Tag: pray

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Acts: Unity is Not Christian Communism

Read: Acts 4:32-35

For my generation, and those proceeding me (yes, there are actually people older than me!), the term Communism evokes an emotional response that’s hard to appreciate. Preface that with Christian and many of us are ready to fight! I am not an advocate for Communism, even worse, Christian Communism.

Last week, while visiting the Koinonia Farm, one of the books I glanced at had a chapter with this “CC” title. Honestly, it was hard to read. Perhaps it was written in a time of great remorse as the author witnessed the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer, but it was nonetheless hard to appreciate.

If I may be so bold, let me dispense with the word Communism at this point and focus on what I think Luke wanted us to consider. The key problem with Communism is that everyone is required to participate. The church in Acts was completely voluntary. Not every home was sold. Not every account emptied. They shared and no one was in need. I don’t want this to become a dissertation on Communism, so I’m leaving it at that.

In this passage, we are invited to consider living in a complete community,

No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32

The truth is I don’t own anything, everything is temporary. The bank would disagree and our investment advisor would oppose such a statement but we know for certain the only thing we take out of this life is our soul. We have an eternal presence within each of us. Beyond that, we have a temporary privilege of that which bears our signature and a responsibility to be effective stewards of the same.

This community of believers had an extraordinary experience where they built each other up for the sake of the Gospel.

For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need. Acts 4:34-35

This utopian experience sounds amazing — sign me up! Right? Well, not so fast. This would be great, but with humans involved, there is no doubt that that which might begin as a good idea will quickly become riddled with problems. There will be a time when the perfect order of the world is restored and we truly live in harmony. That will happen when Jesus returns. Until then, I’m afraid we need to learn selflessness from this passage while being shrewd at the same time.

The goal is not a community, the command is to make disciples of all nations. Here’s where we tend to mess things up in a big way. We read these passages and conclude that we should buy 100 acres, build huts, and serve Koolaid. History reveals these attempts often have horrible results because, in my perspective, they missed the point that we are to live in unity for the sake of the Gospel, not the other way around.

Evangelism is paramount:

But if the manager has no passion for evangelism, a slow rot can gradually convert the movement into a machine and finally make it into a monument.See note from NIVAC

So many times we put the cart in front of the horse and create some ingenious method for steering from behind. We are incredibly creative, but it’s all backward! If we keep the Great Commission greatest among our goals, we will likely have wonderful communities as a byproduct. Now that is a lofty dream worth chasing.

Imagine a community that is so focused on sharing the Gospel, worshipping together, praying for each other, and living in harmony with Jesus as the centerpiece. Think about waking up each morning and remembering that Jesus died to pay for our sins and was then resurrected by the Father to put an end to death.

This is why Luke sandwiched the thought on the community with verse 33:

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:33

Lord help us to keep the main thing the main thing. Teach us to live in community because we have a common desire to reach the lost, the least, and the lonely for Your great kingdom.

 

Note from NIVAC: Wilkins, Michael J.; Garland, David E.; Bock, Darrell L.; Burge, Gary M.; Fernando, Ajith. NIVAC Bundle 6: Gospels, Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 78687-78688). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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Acts: Speak the Word Boldly

Read: Acts 4:23-31

Peter and John went back to their own people and shared the story of their confrontation with the Sanhedrin. It’s only been a matter of weeks since this group of religious leaders tried and convicted Jesus. There’s no indication they were in hiding, but it’s clear they were not invited to the meeting, now they hear firsthand about the proceedings.

This time they process what they hear differently. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Their conviction is strong and their words reflect the change of heart as they dig deep into prophetic words:

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord
and against his anointed one.
Acts 4:25-26

They can see the words of prophecy as they relate to Pontius Pilate and Herod, the Pharisees and Sadducees, those who band together in an attempt to fight against the Lord. The Spirit has revealed this to their hearts and minds. Their reaction is to pray as a community.

Two Things

Those gathered prayed with great enthusiasm for two things: to speak the Word boldly and for the Spirit to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Jesus.

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29

The glory is not their own. The boldness with which they seek is not focused on fame and glory, it is simply to demonstrate the power and authority of the name above all names, Jesus.

They ask to perform signs and wonders to reveal God’s amazing concern for His people and desire to make them whole again, even in this earthly life.

The heavenly amen is felt when the room shakes.

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

There are times when the presence of the Holy Spirit is thick and we can feel His hand on our shoulders as we pray. This is difficult to express in words, but the sensation is euphoric, a mountaintop experience that we need from time to time to recharge our batteries and prepare for another day.

