Daily Manna (Coffee with Jesus)

Wouldn’t it be great if a liar’s pants really would burst into flames with the first hint of a lie?

If you deny there is an evil spirit who lurks around seeking people whose minds are easily used by him for evil, then you are a prime candidate for Satan.  If you say Jesus is impressive and worth celebrating at Christmas but He is not your Savior and Lord; then you are putty in the hands of the evil one who is ready to do great harm in you and around you.

Oh, but that’s not all!  Even if, or especially if, we believe in God and love God with all our heart, mind, and soul and have given our life to Jesus and are living a redeemed life in Christ—The devil comes at us with full force!  But he cannot overcome us or separate us from what God has done for us and put into us—His love and His salvation of our souls.    

The devil does not “make us” do anything, we have the ability and power to choose to allow his lies, his empty promises, his thoughts of evil to strike back at anyone who offends us to enter our being and determine our eternity.  (Read that again—as many times as necessary.)

How does the Devil do this?  The following passage shows how powerful this fallen angel from God’s Presence thinks he is.  This being’s power is very limited and behaves in every way that is not of God.  That is our first clue to his lying ways.  The devil wants us to think he can do anything.  But he cannot.  He is a liar.  In fact, Jesus calls him “the father of lies.”  Every lie created by man and said out loud originated from The Liar.  He teaches us to lie.

The devil is also crafty and manipulating as he plays on our weaknesses to get what he wants most—our souls.

The devil knows Jesus well.  The devil is so proud of himself that he thinks he can bring God’s Son to his way of thinking …

Luke 4, The Message

Tested by the Devil

4 ^1-2 Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up he was hungry.

³ The Devil, playing on his hunger, gave the first test: “Since you’re God’s Son, command this stone to turn into a loaf of bread.”

⁴ Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy: “It takes more than bread to really live.”

^5-7 For the second test he led him up and spread out all the kingdoms of the earth on display at once. Then the Devil said, “They’re yours in all their splendor to serve your pleasure. I’m in charge of them all and can turn them over to whomever I wish. Worship me and they’re yours, the whole works.”

⁸ Jesus refused, again backing his refusal with Deuteronomy: “Worship the Lord your God and only the Lord your God. Serve him with absolute single-heartedness.”

^9-11 For the third test the Devil took him to Jerusalem and put him on top of the Temple. He said, “If you are God’s Son, jump. It’s written, isn’t it, that ‘he has placed you in the care of angels to protect you; they will catch you; you won’t so much as stub your toe on a stone’?”

¹² “Yes,” said Jesus, “and it’s also written, ‘Don’t you dare tempt the Lord your God.’”

¹³ That completed the testing. The Devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

We learn that the Devil wants our souls for the sheer pleasure of seeing our faith in God ultimately destroyed and our bodies burned in a fiery forever death by torture.

We learn that Jesus, Son of God, was tempted by the Devil as we are tempted today.  The Devil lied to Jesus about his limited power to get him to jump off a building to his death.  The Devil also lied about what he could offer to Jesus.  How ridiculous!  The Devil is crafty but so full of pride he is ignorant—thinking that he owns what belongs to God and is able to give it to His Son!  Wow.

Jesus teaches us how to combat the enemy—with knowing and quoting God’s Word that is Truth.  God’s Word is always the opposite of the devil’s lies and propositions to us.  God’s Word sifts through all the lies and the “almost truth but not quite” thoughts that the devil plants in our minds to reveal what is right and good for us—Truth.  Truth always rises to the top when the lies of people whom the devil uses in his scheme to destroy us is put into motion.  That’s way we “wait” at times on God to reveal what is True.  God always reveals Truth and does not withhold it from us!

The devil confuses us.  Jesus bring clarity to any given situation.

Does the devil enter our thoughts?  YES!  Our minds, even in sleeping, is the entry point for his manipulation of our thoughts!  Just last night Randy and I both had separate dreams that troubled us so much we woke with wonderings.  We dreamed that our love for each other was attacked by each other!  What?!  We woke troubled for a nanosecond until we realized the lie told to us in our sleep!  Yes, the devil works on our minds first then he will suggest behaviors to follow those thoughts. Watch out for that crooked finger of beckoning that is consistently tempting us to forget God and all that is good from God!

Be like Jesus. Know God’s Word. 

Jesus immediately responds to the father of lies with God’s Word.  Jesus teaches us that responding with Truth combats and defuses the Lie.    

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11 God’s bank of knowledge and wisdom is our best line of defense as we skirmish with the one who has already been defeated in the ultimate battle.  Jesus has already won but the devil still seeks to draw us from Him in tiresome skirmishes until Jesus comes back again. 

Jesus worships God the Father and no one else.  Ask daily: Who is the object of our worship?  We are easy prey if there is something or someone we worship that blocks us from our view of God and our relationship with God.  What we think about most is what we worship.

Jesus responds to, “you can do whatever you want” by the devil, with a resolute and final word— “Do not test the Lord, Your God.”  This put an end to the testing—for now.

When we look at the life of Jesus’ ministry closely, we learn that He often spent “time away by Himself” in prayerful communication with His Father.  In fact, before anything significant was done by Jesus, Jesus first spent time alone with God.  Before choosing his disciples, before miracles, before healing, before the sacrifice for our sins–before anything—Jesus went to His Father first.  What a great example for us!

And guess what?!  What the devil hates most and limits his power is seeing we who believe on our knees in communion with God in the Name of Jesus, His Son!  God’s word says, he will flee when we are in this state of mind.  “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) The devil knows he cannot win against God but what keeps him going in his game of manipulating our hearts, minds, and souls, because to him this is an open door in his attempt to crush our spirits, test our faith, with the goal to ultimately destroy our souls.

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” James 4:7, MSG

So, we have a choice.  Who do we worship?  Who do we believe?  Who will we follow? 

Who do you trust?  Who do you love with ALL your heart, mind, and soul?  Who do you say yes to every day of your life?

I pray wisdom for all of us.  We have the resurrection power of Christ who lives in all who believe to resist the temptations of the evil one.  Rely on His power!

Lord,

Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from all evil and evil’s schemes to draw us from all who is good—You.  May your will be done in every detail of our lives today and always.

