“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” Acts 5:9
Yikes! That’s what I always think when I read this story. Personally, I would just as soon skip it, but since Luke was led to record it, the plot must hold some points worth pondering. The event is set in the midst of the church’s genuine generosity. “No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had…From time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need”(Acts 4:32-35). In the subsequent verses, two contrasting examples remind us that when it comes to giving, our motive means more than the method.
Bighearted Barnabas comes first. In humility and honesty, he sold a field and offered the entire profit to those in need. Ananias and Sapphira follow next. They also sold some land but decided that if they worked the system, they could get full accolade for only a partial contribution. “With his wife’s full knowledge Ananias kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet”(Acts 5:3) pretending it was the full selling price, but God let Peter in on the dirty, little secret, and he called Ananias’ bluff. “How?” Peter asked. “How is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit?”(Acts 5:3). And “What?” “What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”(Acts 5:4) And just then, just like that, Ananias fell down dead.
Three hours later, his wife, Sapphira, unaware of the preceding events, showed up to visit the apostles. “Tell me,” Peter asked her, “Is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”(Acts 5:8). Her deceitful confirmation was her death sentence. “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter demanded. “Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also. At that moment she fell down at his feet and died”( Acts 5:9).
“Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events”(Acts 5:11). You think?? I’m scared just reading about it! Kind of makes you nervous about next Sunday’s offering! But it doesn’t have to, and here’s why: God isn’t saying we should sell all we have and give all we’ve got or else we’re goners. He simply wants our motive to match our method. The problem was not what they did but why they did it. Peter told Ananias, “Look, the land, and then the loot, was both at your disposal. You could have done with it whatever you wanted, but you just can’t lie to God about it.” If Ananias had walked in and honestly stated that his offering was one-third or one-half of the profit of the sale, all would have been well—and all would have stayed alive. The gift wasn’t compulsory, but the truth was required.
This story shouldn’t scare us, but it should sober us and cause us to consider why we do what we do. Don’t ever try to live a lie.
Share generously. Give honestly. And do both for God’s glory.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Nicknames
“Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36-37
Remember those friends who were so well known by their nicknames that when the dutiful substitute teacher called them by their real names on the roll, all in the class, including your friend, said, “Who?” Barnabas would have been one of those. His given name was Joseph, but only a sub or someone who didn’t know him would have called him that. Everyone one else in the Bible—and since—calls him Barnabas.
How nicknames come to be can be quite amusing, but the way Joseph came to be known as Barnabas is quite amazing. His name was conferred on him by the apostles as they saw his actions and attitude. Barnabas is first mentioned in Acts when he “sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet”(Acts 4:37). Obviously, someone in the church had a need, so “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field”(Acts 4:36). Sold a field. Just like that. If what he had could help others out, Barnabas wasn’t about to hang onto it for himself. He gave the profit to the apostles to distribute as needed, and never looked back.
We’re not certain if this is the first time Barnabas stepped in to lift others up, but we know for sure it wasn’t the last. When the Christians in Jerusalem were scared and skeptical about Saul-to-Paul’s conversion, Barnabas “took him and brought him to the apostles”(Acts 9:27). The “Son of Encouragement” risked his own reputation to stand with Paul and affirm his salvation and witness. A bit later, as the good news of Jesus began to spread to outlying areas, Barnabas was sent by the church at Jerusalem to the brand-new, non-Jewish Christians in Antioch, Syria. “When he arrived and saw the evidence of God’s grace, he was glad and encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts”(Acts 11:23). Remembering his friend Paul and wanting to support him in his ministry, “Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch”(Acts 11:25). From Antioch, the two of them set out on an extended mission trip, which included preaching their way through Barnabas’ native island homeland of Cyprus. On their way back to Syria, they revisited several towns, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith”(Acts 14:22).
Encourage. Encourage. Encourage. When you come across Barnabas in the Bible, encouragement is almost always close by. It was so much of what he did that it became who he was: Barnabas—Son of Encouragement.
What would your nickname be?
Remember those friends who were so well known by their nicknames that when the dutiful substitute teacher called them by their real names on the roll, all in the class, including your friend, said, “Who?” Barnabas would have been one of those. His given name was Joseph, but only a sub or someone who didn’t know him would have called him that. Everyone one else in the Bible—and since—calls him Barnabas.
How nicknames come to be can be quite amusing, but the way Joseph came to be known as Barnabas is quite amazing. His name was conferred on him by the apostles as they saw his actions and attitude. Barnabas is first mentioned in Acts when he “sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet”(Acts 4:37). Obviously, someone in the church had a need, so “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field”(Acts 4:36). Sold a field. Just like that. If what he had could help others out, Barnabas wasn’t about to hang onto it for himself. He gave the profit to the apostles to distribute as needed, and never looked back.
We’re not certain if this is the first time Barnabas stepped in to lift others up, but we know for sure it wasn’t the last. When the Christians in Jerusalem were scared and skeptical about Saul-to-Paul’s conversion, Barnabas “took him and brought him to the apostles”(Acts 9:27). The “Son of Encouragement” risked his own reputation to stand with Paul and affirm his salvation and witness. A bit later, as the good news of Jesus began to spread to outlying areas, Barnabas was sent by the church at Jerusalem to the brand-new, non-Jewish Christians in Antioch, Syria. “When he arrived and saw the evidence of God’s grace, he was glad and encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts”(Acts 11:23). Remembering his friend Paul and wanting to support him in his ministry, “Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch”(Acts 11:25). From Antioch, the two of them set out on an extended mission trip, which included preaching their way through Barnabas’ native island homeland of Cyprus. On their way back to Syria, they revisited several towns, “strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith”(Acts 14:22).
