|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 7, 2019 10:01:59 GMT -5
The God Who Walked With Us
By Joel Vande Werken — Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:1-10
The man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day...
Genesis 3:8
As a father of young children, I am often struck by the joy and wonder they show at the simple gift of their relationship with me. If I have to leave for a trip, they watch at the window to wave goodbye till I am out of sight. When I return, the house echoes with their delight that I’ve come home.
At one time, daily interaction between God and his human creatures was a similarly natural thing. We were able to walk with God and hear his voice and enjoy his company.
But sin changed all that. Instead of listening to God with childlike wonder, Adam and Eve chose to question God’s words and to doubt the sincerity of his relationship with them. They listened to the serpent, the devil, as he planted doubts in their minds. Then they disobeyed God, separating themselves from him. Now they could no longer simply enjoy the company of God. And out of fear and guilt, they hid from him, knowing they had done wrong.
In Jesus’ coming, however, our childlike relationship with God is restored (see Romans 8:15-17). In Christ we see God coming to walk alongside us again, and in the ascension we can see our heavenly fellowship restored anew.
Are you hiding from God in some way as he calls out to you today? Look to the ascended Jesus, and enjoy the delight of a restored relationship with him!
Almighty God, forgive us for questioning your love for us. Help us to hear you calling and to enjoy your presence as a gift. Heal and restore us, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 8, 2019 12:07:06 GMT -5
The Same Mission as Always
By Joel Vande Werken — Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 2:41-52
“Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”
Luke 2:49
Not long ago, a pastor friend retired after a long and fruitful ministry. And as he retired, he told people, “I am not going to stop serving the Lord; I’m just being reassigned!”
In a similar way, the ascension of Jesus was like a reassignment in his mission. It simply reflected where Jesus’ focus had always been. Before he entered human history as Jesus the Savior, the eternal Son of God had always been in the Father’s presence and doing the Father’s will. During his time on earth, that priority did not change.
Though Jesus, as a young boy, spoke of the temple as his “Father’s house”, his focus was not on a building but on a life that would seek God’s presence in all things.
Our service to the Father may take us places in this world where God’s work is not immediately obvious. But our longing for the Father’s presence will always be a priority.
In many ways, Jesus’ ascension reflected the same God-ward focus his earthly mission had always had. The ascension was less a radical break in Jesus’ ministry and more of a reassignment in his continuing mission.
When we live for the Father in this world, our longing for heaven will be a natural extension of our life on earth. Do others see that God-ward focus in you today?
Father, give me a desire to be near you today. Increase my longing for heaven, for your glory. And may others see this desire in the way I live here on earth. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 9, 2019 9:15:57 GMT -5
A Vision of the Ascended Savior
By Joel Vande Werken — Thursday, May 9, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 6:45-51, 60-65
“What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!
John 6:62
It may seem easy, at first, to follow Jesus when we hear his promise of forgiveness, salvation, and new life for us. We naturally latch onto Jesus’ words of encouragement and reassurance.
But Jesus is not some sort of a divine cheerleader. He is the Savior who gave his life for our sake. In our Bible reading for today, Jesus has pointed out the victory he would win, explaining that salvation comes only through his “flesh and blood.” But that is not a message that sits easily with us. We have a natural desire to try to save ourselves rather than to rely on the bread of life that Jesus gives “for the life of the world”—by laying down his own life, his own flesh and blood.
Jesus demands total surrender to his authority and to the gift of the salvation we cannot earn for ourselves. The ascension makes clear that Jesus has this authority. It shows that he is truly God, and it is from that place of authority that he sends the Spirit to all who believe.
As followers of Jesus, we listen not only to his words that are easy to hear; we listen also to his words that call for a challenging obedience. We put our trust for salvation not in ourselves but in Jesus’ flesh and blood, given willingly by our heavenly Lord at great cost.
Jesus calls us to give of ourselves willingly for his sake. Can we accept that?
