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Post by Jim Pate on May 22, 2019 9:06:50 GMT -5
Prepared to Die
By Joel Vande Werken — Wednesday, May 22, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 21:15-25
Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.
John 21:19
Are you prepared to die someday?
Before Jesus’ betrayal and arrest, Peter had proclaimed his willingness to lay down his life for Jesus. But within a few hours Peter denied that he ever knew Jesus (see John 13:37; 18:15-18, 25-27). Christ addresses this as he prepares his disciples for the ministry he knows they will need to do after his return to the Father.
We may not be called to die for our faith in Christ, as Peter and many others throughout church history have been. But even a natural death requires courage to proclaim something about our faith in God. The process of dying, in many cases, forces us to see our limits to manage and control life. Declining health obliges us to depend on others. And although our humanity grates against being led where we may not want to go, we can proclaim by faith that God remains in control even though we are not.
“Do you love me?” Jesus’ question to Peter gently restores this disciple who had denied him three times. But it also equips Peter for the future he would face as a follower of the ascended Lord. Jesus entrusts the task of witness to all who know their weaknesses and failures and who testify that their strength lies in him.
May the strength of Christ be our testimony today and also in the hour of death.
Lord, restore us, for we are weak. Our lives often deny the power of your resurrection life in us. Strengthen us to live faithfully, and may even our death bring you glory. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 23, 2019 9:36:41 GMT -5
Making Disciples As We Go
By Joel Vande Werken — Thursday, May 23, 2019
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples...”
Matthew 28:18
Before Jesus ascended, he explained the mission that awaited his followers after he returned to his heavenly Father.
“Go and make disciples,” Jesus says. Although this may seem to involve two separate actions—going and making disciples—a better translation of this command is “Make disciples as you go along.” It is assumed that Jesus’ followers will often be “on the go” and actively doing something. And whether they are far away or close to home, their task is to walk alongside others by teaching them about Jesus and by demonstrating, through the work of the church, what it means to serve him.
“Making disciples” does not mean just bringing others to a one-time “moment of decision.” It involves continued learning together, growing together, and increasingly understanding what God has done in sending Jesus to die for our sin and calling us to serve him. All who follow the ascended Jesus share in this task.
Because we serve the Lord of all, we regularly ask ourselves whom God has in mind for us to meet as we go along. We seek to make disciples of our children, our neighbors, our co-workers, our whole world. And when we doubt or struggle in this task, Jesus promises that the authority of heaven will support us in it—always.
How can you carry out this calling as you go along today?
Lord Jesus, we want to hear and follow you. Help us to be your disciples, learning from you, that we may make disciples of others as we go along. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 24, 2019 10:18:36 GMT -5
Continuing the Work
By Joel Vande Werken — Friday, May 24, 2019
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-8
“You will be my witnesses...”
Acts 1:8
When Jesus ascended into heaven, his work here on earth had only just begun.
The book of Acts records the story of the early church. But as a companion volume to the gospel of Luke (compare Luke 1:3-4 with Acts 1:1-2), Acts tells the story of what it means to be a follower of Jesus after the ascension. And it opens with a surprising detail: the “former book”—that is, the gospel of Luke—tells us only what Jesus began to do and teach.
So what happened after the ascension? Well, the book of Acts shows that Jesus’ followers went on doing and teaching the things Jesus did and taught. Or, rather, Jesus went on doing and teaching these things by working through his disciples.
What an amazing outcome! Jesus did not leave his followers alone. He continued to use his power working through them to teach, forgive, restore, and heal. And he did all this through the Holy Spirit even when his disciples didn’t fully understand what the kingdom was all about.
This should humble us, for God’s kingdom is not something we can arrange into existence. And this should encourage and excite us, since it means that Jesus continues to work through us even today, to be witnesses of his love, justice, and mercy.
Watch today for Jesus’ continuing work in and around you.
Lord Jesus, thank you for the work you are doing on this earth. Thank you that your work continues as you reign in heaven. Equip us as your witnesses, to the Father’s glory. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 25, 2019 12:11:13 GMT -5
Ascension Power
By Joel Vande Werken — Saturday, May 25, 2019
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ . . . and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms...
Ephesians 1:19-20
Some stories are so good that they simply need to be told again and again. The ascension is one of those stories.