Encourage. Encourage. Encourage. When you come across Barnabas in the Bible, encouragement is almost always close by. It was so much of what he did that it became who he was: Barnabas—Son of Encouragement.
What would your nickname be?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Helpless
“We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20
“I just can’t help it!”
Most often this phrase is used as flimsy justification for unseemly behavior, but when stated by Peter and John, the words weren’t an excuse but were the very reason they couldn’t keep quiet about Jesus. “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:20).
In a quandary about what to do with the men who had “done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it”(Acts 4:16), the Jewish Sanhedrin had issued a gag order on the disciples in hopes of suppressing the message of Christ. “To stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in the name of Jesus”(Acts 4:17), so they called in Peter and John and “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus”(Acts 4:18). But the men were non-compliant—responding with a cutting challenge and an emphatic assertion. “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:19-20)
Even if they tried, they couldn’t keep quiet. What they had seen was too amazing not to talk about. They had seen Jesus walk on water, cast out demons, and calm stormy seas. They had seen Him serve the Passover, pray in the garden, and die on a cross. They had seen the empty tomb, the vacant grave clothes, and the Risen Lord. And a few weeks later, as Jesus lifted His nail-scarred hands in blessing, they had seen Him ascend to heaven and send a promise of return back to earth. And what they had heard was too astounding not to tell. They had heard His call—“Come, follow me.” His claim—“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” And His command—“Go into all the world and make disciples.”
Silence was no longer an option. Jesus was more than just a story; He was life. He was their joy, their hope, their purpose, their peace, and His name would never leave their lips. No matter what anyone else said, they knew what they would say. They just couldn’t help it.
May we be as helpless.
“I just can’t help it!”
Most often this phrase is used as flimsy justification for unseemly behavior, but when stated by Peter and John, the words weren’t an excuse but were the very reason they couldn’t keep quiet about Jesus. “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:20).
In a quandary about what to do with the men who had “done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it”(Acts 4:16), the Jewish Sanhedrin had issued a gag order on the disciples in hopes of suppressing the message of Christ. “To stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in the name of Jesus”(Acts 4:17), so they called in Peter and John and “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus”(Acts 4:18). But the men were non-compliant—responding with a cutting challenge and an emphatic assertion. “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:19-20)
Even if they tried, they couldn’t keep quiet. What they had seen was too amazing not to talk about. They had seen Jesus walk on water, cast out demons, and calm stormy seas. They had seen Him serve the Passover, pray in the garden, and die on a cross. They had seen the empty tomb, the vacant grave clothes, and the Risen Lord. And a few weeks later, as Jesus lifted His nail-scarred hands in blessing, they had seen Him ascend to heaven and send a promise of return back to earth. And what they had heard was too astounding not to tell. They had heard His call—“Come, follow me.” His claim—“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” And His command—“Go into all the world and make disciples.”
Silence was no longer an option. Jesus was more than just a story; He was life. He was their joy, their hope, their purpose, their peace, and His name would never leave their lips. No matter what anyone else said, they knew what they would say. They just couldn’t help it.
May we be as helpless.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Company You Keep
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13
How could this be? How could the two men standing before the Supreme Court of Jewish culture and religion speak with such calmness and confidence? Instead of shaking in fear and stumbling for words, their defense had been a bold proclamation and a biting accusation—“It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed”(Acts 4:10).
How could this be? “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished”(Acts 4:13). The elders, teachers, and priests composing the prosecution and jury each boasted several decades of learning and training under their belts and in their brains. They had spent years reading and memorizing the Old Testament scriptures, along with countless hours studying centuries’ worth of commentary and opinions written about the texts. However, the two common fishermen on trial had no such education and experience. Given their current occupation, Peter and John had likely failed to advance beyond synagogue grammar school, and yet their words were eloquent and effective, exuding divine authority and citing God’s Word.
How could this be? There was only one explanation—“They were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Been with Jesus. That’s why He had called them close at the start—to be with Him. “He appointed twelve…that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons”(Mk 3:14-15). The chief desire of God is intimacy. Our activity—the preaching and healing and all the other things we, or the apostles, might do—does not come first, but instead flows from our friendship with Him.
“Been with Jesus.” We are transformed when we spend time with Him. Our perspective and priorities change. The ways we view ourselves and others change. By His Spirit and through His Word, we become a lot more like Him and a lot less like us. His influence affects our actions and attitudes, and our relationship with Jesus becomes the reason for our confidence and competence.
The company we keep makes all the difference.
Don’t just be for Jesus. Be with Jesus. And people will take note.
How could this be? How could the two men standing before the Supreme Court of Jewish culture and religion speak with such calmness and confidence? Instead of shaking in fear and stumbling for words, their defense had been a bold proclamation and a biting accusation—“It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed”(Acts 4:10).
How could this be? “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished”(Acts 4:13). The elders, teachers, and priests composing the prosecution and jury each boasted several decades of learning and training under their belts and in their brains. They had spent years reading and memorizing the Old Testament scriptures, along with countless hours studying centuries’ worth of commentary and opinions written about the texts. However, the two common fishermen on trial had no such education and experience. Given their current occupation, Peter and John had likely failed to advance beyond synagogue grammar school, and yet their words were eloquent and effective, exuding divine authority and citing God’s Word.
How could this be? There was only one explanation—“They were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Been with Jesus. That’s why He had called them close at the start—to be with Him. “He appointed twelve…that they might be with him, and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons”(Mk 3:14-15). The chief desire of God is intimacy. Our activity—the preaching and healing and all the other things we, or the apostles, might do—does not come first, but instead flows from our friendship with Him.