Father, help us to believe! Holy Spirit, strengthen us for obedient living! Lord Jesus, speak your words of authority to us, that we may accept and follow you. Amen
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 10, 2019 12:06:26 GMT -5
When Jesus Comes in Glory
By Joel Vande Werken — Friday, May 10, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:18-27
“The Son of Man will . . . [come] in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:26
Throughout his teaching ministry, Jesus continued to have a heavenward focus. Even as he looked ahead to his suffering and death, he told his followers of his future glory.
But Jesus’ treatment at the hands of sinful people has implications for his followers too. As God’s people, we can expect the powers of evil to attack and try to destroy us. Perhaps you have been on the receiving end of others’ sinful behavior: abuse, neglect, harassment, persecution. Jesus assures us that he knows what it is to experience hurt, and he points our attention heavenward to the glory that God reveals in his children (see Romans 8:18).
Sometimes, though, the temptation to deny Jesus comes not from hardship but from prosperity. Perhaps you have tried to live a life of self-fulfillment. Maybe you have been chasing pleasure or trying to soothe your loneliness in sinful ways. Perhaps having a relationship with Jesus embarrasses you or doesn’t seem important enough in your social circles. Jesus’ words remind us that true glory comes only from him.
The ascension reminds us of the glory that Jesus has with the Father right now. May we remember the glory of the crucified and ascended Lord—and know that even when difficulty or the draw of prosperity seems to fill our experience, we can catch glimpses of God’s coming kingdom.
Lord Jesus, you know our weakness and misery. Help us to glimpse your kingdom and the glory that you call us to share, and direct our vision toward you. In your name, Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 11, 2019 9:47:06 GMT -5
Coming on the Clouds
By Joel Vande Werken — Saturday, May 11, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 21:25-28
“At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”
Luke 21:27
Even in the days leading up to his suffering and death, Jesus focused steadily on his heavenly origin and his glorious future. In our reading for today he speaks again of his return at the end of time in power and glory!
Though Christians have sometimes puzzled over what Jesus meant by “signs in the sun, moon, and stars,” his overall message is clear: the Son of Man is Lord over all things. Just as death could not keep Jesus in its grip, neither can the anguish and perplexity of this world prevent God from fulfilling his good purposes for his people.
Jesus’ words contain a warning: final judgment will be a reality. The Jesus who walked this earth is also the ascended Lord who will return as Judge of all. All who ever lived will either find their redemption in Jesus or be shaken by God’s judgment.
Jesus’ words are actually a comfort for all who trust in him. We face plenty of “anguish and perplexity” in our world today. Weather patterns wreak havoc through storms, floods, and droughts. Nations threaten one another. Violence infects our cities—and even our homes. Jesus points us beyond the grim reality of death to future resurrection and glory.
Whatever you and your loved ones face today, may you “lift up your heads” toward Jesus, your ascended Lord.
Lord Jesus, let us remember today our need for you. Protect us from the threats of sin and death, and lift our eyes up to you for hope and salvation. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Devotional
May 12, 2019 10:44:53 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Jim Pate on May 12, 2019 10:44:53 GMT -5
Remembering Jesus' Words
By Joel Vande Werken — Sunday, May 12, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:1-8
Then they remembered his words.
Luke 24:8
After Jesus’ death on a cross, it must have been hard for his followers to recall his teachings about rising from the dead and being exalted in heaven’s glory. After all, it would have seemed that his life was a failure. How could his vision for the kingdom of God be fulfilled?
As long as Jesus’ followers only imagined a kingdom of human power, influence, and wealth, Jesus’ death would have seemed like a crushing defeat. But all along, Jesus had been speaking of a much greater kingdom. “My kingdom is not of this world,” he had said (John 18:36). But it wasn’t till after his resurrection that his words about being raised from the dead made sense to his followers.
Like Jesus’ first disciples, we often have a very narrow vision of God’s kingdom. We imagine that Christ has come to give us human power, influence, or wealth. We long for Jesus to make our dreams come true, to put our people in political office, and to keep us comfortable and happy. But it’s not all about us. Jesus, through his death and resurrection, opens the way to a universal kingdom where God’s will is done and his power is made complete.
In the days after his resurrection, Jesus taught his disciples more about this kingdom, preparing them to recognize him as the ascended Lord. Can we also remember Christ’s words?
Holy Spirit, remind us of Jesus’ words. Help us to hear the gracious invitation to enter the kingdom of God and to set aside the small dreams of our own kingdoms, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 13, 2019 7:38:22 GMT -5
On His Way to the Father
By Joel Vande Werken — Monday, May 13, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 13:1-17
Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father.
John 13:1
After the resurrection, Jesus’ disciples remembered his words and actions on the night of his betrayal and arrest.
John’s gospel records the details of that evening, beginning with Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet. That night they gathered to celebrate the Passover feast, which looked back on God’s deliverance of his people from Egypt (Exodus 12). And while the meal was in progress, Jesus modeled what that deliverance would look like through him as Savior.
Washing feet was a servant’s job. It was menial and degrading, not something a teacher like Jesus should have to do. This was especially not an activity that the eternal Lord should have to stoop to do. Yet as he considered his return to the Father, Jesus made clear that heavenly majesty revealed itself in loving, helpful service.
The events of that evening— and especially Jesus’ suffering and death the next day— would show clearly that a vision for heaven led the Son of God to identify with and raise up meek and lowly sinners.
Have you ever seen heaven break into your daily life as people shared the Lord’s love? Jesus commissions his followers to make heaven’s love visible to others, just as he has done for us. May we reflect the love of our ascended Lord each day by serving others.
Lord, in loving service you washed your disciples’ feet—and died for them. Make us clean, and let us hear your challenge to serve others. Amen
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 14, 2019 9:49:57 GMT -5
Not Yet
By Joel Vande Werken — Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 13:31-38
“Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
John 13:36
Waiting is difficult. I have young children, and it’s not uncommon for them to ask for something they can’t have until they are older. “Not yet,” I have to tell them.
The night before his death, Jesus said something like that to his disciples. They had followed him through many things, but they could not follow him to the grave or to his coming glory in the ascension—at least not yet.
Peter raised an objection, but he didn’t understand what Jesus had to do. As Peter’s actions show later (John 18:15-18, 25-27), our impatience can often lead us away from our Lord. But Jesus promises a strength that sustains us as we wait. He has loved us. He has given his life for us. The love of Jesus informs the way we live now, as we wait until the day when we will journey beyond death to live with him in the glory of God’s presence forever.
After the resurrection and ascension, Jesus’ followers remembered his words. Jesus did not tell us how long it would be till he returns, but he did tell us how to wait. With love, we can share his grace with fellow sinners. We can give to help bring life and joy to people who are poor and marginalized. As an old song puts it, “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
The ascension shows us that we do not yet follow Jesus to glory, though we will someday. But it also reminds us to love one another as we wait.
Waiting is hard, Lord. Give us patience to wait faithfully. Strengthen us with your love as we wait, that the world will know we are your disciples. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 15, 2019 12:43:57 GMT -5
Greater Things
By Joel Vande Werken — Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 14:1-14
“They will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
John 14:12
Most of us recognize that we live in a world full of trouble. Natural disasters, political divisions, terrorism, war, personal tragedies—all of these color our experience of life.
In a world full of challenges, it can be hard to grasp that Jesus’ return to heaven is for our good. Like his disciples, we just want to be near God and to see him at work. And we can easily think that in his ascension the world’s Savior has gone away and things will not get better—at least not until Jesus returns.
But Jesus offers his followers an incredible promise: the ascension changes everything. In earthly terms, Jesus’ ministry seemed like a failure up to that point. He led a movement that resulted in his death. And when he ascended, he left only a handful of frightened followers. But in going to the Father, Jesus could do so much more on the earth by sending his Spirit to work in and through his followers. They would receive his power to carry on his mission.
In returning to the Father, Jesus promises a new way for us to see God’s power at work, even though we are weak (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). Salvation means more than having our sin forgiven and receiving eternal life; it means living in Christ’s power today in the midst of the world’s trouble.
Where do you see this living hope at work in the world today?