In Jesus Name, Amen

It was a lovely early summer day in May, the time when we “visited the graves” to clean away the weeds and placed flowers on the headstones of those who had gone on before us.  This was a ritual that was performed by my grandparents and then my parents in my growing up days.  On my dad’s side of the family; it was a family reunion.  We would first meet at the grave of my grandfather who passed away before he was 60 who left behind a very young widow.  My grandmother had four sons who brought her great joy when they would together there with their families.  After placing flowers, meditating with a prayer over the grave of my grandfather, we would then go to a local park to enjoy a picnic lunch.  The kids played ball and enjoyed each other’s company while the adults talked and laughed loudly, catching up on each other’s lives.  This was tradition.  I smile because as a young child I thought everyone did this.

We did the same with my mom’s side of the family. As my parents passed however, these traditions faded as being less important.  The family reunions of the past were no longer tradition as families scattered across the nation.  Honoring those who have gone on before us are remembered only by the memories that pop up in our minds while doing daily tasks.  However, I still lay flowers on my parents grave…I am compelled by love to honor them in this way.

But before my parents passed, I distinctly remember one of the last times I went with them to visit the grave of my grandparents as if it were yesterday.  We had completed our mission of cleaning up the area around the graves and laying flowers and were headed back to our car.  This cemetery where my grandparents were buried was located “way out in the country” on a hill in Oklahoma.  As I was corralling my kids who were running around, an elderly man limped hurriedly came over to greet me and no one else.  He was staring right into my face as he said, “You have to be Blanche Lacquement’s girl—I see her in you.”  Tears welled up in his eyes.  I told him, “Why yes, I am her granddaughter.”  I will never forget that day as this moment connected me once more to those who greatly loved and cared for me as a child and whom I adored.  This connection also reminded me of what they taught me about God and His connection to us.

Why am I telling you this memory alongside (an obscure to most) passage of Luke that shares the lineage of Jesus both as Son of Man and Son of God?  It is important to God for us to know we are descendants as “sons and daughters of Adam” who God created. It is important for us to know where we came from and where we are going.  It is important to know that Jesus is alpha and omega—He was at the beginning of creation with God, died and rose again so that we could follow Him in victory over death, and that Jesus will be at the end of time on earth when HE comes back once more to claim all “family members” and establish God’s Heavenly Kingdom for all who believe in Him.  Now that is a family reunion!  New life in Christ leads us to eternal life with God, the father of all who began the lineage of eternal hope! 

We who believe are connected!

Luke 3, The Message

Son of Adam, Son of God

^23-38 When Jesus entered public life he was about thirty years old, the son (in public perception) of Joseph, who was—

son of Heli,

son of Matthat,

son of Levi,

son of Melki,

son of Jannai,

son of Joseph,

son of Mattathias,

son of Amos,

son of Nahum,

son of Esli,

son of Naggai,

son of Maath,

son of Mattathias,

son of Semein,

son of Josech,

son of Joda,

son of Joanan,

son of Rhesa,

son of Zerubbabel,

son of Shealtiel,

son of Neri,

son of Melchi,

son of Addi,

son of Cosam,

son of Elmadam,

son of Er,

son of Joshua,

son of Eliezer,

son of Jorim,

son of Matthat,

son of Levi,

son of Simeon,

son of Judah,

son of Joseph,

son of Jonam,

son of Eliakim,

son of Melea,

son of Menna,

son of Mattatha,

son of Nathan,

son of David,

son of Jesse,

son of Obed,

son of Boaz,

son of Salmon,

son of Nahshon,

son of Amminadab,

son of Admin,

son of Arni,

son of Hezron,

son of Perez,

son of Judah,

son of Jacob,

son of Isaac,

son of Abraham,

son of Terah,

son of Nahor,

son of Serug,

son of Reu,

son of Peleg,

son of Eber,

son of Shelah,

son of Kenan,

son of Arphaxad,

son of Shem,

son of Noah,

son of Lamech,

son of Methuselah,

son of Enoch,

son of Jared,

son of Mahalaleel,

son of Kenan,

son of Enos,

son of Seth,

son of Adam,

son of God.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Revel in being connected!  We all have different memories, traditions, cultures in which we were raised but we are one in Christ who connects all of us to God and each other!

“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”  Romans 8:17

What does it mean to be co-heirs/joint-heirs with Christ?

According to this verse, we share in the sufferings of Christ now and will share in the glory of Christ later as His “co-heirs” or “joint-heirs.”

The term heirs of God emphasize our relationship to God the Father. As His children, we have “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade . . . kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4). The Greek term translated “heirs” in Romans 8:17 refers to “those who receive their allotted possession by right of sonship.” In other words, because God has made us His children (see John 1:12), we have full rights to receive His inheritance. We are His beneficiaries (see Matthew 25:34; Galatians 3:29; Colossians 1:12; 3:24).

Jesus, the only begotten Son of God, is the natural “heir” of the Father. “God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” (Hebrews 5:5; cf. Psalm 2:7).

Christ’s inheritance is the whole universe, all that is in existence. Hebrews 1:2 says that the Son has been “appointed heir of all things.” Being a co-heir with Christ means that we, as God’s adopted children, will share in the inheritance of Jesus. What belongs to Jesus will also belong to us. Christ gives us His glory (John 17:22), His riches (2 Corinthians 8:9), and all things (Hebrews 1:2). We are as welcome in God’s family as Jesus is; we are “accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6, NKJV). All that belongs to Jesus Christ will belong to us, the co-heirs, as well.

“You are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 4:7). Think of all that means. Everything that God owns belongs to us as well because we belong to Him. Our eternal inheritance as co-heirs with Christ is the result of the amazing grace of God!

Why wait?  Believe and be saved.  Trust God and be made whole.  Be assured you are part of the family that is always and forever connected and reconciled to God!

Lord,

Thank you for the memories you brought to my mind today of the rich inheritance of the examples of faith from my parents and their parents, but also of the rich inheritance I have in you—all because of Jesus.  Thank you for reminding me of the connection you established with your created from the beginning.  Thank you, dear Jesus, for paying the price for our sins so we can be reconciled—reconnected back to God!  I am grateful.  I will live gratefully as I remember how deep your love flows in and through us.  I pray that our children and grandchildren know how much I love you and believe and love You, too.  On and on and on—throughout all generations—you are faithful!

In Jesus Name, Amen 

Going public is a corporate practice in the business world in which an unlisted, private company allows the public to purchase its old or new stock for the first time.  This initial public offering (IPO) helps the general public to make a profit while assisting the corporation in raising capital and becoming a publicly traded firm.  Going public in the business world is all about making a profit for those who control the company.

