorded miracles in all of the gospels.) John 21:6-11
4.) Sometime we should be reminded to do his work and to submit to God’s glory. Its gentle like a father and son with Saturday’s chores. John 21:15-18
5.) God has a purpose for each of us, but he has control and not you or I.  John 21:20-23
God, thank you for wanting to spend time with us daily.  Help us to be mindful of the time that you have given of to fulfill your mission here.  May we keep our focus on you and no other things that can distract us.  Amen

The Gift

Today we are reading John chapter 20.

Take some time today to read this chapter of Jesus and His resurrection. How special to be reading this chapter and be reminded of what Jesus has done for us just before we Celebrate Easter two weeks from today!

What is your favorite dream gift? If you could have any gift you dreamed of wrapped in a box with the perfect bow on top, what would you dream of? A new car? Jewelry? Myself, at this stage of my life, is a dream vacation on the beach. I would love if someone wrapped up this vacation in a box and gave it to me. But, what if I was given the box, un-tied the bow, lifted the lid, and…the box was empty?? I would feel let down and pretty disappointed.

In Verse 2 we find Mary Magdalene going to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

John 20:1&2
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark. Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and I don’t know where they have put him!”

When Mary was going to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body, a couple of days after he had been crucified, she was not happy with what she found. The tomb was empty. Jesus’ body was nowhere to be found and she became very distressed as to where it could have been.
Yet, the empty tomb was the best present she could ever receive. The empty tomb meant that Jesus had risen from the dead and that even death could not overpower the strength of God.
Sometimes we look at our lives and it all feels like empty boxes – disappointment, pain, grief. And yet we worship a God who is stronger than anything we have to go through. When we have faith in God, He can turn the devastation of an empty tomb into the best gift anyone could ever desire.

What are you facing in your life today? The power of Jesus’ resurrection is the power to take your disappointments and devastations and transform them with His resurrection power.

I love how this song speaks to me about the Power of Christ!  Especially the verse that sings about the tomb being empty!

“Then bursting forth in glorious day, up from the grave he rose again!  And as He stands in Victory, sins curse has lost its grip on me, for I am His and He is Mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.”

Your response?

Today’s reading:  John 19

Last weekend, I traveled to Florida to see my grandma.  As always, our time together was precious and filled my heart with gladness…until I got to the airport to go home.  I had chosen to fly a discount airline because it was a direct flight AND because it was $300 less than any other.  I should have known better.  I hate this airline.

On Sunday afternoon, I boarded the plane on time.  Then I waited, and waited, and waited.  Eventually I learned the fuel truck that was under the wing wouldn’t start.  Nothing was wrong with the plane, but it took almost an hour for a tow truck to come pull the fuel truck out of the way.  Did I mention this airline also boards their planes 60 minutes (not 30 minutes) in advance of the flight?  I didn’t have enough time to get lunch.  To say I was crabby is an understatement.

If you know me well, you know I prefer to keep to myself on flights.  I like to read my book and ignore everyone around me.  Because of the fuel truck debacle last Sunday, however, I struck up a conversation with the woman next to me.  Her name was Sharon.  Turned out she was as annoyed as I was, and we shared a few chuckles.  The conversation went on.  She shared that she had lost her husband five months ago.  While she has been enjoying her new independence and the ability to travel more, she is still struggling through her grief.  We talked about her three sons and how they take the time to call and check up on her every day.  We talked about Jesus.  She remembered back to 1970 when she and her husband gave their lives to him and never looked back.  She smiled, knowing having Jesus by her side is the only way she’ll ever recover from this loss.

Why do I tell you this story (other than to warn you never to sit next to me on a plane)?  When we got ready to get off the plane, Sharon looked at me and said, “Thanks for the conversation.  You touched my life today.”  I responded to our flight struggles in a way with which I’m ordinarily uncomfortable.  Boy am I glad I spent time talking to Sharon instead of ignoring her and reading my book.