“Been with Jesus.” We are transformed when we spend time with Him. Our perspective and priorities change. The ways we view ourselves and others change. By His Spirit and through His Word, we become a lot more like Him and a lot less like us. His influence affects our actions and attitudes, and our relationship with Jesus becomes the reason for our confidence and competence.
The company we keep makes all the difference.
Don’t just be for Jesus. Be with Jesus. And people will take note.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Only Jesus
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
“Religion is like tennis shoes,” my friend explained as we chatted on her couch. “You can find several pairs in your size that are all good shoes, but the one that fits the best is right for you. It’s the same way with the way to God.” My friend is not alone in what she thinks. The vast majority of people in America agree with her assessment. But most doesn’t mean right, and according to God’s eternal Word of authority, my friend (and many millions of others) are wrong. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”(Acts 4:12).
Peter didn’t state this fact to a bunch of hell-raisin’ heathen who didn’t know better; he declared it to the top spiritual gurus of his day. After offering a helping hand and divine healing to a lame beggar by the temple gate, Peter and John had been arrested and detained because the Sadducees (a groups of religious guys who had it wrong about God) “were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead”(Acts 4:2). The next day, everybody who was anybody in the world of Jewish religion met in Jerusalem to sort out the ruckus and stop any trouble. As soon as Peter, John, and the ex-lame guy were brought before them, they began. “By what power or what name did you do this?”(Acts 4:7).
Bold because of God’s Spirit, Peter stared them down and set them straight. “If we’re here because we were kind to a cripple and you’re wondering how his healing happened, ‘then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved’”(Acts 4:10,12).
No other name. Only Jesus. You can’t get to God any other way. Adherence to Buddhism’s Eight-Fold Path won’t get you to Him. Devotion to Hinduism’s 330 million gods won’t get you to Him. Obedience to Mohammed’s Koran and Hadith won’t get you to Him. Being as good as most and better than many won’t get you to Him. Belief in anything or anyone else, no matter how fervent and sincere, won’t get you to Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”(John 14:6). Only by believing and by believing only that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life are we saved from a forever without God and saved for a forever with Him. Trust in Jesus is the absolute essential for a relationship with God. No matter how much we would like to hope or think differently, there is no other way.
To claim this fact in our day and age is to be considered intolerant and narrow-minded. Let them label as they will. You keep loving and keep living the truth of Jesus. Don’t be ugly or arrogant (God’s grace is the only thing saving you); instead be gracious and patient as you look them in the eye and share truth from God’s heart.
For over two millennia, many have tried to sabotage faith in Christ through threats, terror, trials, and troubles, but the truth remains and will never change—there is no other name.
Only Jesus.
“Religion is like tennis shoes,” my friend explained as we chatted on her couch. “You can find several pairs in your size that are all good shoes, but the one that fits the best is right for you. It’s the same way with the way to God.” My friend is not alone in what she thinks. The vast majority of people in America agree with her assessment. But most doesn’t mean right, and according to God’s eternal Word of authority, my friend (and many millions of others) are wrong. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”(Acts 4:12).
Peter didn’t state this fact to a bunch of hell-raisin’ heathen who didn’t know better; he declared it to the top spiritual gurus of his day. After offering a helping hand and divine healing to a lame beggar by the temple gate, Peter and John had been arrested and detained because the Sadducees (a groups of religious guys who had it wrong about God) “were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead”(Acts 4:2). The next day, everybody who was anybody in the world of Jewish religion met in Jerusalem to sort out the ruckus and stop any trouble. As soon as Peter, John, and the ex-lame guy were brought before them, they began. “By what power or what name did you do this?”(Acts 4:7).
Bold because of God’s Spirit, Peter stared them down and set them straight. “If we’re here because we were kind to a cripple and you’re wondering how his healing happened, ‘then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved’”(Acts 4:10,12).
No other name. Only Jesus. You can’t get to God any other way. Adherence to Buddhism’s Eight-Fold Path won’t get you to Him. Devotion to Hinduism’s 330 million gods won’t get you to Him. Obedience to Mohammed’s Koran and Hadith won’t get you to Him. Being as good as most and better than many won’t get you to Him. Belief in anything or anyone else, no matter how fervent and sincere, won’t get you to Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me”(John 14:6). Only by believing and by believing only that Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life are we saved from a forever without God and saved for a forever with Him. Trust in Jesus is the absolute essential for a relationship with God. No matter how much we would like to hope or think differently, there is no other way.
To claim this fact in our day and age is to be considered intolerant and narrow-minded. Let them label as they will. You keep loving and keep living the truth of Jesus. Don’t be ugly or arrogant (God’s grace is the only thing saving you); instead be gracious and patient as you look them in the eye and share truth from God’s heart.
For over two millennia, many have tried to sabotage faith in Christ through threats, terror, trials, and troubles, but the truth remains and will never change—there is no other name.
Only Jesus.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Even Better
“Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6
Unable to walk and unable to work, the man sat by the gate and begged, hoping that those headed to pray at the temple would take pity and pass along some change. Ashamed of his status and ashamed of himself (for in those days sickness was equated with sin), the man rarely met the glance of those whom he asked a gift.
“Look at us!” a voice kindly commanded, and, “expecting to get something from them”(Acts 3:5), the lame man lifted his eyes to two men standing before him. But his spirit sagged as Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have”(Acts 3:6). How cruel to pause and provide nothing—to raise the man’s head, then dash his hopes. But such was not the intent, for though Peter was empty-handed, he wasn’t empty hearted. “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk”(Acts 3:6-8).
For the first time in forever, the man could stand on his own two feet and could walk wherever he wanted to go, so he did—straight to God. “Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking, and leaping, and praising God”(Acts 3:8). His infirmity had kept him out, but God’s healing allowed him in, and instead of strolling into the temple court acting casual and cool, he leaped and was loud, jumping for joy and praising God.