As Jesus’ followers looked back on that day when he ascended into heaven, they began to see how it marked a turning point in their understanding of him as the Son of God. Until that time, they had worked alongside Jesus, recognizing him as a great teacher and miracle worker. But after Ascension Day, they began to realize he is the cosmic Lord of all.
Many of our daily routines feel rather “un-cosmic.” We talk to our neighbors, drive to work, pay our bills, wash our clothes, and so on. In many situations we may also feel limited in our ability to do things: we are disabled, or in prison, or feeling “stuck” in life.
Yet God’s Spirit wants us to see that the same power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him at God’s right hand is at work in us. God can transform our routine chores and conversations into expressions of his love. The same authority that the ascended Christ has as Lord of all extends into our routine actions and interactions.
If you have difficulty believing this, go back and recall the story of the ascended Lord. Remember who it is that you worship and serve as a follower of Jesus, so that you may know him better and hope in him.
Lord of all, open the eyes of my heart so that I may know you better. You fill all things; fill me so that your power, love, and authority are clearly visible in all I do. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 26, 2019 7:57:53 GMT -5
Honor the Ascended One
By Joel Vande Werken — Sunday, May 26, 2019
Scripture Reading: Psalm 2
To which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”?
Hebrews 1:5
The ascension changes the way God’s people understand history.
As faithful Jews, Jesus’ first disciples knew Psalm 2 well. They understood how futile it was for humans to try to stand against God. They knew that someday God would call the world to account.
And now they knew how.
Originally, this psalm probably celebrated the crowning of Israel’s kings. But those who knew Jesus saw more in its words: a prophecy of the reign of Christ. As the author of Hebrews notes, God did not even give the angels—much less human kings—the kind of authority we read of the Son having in this psalm. In the ascension and reign of Jesus, God proclaims that his Son is the “heir of all things,” appointed to rule over world history and the universe (Hebrews 1:2).
There is a warning in these words. If Jesus truly is God’s Son and Lord of all, we must take his power and authority seriously. We have to surrender our lives to him. He suffered the punishment for human sin, so Christ can rightfully pour out his wrath on sin and its effects and call on the world to resist it.
But the goal is not merely for people to submit to Christ, but also for them to find refuge in the ascended Lord of all. Jesus is God’s appointed provider of salvation. Will you receive his refuge today?
Almighty God, our world can be a troubling place. Bring our nations—and each one of us—more and more under his authority and protection. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 27, 2019 8:29:26 GMT -5
Hold Firmly to the Ascended Lord
By Joel Vande Werken — Monday, May 27, 2019
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven . . . let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Hebrews 4:14
Jesus’ ascension to heaven gives us confidence before God.
Sometimes we use exalted language to describe Jesus: he is Lord, and he is the Son of God. He is “the heaven-born Prince of Peace . . . the Sun of Righteousness,” as a Christmas hymn puts it. This is all true, and we rightly worship Jesus as the second person of the Trinity.
But the Bible also proclaims that the Son of God became one of us—a human being. Because he took on our human nature, Jesus is able to “empathize with our weaknesses.” Think of that! Jesus knows what it feels like, as a human, to be tempted by sin—“and yet he did not sin.” He understands what it is to suffer wrong from others. He grasps the weakness of physical exhaustion and pain. And now, all of that human experience rules at God’s right hand in heaven!
The author of Hebrews reminds us that we do not pray to a distant, unfeeling God. Jesus is called a “priest,” someone who represents human interests before God. He has been where you are, and he represents that experience as the one who has paid the price for sin.
Are you experiencing temptation today? Are you suffering or feeling weak? Jesus knows what that is. Hold firmly to him and receive his mercy so that you can serve God confidently, no matter what your weakness is.
Jesus, you are the one who “knows our every weakness.” Thank you that we can pray confidently, knowing that you hear and understand us. Give us the strength we need today. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 28, 2019 9:34:07 GMT -5
Finished! -- And Finishing Well
By Joel Vande Werken — Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-3
For the joy set before him [Jesus] endured the cross . . . and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
After going to college, I spent two summers working in a restaurant. There was no sitting down on the job. As long as we had customers, all the employees had to be on their feet and busily working. Not until the work was finished could anyone sit down.