Holy Spirit, we pray for boldness today, for the ability to speak powerful words with authority to those who seek to know You. Be with us as Your witnesses in this world. Help us as we seek those who are lost and keep us humble in the process, always giving You the glory.

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Acts: The Courage of Peter and John

Read: Acts 4:13-22

Though professionally unqualified, Peter and John are able to articulate scripture, defend their positions with eloquence, and act with courage that defies logic. They should’ve been scared and speechless but their response sets the Sanhedrin on its heels.

they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13

Someone took note of the unexplainable, perhaps irrefutable fact, that there is a common denominator: they had been with Jesus.

Parents can always tell who their children have been playing with. It’s sometimes subtle. Perhaps a phrase they say or how they carry themselves. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint, but it’s surprisingly easy to observe when you know your child and the friend in question.

In this case, in particular, I wonder if one of the members of the Sanhedrin recognized Peter as the one who kept denying Jesus. Perhaps it was his servant girl that report seeing the Galilean by the fire muttering obscenities to those who suggested he knew Jesus. How could that guy be this man? Deep inside he knew the answer, but his training is now responsible for his denial.

The boldness and courage seen here come from a source that the Pharisees and Sadducees flat out refuse to believe.

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. Acts 4:14

The forty-year-old lame beggar is now the strong point of evidence against the religious right. It’s impossible to refute. The man who once begged for his mere existence is standing before them–something that made absolutely no sense! Their only recourse is to dismiss the disciples with a stern warning.

They “commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18). This is the very name they asked about in the first place. Now they know the answer, yet somehow conclude this is the very thing that must stop.

Peter and John don’t miss a beat. I wonder if they completed each other’s sentences in their response:

Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:19-20

The evidence and the crowds kept the Sanhedrin from going any further so they had no choice. They let the disciples go.

What have you seen or heard that cannot be quieted? If you cannot answer with evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life, or if I cannot point to anything in my life, does that mean the Holy Spirit is no longer at work?

Perhaps this is why we are exhorted to always be prepared to give an explanation for the hope we find in Christ.

Right now, wherever you are, stop and answer this question with one convicting response to Peter’s question in 1 Peter 3:15. Write it down. May I suggest you avoid searching the internet, your favorite C.S. Lewis quote, or answering, “just because.”

Here’s my most recent attempt for your consideration. The Reason for the Hope I have in Christ.

The key to making disciples is wrapped up in the answer. Perhaps even more, it’s how we answer the question as Peter continues in 1 Peter 3:16.

The confidence Peter and John have is because of their faith in Christ. The past is behind them. Peter’s failure is written for us to have the assurance of forgiveness. John failed to speak up, as well as the other disciples, but we don’t get those details. They all hid until Jesus Himself appeared and had breakfast with them.

We all have weaknesses. Get over it. Seriously, please let go of those things that are holding you down. Have the courage of Peter. It’s yours for the asking if the Holy Spirit lives in you if you have confessed Jesus as Lord. It’s simple, but it’s not easy, I get that. Search within. Seek. I pray you will hear and respond today.

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Acts: Lame Beggar Healed — Sermon #2

Read: Acts 3

Acts 2 ends with some remarkable discussion about the fellowship of believers. While all this is going on, the disciples continue to preach the gospel. In this case, the sermon illustration comes from healing a lame beggar, one that everyone recognized.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6

Peter took him by the hand and the man was completely healed. I’d like to begin a sermon series like this!

It’s Not About Me

The people are amazed, as expected, I know I would be for sure, but Peter quickly points to the source for the healing.

When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. Acts 3:12,16

Peter is not the least bit surprised by the miracle. He didn’t heal the man to make a point, he was being obedient to his calling.

On a much lower scale, I’ve experienced this sensation when dining at a local restaurant with a friend. As we got up to leave, we notice our server was not around, but somehow I got the sense that we needed to find Courtney and pray for her. When we found her alone in a room reserved for parties, etc., she was truly grateful and opened up to us, though we had not previously talked about our ministry. This is just one small example, but I think it’s normal for those who are sincerely seeking the lost for the sake of Jesus without selfish motives.

Sermon Number Two

In my imagination (forgive me if I venture too far), Peter is astonished that anyone would get excited about an everyday miracle but quickly seized the opportunity as the crowd gathers. This is like giving a microphone to a preacher!

Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. Acts 3:17

What a great way to start a sermon, “I know you’re all ignorant…” This is the simple formula the late Reverend Billy Graham used all the time, even in his old age.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Acts 3:19-20

The timeless call to repent for your benefit. For our benefit. I love the phrase, “that times of refreshing may come.” I certainly need that, don’t you?

The short version of Peter’s sermon is captured in this chapter, but I get the feeling he took time to clearly explain the foundation for his claim, all the way back to Abraham, a message the people were eager to hear. This, of course, raises the eyebrows of the elite, as we’ll see in the next chapter. The main point is this: we should have known!

For generations, they were looking and waiting for the Messiah, but somehow they were mesmerized by the act of looking without seeing. In other words, they got in the habit of looking without any expectation that they might actually see. Perhaps miracles are within our grasp if we would have enough faith to see people the way Jesus sees them.

Peter didn’t have a seminary degree, but he was taught by Jesus himself. We don’t have notes from these lessons, but we do have two major advantages: 1) the Bible and 2) the Holy Spirit. While we could get by without #1, the gift of the Spirit is more than enough.

Lord help us to hear Your word clearly, to see what You see, or at least the tiny sliver that we are able to absorb. May we be attuned to the lame beggars of today, those that drive fancy cars, live in big houses, and those who hold up cardboard signs on street corners. Don’t let us be blinded by pretense and elitism. You are the miracle maker. May we be Your miracle workers for Your kingdom.

 

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Acts: Fellowship of Believers — Best Time Ever!

Read: Acts 2:42-47

One of the most quoted scripture references ever, Acts 2:42 encourages us to be a community of believers, to stretch our corporate understanding of “church” into where we live, even open the doors of our super-secure homes to those we don’t know. And to do all of this with joy, sharing as needed, while giving thanks to God for His amazing providence!

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

If we are to follow this formula, it looks like we need to focus on teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Books have been written centered on these few verses. I promise not to write a book here but highlight some thoughts I find interesting. I hope you’ll do the same as you read this passage and consider your own church context.

Teaching

In Acts 1:3, we read how Jesus met with the disciples and taught them about the kingdom of God. Not it’s their turn to impart knowledge to thousands of new converts to Christianity. At least 3,000 are being taught and ministered to by the 120 or so disciples who were local. The simple math gives us a 1:25 ratio to start with…from day one! Are you jealous? Even the least bit envious? Wow! What an opportunity for advancing the kingdom!

Fellowship

Those who were coming into faith based on the teaching of the Apostles were greeted with amazing hospitality.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Acts 2:44-45

So many were from distant countries, only in Jerusalem for harvest festivals, the need for opening homes was obvious. Funding for needs was met by selling stuff. They didn’t just sell things for the sake of downsizing, they were focused on supporting the fellowship as needed. Their goal was to break down barriers that would otherwise hold people back, or at least make them hesitate. God will provide for our daily needs. Give with a generous heart!

Breaking Bread

I love the concept of Christ-following believers getting together to celebrate their faith and remembering His great sacrifice through breaking bread together. There’s no reason to wait for the anointed few to deliver fake bread and wine. The only requirement I see here is centered on sincere hearts praising God for Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Acts 2:46-47

Such joy! People actually worshiping together. I long for this place.

Prayer

Jesus modeled prayer throughout His earthly ministry, we should do the same. Meeting together in homes provides the perfect opportunity to pray sincerely for each other. Such intimate environments give us an opportunity to be open and honest. What a concept!

Results

Not that we’re counting butts in seats, but it’s significant to know that the fellowship was growing daily.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47

The Lord is growing His people, nothing will stop the growth of this community. It’s a dream to see people coming to Christ daily. Why is this a fantasy? Lord, what am I doing today to make this a reality? Why is the church not growing daily? What would it look like to be a part of a group of Christ-followers that met on Tuesday, or Friday, or any day other than Sunday for an hour-plus?

We should be asking ourselves lots of questions in this context. We might not like the answers, but I pray we would at least ask ourselves, our church leaders, our Christ-following friends, these questions.

Lord help us to meet together with glad and sincere hearts, praising You, and enjoying the fellowship You desire for us each and every day — not just on Sunday!

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Acts: Peter Speaks to the Crowd at Pentecost

Read: Acts 2:14-41

Then Peter speaks. In these few words Peter distills the gospel into a concise message, powerfully delivered, and hearts are forever changed. The deep conviction of Peter, with the band of Eleven, is as powerful today as it was then. Lord help us to learn this lesson as we consider the platforms You have given each of us.