Going public in the Kingdom of God means inviting everyone—poor, disadvantaged, rich, unknown, famous, men and women of all nationalities, to life change from the inside out and outside in.  There is no cost except to lose control over things we do not own and think we manage in order gain the dividends of a Love from God, the Creator, Protector, Provider and Sustainer who has no limits in loving His Created.  We are invited to own shares in His Kingdom by merely accepting Jesus free offer of salvation from sins.  More dividends are given in the form of new and fresh mercies given each day!  God’s gift of grace secures a forever life with Him “joint heirs” with Jesus Christ, God’s Son.  Going public in the God’s Company is all about the net gain of souls saved for eternity.

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” –Jesus (Mark 8:36-37)

Luke 3, The Message

A Baptism of Life-Change

^1-6 In the fifteenth year of the rule of Caesar Tiberius—it was while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod, ruler of Galilee; his brother Philip, ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, ruler of Abilene; during the Chief-Priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—John, Zachariah’s son, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God. He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading to forgiveness of sins, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet:

Thunder in the desert!
“Prepare God’s arrival!
Make the road smooth and straight!
Every ditch will be filled in,
Every bump smoothed out,
The detours straightened out,
All the ruts paved over.
Everyone will be there to see
The parade of God’s salvation.”

^7-9 When crowds of people came out for baptism because it was the popular thing to do, John exploded: “Brood of snakes! What do you think you’re doing slithering down here to the river? Do you think a little water on your snakeskins is going to deflect God’s judgment? It’s your lifethat must change, not your skin. And don’t think you can pull rank by claiming Abraham as ‘father.’ Being a child of Abraham is neither here nor there—children of Abraham are a dime a dozen. God can make children from stones if he wants. What counts is your life. Is it green and flourishing? Because if it’s deadwood, it goes on the fire.”

¹⁰ The crowd asked him, “Then what are we supposed to do?”

¹¹ “If you have two coats, give one away,” he said. “Do the same with your food.”

¹² Tax men also came to be baptized and said, “Teacher, what should we do?”

¹³ He told them, “No more extortion—collect only what is required by law.”

¹⁴ Soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”

He told them, “No harassment, no blackmail—and be content with your rations.”

¹⁵ The interest of the people by now was building. They were all beginning to wonder, “Could this John be the Messiah?”

^16-17 But John intervened: “I’m baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.”

^18-20 There was a lot more of this—words that gave strength to the people, words that put heart in them. The Message! But Herod, the ruler, stung by John’s rebuke in the matter of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, capped his long string of evil deeds with this outrage: He put John in jail.

^21-22 After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

The crowd gathered around John asked this same question— “What should we do?”  How do we respond to Truth?

First:  Believe, repent of our sins, and be saved, redeemed from all sins! 

Upon believing, we receive God’s Holy Spirit, who is a part of God.  His Holy Spirit will lead and guide us through our life transformation from thinking and behaving like the enemy, who leads us into darkness, into a new, well-lit pathway to real life, abundant and free from sins, with expectant hope of eternal life! 

We are changed and continue changing from the “inside out” when we believe in what God says!  John preaches life change versus merely getting wet for show and Jesus affirms this truth in His preaching later!  We walk in the Light of God’s Presence with God going before us, standing beside us, and protecting behind us no matter what our circumstances might be in this life as we prepare for life forever with God!  Let God lead. 

The power to change does not come from us but from believing in Jesus!  We must tap into His unsurpassed power by calling on the Name of Jesus!  In times of indecision, frustrations, and challenging circumstances; look up and pray, “what should I do?” and the answer will come from the One who loves us most.  He is for us, not against us!  Trust and obey for there’s no other way…to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey….

Upon believing in Jesus, our hearts, minds, and souls are filled to overflow with His love.  To know God through Jesus is to know a relentless, unconditional, love that cannot be contained—it must be told!  Upon believing; we are baptized as “an outward sign of an inward change” taking place in our lives for the Body of Christ and everyone else looking on to see!  We are declaring we belong to Jesus!

Baptism is going public, with our profession of who we believe and will follow all the days of our lives!  Jesus was baptized by John signifying the beginning of His mission to save the world.  God’s love was expressed to Jesus because of Jesus’ obedience, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”  Guess what?!  God says the same to us when we follow Jesus in our public display of our love for God! 

The dividends of believing:  We are “joint heirs,” shareholders, in the Kingdom of God!  Forever!  “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” Romans 8:17.

Lord,

Wow, the lessons you teach us each day as we come to you with a willingness and readiness to learn from you are so amazing and encouraging!  Thank you for always being with us through thick and thin, through good times and challenging times in this life. Thank you for saving our souls and making us whole as you consistently transform our thinking that guides our behaviors!

Cleanse our hearts , renew our minds, refresh our souls with your new mercies for today, and restore the joy and peace of your salvation always at work within us by your power.

In Jesus Name, Amen

And we’re singing…with Scripture proof, in case you need it!

“God of Angel Armies” by Chris Tomlin

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind

(Exodus 33:14 and Deuteronomy 31:3-8) and behind him as rear guard (Isaiah 58:8).

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

(Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Joshua 1:5-9, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 139:7-10, Isaiah 41:10, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Zephaniah 3:17, Matthew 6:25-34, Matthew 28:20, John 14:16-17, Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38-39, and Revelation 3:20).

The one who reigns forever

God will rule for all eternity (Exodus 15:18, Psalm 10:16, Psalm 29:10, Psalm 145:13, Psalm 146:10, Lamentations 5:19, Daniel 4:3, Daniel 6:26, Micah 4:7, 1 Timothy 6:16, 1 Peter 5:11, and Revelation 11:15).

He is a friend of mine

(John 15:13-15).

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

There comes a time in every good parent’s life when the child they have complete control over, the child they have told what to do and where to be always, the child they have meticulously taught what is right and wrong with wisdom experiences that moment when they realize the child has and has been developing a mind of their own and now they show it!  Sometimes they show it when you least expect it!  There is a mix of emotions, however, that arise in this season of parenthood. 

We are taken aback when, as parents, we realize the work is paying off in the life of this child we love with our whole being.  Our investment of teaching is paying off in great dividends when we see them making choices on their own that are good!  But we are also a little sad that the “control” of overseeing, protecting, nurturing, and providing begins to wain as self-control in our child begins to blossom. 

As believers, we pray for our children to grow up in the Lord’s ways.  So, don’t be so surprised; be elated and delighted when they do as they begin to bear the “fruits” of your labor and the partnership of God’s Holy Spirit of “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”!  (Galatians 5:22-23)

Luke 2, The Message

They Found Him in the Temple

^41-45 Every year Jesus’ parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up as they always did for the Feast. When it was over and they left for home, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents didn’t know it. Thinking he was somewhere in the company of pilgrims, they journeyed for a whole day and then began looking for him among relatives and neighbors. When they didn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem looking for him.