If today, like Peter and John, you cross paths with someone in need, help how you can. The Bible makes it very clear that if our cupboard isn’t bare, we’re not to pass out blessings without also sharing bread(James 3:15). But if the need is more than what you have, stop anyway and share Who you have. You can’t solve all the problems, heal all the hurts, and right all the wrongs, but the treasures of God’s grace, love, and power shared through your listening ear, compassionate heart, gentle touch, and sincere prayers can be even better.
If the story is switched, and you’re the one who has been crippled by the circumstances of life, don’t be ashamed to hold out your cup and lift up your eyes. You might not get what you want, but God will provide what you need. And when He does, don’t continually casually on your way, but instead jump for joy and give Him praise.
When we beg for something good, God gives what is even better.
No change doesn’t mean no change.
Unable to walk and unable to work, the man sat by the gate and begged, hoping that those headed to pray at the temple would take pity and pass along some change. Ashamed of his status and ashamed of himself (for in those days sickness was equated with sin), the man rarely met the glance of those whom he asked a gift.
“Look at us!” a voice kindly commanded, and, “expecting to get something from them”(Acts 3:5), the lame man lifted his eyes to two men standing before him. But his spirit sagged as Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have”(Acts 3:6). How cruel to pause and provide nothing—to raise the man’s head, then dash his hopes. But such was not the intent, for though Peter was empty-handed, he wasn’t empty hearted. “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk”(Acts 3:6-8).
For the first time in forever, the man could stand on his own two feet and could walk wherever he wanted to go, so he did—straight to God. “Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking, and leaping, and praising God”(Acts 3:8). His infirmity had kept him out, but God’s healing allowed him in, and instead of strolling into the temple court acting casual and cool, he leaped and was loud, jumping for joy and praising God.
If today, like Peter and John, you cross paths with someone in need, help how you can. The Bible makes it very clear that if our cupboard isn’t bare, we’re not to pass out blessings without also sharing bread(James 3:15). But if the need is more than what you have, stop anyway and share Who you have. You can’t solve all the problems, heal all the hurts, and right all the wrongs, but the treasures of God’s grace, love, and power shared through your listening ear, compassionate heart, gentle touch, and sincere prayers can be even better.
If the story is switched, and you’re the one who has been crippled by the circumstances of life, don’t be ashamed to hold out your cup and lift up your eyes. You might not get what you want, but God will provide what you need. And when He does, don’t continually casually on your way, but instead jump for joy and give Him praise.
When we beg for something good, God gives what is even better.
No change doesn’t mean no change.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Devotion
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42
In just one day, attendance at First Church Jerusalem jumped from 120 to over 3000. The New Members’ Class must have been highly effective because immediately the brand new Christ-followers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”(Acts 2:42). Faith in Jesus changed their focus. Instead of life being about them, life became about Him, and they dedicated their time, energy, and resources to learning about Him, caring about those who were His, spending time with those who were His, and praying to Him.
Some would say these new believers were very involved, but that word is too weak. Involvement alludes to activities, and the prospect of a busier schedule was not what ignited such intense passion. These Christians weren’t just involved; they were devoted—devoted to Jesus and everything about Him. Since Jesus is about relationships, they lived in community. “All the believers were together”(Acts 2:44). If one had a need and others had the means, they shared willingly. “Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need”(Acts 2:45). When God’s people assembled, they showed up. “Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts”(Acts 2:46). While there, they listened and learned about their Savior from those who had heard His teachings and seen His life. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching”(Acts 2:42). When they weren’t meeting in public, they were spending time together in private. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”(Acts 2:46). In all this, they were fervent in prayer, calling on the One who had called them and praising Him for His goodness and grace(Acts 2:47). “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”(Acts 2:47).
In a day where volumes endorsing and explaining the latest ideas and initiatives on church growth abound, the answer is still found in one Book. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”(Acts 2:42). Open hearts. Open hands. Open homes. Open mouths. People in place of a program. Relationships instead of rituals. Devotion rather than involvement.
And the Lord will add to our number daily those who are being saved.
In just one day, attendance at First Church Jerusalem jumped from 120 to over 3000. The New Members’ Class must have been highly effective because immediately the brand new Christ-followers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”(Acts 2:42). Faith in Jesus changed their focus. Instead of life being about them, life became about Him, and they dedicated their time, energy, and resources to learning about Him, caring about those who were His, spending time with those who were His, and praying to Him.
Some would say these new believers were very involved, but that word is too weak. Involvement alludes to activities, and the prospect of a busier schedule was not what ignited such intense passion. These Christians weren’t just involved; they were devoted—devoted to Jesus and everything about Him. Since Jesus is about relationships, they lived in community. “All the believers were together”(Acts 2:44). If one had a need and others had the means, they shared willingly. “Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need”(Acts 2:45). When God’s people assembled, they showed up. “Every day they continued to meet in the temple courts”(Acts 2:46). While there, they listened and learned about their Savior from those who had heard His teachings and seen His life. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching”(Acts 2:42). When they weren’t meeting in public, they were spending time together in private. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts”(Acts 2:46). In all this, they were fervent in prayer, calling on the One who had called them and praising Him for His goodness and grace(Acts 2:47). “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved”(Acts 2:47).
In a day where volumes endorsing and explaining the latest ideas and initiatives on church growth abound, the answer is still found in one Book. “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”(Acts 2:42). Open hearts. Open hands. Open homes. Open mouths. People in place of a program. Relationships instead of rituals. Devotion rather than involvement.