One of the things Christ’s ascension reveals is that Jesus finished the mission the Father had sent him to do: “When [he] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, [Jesus] sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12). Mission accomplished! But this does not mean Jesus stopped working. Being seated on the throne in heaven means he is actively ruling as Lord of all—sustaining all things while also praying for us, helping us, and working through us by his Holy Spirit (Hebrews 1:3; 2:18; 7:25).
Sometimes life can seem like a marathon. We feel as if there is always more to do, more coming at us than we can handle. Often we are hampered by our own sin and weaknesses that keep us focused on our own interests rather than on God and others.
Jesus’ ascension reminds us where our race is headed. When we think of all that Jesus has accomplished, and all that he and the Spirit are doing for us today, we are given a kind of “spiritual second wind” to keep going, in the Lord’s strength.
Don’t lose heart. The ascended Lord will help us finish well.
Lord Jesus, we praise you for your finished work, assuring us of salvation. By your Spirit, strengthen us to keep living and working for you today. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 29, 2019 10:53:02 GMT -5
Before I Leave...
By Joel Vande Werken — Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Scripture Reading: John 17:6-19
“[Father,] I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that [my disciples] may have the full measure of my joy within them.”
John 17:13
When my wife and I leave our young children with a babysitter, the parting instructions are very important. We discuss what the kids can have for a snack, what games they play, and what the bedtime routine is. The main point, of course, is that everyone can have a good time.
Jesus’ words offer a kind of “parting instruction” for his followers. Among the last things Jesus did while he was on this earth was to pray that his followers might continue to believe in him, be protected from the powers of evil, and bring glory to the Father. And he prayed these things so that his followers would have complete joy.
As we mark Jesus’ ascension tomorrow, this prayer has continuing significance for us. We are among those whom the Father gave to Jesus, the disciples who would remain in the world after he left. Even though he is no longer physically present on earth, we hear Jesus’ parting desire for continued faith and protection for us.
And it’s important to hear his desire for our joy. Though following Christ may be difficult at times, that cannot snuff out the joy of having full life with him.
May you hear Jesus’ prayer today as a prayer for you, and for all whom he calls to be witnesses to his complete joy.
Lord Jesus, thank you for praying for us, and for all whom the Father calls to you. Protect us, sustain our faith, and bring us joy until you return to live with us forever. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 30, 2019 8:12:20 GMT -5
He Left Them
By Joel Vande Werken — Thursday, May 30, 2019
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:50-53
While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Luke 24:51
Today we celebrate Ascension Day, the day that marks Jesus’ return to heaven.
For several weeks after rising from the dead, Jesus appeared to his disciples, taught them, and convinced them that he was really alive. His followers rejoiced. They also wrestled with their doubts (see Matthew 28:17; John 20:27) and tried to understand what it all meant.
Then, suddenly, the moment Jesus had prepared them for arrived. He had spoken many times of his return to the Father. Now, we’re told, he “led them” to witness his ascension. He blessed them. And “while he was blessing them, he left . . . and was taken up into heaven.”
When people leave us suddenly, we’re often shocked, disappointed, or even hurt. Though it seems the disciples felt some of these emotions (see John 16:19-20; Acts 1:10), their ultimate response is noteworthy: “they worshiped him,” and “with great joy” they praised God.
Jesus’ disciples had been well prepared for this moment. They learned that Jesus had led them well, and because he led them to this moment, it had to be for their good. They saw that even as he left them, their Lord continued to give his blessing.
Jesus has prepared us, too, to worship God and serve him while he is in heaven. On this Ascension Day, let us remember his leading and blessing as we wait for his return.
Ascended Lord, we praise you. Help us to see your leading and blessing as you rule in heaven. Let us serve with joy until you come again. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on May 31, 2019 10:26:38 GMT -5
What's Next?
By Joel Vande Werken — Friday, May 31, 2019
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-11
“Why do you stand here looking into the sky?”
Acts 1:11
For three years Jesus had taught and healed. He had instructed crowds from Jerusalem to Galilee with his words and by his example. After his death and resurrection, he appeared to his disciples to confirm their faith and help them understand the coming kingdom of God.
But now Jesus had ascended to heaven. And for a moment, his followers seemed a bit shocked. Perhaps they wondered whether they could follow Jesus into the clouds, or at least remain in the moment of this spiritual high.