^46-48 The next day they found him in the Temple seated among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. The teachers were all quite taken with him, impressed with the sharpness of his answers. But his parents were not impressed; they were upset and hurt.

His mother said, “Young man, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been half out of our minds looking for you.”

^49-50 He said, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?” But they had no idea what he was talking about.

^51-52 So he went back to Nazareth with them, and lived obediently with them. His mother held these things dearly, deep within herself. And Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus’ parents think He is lost when they can’t find their boy but soon discover their boy is becoming the Son of God while being the Son of Man.  After twelve years of raising the boy in faith, sending Him to school to learn God’s Law, the boy is becoming the man He was sent to become—Savior and Lord. 

Only the gospel of Luke gives us a glimpse of the “boy” Jesus.  Here is Joseph and Mary’s first encounter with Jesus who is not lost but who is now displaying Who He was born to be.  Did they forget for a while Who they were assigned to care for and nurture from birth?  Maybe…parenting is challenging!

They lost sight of Jesus, but Jesus was never lost.  Jesus is learning, growing in stature and wisdom thanks to good devout parenting.  He is blessed by God to be a blessing to God’s people.  Jesus, Messiah come to save the world from the bondage of sin.  But Mary and Joseph were human with human emotions of fear for his safety and hurt that He did not consider their feelings.  Jesus knew it hurt so he left with them and lived obediently.  Mary never forgot the moment and held the experience close to her heart—I wonder if she knew more than she wanted to realize about Jesus? 

Jesus knew what she needed most at that time…to go back with them and live obedient to His earthly parents until His Father God told him the “time has come” to do His will. 

Jesus, lost?  No, Jesus was and is never lost.  It is we, who are lost until we find Jesus.

Lord,

Thank you for the privilege of parenting three children to adulthood by your Holy Spirit’s guidance and help.  Thank you for the grandchildren that came from marriage to three fine people who came into their lives.  Thank you for helping us “let go” of them to you at just the right time so they could find you and follow you, too by choice not by demand.  I pray they make the right choice of leaning on your understanding and wisdom, be found in you, and follow in all your ways.  Thank you for Your Word that teaches us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

I have had people come alongside me in my life that blessed and mentored me without fully knowing that they were doing it.  I praise God for them even now because I know He sent them at just the right time.  These men and women who spoke wisdom into my life were tenaciously so close to God they could obviously hear His voice of His Holy Spirit.  They lived their lives eagerly looking forward to obeying what God said no matter what was happening around them!  Their faith and trust are unshakable—consistently proven to be so through their behaviors. 

These God-people have a devoted, unrelenting love for God which drives their quick obedience to God in their daily lives.  I enjoyed those in my past and now enjoy talking with those presently because our conversations were filled with love and truth.  Their observed demeanor and behaviors were/are inviting as they compel me and others to be like Jesus, not them, all because of God’s love that flowed freely from their hearts, minds, and souls. 

“God-people” have a special wisdom no one else can come close to having.  Being close to God is being “in the know” of who God is and how He loves—with complete trust in His promises to help us and to save us.  They are not perfect—but they know they are perfectly forgiven.  These people are who I want to be when I grow up.

Luke 2, The Message

Blessings

²¹ When the eighth day arrived, the day of circumcision, the child was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived.

^22-24 Then when the days stipulated by Moses for purification were complete, they took him up to Jerusalem to offer him to God as commanded in God’s Law: “Every male who opens the womb shall be a holy offering to God,” and also to sacrifice the “pair of doves or two young pigeons” prescribed in God’s Law.

^25-32 In Jerusalem at the time, there was a man, Simeon by name, a good man, a man who lived in the prayerful expectancy of help for Israel. And the Holy Spirit was on him. The Holy Spirit had shown him that he would see the Messiah of God before he died. Led by the Spirit, he entered the Temple. As the parents of the child Jesus brought him in to carry out the rituals of the Law, Simeon took him into his arms and blessed God:

God, you can now release your servant;
    release me in peace as you promised.
With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation;
    it’s now out in the open for everyone to see:
A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations,
    and of glory for your people Israel.

^33-35 Jesus’ father and mother were speechless with surprise at these words. Simeon went on to bless them, and said to Mary his mother,

This child marks both the failure and
    the recovery of many in Israel,
A figure misunderstood and contradicted—
    the pain of a sword-thrust through you—
But the rejection will force honesty,
    as God reveals who they really are.

^36-38 Anna the prophetess was also there, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher. She was by now a very old woman. She had been married seven years and a widow for eighty-four. She never left the Temple area, worshiping night and day with her fastings and prayers. At the very time Simeon was praying, she showed up, broke into an anthem of praise to God, and talked about the child to all who were waiting expectantly for the freeing of Jerusalem.

^39-40 When they finished everything required by God in the Law, they returned to Galilee and their own town, Nazareth. There the child grew strong in body and wise in spirit. And the grace of God was on him.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

It is time for Joseph and Mary to obey the Jewish tradition of circumcising their male infant after 8 days of birth—according to The Law.  Joseph and Mary’s devout obedience to God, despite their circumstances, is their way of life.  This requires another trip walking or on the bony back of a beast, with an infant, as they travel from Bethlehem, the place of Jesus’ birth, to Jerusalem for the ceremonial dedication.

God gives them the gift of two “God-persons” who are fully devoted to God and have relied on Him with “prayerful expectancy” of the coming Messiah—God’s Son.  The time has arrived and God will not allow Simeon and Anna to miss it!  Don’t you love this?!  Because they are led by God’s Spirit there is no chance of missing what God has done! They are “in the know” because they know God!  Simeon recognizes Jesus as Messiah immediately—without question!  Anna, widowed young, spent her life praying and fasting for this moment right here—and God obliged and blessed her with seeing the fulfillment of The Promise.  Wow!

Simeon and Anna are great examples of how faithful obedience to God measures our pure love for God.  So, I prayerfully ask myself today, based on what I have learned from this passage:

Is my relationship with God as close as it could be? 

Do I hear from God with quick obedience because of my love for God? 

And is my love for God and others seriously a way of life that attracts others seeking a Savior?

Do I love without expecting anything in return from others because the love of God thorough Jesus is more than enough for me?