Peter’s Boldness — An Example to Follow

Timing is everything, so they say, but I pray we can learn to affect our timing and boldly preach when given the opportunity as Peter demonstrates here.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. Acts 2:14

No holds barred. No going back. Wake up people and listen! Peter dives deep into words from Joel. I won’t copy/paste them here, though I’m tempted, take a look at ancient words that reflect a present reality: Acts 2:17-21, Joel 2:28-32.

And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord
will be saved.
Acts 2:21

Everyone can be saved. The work before us is rather daunting when we consider that everyone can be saved, even the guy that is an absolute jerk can be saved. He may not be one I can minister to, but I can pray for him.

You Killed Him — God Raised Him

Let’s get right down to the point of all of this!

and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:23-24

Peter draws from the deep well of psalms that these devout Jews would know well. He picked up on David’s thoughts in Psalm 16 and brought them into a new light to help them understand the significance of what was said:

Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. Acts 2:31

Peter’s words, powered by the Holy Spirit, cut through the noise and confusion and spoke directly to the hearts of thousands of those present that day.

What Shall We Do?

I’m sure they had never heard such a sermon in their lives. Hearts pounding in each chest, tears forming, stumbling for words, all they could do is mutter a plea:

Brothers, what shall we do? Acts 2:37

There were no publications to pass out, no committees formed, certainly no church buildings in which to gather — none of this is required. What is the next step? It’s really quite simple:

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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call. Acts 2:38-39

It’s so awesome that Peter, and the Eleven others, don’t even worry about how they’re going to handle the response. On that day, at that moment, some 3,000 received salvation from the bondage that they never thought was possible!

From 12 to 120 to more than 3,000 believers in such a short amount of time. Whew! We better get organized quickly!! This is spreading like wildfire!

It’s exhilarating to read this section of scripture. At the same time, it’s rather intimidating if we think we’re to follow Peter’s example and do this ourselves, but here’s the great news about the good news:  we have the very same Holy Spirit indwelling in each of us.

Lord, shake the mountains and move in this place at this time. May we get overly excited about the greatness of Your love, Your grace, and Your desire for each and everyone to be saved today!

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Acts: Pain and Prayer, Judas is Replaced

Read: Acts 1:12-26

Jesus ascended after He taught the disciples. He told them to wait for what we know as Pentecost, the fifty days after Passover, when the Holy Spirit came (we’ll cover that soon). During this time the apostles get together for prayer, to select a replacement for Judas, and to minister to one another. As I reread the passage, I continue to feel the pain that must have been present when the name Judas is mentioned. It’s a sobering thought, maybe not the best way to start the week.

Return to Jerusalem

The apostles do as instructed and return to Jerusalem, just a short walk from where they were gathered. Luke is careful to list the eleven by name and points out the fact that the women, including Mary, are present.

They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. Luke 1:14

The primary activity is to gather and pray. Luke mentions prayer all throughout his writing. In this case, in particular, Luke lets us know the men and women are together, something not so ordinary in their culture.

Peter’s Leadership

Peter begins to assert himself as the leader of the early church. Luke didn’t give us the details of Peter’s reinstatement as we read in John 21:15-19, but it’s obvious by this account that Peter is a changed man.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) Acts 1:15

Did you read that? Luke tells us there are only about 120 believers from the scores of people who heard Jesus. Thousands were fed, healed, ministered to, and witnessed the events of Jesus and His disciples, but this is quickly reduced to a small number of men and women who become the voice of Jesus that changed the world.

First Sermon — Painful Memories

Peter’s first sermon is one that reminded this small group of believers that the one who betrayed Jesus was foretold and even necessary to fulfill the scriptures. The point wasn’t meant to suggest they were helpless, rather, I think the point is one that emphasizes humility and serves as a reminder for all who are in ministry leadership.

He was one of our number and shared in our ministry. Acts 1:17

The fate of Judas was horrible. His spiritual compromise resulted in his immediate death both physically and spiritually.

Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this Acts 1:19

Talk about a ministry debacle! The talk of the town was about Jesus, crucifixion, and resurrection, but there are always those who won’t let go, who have to point to what seem like failures to elevate themselves. Given the number of believers is so greatly reduced, I have to believe that many stopped short of accepting Christ because they didn’t hear the entire story. Something to consider as we walk in this world as His ambassadors.