Faithfulness to the ascended Lord, however, means that we do not just stand around staring after him. Yes, it is a good thing to contemplate the glory of Jesus as the Son of God. But we also remember that God has a plan for the world that continues even after the ascension. And he intends to use all who have seen his glory, as long as they remain in this world, to extend his offer of salvation to the world. For the ascended Jesus will return, and we will answer for our faithfulness to his call while he has been away.
Have you met this Jesus? Are you prepared to follow him? Do not simply stare up toward heaven, longing to hold onto some spiritual mountaintop moment. Take the next step, embrace him as Lord, and go out to serve him till he comes again.
Lord Jesus, we worship you. You are one with the Father, ruling over everything until you come again. May we give our lives to serve you, sharing your good news of salvation as we go. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on Jun 1, 2019 11:05:27 GMT -5
Word and Deed Ministry
By Julius Medenblik — Saturday, June 1, 2019
Scripture Reading: Acts 6
Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 6:8
Not long after Pentecost, the unity of the church was being threatened. Widows from a Greek background were being left out in the daily distribution of food for needy persons. So the twelve apostles who were leading the church gathered the community together to discuss a solution to this problem.
Seven people were then chosen to lead in the service ministries of the whole community. The unity of the church was restored, and the Word of God continued to spread.
Stephen’s work is especially highlighted in this chapter of Acts. His ministry of helpful deeds is also marked by a ministry of words. Stephen helps us understand that God calls us to be his witnesses with our actions and our words. By God’s grace and power, Stephen both did great wonders and spoke great wisdom.
Stephen’s work was full of power because it was a testimony of integrity and truth. He walked among fellow Christians as a disciple of Jesus, and he talked to others and invited them to follow Jesus.
But some powerful leaders outside the church saw Stephen as a threat. They persuaded false witnesses to speak against him, and yet Stephen remained a witness for Jesus. Even his face—looking like the face of angel—was a sign of his close relationship with God.
Lord of the church, empower us by your Spirit to be your witnesses in word and deed. May even our faces—in joy or sorrow— show our love for you and others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Jun 2, 2019 14:42:02 GMT -5
The Story of God's Promises
By Julius Medenblik — Sunday, June 2, 2019
Scripture Reading: Acts 7:1-22
“As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased.”
Acts 7:17
Many members of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council) saw Stephen as an outsider. He was from a Greek background. They charged him with speaking against the temple, Moses, and the law of Moses.
In his defense, Stephen summarized the people’s history. Stephen stated that Abraham, the patriarch of the Jews, was their father in the faith. Stephen used phrases like “our people” to place his faith and his story within the story of all that God had done and promised for the descendants of Abraham.
Stephen showed how God kept his promises to Abraham. A couple with no children was promised descendants. One who did not even own a patch of ground was promised land. Over time, his family grew throughout many generations but were eventually enslaved in Egypt.
Stephen’s retelling of those stories shows that he had respect for all who had gone before him. The history of Abraham’s descendants focuses on what God accomplished; God’s work was the most important part of the story. God worked in the lives of Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and all the others to fulfill his promises.
In Stephen’s description of Joseph we find a theme that summarizes the whole story: “God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles.”
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we turn to you and ask you to continue keeping your promises. Make us your people by faith in Christ. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on Jun 3, 2019 9:34:46 GMT -5
Where Does God Really Live?
By Julius Medenblik — Monday, June 3, 2019
Scripture Reading: Acts 7:23-50
“The Most High does not live in houses made by human hands.”
Acts 7:50
Continuing with his story, Stephen responds to the false charges of the religious leaders. He shows how God worked through people and events to fulfill his promises. And as we often see in our own lives, God did this despite the people’s rebellion against him.
The people’s own history reveals the hypocrisy of people who recite part of the story of Moses but ignore the rest of the story. The religious leaders absolutely revered Moses, yet they would not admit that—as a people—they turned against Moses. They lifted Moses up as a great leader, but they failed to remember that Moses had also murdered a man. It was God who redeemed Moses and gave him his calling to lead the people out of slavery.
Moses received God’s living words to pass along, but the people refused to obey. They rejected God and Moses in their hearts, saying they would rather be back in Egypt. They made a golden calf as an idol and worshiped that instead of God.