And the Lord will add to our number daily those who are being saved.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Under The Knife
“‘God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart.” Acts 2:36-37
Going under the knife is never fun, but being cut to the heart is how we heal. God’s initial surgery is salvation, where He removes our heart of stone—solid with sin—and transplants into us a heart of life—beating with His presence and power.
Operations are always done individually, but many patients felt the incision at Pentecost when Peter stood before the crowd and preached the message of Christ. They didn’t doubt that Jesus had really lived or that He had really died. They had seen the “miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among them through him”(Acts 2:22), and they were aware of the crucifixion, which, as Peter informed them, was not a martyr’s death but according to “God’s set purpose and foreknowledge(Acts 2:23). But the addendum of Christ’s resurrection and exaltation was a life-altering fact that slashed deep into their souls. “God has raised this Jesus to life…God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ”(Acts 2:32&36).
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?”(Acts 2:37). “Repent and receive,” Peter replied. “Receive His baptism, His forgiveness, and His Spirit”(Acts 2:38). “The promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call”(Acts 2:39). At that moment, as faith defeated doubt and fear, “about three thousand” of the crowd were made alive and made a part of the family of God(Acts 2:41).
It would be nice (or at least a whole lot less painful) if, at the point of salvation, God set down the knife and never again reached for His scalpel, but He doesn’t. He never even steps out of the operating room. After making us His, God continues to work in us and on us to make us more like Him. Though we are fully forgiven, we often fail and find ourselves with an attitude or action that is sinful. At these times, God presses the blade and by the conviction of His Spirit, the correction of His Word, or the confrontation of a friend who cares, slices and dices into our hearts. Because of His persevering grace, another transplant is not needed—just some opening up and cleaning out of our pride and selfishness. The discomfort and distress of being sorrowful for our sins preps the places we have damaged for the balm of grace and forgiveness to renew and restore.
If you haven’t yet accepted Christ, may the truth of His life, death, and resurrection cut to your heart and lead you to repent, believe, and receive, for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”(Acts 2:21). If you’re already His, don’t run from the knife but be willing to stay on the table. “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it”(Phil. 1:6). He is shaping your heart to be like His.
Being cut to the heart hurts, but consider the cross and remember that wounds are God’s way of healing.
P.S. The previous paragraphs were not written from personal authority but from personal experience, for I have had much practice in messin’ up and fessin’ up. I am constantly thankful for God’s astounding grace and for the kindness of friends and family who have forgiven me again and again. May God continue to make us all more like Jesus—even when it hurts.
Going under the knife is never fun, but being cut to the heart is how we heal. God’s initial surgery is salvation, where He removes our heart of stone—solid with sin—and transplants into us a heart of life—beating with His presence and power.
Operations are always done individually, but many patients felt the incision at Pentecost when Peter stood before the crowd and preached the message of Christ. They didn’t doubt that Jesus had really lived or that He had really died. They had seen the “miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among them through him”(Acts 2:22), and they were aware of the crucifixion, which, as Peter informed them, was not a martyr’s death but according to “God’s set purpose and foreknowledge(Acts 2:23). But the addendum of Christ’s resurrection and exaltation was a life-altering fact that slashed deep into their souls. “God has raised this Jesus to life…God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ”(Acts 2:32&36).
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?”(Acts 2:37). “Repent and receive,” Peter replied. “Receive His baptism, His forgiveness, and His Spirit”(Acts 2:38). “The promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call”(Acts 2:39). At that moment, as faith defeated doubt and fear, “about three thousand” of the crowd were made alive and made a part of the family of God(Acts 2:41).
It would be nice (or at least a whole lot less painful) if, at the point of salvation, God set down the knife and never again reached for His scalpel, but He doesn’t. He never even steps out of the operating room. After making us His, God continues to work in us and on us to make us more like Him. Though we are fully forgiven, we often fail and find ourselves with an attitude or action that is sinful. At these times, God presses the blade and by the conviction of His Spirit, the correction of His Word, or the confrontation of a friend who cares, slices and dices into our hearts. Because of His persevering grace, another transplant is not needed—just some opening up and cleaning out of our pride and selfishness. The discomfort and distress of being sorrowful for our sins preps the places we have damaged for the balm of grace and forgiveness to renew and restore.
If you haven’t yet accepted Christ, may the truth of His life, death, and resurrection cut to your heart and lead you to repent, believe, and receive, for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”(Acts 2:21). If you’re already His, don’t run from the knife but be willing to stay on the table. “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it”(Phil. 1:6). He is shaping your heart to be like His.
Being cut to the heart hurts, but consider the cross and remember that wounds are God’s way of healing.
P.S. The previous paragraphs were not written from personal authority but from personal experience, for I have had much practice in messin’ up and fessin’ up. I am constantly thankful for God’s astounding grace and for the kindness of friends and family who have forgiven me again and again. May God continue to make us all more like Jesus—even when it hurts.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Under The Influence
“We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” Acts 2:11.
According to the Law, three times year, God’s people were to come to His sanctuary. One of those times, the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (the Greek word for fifty days), occurred seven weeks after Passover and was observed by giving thanks at the start of wheat harvest. Each year, Jews from far and near who worshiped God and obeyed His word packed out Jerusalem to sacrifice and celebrate, but at the Feast of Pentecost following the first Easter, all were in for a special surprise.
In obedience to Christ’s command before His ascension, His followers stayed in Jerusalem waiting for the promise of His power, and when the Spirit showed up, He arrived loud and lit up. On feast day, “the believers were all together in one place”(Acts 1:2). As the sound of a mighty wind rushed through the room, tongues of flame floated above their heads. “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit”(Acts 2:4), and when they opened their mouths to exclaim, they found their speech replaced by different languages from around the world “as the Spirit enabled them”(Acts 2:4). The ruckus attracted the attention of a crowd who became even more amazed when they heard the disciples’ words in their native tongues. “Aren’t these men Galileans? How is it that each of us…Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and parts of Libya near Cyrene, visitors from Rome, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”(Acts 2:7-11). While some dropped their jaws and said, “What does this mean?” others began to jaw, “They have had too much wine”(Acts 2:12-13).