Matthias Selected

They narrowed the choices down to two worthy candidates, then cast lots to reveal who would be the Twelfth.

Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:26

I think they needed to have a twelfth selected to end the dissonance that weighed heavily on their hearts. We know these few were anointed by Jesus himself, soon to be filled with the Holy Spirit, but they’re still human, they still feel the pain of betrayal.

It seems to me they get to move on with ministry by selecting Mattias and moving forward. I’m so thankful for the insight we gain by reading these details.

Ministry is tough at times, but the pain is worth the struggle. Surround everything you do with prayer and listen for God’s answers. In other words, don’t talk non-stop when you’re praying! Take time to reflect.

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Luke: Jesus Appears to His Disciples then Ascends

Read: Luke 24:36-53

Suddenly, we’re at the end of Luke’s gospel where he gives us a slight peek into Jesus’ appearance before leaving earth. The walk to Emmaus is followed up by an even more extraordinary event.

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36

Holy ____! Seriously!

Luke tells us they were startled, frightened like they’d seen a ghost. I think that puts it mildly, to say the least. I’m sure they looked back and laughed at their first reaction, but during the event, I’m sure this was not the least bit funny.

Jesus kept the pressure on:

He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?  It is I myself Luke 24:38,39

Doubts

The disciples were unprepared to see Jesus in the flesh. Cleopas and his companion were trying to explain their encounter, the things Jesus said as He broke bread with them, but this was just too much to process for them. I can imagine they were doubting themselves as they retold the story.

Told You So

Jesus showed them His hands and feet, then asks them for some food. He’s hungry. They probably needed to eat as well. The conversation quickly turned to remind them of the times when Jesus had explained how and why this would happen.

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” Luke 24:44

Once again, we are exhorted to look at the Old Testament to understand the New. These writings are compiled for us to easily browse and read, but the disciples knew them well. I have no doubt Jesus invested time during the previous three years talking about these very scriptures.

Opened Their Minds

Then something miraculous happened:

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

I think this was miraculous because their heads were spinning out of control, they really didn’t know how to process all this information. Further, these rather simple men, chosen by the Lord, are changed from this point forward as they await Pentecost and the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Blessing of Jesus

Luke doesn’t waste much time in jumping to the end, but I like to think that Jesus carefully unpacked the scriptures after opening their minds. They discussed the details before Jesus led them out and blessed them.

I’m not able to appreciate fully what this means, but to receive the blessing in Jewish culture was a very big deal. This is not a quick pat on the back and move on, this is a moment when I envision Jesus looking at each of them, hands on their shoulders, or perhaps grabbing their neck and looking them straight in the eye. From this posture, each received their personal blessing from Jesus Christ. Wow!

The Ascension of Jesus

Luke’s concluding words are far better than any I can write. Joy has returned. You are indeed blessed by the Father, touched by the Son, and filled with the Spirit. I pray this will touch you the way I am this morning:

While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:51-53

 

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Luke: Walk to Emmaus

Read: Luke 24:13-35

I would give anything to walk seven miles with Jesus, even if it took me all day to recognize Him! The women have told the disciples, they’ve checked out the empty tomb, and the word is already spreading. In this great story of two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed other, walking along feeling defeated after what should have been the highlight of their lives, Jesus appears and asks them what they’re chatting about.

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” Luke 24:17-18

News spreads quickly in a culture that relied mostly on oral communication. Unlike our modern inability to communicate verbally, they were good at passing stories. In this case, they all knew about Jesus of Nazareth, the One they decided to follow, who was convicted by their very own priests then crucified by the Romans. Everyone knew about this.

Less than a week earlier, Jesus was welcomed on a borrowed colt with shouts of hosanna. This was already a festive time of year when they gathered to celebrate the Passover. To say expectations were high is a great understatement — they expected Jesus to change the world that weekend!

Well, He did change the world, just not as anyone expected. More on that later!

The two continue to explain what they’d heard about the women and the disciples, the empty tomb when Jesus rebukes them:

“How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” Luke 24:25-26

Moses and All The Prophets

Jesus explains to them how His journey was foretold by Moses and all the prophets. We have the privilege of having Bibles in various versions laying all around. If Jesus used ancient scriptures to explain how He must come into the world, suffer, and then be resurrected, it seems we should be serious about understanding the Old Testament to appreciate the New.