Lord Jesus, you promised your power to all who trust in you. May we see that power transforming our broken world today, to the glory of the Father. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 16, 2019 5:08:40 GMT -5
A Joyful Goodbye
By Joel Vande Werken — Thursday, May 16, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 14:25-31
Hi
“If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father...”
John 14:28
Goodbyes can be difficult. When family members visit from far away, my children are always disappointed to see them leave. “Why can’t they stay longer?” the kids want to know.
Jesus’ disciples were similarly troubled by the prospect of his going away. Who would now teach them about God’s kingdom? Yet Jesus insists that his going away will be good for them.
Goodbyes come to us in various forms. We can experience the loss of a career. We can move away from friends or family. We can lose a loved one to death.
Jesus teaches that even in the face of such goodbyes, we can experience peace and hope. The “prince of this world,” the devil, wants us to be defined by our losses. But the Father is greater than all things. And when we love Jesus, our lives are directed toward the Father rather than our losses.
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Spirit would remind the disciples of these words. And then Jesus’ words about “going back to the Father” made sense. Not death, but glory, is the future of those who obey the Father’s will.
Jesus’ words point us to his destination—and to ours: full life in the presence of God. We may still experience sorrow in the face of loss. But we can rejoice as we see even death as a doorway to our heavenly Father.
Holy Spirit, remind us of Jesus’ words. Help us in the face of loss to see our destiny with the Father, and to rejoice in the ruling power of Jesus. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 17, 2019 4:52:32 GMT -5
For Our Good
By Joel Vande Werken — Friday, May 17, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 16:1-15z
“Very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away.”
John 16:7
When we first hear these words of Jesus, we may wonder how his going away could be for our good. He often taught, in fact, that following him can bring trouble and hardship. How can that be good?
This question may seem especially relevant today. Many Christians around the world face persecution and even death for following Jesus. And in places where persecution is not so obvious, following Jesus still means sacrifice. As Peter once said to Jesus, “We have left everything to follow you!” (Matthew 19:27).
But when Jesus ascended to heaven, he was no longer physically present with his followers. How could that be a good thing? Looking back, his first disciples would remember Jesus’ words on the night before his death, when he addressed this concern. He said that his ascension would open the way for the Holy Spirit to come to them. Jesus’ followers would no longer need him to be physically present on earth, with all the limits that his humanity imposed.
The subtitle of a recent book explains, “The Spirit inside you is better than Jesus beside you.” Because Jesus has returned to the Father, we feel God’s presence even more powerfully as the Spirit comes to live in us.
This is sometimes hard to believe when we face the hardships of life. But it is God’s promise, for our good. Do you believe this?
Lord Jesus, fill us with your Spirit and help us to know your presence within us. Guide us to live for the Father’s glory. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Devotional
May 18, 2019 12:42:42 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Jim Pate on May 18, 2019 12:42:42 GMT -5
Then They Understood
By Joel Vande Werken — Saturday, May 18, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:13-35
“Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”
Luke 24:26
After he rose from the dead, Jesus began to prepare his followers for his departure. What was the significance of his life and ministry? What did his resurrection mean?
As he showed the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, it’s helpful to start with the facts. Jesus is a prophet, powerful in word and deed. But like his disciples, who had hoped for a political savior, we often hope that Jesus will do something for us. We want Christ to make us successful, relieve our loneliness, free us from an uncomfortable situation at work, and more.
Jesus is a powerful prophet, but—as the ascension shows— he is infinitely more. As he walked alongside two confused followers on the road, Jesus opened the story of the Scriptures to them. The Bible tells the epic story of our rescue from sin by God’s power. We deserve death and eternal condemnation, but God has saved us through the work of Jesus.
Many people today have the basic facts about Jesus, but we are still learning to put together the larger story. As we follow Jesus in this world, we need more than just earthly comfort. We need to understand God’s plan to rescue sinners—to rescue us and others. We also need to understand his love for the world (see John 3:16).
May our hearts burn within us as we seek to understand the glory of Jesus for our living each day.