So Peter stood up and shot straight. “We’re not under the influence of spirits but of God’s Spirit. He promised this through the prophet Joel, telling us that such a time would come and that salvation comes through His name”(Acts 2:16-21).
More on that sermon next time, but here’s the truth for today: When we believe, we receive, and the change should be obvious to all around us. If we’re saved, we’re filled with God’s Spirit, and His presence and power should make such a difference in our lives that we attract attention to God. Our speech shouldn’t sound the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our attitudes shouldn’t feel the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our priorities shouldn’t show the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our love shouldn’t prove the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our actions shouldn’t look the same as those who don’t know Christ.
Each day, by what we say and what we do, we are “declaring the wonders of God”(Acts 2:11). His Spirit takes our words and our works and translates them into a language that those who need Jesus can understand. Some will marvel. Some will make fun. Keep being faithful. When others ask, “What does this mean?” explain as Peter did—by pointing them to God’s promise and His provision.
God’s Spirit enables us to do what we once thought impossible.
As a result, we should always be caught LUI—living under His influence.
According to the Law, three times year, God’s people were to come to His sanctuary. One of those times, the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (the Greek word for fifty days), occurred seven weeks after Passover and was observed by giving thanks at the start of wheat harvest. Each year, Jews from far and near who worshiped God and obeyed His word packed out Jerusalem to sacrifice and celebrate, but at the Feast of Pentecost following the first Easter, all were in for a special surprise.
In obedience to Christ’s command before His ascension, His followers stayed in Jerusalem waiting for the promise of His power, and when the Spirit showed up, He arrived loud and lit up. On feast day, “the believers were all together in one place”(Acts 1:2). As the sound of a mighty wind rushed through the room, tongues of flame floated above their heads. “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit”(Acts 2:4), and when they opened their mouths to exclaim, they found their speech replaced by different languages from around the world “as the Spirit enabled them”(Acts 2:4). The ruckus attracted the attention of a crowd who became even more amazed when they heard the disciples’ words in their native tongues. “Aren’t these men Galileans? How is it that each of us…Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and parts of Libya near Cyrene, visitors from Rome, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!”(Acts 2:7-11). While some dropped their jaws and said, “What does this mean?” others began to jaw, “They have had too much wine”(Acts 2:12-13).
So Peter stood up and shot straight. “We’re not under the influence of spirits but of God’s Spirit. He promised this through the prophet Joel, telling us that such a time would come and that salvation comes through His name”(Acts 2:16-21).
More on that sermon next time, but here’s the truth for today: When we believe, we receive, and the change should be obvious to all around us. If we’re saved, we’re filled with God’s Spirit, and His presence and power should make such a difference in our lives that we attract attention to God. Our speech shouldn’t sound the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our attitudes shouldn’t feel the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our priorities shouldn’t show the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our love shouldn’t prove the same as those who don’t know Christ. Our actions shouldn’t look the same as those who don’t know Christ.
Each day, by what we say and what we do, we are “declaring the wonders of God”(Acts 2:11). His Spirit takes our words and our works and translates them into a language that those who need Jesus can understand. Some will marvel. Some will make fun. Keep being faithful. When others ask, “What does this mean?” explain as Peter did—by pointing them to God’s promise and His provision.
God’s Spirit enables us to do what we once thought impossible.
As a result, we should always be caught LUI—living under His influence.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Casting Lots or Not
“They proposed two men…Then they prayed…Then they cast lots.” Acts 1:23-26
Sometimes you simply must decide. Will you or won’t you? Do you or don’t you? This is or that one or which one? When you find yourself facing a choice, how do you know what’s right, what’s best, and what is God’s will? “If you’re seeking, God will show you,” we’re told, and it’s true. But haven’t you ever had a time when God wasn’t exactly specific? A time when through God’s Word, your circumstances, and others’ wisdom, the choices had been narrowed to a few, but the final answer wasn’t obvious? Ever had to choose? Ever wondered and worried about your choice? If so, read on and relax.
Jesus had ascended and His followers had assembled, but one was noticeably absent—Judas. His “get rich quick” scheme of betrayal had backfired, and distress led to his death by suicide. Since eleven seemed an odd number in more ways than one, Peter stood up and suggested they find someone to fill the empty slot. “May another take his place of leadership”(Acts 1:20). To narrow the number of candidates, Peter outlined the qualifications. An apostle is one who is sent as a messenger, so the chosen man must have heard the message first hand, from the start. “It is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time…beginning from John’s baptism to the time Jesus was taken up from us”(Acts 1:21-22). The reason for these strict requirements was clear—“This man must become a witness with us of his resurrection”(Acts 1:22). One who would fill such big shoes needed to have walked with Jesus the whole way.
Out of the 120 present, two guys fit the bill—Barsabbas and Matthias. Both were willing, ready, and able. How would they decide between the two? They prayed and pulled out the dice. What?? This wasn’t a craps table in Vegas! It was the upper room in Jerusalem, and this was a matter of choice, not chance! Right? It was a matter of choice, but they trusted that God was in control of the roll. “Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.’ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias”(Acts 1:24-26).
If you’ve ever prayed and reprayed, searched and researched, weighed and reweighed, and God’s answer still seems to be two, take some advice from Peter’s dice. Pray and pick one. Then go with it. A friend shared a story that made this make sense. He had to choose a graduate school, and after searching and researching, weighing and reweighing, praying and repraying, two universities sat at the top of his list, and God didn’t seem to be leaning one way or the other. With the deadline looming, he prayed and picked. Half a career later, he told me, “I think both were the right choice. I believe it was one of those times when God said, ‘You love me and I love you, so just go, and live for my praise at either place.’” My friend said, “As I look back, I see how my choice was right, but if I had gone to the other school, I don’t believe it would have been wrong.”
Someone reading these words is in this spot. You need to choose, but the choice isn’t clear. The deadline looms, and the list sits at two. Instead of thinking that God is waiting to mark one wrong, consider that He’s already checked both right. Just pray and pick. Then go with it. And God will go with you. His will isn’t by chance, and He’ll be with you in your choice.
He’s still in control of the roll.
Sometimes you simply must decide. Will you or won’t you? Do you or don’t you? This is or that one or which one? When you find yourself facing a choice, how do you know what’s right, what’s best, and what is God’s will? “If you’re seeking, God will show you,” we’re told, and it’s true. But haven’t you ever had a time when God wasn’t exactly specific? A time when through God’s Word, your circumstances, and others’ wisdom, the choices had been narrowed to a few, but the final answer wasn’t obvious? Ever had to choose? Ever wondered and worried about your choice? If so, read on and relax.
Jesus had ascended and His followers had assembled, but one was noticeably absent—Judas. His “get rich quick” scheme of betrayal had backfired, and distress led to his death by suicide. Since eleven seemed an odd number in more ways than one, Peter stood up and suggested they find someone to fill the empty slot. “May another take his place of leadership”(Acts 1:20). To narrow the number of candidates, Peter outlined the qualifications. An apostle is one who is sent as a messenger, so the chosen man must have heard the message first hand, from the start. “It is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time…beginning from John’s baptism to the time Jesus was taken up from us”(Acts 1:21-22). The reason for these strict requirements was clear—“This man must become a witness with us of his resurrection”(Acts 1:22). One who would fill such big shoes needed to have walked with Jesus the whole way.
Out of the 120 present, two guys fit the bill—Barsabbas and Matthias. Both were willing, ready, and able. How would they decide between the two? They prayed and pulled out the dice. What?? This wasn’t a craps table in Vegas! It was the upper room in Jerusalem, and this was a matter of choice, not chance! Right? It was a matter of choice, but they trusted that God was in control of the roll. “Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.’ Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias”(Acts 1:24-26).
If you’ve ever prayed and reprayed, searched and researched, weighed and reweighed, and God’s answer still seems to be two, take some advice from Peter’s dice. Pray and pick one. Then go with it. A friend shared a story that made this make sense. He had to choose a graduate school, and after searching and researching, weighing and reweighing, praying and repraying, two universities sat at the top of his list, and God didn’t seem to be leaning one way or the other. With the deadline looming, he prayed and picked. Half a career later, he told me, “I think both were the right choice. I believe it was one of those times when God said, ‘You love me and I love you, so just go, and live for my praise at either place.’” My friend said, “As I look back, I see how my choice was right, but if I had gone to the other school, I don’t believe it would have been wrong.”
Someone reading these words is in this spot. You need to choose, but the choice isn’t clear. The deadline looms, and the list sits at two. Instead of thinking that God is waiting to mark one wrong, consider that He’s already checked both right. Just pray and pick. Then go with it. And God will go with you. His will isn’t by chance, and He’ll be with you in your choice.
He’s still in control of the roll.
Friday, October 7, 2011
To The Ones Who Love
“Then they returned to Jerusalem…They went to the upper room…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:12-1
To me, dedications were the best part of the Top 40 Countdown. “This one goes out to the one I love,” people often said as they shared stories and songs about someone special. Many dedications were ultra-sappy. On occasion they didn’t make sense, but my favorites were those which gave words to my feelings and music to my thoughts. Today’s devotion is a dedication—a song and a story that goes out to the ones who love and who long for those they love to know Jesus.
Here’s the song.
“Then they returned to Jerusalem…They went to the upper room…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers”(Acts 1:12-14).
Here’s the story behind the song.
Jesus had a family. We’re not quite sure how many siblings (half-siblings, actually), but at least six(Mk 6:3). For the first thirty years of His life, all was well. Yes, Jesus seemed perfect—or at least Mom thought He was, but He grew up like the rest of them, followed Joseph in the family trade, and became a carpenter in His hometown. But everything changed the day He hung an “Out Of Business—For Good” sign on His shop door and began traveling from place to place preaching and teaching that God’s kingdom had come and He was it! A little, or even a lot, of religion was fine, but this was over the top. When their brother-turned-rabbi starting healing, performing miracles, and sending out twelve chosen men to spread the news, His family “went to take charge”(Mk 3:21). Their justification? Insanity. “He is out of his mind” they said (Mk 3:21). “It’s our job to bring him back to his senses and back to his shop.”
But when Jesus didn’t stop, they changed their tactics, turning to sarcasm and making fun of His ministry “for even his own brothers did not believe him”(Jn 7:5). One year at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, they chided Him by saying, “You should head on over to Judea because anyone who thinks he’s big should be willing to step out big time”(Jn 7:1-4). Though Mary, His mother, is mentioned at the cross, we’re hear no more about the rest of the family until we find them in Acts—after the resurrection, in the upper room, believing. “Then they returned to Jerusalem…They went to the upper room…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers”(Acts 1:12-14). His brothers weren’t there sightseeing—or scoffing. Jesus’ brother, James, became the leader of the church in Jerusalem and wrote a book in the Bible called by his name, and His brother, Judas (Jude for short), wrote one too.