While the language used here leaves us with no doubt that this was a rebuke, it doesn’t sound like it’s harsh. There’s a lesson to be learned in that alone. Jesus rebukes them, but they all continue to walk together. I get the impression they’re not in a great hurry, other than to get to Emmaus before sunset. The men knew there was something special about this one who was walking with them. At the very least, He knew scripture like no one they had ever encountered.

But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” Luke 24:29

Their request is sincere. Although He seems to be a stranger to them, they offer a safe place for the evening. This, of course, includes having supper together. Jesus takes the opportunity to take the bread, give thanks, then give it to them.

I think this was another story the Eleven shared with others, the story of the Last Supper. They might have shared the story in great despair, kicking themselves for not recognizing it was the Last Supper, but they no doubt told others how Jesus changed to words to suggest this was His body broken for the world, His blood shed for many.

These two disciples from Emmaus hear the words and their eyes are opened. This is Jesus!

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32

Emmaus Walk

Several years ago I was sponsored to join the Walk to Emmaus as part of the Upper Room Ministries in Montgomery, Alabama. I didn’t know what I was getting into, but I trusted those who urged me to invest the weekend retreat (Thursday evening through Saturday). At some point, I should write a complete post on the experience, but suffice it to say, the retreat was all about having an encounter with Jesus. The featured image on this post is from the booklet they gave each of us. Through music, prayer, teaching, fellowship, and living for a few days with no electronic devices, we were all blessed to hear from our Savior, to meet Him on our own road to Emmaus.

Is your heart burning to know Jesus? Has anything in the last 24 chapters of Luke stirred up something from within? I truly hope so.

I pray that we will all recognize Jesus in everything around us, that excitement would well up inside of us as we realize He longs to break bread with us. Go and tell the world!

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Luke: When Darkness Reigns

Read: Luke 22:47-53

The title of this section in most Bibles is something like Jesus Arrested. Luke covers the event in seven verses. Incredibly brief, yet powerfully heavy. I pray that you will turn off all your devices for 3 minutes and read the passage linked above, or have it read to you, whatever it takes to let the words sink in.

While He was still speaking…

It’s super early in the morning or late at night, however you want to look at it, and Jesus is trying to explain to His disciples that they need to stay awake. He’s still speaking when Judas appears on the scene with the entourage of those who represent a small victory for darkness.

In their minds, they are doing the right thing. Judas is convinced this will somehow be better for the Kingdom, that Jesus has gone just a bit too far. I certainly don’t know what they were thinking, but I’m sure it was mixed up with truth and facts, but seen through the eyes of pious self-righteousness. The formula could only lead to disaster.

…cutting off his right ear

The disciples were not soldiers, to say the least. I can only assume the swipe of the sword was meant to remove the head of the high priest’s servant, not just knick his ear. The aggressive action from the unnamed disciple is quickly quenched by an instant miracle. That alone should have gotten someone’s attention, but perhaps it was so quick that the servant thought it never even happened. Such is the power of Christ.

Am I leading a rebellion…

Jesus reminds the angry crowd that there is no need for violence, though I’m sure He knows the pain that is just around the corner from the brutal Roman soldiers.

Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.” Luke 22:53

As I read these verses over and over again, I’m struck by the last three words: When Darkness Reigns. I can’t let go of the thought. We sing songs every week about the beauty of Christ, what He did for us, His glory, His splendor, His words. Why would such a savior allow these people their hour of glory?

…but this is your hour

He who has the authority and power over all submitted Himself to the self-proclaimed authority of mere humans.

How many times have I been in their shoes? How many times have I demanded that this is my hour, my time, my way? For some reason, I get this sense of rage in their hearts, an anger that wells up from deep within. I hear this venomous cry in modern songs that are filled with vulgarity. While I’m sure they have a reason to be angry, the resolution to scream out profanities doesn’t move people to love–it merely incites a riot, draws a crowd, and convinces many that they are right in their own eyes. This is when darkness reigns.

There is no amount of anger that can turn hearts toward Christ. Jesus not only knows this truth, He demonstrates it here in the garden in front of His disciples and the priests. He shows the world how much He loves each of us through calm words that cut to the bone.

The reign of darkness is brief. It’s within these moments we all have a choice. Prisons are filled with those who chose poorly.

When darkness reigns in your life, I pray you will have a brother or sister to reach out to, someone to hold on to, or simply someone who is brave enough to look into your darkness, speak the truth, and be the light you need. Don’t expect an invitation or any fanfare. These moments come and go quickly.

Choose wisely.

Choose the way of Jesus.

 

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