God provided Simeon and Anna as a gift to Joseph and Mary that day as “family” in the ceremony of dedication and as verification once more of who Jesus really is.  Simeon and Anna provided exactly what this young couple needed—a word from God. 

God blessed Simeon and Anna with a glimpse of the Savior, the Messiah who they had prayerfully expected and waited to see.  God is good—so, so good. 

Lord,

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the gospel of Luke who spoke to the depths of my heart today! Thank you for giving us examples of rock-solid faith through the lives of “God-people” who live fully for you both then and now.  Thank you for loving us the way you do.  Thank you for the Godly mentors of my past and present.  Help me to pass on what I have learned about You to others.  That’s how you work—it’s how we “roll”.

In Jesus Name, Amen

This is the sing-song chant by kids on the playground or in the hallways when juicy information is leaked or overheard by teachers talking.  “Guess what we heard,” they shout, especially if it is great news that is for everyone!  (And kids do not have the capacity to whisper!) Others who do not know because they did not hear it for themselves lean in closer to those “in the know” to hear news that might affect them. 

Good News is hard to contain—especially when delivered by God’s lead angel backed up by a choir of God’s best angelic singers!

Luke 2, The Message

The Birth of Jesus

^1-5 About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.

^6-7 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.

An Event for Everyone

^8-12 There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

^13-14 At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

^15-18 As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.

^19-20 Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Yes, God’s great news of His Son, The One God’s people had been waiting for, was delivered with power and might to the lowest of the low in that culture.  God’s Light burst forth in the dark of night as shepherds sleepily watched over the herd. God’s messenger was glowing with the Light as he told God’s great news that was for all people.  Yes, God’s news was first given to the “least of these” according to how people rank each other.  Fortunately, there is no “rank and file” in heaven.  God knew to “leak” this new information to those who would go and tell as quickly as they saw and believed.

“Messiah has come”! the angel proclaimed.  God led the shepherds to go and see!  How do we know? The angel followed up the news with directions!  “Let me tell you where He is and what to look for when you arrive!”  God knew that “believing is seeing” and would add passion and punch as they told others!  Yes, those in the know will tell others who do not know—Messiah has come!

And then there’s Mary with Joseph.  Mary, a devout young girl, experienced the favor of God as she gave birth in a cave for animals.  Mary and Joseph worked together to deliver the Prince of Peace in a place of their heritage—according to scripture written centuries before.  The delivery of a child who would later deliver the world from the bondage of sin, would be the first of many occasions when they will see and realize that all scripture will be fulfilled in this birth.  This is the Savior, Messiah, Son of God, sent to save the world.  No one else in Mary’s world, other than Joseph, Elizabeth, and Zechariah, will understand the calling of God she has been given. 

“Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.” Did God send the shepherds to verify and affirm Mary and Joseph that who they brought into the world was indeed the Son of God?  With God all things are possible.  With God all things are verifiable!  Mary knew before anyone else who she would be holding deep within her.  God assured Joseph, her fiancée, in a visit from angel in a dream so he would know exactly who Mary was going to deliver nine months later.  Joseph, a devout man of God, was also a willing participant in God’s Plan. 

After the pain of childbirth, God now sent excited, humbled, shepherds to this weary couple.  The shepherds told Mary and Joseph the message God’s angel proclaimed to them. I’m sure the shepherds didn’t leave out any of the details, especially the seeing and hearing of the heavenly choir!

How reassuring!  What great news of God’s glory expressed by these shepherds must have been for Mary and Joseph!  God loved them so dearly that He sent these watchers of sheep to bow down before the Lamb of God, His Son to demonstrate once more His love for Mary and Joseph and to prove they were no longer alone in “knowing”.  Wow.

Could it also be… that though the trip was hard, to give birth away from the gossipy community in which they lived each day was probably a kindness from God?  This couple who everyone whispered about behind their backs is so favored, protected and provided for by God to whom all glory, honor, and praise is due.  Yes, Mary indeed has a lot to treasure and ponder as she lives her life fully committed to God no matter what is happening around her as she does His will. And there is much more to come…

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”  Isaiah 7:14 (written centuries before) 

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  Luke 2:11  (prophecy fulfilled)

Immanuel— “God with us.”  With God there are no coincidences.  God’s Plan prevails.  His people who follow His Plan are assured and reassured.  That includes us.

Oh Lord,                

When life gets rough, you are there.  When life is easy, you are there.  When life is confusing and climatic, you bring clarity.  You are life to me.  I will trust in what you say for what you say and do is always good and right.  Cleanse our hearts, remove what gets in the way, renew our minds, reassure our souls, and restore the joy of your salvation at work within all who believe.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Before Jesus came to earth, the known world of God’s chosen people had not heard from Him for four centuries.  That is a long time of silence!  No prophets.  No messages.  Only growing darkness of destructive deeds, people wandering and wondering with no hope, oppressed, and poor in all kinds of ways became the norm.  But still there were a few devout people, (there is always a remnant), whose hearts were completely committed to God, who still clung to what God said, and still lived to obey the commandments God provided for them.  For generations, these devoted few taught their children.  They heard or read what the prophets foretold about the coming Messiah, the One sent from God, the One and Only who would save them—at last.  And they waited—for generations—they waited.

And then, suddenly, God opened the gates of heaven and sent Light into this dark world.  The Light, His One and Only Son, a part of Him, descended from His throne in heaven, transforming into the form of a fetus who settled within the womb of a virgin who was engaged to a devout man of God.  Mind blowing, right?

This Light would soon pierce the darkness, bringing hope to the hopeless with salvation to those lost in the dark.  His name was to be called Jesus.  He is the Messiah everyone who believed longed to see come in their day.  The Messiah will be The Way back to God, The Truth of who God is with what is right and good, while providing God’s gift of eternal Life.  Our part is to believe, really believe—and be saved from the darkness.

Luke 1, The Message

A Virgin Conceives

^26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:

Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.

^29-33 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.

He will be great,
    be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
    the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
    no end, ever, to his kingdom.”

³⁴ Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”

³⁵ The angel answered,

The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
    the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
    will be called Holy, Son of God.

^36-38 “And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”

And Mary said,

Yes, I see it all now:
    I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
    just as you say.

Then the angel left her.

Blessed Among Women

^39-45 Mary didn’t waste a minute. She got up and traveled to a town in Judah in the hill country, straight to Zachariah’s house, and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sang out exuberantly,

You’re so blessed among women,
    and the babe in your womb, also blessed!
And why am I so blessed that
    the mother of my Lord visits me?
The moment the sound of your
    greeting entered my ears,
The babe in my womb
    skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.
Blessed woman, who believed what God said,
    believed every word would come true!