If you’re someone who’s waiting and wishing and praying and pleading for family you love to come to Christ, take heart. It took three decades of perfection, a crucifixion, and a resurrection for those kin to Jesus to have faith. It might take some time, but those same, powerful truths still turn hard-hearted (and soft-hearted) skeptics into humble, happy believers. Let them keep jeering, chiding, mocking, and smirking in doubt. You keep loving, listening, and living in faith.
There’s always room for one more in the upper room.
To me, dedications were the best part of the Top 40 Countdown. “This one goes out to the one I love,” people often said as they shared stories and songs about someone special. Many dedications were ultra-sappy. On occasion they didn’t make sense, but my favorites were those which gave words to my feelings and music to my thoughts. Today’s devotion is a dedication—a song and a story that goes out to the ones who love and who long for those they love to know Jesus.
Here’s the song.
“Then they returned to Jerusalem…They went to the upper room…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers”(Acts 1:12-14).
Here’s the story behind the song.
Jesus had a family. We’re not quite sure how many siblings (half-siblings, actually), but at least six(Mk 6:3). For the first thirty years of His life, all was well. Yes, Jesus seemed perfect—or at least Mom thought He was, but He grew up like the rest of them, followed Joseph in the family trade, and became a carpenter in His hometown. But everything changed the day He hung an “Out Of Business—For Good” sign on His shop door and began traveling from place to place preaching and teaching that God’s kingdom had come and He was it! A little, or even a lot, of religion was fine, but this was over the top. When their brother-turned-rabbi starting healing, performing miracles, and sending out twelve chosen men to spread the news, His family “went to take charge”(Mk 3:21). Their justification? Insanity. “He is out of his mind” they said (Mk 3:21). “It’s our job to bring him back to his senses and back to his shop.”
But when Jesus didn’t stop, they changed their tactics, turning to sarcasm and making fun of His ministry “for even his own brothers did not believe him”(Jn 7:5). One year at the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, they chided Him by saying, “You should head on over to Judea because anyone who thinks he’s big should be willing to step out big time”(Jn 7:1-4). Though Mary, His mother, is mentioned at the cross, we’re hear no more about the rest of the family until we find them in Acts—after the resurrection, in the upper room, believing. “Then they returned to Jerusalem…They went to the upper room…They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers”(Acts 1:12-14). His brothers weren’t there sightseeing—or scoffing. Jesus’ brother, James, became the leader of the church in Jerusalem and wrote a book in the Bible called by his name, and His brother, Judas (Jude for short), wrote one too.
If you’re someone who’s waiting and wishing and praying and pleading for family you love to come to Christ, take heart. It took three decades of perfection, a crucifixion, and a resurrection for those kin to Jesus to have faith. It might take some time, but those same, powerful truths still turn hard-hearted (and soft-hearted) skeptics into humble, happy believers. Let them keep jeering, chiding, mocking, and smirking in doubt. You keep loving, listening, and living in faith.
There’s always room for one more in the upper room.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Headed Home
“After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.” Acts 1:9
Going away is great, but getting back home is always good. Jesus surely thought so as He stood on a hill outside of town. The time had come for His return, and He was ready. Thirty-three years is a long time to be gone—gone from unending glory, brilliant perfection, and side-by-side unity with the Father. He must have really missed home.
But, oh, the places He’d been. He’d been crowded in a virgin’s womb, cradled in a borrowed manger, and rushed cross-country to escape an evil king. He’d been tempted in the lonely wilderness, baptized in the chilly Jordan, and questioned at the crowded temple. He’d been cheered by cheaters, anointed by sinners, and toasted by tax collectors. He’d been discounted by the jealous, deserted by the fickle, and followed by the faithful. And at the end of the day, He’d been arrested in a garden and nailed to a cross.
Nothing could have kept Him from coming, but now it was time to go. After bestowing power and a purpose on those He loved, Jesus left. Just like that. “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight”(Acts 1:9). Defying all natural laws that keep our feet firmly on the ground, Jesus simply floated up and away.
As the disciples stood gawking and gazing, two men in white appeared and asked, “Why are you standing here looking into the sky? The same One who went up will come back down the same way”(Acts 1:10-12). “In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you…I will come back and take you to be with me”(Jn 14:1-3).
Jesus’ first homecoming was heavenly, and next time around, we get to go too.
There really is no place like home.
Going away is great, but getting back home is always good. Jesus surely thought so as He stood on a hill outside of town. The time had come for His return, and He was ready. Thirty-three years is a long time to be gone—gone from unending glory, brilliant perfection, and side-by-side unity with the Father. He must have really missed home.
But, oh, the places He’d been. He’d been crowded in a virgin’s womb, cradled in a borrowed manger, and rushed cross-country to escape an evil king. He’d been tempted in the lonely wilderness, baptized in the chilly Jordan, and questioned at the crowded temple. He’d been cheered by cheaters, anointed by sinners, and toasted by tax collectors. He’d been discounted by the jealous, deserted by the fickle, and followed by the faithful. And at the end of the day, He’d been arrested in a garden and nailed to a cross.
Nothing could have kept Him from coming, but now it was time to go. After bestowing power and a purpose on those He loved, Jesus left. Just like that. “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight”(Acts 1:9). Defying all natural laws that keep our feet firmly on the ground, Jesus simply floated up and away.
As the disciples stood gawking and gazing, two men in white appeared and asked, “Why are you standing here looking into the sky? The same One who went up will come back down the same way”(Acts 1:10-12). “In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going there to prepare a place for you…I will come back and take you to be with me”(Jn 14:1-3).
Jesus’ first homecoming was heavenly, and next time around, we get to go too.
There really is no place like home.
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