Holy Spirit, show us the glory of the ascended Jesus. Open the Scriptures to us so that we understand his saving work. In his saving name we pray. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 19, 2019 4:49:43 GMT -5
Power from on High
By Joel Vande Werken — Sunday, May 19, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:36-49
“Stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:49
Have you ever felt the fear of following Jesus? After all, the story of the resurrection and ascension seems impossibly crazy. How can a first-century Jew be the center of human history?
I appreciate that Jesus’ first followers were honest about their doubts and fears. The resurrection and glory of their Lord was not something they understood at first. They had to be convinced that what they saw had really happened. At first glance, it wouldn’t seem like they would be the best candidates to continue the work Jesus had begun.
But God chooses to use fearful, doubting followers to do great things. “You are witnesses of these things,” Jesus says to them. He commissions them to share the story of the Scriptures and especially the message of repentance and forgiveness. And to assure them that they will be able to carry out this immense task, Jesus says they will be “clothed with power from on high.”
Christ’s church still contains weak, doubting people. Perhaps you know the disappointment of living with failed relationships, a prodigal child, or a criminal background. As the ascended Lord, Jesus does not simply promise to walk alongside us in these trials; he fills us with “power from on high” to share his message of repentance and forgiveness.
What an amazing promise!
Lord Jesus, you know our weaknesses, doubts, and failures. Help us grasp the message of repentance and forgiveness. Clothe us with power from on high so that we may serve you faithfully. In your name, Amen
|
|
|
|
Devotional
May 20, 2019 10:01:03 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Jim Pate on May 20, 2019 10:01:03 GMT -5
As the Father Sent Jesus
By Joel Vande Werken — Monday, May 20, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 20:19-23
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21
These words of Jesus to his first followers are remarkable. They had seen many amazing things the Father had done through Jesus: healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, bringing the good news of God’s kingdom.
Now Jesus was saying that just as the Father had sent him, he was sending his followers. What does this mean?
First, all who follow Jesus are called to participate in God’s mission to the world. Jesus speaks with almighty authority here. We cannot simply live as observers of what God is doing; we have a mission to call sinners to repentance and to bring God’s love to the marginalized. Jesus’ words about withholding forgiveness do not give us a license to be vindictive. Instead, we must show that the good news of God’s kingdom is central to our salvation.
Second, as ascended Lord, Jesus will provide the strength needed to carry out this task. Christ’s presence removes our fear and brings peace; the Holy Spirit’s power turns Jesus’ followers into bold participants in God’s work. This gives believers the courage to address sin and all kinds of challenging problems with the loving grace and truth of Jesus himself.
As the Father sent Jesus, so the followers of the ascended Lord are sent into the world. May we go today with Spirit-led confidence.
Holy Spirit, strengthen me where I am weak and fearful. May others experience the bold love of Jesus through me, confronting sin, showing forgiveness, and sharing God’s love and wisdom. Amen.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jim Pate on May 21, 2019 9:14:07 GMT -5
The Challenge of Doubt
By Joel Vande Werken — Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 20:24-31
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
John 20:29
As he prepared his followers to live faithfully after his return to heaven, Jesus addressed the challenge of doubt and unbelief. Thomas was a realist. He knew that resurrections were not everyday events, and he feared that his fellow followers of Christ might have gotten it wrong. He wanted evidence. He demanded proof.
It’s easy to criticize Thomas for his doubts, but the truth is that many of us live with similar hesitations. After all, Jesus is no longer on earth for us to see and touch. We cannot have the same experience as the first disciples who walked with him after his resurrection. So we need Jesus to prepare us for the challenges of skepticism and doubt in our own lives.
What does Jesus say to struggling followers? “Stop doubting and believe.” We may not have the opportunity to feel the wounds of the cross with our own hands. But we have the testimony of lives changed by the Lord’s power. We can seek out the fellowship of other believers in the church and be encouraged by their words. And we can watch for the glory of Christ to appear around us, joining in with Thomas’s beautiful confession: “My Lord and my God!”
May the ascended Christ prepare you today to meet the challenge of doubt with the blessing of faith.
Lord Jesus, it is sometimes hard to believe. We live in an age of doubts and lies, and our human minds constantly demand proof. But we believe; save us from unbelief! Fill us with faith, we pray. Amen.
|
|