As I was studying John 19 this week, I thought about how Jesus’ life touched many people.  His death, the subject of our text today, was no less impactful.  The books of Mark, Luke and John identify several specific people whose lives were changed after coming into contact with Jesus.  After his death, each of these men were compelled to respond in a way they had never been comfortable responding before:

  • The criminal on the cross next to Jesus in Luke 23:39-43 – He recognized Jesus’ innocence and, for the very first time, confessed him as Lord. Jesus responded, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
  • The Roman officer standing in front of Jesus when he died – When darkness came over the land and the curtain of the temple was torn in two, the Roman officer standing in front of Jesus proclaimed, “Truly this man was the son of God” (Mark 15:39). The Bible doesn’t specifically identify what happened to this officer, but I have to believe his life was changed forever.
  • Joseph of Arimathea – A member of the Sanhedrin Council who was a secret follower of Jesus.  Joseph asked Pilate if he could have Jesus’ body to bury it (John 19:38).  He was now out in the open, and could no longer follow Jesus in secret.
  • Nicodemus – A Pharisee who had only visited Jesus at night.  When Pilate released Jesus’ body to Joseph, Nicodemus brought spices with which to help prepare Jesus’ body for burial.  He was no longer able to secretly follow Jesus either.

What about you? How have you responded to Jesus’ death?  As you ponder this question, may I remind you of its significance?  Sin separates people from God.  Until Jesus death, people were required to abide by a complicated system of sacrifices to atone for their sin.  Do you remember how confusing the five different sacrifices we studied in Leviticus were (burnt offering, grain offering, peace offering, sin offering, and trespass offering)?  The instructions about what to do and when were very detailed, very confusing, and pretty disgusting.  But they were necessary.  These sacrifices were the only way people could pay for their sins.

As we read the account of Jesus crucifixion in John 19, may I draw your attention to the final moment of death in verse 30?  Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).  Not only did this statement signify the death of Jesus’ earthly body, it also signified the start of God’s new covenant with man.  The shedding of Jesus’ blood became the final sacrifice to atone for our sin.  If we put our faith in Jesus Christ and accept him as our Lord and Savior, our sin is no longer a barrier between us and God.

Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22).

As you prepare to celebrate Easter in two weeks, would spend time contemplating your response to Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection?  Does it compel you to respond in a way you’ve never been comfortable responding before?  Are you using your response to impact the lives of other people?

Accusations

The prayer wasn’t for rescue; I was neither afraid nor worried. The theme of the prayer which I fully believe was guided by the Holy Spirit was for humility, and that I’d keep my mouth shut; to really think before I spoke, no matter what was said. Two attributes that I admit to struggling with.

The prayer was for a conversation that was slated to be about concerns ended up being accusations, and had I not been so shocked by what was said, I might have laughed because of how well the prayer had prepared me. In my experience, accusations typically have some element of truth, however the accuser is typically blind to something; whether that be their own misgivings or some truth in the matter that was overlooked or not revealed.

Prayer and communication with our Heavenly Father is so important for our daily lives. It can and will prepare us for every situation, praise God for that. Consider the prayer of Jesus in yesterday’s reading from John 17. He knew his time had come and he was deeply in prayer with The Father. We need to model our daily lives after Jesus; to pray in all things, at all times.

Caitlin’s post from yesterday rightly pointed out that while we live in this world, we are not be of this world. The world would have told me to “fight back” or “win the argument” against the accuser however in that conversation I felt the strong power of the Holy Spirit and my prayer being answered. Remaining silent at that time was the right thing to do as I sensed that the accuser had no desire for the revealing of truth, or for introspection.

Today’s reading link: John 18

My situation was nothing compared to what Jesus was faced with as he was betrayed and accused. Jesus was and is perfect in every way (and I am not). He stood accused by people who wanted him dead (hopefully no one wants me dead).

Jesus was on trial for his life by people who should have been praising him and falling at his feet (which some were only days before). Instead, he was falsely accused and to make matters worse, his accusers opted to free a known criminal instead of him. Jesus knew The Father’s plan and he willfully submitted to it with our sins in mind.

Thank you Jesus for your perfect model of prayer, submission, and humility that we may live abundantly with you in eternity. Amen.