^46-55 And Mary said,

I’m bursting with God-news;
    I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
    I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
    the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
    on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
    scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
    pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
    the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
    he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
    beginning with Abraham and right up to now.

⁵⁶ Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home.

The Birth of John

^57-58 When Elizabeth was full-term in her pregnancy, she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives, seeing that God had overwhelmed her with mercy, celebrated with her.

^59-60 On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child and were calling him Zachariah after his father. But his mother intervened: “No. He is to be called John.”

^61-62 “But,” they said, “no one in your family is named that.” They used sign language to ask Zachariah what he wanted him named.

^63-64 Asking for a tablet, Zachariah wrote, “His name is to be John.” That took everyone by surprise. Surprise followed surprise—Zachariah’s mouth was now open, his tongue loose, and he was talking, praising God!

^65-66 A deep, reverential fear settled over the neighborhood, and in all that Judean hill country people talked about nothing else. Everyone who heard about it took it to heart, wondering, “What will become of this child? Clearly, God has his hand in this.”

^67-79 Then Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied,

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
    he came and set his people free.
He set the power of salvation in the center of our lives,
    and in the very house of David his servant,
Just as he promised long ago
    through the preaching of his holy prophets:
Deliverance from our enemies
    and every hateful hand;
Mercy to our fathers,
    as he remembers to do what he said he’d do,
What he swore to our father Abraham—
    a clean rescue from the enemy camp,
So we can worship him without a care in the world,
    made holy before him as long as we live.

And you, my child, “Prophet of the Highest,”
    will go ahead of the Master to prepare his ways,
Present the offer of salvation to his people,
    the forgiveness of their sins.
Through the heartfelt mercies of our God,
    God’s Sunrise will break in upon us,
Shining on those in the darkness,
    those sitting in the shadow of death,
Then showing us the way, one foot at a time,
    down the path of peace.

⁸⁰ The child grew up, healthy and spirited. He lived out in the desert until the day he made his prophetic debut in Israel.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

We cannot separate this long passage for these two women are pivotal to God’s story of salvation.  These devout women encouraged each other as they held and nurtured God’s miracles in their wombs.  God gave these two women a work to do that would make the rest of their world raise their eyebrows as they did it.  But they obeyed willingly and even joyfully when they were with each other. 

They loved and understood each other.  Elizabeth mentored Mary while Mary encouraged and helped Elizabeth.  I am convinced, (because God’s ways are always perfect), that God gave opportunity for Mary to be with Elizabeth to escape the sarcastic gossip of her community.  God also gave Mary, a teenager in our culture, opportunity to serve Elizabeth in her preparation for the birth of John.  Both sons had very specific purposes from God.  Both women felt blessed by God to obey their mission.  Both women praised God no matter what the rest of the world thought!  I love that!

Jesus and John

John would prepare the dark world for the Light with the message of hope, telling the world that the coming of the One who would take away the sins of the world for all who believe and repent of their sins has finally arrived.  The words from John, “Behold, the Lamb of God”, will change everything.  God is no longer silent!  God has come to save us!

Jesus was the Light who had the power and authority to save people from their sins.  Jesus was God in the flesh who came down from heaven and moved into the neighborhood of humanity who desperately needed a Savior and Lord.  Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin—becoming the perfect, unblemished sacrifice for all the sins of the world, so that there was no reason for anyone to perish—unless we chose to reject Him.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Because God so loved these women who believed, He gave them to each other to  love, support, and cherish their divine pregnancies together.  Because of this gift of each other, their praises for God overflowed from their hearts and couldn’t be stopped!  Songs of praise burst through the darkness of ridicule, mocking and sarcasm and was replaced with the pure, unspeakable joy of God who enveloped both! This joyous praise was exclaimed in spontaneous songs, thanking God for what He has done and is doing specifically in their lives!  What a time of worship between two souls brought together by God’s call and purpose!  Wow!

Our response?  Trust God and believe what He says!  God still does this today!  He brings people into our lives who also believe with the desire to do what God says so we can love, support, encourage, and learn from each other.  Don’t let an opportunity go by that God has arranged to grow a friendship with someone who provides healthy, mutual spiritual growth.  Wherever God guides us in His will for His purpose, He also provides those to come beside us who understand each believers’ part in His Plan to seek and to save the lost. 

Lord,

Thank you for the story of your loving servants, Mary and Elizabeth. You have touched my heart by their loving kindness for each other along with their praises to You. You gave them purpose and meaning by giving them You.  You do the same for us still today.  Cleanse our hearts and make us ready for your will, your agenda for us, today.  Remove all that offends you as we repent.  Change our minds.  Refresh our souls with your new mercies.  Restore the joy and peace of your salvation at work within us.

In Jesus Name, Amen

When will we ever learn to trust in God’s timing?  We want what we want when we want it! We want it all and we want it now—whatever “it” is that occupies our hearts, minds, and souls.  Media does not help us in pursuit of wants.  Every commercial you hear is all about getting what sellers and promoters say we need and having it our way in the least amount of time.  Fast food is by the name food prepared fast so there are only seconds until we take that first bite.  The invention of the microwave was prompted by mankind’s inability to wait.  In fact, we are so impatient that when what we want finally does happen we sigh and shrug and decide we no longer want it.  It just wasn’t worth the wait.  What?!

Yes, we are a sad society who no longer patiently waits.  But we learn from the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth that God’s timing is best and waiting for it results in what is beyond our wildest dreams!  Great, unexpected, unsurpassed blessings happen to those who wait upon the Lord while living “honorably before God.” 

We also learn that when God acts—trust when and how He does it!  We learn not to question God who created all, is in all and is control over what the world needs most—to know Him and to love Him back.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Allowing God to be our guide begins with a commitment to trust. God cannot lead us where we will not follow.”

Luke 1, The Message

A Childless Couple Conceives

^5-7 During the rule of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest assigned service in the regiment of Abijah. His name was Zachariah. His wife was descended from the daughters of Aaron. Her name was Elizabeth. Together they lived honorably before God, careful in keeping to the ways of the commandments and enjoying a clear conscience before God. But they were childless because Elizabeth could never conceive, and now they were quite old.

^8-12 It so happened that as Zachariah was carrying out his priestly duties before God, working the shift assigned to his regiment, it came his one turn in life to enter the sanctuary of God and burn incense. The congregation was gathered and praying outside the Temple at the hour of the incense offering. Unannounced, an angel of God appeared just to the right of the altar of incense. Zachariah was paralyzed in fear.