Stephen links the ancient history of God’s people to their current time. The religious leaders see the temple as a place of worship, but they have not recognized Jesus as the one worthy of worship. They prize a building, but they have failed to see that God wants their hearts.
Similarly, we may think that God loves our church structures, but he still really wants our hearts as his dwelling place.
Lord over all, forgive us for not giving you our whole hearts. Forgive us for ignoring you. Guide us to listen to you and worship you only. Amen.
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Post by Jim Pate on Jun 4, 2019 10:27:51 GMT -5
A Disciple's Prayer
By Julius Medenblik — Tuesday, June 4, 2019
Scripture Reading: Acts 7:51-8:1a
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit . . . Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Acts 7:59-60
As Stephen finishes his defense against false accusations, he notes that many prophets in the past were persecuted and killed—and that his accusers did the same to Jesus. At this, the crowd becomes an angry mob that drags Stephen out of the city and begins to stone him.
Why does the crowd become so violent? When Stephen says he sees heaven open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, that means Jesus is in the place of ultimate authority. And the leaders who wanted Jesus dead and gone cannot bear to hear this testimony, so they rush to silence Stephen by killing him.
In the midst of his suffering, Stephen prays. The link between Stephen and Jesus is clear and dynamic. His words are similar to some words Jesus said while he was suffering on the cross (Luke 23:46; see Psalm 31:5).
And because of the link between Jesus and Stephen, the testimony of Stephen continues. A martyr’s death continues the work of God.
On the sidelines in this story we meet someone else whose life will be changed by an encounter with Jesus. Saul, a young leader who approves of this stoning, will one day understand how Stephen’s prayer, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” was answered that day.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being with me in times of suffering and trouble—just as you were with Stephen. Help me also to pray as a disciple of Jesus. Amen
Scripture Reading: Acts 7:51-8:1a
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit . . . Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
Acts 7:59-60
As Stephen finishes his defense against false accusations, he notes that many prophets in the past were persecuted and killed—and that his accusers did the same to Jesus. At this, the crowd becomes an angry mob that drags Stephen out of the city and begins to stone him.
Why does the crowd become so violent? When Stephen says he sees heaven open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, that means Jesus is in the place of ultimate authority. And the leaders who wanted Jesus dead and gone cannot bear to hear this testimony, so they rush to silence Stephen by killing him.
In the midst of his suffering, Stephen prays. The link between Stephen and Jesus is clear and dynamic. His words are similar to some words Jesus said while he was suffering on the cross (Luke 23:46; see Psalm 31:5).
And because of the link between Jesus and Stephen, the testimony of Stephen continues. A martyr’s death continues the work of God.
On the sidelines in this story we meet someone else whose life will be changed by an encounter with Jesus. Saul, a young leader who approves of this stoning, will one day understand how Stephen’s prayer, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” was answered that day.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank you for being with me in times of suffering and trouble—just as you were with Stephen. Help me also to pray as a disciple of Jesus. Amen
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Post by Jim Pate on Jun 5, 2019 13:02:17 GMT -5
The Church in Samaria
By Julius Medenblik — Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Scripture Reading: Acts 8:1b-25
On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Acts 8:1
Jesus promised that his disciples would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them, and he said they would be witnesses for him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and across the earth (Acts 1:8). As Saul and many others begin persecuting the church, we see a clear movement of the church from being centered in Jerusalem to spreading out to Samaria. But even though believers in Jesus are suffering persecution, God’s church continues to grow.
Philip, one of the seven new leaders chosen in Acts 6, begins a ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing in Samaria. Many people believe and are baptized, including a man named Simon who had practiced sorcery. Peter and John visit to see what God is doing there, and as they pray and lay hands on the new believers, they receive the Holy Spirit.
Simon, however, offers money, saying he wants to buy the ability to give people the Holy Spirit. And he receives a lesson in grace. Peter instructs him to repent and pray for forgiveness. God’s power cannot be bought. Grace is not for sale.
Simon was impressed with the power he saw in Philip, Peter, and John. But following God is not about gaining power. Simon needed a heart change. Peter saw bitterness lurking in Simon’s heart, and until that was gone, he could not be part of the Lord’s ministry.
God of abundant, amazing grace, cleanse and renew our hearts, washing away all our sins. By Christ’s power, Amen.
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