^13-15 But the angel reassured him, “Don’t fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son by you. You are to name him John. You’re going to leap like a gazelle for joy, and not only you—many will delight in his birth. He’ll achieve great stature with God.

^15-17 “He’ll drink neither wine nor beer. He’ll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother’s womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God’s arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he’ll get the people ready for God.”

¹⁸ Zachariah said to the angel, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.”

^19-20 But the angel said, “I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time—God’s time.”

^21-22 Meanwhile, the congregation waiting for Zachariah was getting restless, wondering what was keeping him so long in the sanctuary. When he came out and couldn’t speak, they knew he had seen a vision. He continued speechless and had to use sign language with the people.

^23-25 When the course of his priestly assignment was completed, he went back home. It wasn’t long before his wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went off by herself for five months, relishing her pregnancy. “So, this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!” she said.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

BACKGROUND:  It was indeed a dark period of time for the nation of Israel. The people had heard no prophetic word from God for four hundred years—not since Malachi had promised the coming of Elijah (Malachi 4:5, 6). The spiritual leaders were shackled by tradition and, in some instances, corruption; and their king, Herod the Great, was a tyrant. He had nine (some say ten) wives, one of whom he had executed for no apparent reason. But no matter how dark the day, God always has His devoted and obedient people.  Zechariah and Elizabeth are two completely devoted to God even though saddened and shamed by the inability to have children.

We learn to trust and obey for there’s no other way to be blessed in the wait AND to be a blessing to others seeking God’s timing in their wait. 

We learn that a mighty strength comes from God as He builds His character within us as we wait—trusting in His timing!  Invite God into all the details of life.  Pray as Jesus taught, “May your Kingdom come, your will be done as it is in heaven.”  Those who know and pray this truth with trust in His will develop a wisdom for living that goes beyond human thinking.  A byproduct in prayer for God’s will be done develops a God given patience within us which is one of the “fruits” of His character we learn to bear.  (See Galatians 5)

When we live, “honorably before God,” assuming that God knows what lies ahead, our relationship and trust in Him grows exponentially by His Spirit’s power living in us.  So, trust Him—in every detail of life—trust God.  Isaiah passionately proclaims this truth:

“Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,

But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 NKJV

Did Zechariah forget this Isaiah passage when told that he would bear a son?  Maybe just for a little while…more later!

Lord,

There is much more to the story as we watch you work in the lives of this senior couple who is childless in the eyes of the world as you prepare them for the conception of John who will prepare the way for you, dear Jesus!  But the lesson you seem to want us to focus on today is waiting. 

Waiting on your will, in your time, for your purposes takes work.  Lord, thank you for speaking to my heart and renewing my strength in the wait in my life.  Thank you for teaching us patience in the wait. Thank you for renewing our minds so our response is gladness when the wait is over and your work is accomplished! 

Thank you, Lord for his couple’s faith example who trusted and honored you with their lives while being customarily dishonored in their community by their inability in their early years to have children.

This miracle and blessing of birth was just the beginning to your work of salvation for the world!  Wow!  Continue to teach us as we follow in your ways.

In Jesus Name, Amen

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our strong deliverer

You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won’t grow weary

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord…

(Strength will Rise/Everlasting God by Brenton Brown)

“Most of us, most of the time, feel left out—misfits.  We don’t belong. 

Others seem to be so confident, so sure of themselves, “insider” who know the ropes, old hands in a club from which we are excluded.

One of the ways we have of responding to this is to form our own club, or join one that will have us.  Here is at least one place where we are “in” and the others “out.”  The clubs range from informal to formal in gatherings that are variously political, social, cultural, and economic.  But the one thing they have in common is the principle of exclusion.  Identity or worth is achieved by excluding all but the chosen.  The terrible price we pay for keeping all those other people out so that we can savor the sweetness of being insiders is a reduction of reality, a shrinkage of life.

Nowhere is this price more terrible thana when it is paid in the cause of religion.  But religion has a long history of doing just that, of reducing the huge mysteries of God to the respectability of club rules, of shrinking the vast human community to a “membership.”  But with God there are no outsiders.

Luke is a most vigorous champion of the outsider.  An outsider himself, the only Gentile in an all-Jewish cast of New Testament writers, he shows how Jesus includes those who typically were treated as outsiders by the religious establishment of the day:  women, common laborers (sheepherders), the radically different (Samaritans), the poor.  He will not countenance religion as a club.  As Luke tells the story, all of us who have found ourselves on the outside looking in on life with no hope of gaining entrance (and who of us hasn’t felt it?) now find the doors wide open, found and welcomed by God in Jesus.”  —Eugene Peterson, Introduction to Luke, The Message Bible

Luke, a doctor by trade, was compassionately compelled to write on behalf of the lost who were found by Jesus.  That includes you and me, too!

Luke 1, The Message

^1-4 So many others have tried their hand at putting together a story of the wonderful harvest of Scripture and history that took place among us, using reports handed down by the original eyewitnesses who served this Word with their very lives. Since I have investigated all the reports in close detail, starting from the story’s beginning, I decided to write it all out for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can know beyond the shadow of a doubt the reliability of what you were taught.

As we read, meditate, study, and learn from Luke, may our faith be stronger still and our love for the lost be impassioned by the fire of the Holy Spirit living within us.  It’s okay to be one who does not fit where we need not belong.  Belong to Christ.  He is our identity.

Lord,

Thank you for Dr Luke who was inspired by you to bring all the eyewitness stories together that confirm your message of salvation for all who believe. Thank you for saving my soul and making me whole. Thank you for leading me to avoid clubs of religion and instead seek those who would include everyone who needs you with open hearts and open arms. Yes, help us to continually love others like you love us—without conditions.

In Jesus Name, Amen

And were singing… “Oh Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship

Are you hurting and broken within?
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin?
Jesus is calling
Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well?
Jesus is calling

O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today, there’s no reason to wait
Jesus is calling
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes, a new life is born
Jesus is calling

O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide . . .
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

God beckons us to be people who believe in Him so completely that nothing will stand between or get in the way of a growing, intimate relationship with Him.  It isn’t God who puts large stones in our path, it is the enemy who does believe that God is real but hates all that God is.  It is God’s enemy who places large boulders of resistance, rebellious thoughts, hindrances we think are too great to overcome, assumptions of what is but isn’t, and presumptions of what we think cannot be done.  All these negative, destructive thoughts lead to mistrust, unbelief, doubts, and disobedience.  We lose all hope.  We need help to roll the stone away.

Mark 16, The Message

The Resurrection

^1-3 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could embalm him. Very early on Sunday morning, as the sun rose, they went to the tomb. They worried out loud to each other, “Who will roll back the stone from the tomb for us?”

^4-5 Then they looked up, saw that it had been rolled back—it was a huge stone—and walked right in. They saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed all in white. They were completely taken aback, astonished.

^6-7 He said, “Don’t be afraid. I know you’re looking for Jesus the Nazarene, the One they nailed on the cross. He’s been raised up; he’s here no longer. You can see for yourselves that the place is empty. Now—on your way. Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.”

⁸ They got out as fast as they could, beside themselves, their heads swimming. Stunned, they said nothing to anyone.

^9-11 [After rising from the dead, Jesus appeared early on Sunday morning to Mary Magdalene, whom he had delivered from seven demons. She went to his former companions, now weeping and carrying on, and told them. When they heard her report that she had seen him alive and well, they didn’t believe her.

^12-13 Later he appeared, but in a different form, to two of them out walking in the countryside. They went back and told the rest, but they weren’t believed either.

^14-16 Still later, as the Eleven were eating supper, he appeared and took them to task most severely for their stubborn unbelief, refusing to believe those who had seen him raised up. Then he said, “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all. Whoever believes and is baptized is saved; whoever refuses to believe is damned.

^17-18 “These are some of the signs that will accompany believers: They will throw out demons in my name, they will speak in new tongues, they will take snakes in their hands, they will drink poison and not be hurt, they will lay hands on the sick and make them well.”

^19-20 Then the Master Jesus, after briefing them, was taken up to heaven, and he sat down beside God in the place of honor. And the disciples went everywhere preaching, the Master working right with them, validating the Message with indisputable evidence.]

Note: Mark 16:9-20 [the portion in brackets] is not found in the earliest handwritten copies.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Jesus was crucified, and his body buried. His followers were dismayed because he did not create a kingdom on earth. Because he died so close to the Sabbath (a day on which Israelites could do no work), his body was not completely prepared for burial. Once the Sabbath was over, the women planned to care for the body of Jesus.  These are the same women who stayed throughout the horrific suffering of their Lord and then watched as His body was taken down from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea who treated Jesus’ body with dignity and respect by purchasing a linen cloth to cover Him.  

It is on this third day that the women set out, intending to put sweet-smelling spices on His body.  The only thing deterring them on the way was the thought of the huge stone that they had earlier watched strong soldiers roll in front of the tomb to “seal it.”  But what I notice in this passage is they kept walking toward the tomb anyway!

How many times do we set out to do good because of the deep love we have for God who leads us?  But then worry sets in.  We express out loud to those in the work with us.  “Wait a second, how are we…”  Some of us stop the work and think of all the ways it cannot be done. Some of us stop and stew in worry.  Some of us just stop altogether and gaze at the stone we think is there stopping us.  And then, praise God, some of us keep walking toward God’s will, keep working by God’s leading, and keep obeying and trusting that God will provide.

Suddenly, we look up to see that the stone has already been taken care of and is no longer a problem!  How does that happen?  Jesus, Son of God!  It’s all about Jesus, not about the stone that gets in the way!  In Jesus Name, by His power working in us, the same power that brought Him from death to life eternal, yes, that same resurrection power is available to us to overcome any obstacle that might block our view of Him!!

Who will roll the stone away for us?  Jesus!  Hallelujah!

Jesus was not simply a man who led a good life and died. He rose from the dead. Death cannot hold Him or his followers. God conquered death and gave us hope.

Because the women kept walking toward the tomb, Jesus blessed them with an even greater assignment than throwing spices on the dead.  God’s angel was sent to give these women this magnificent, Good News to pass on to others—“Tell his disciples and Peter that he is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You’ll see him there, exactly as he said.”  Yes, the women learn that there is nothing to see here, no embalming with spices to do here, for Jesus is NOT dead—He has risen!  The stone you worried about out loud to each other, ladies, is no longer a problem.  So, “on your way, go and tell.”

“And Peter.”  Why specifically Peter?  Peter was designated early on as the “the rock” upon which Jesus would build His church (believers then and now!).  Matthew 16 records it and it is important right now for us to recall the conversation.  Peter answered correctly when Jesus asked His disciples, “But, who do YOU think I am?”  Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  Peter then is given an assignment from Jesus that will be done after Jesus completes His mission on earth and ascends back to heaven.  “Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”  Simon, AKA Peter, the Rock!

However, it is this same Peter who denied Jesus in the courtyard earlier, as predicted by Jesus, and is now grieving over it.  The “Rock” has been waylaid by a stones of fear, remorse and regret.  Peter, full of love for His Master, needs to be told that Jesus is alive and wants to see him!  Peter will experience forgiveness that is complete because of the once and for all sacrifice of Jesus for him—and for all who believe and call on His Name!  

We read in Acts that it is this same Peter, full of God’s Holy Spirit, who will stand up in a crowd gathered to now boldly preach Truth that will lead to thousands being saved by the forgiveness accepted by Peter himself first.  Here is an excerpt from Acts 2—

“Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  Acts 2:37-28

“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.”  Acts 2:41 Yes! The stones of regret and remorse over the sins of denial, fear, and doubt, were rolled away and removed from Peter.  Jesus’ resurrection power enveloped Peter’s being, inside and out! Because of Peter and the other committed disciples, the Good News of new life in Jesus was spread around the world!

Our own stones of sin are just as easily rolled out of the way and removed altogether by the forgiveness of Jesus who then develops a Rock Solid faith in us that becomes unshakable and unmovable.  We have full access to the same power that resurrected our Lord!

“Resurrection power has set us free from the bondage of sin and the mistakes we have made in the past. Don’t forget that you are a new creation once you believe that Jesus paid the price for your sin on the cross. You are full of the resurrection power of God!” John 8:36, ESV

Lord,

Thank you for being in all the details of our lives then and now.  You rolled away the heavy stone for the women to reveal the risen Lord—You!  If there are stones that block our view of You or hinder what you have called us to be and do—remove them and toss them away by your power and strength.  Then help us to realize the power of you in us making us even more determined to quickly trust and obey.  Thank you for saving our souls and making us whole.  Thank you for rolling all the stones of my sins so far away I no longer see them.  I only see you.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name

On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand…