What Will We Say?

Scripture – Acts 4:23-26: ²³On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. ²⁴When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? ²⁶The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.‘

Reflection: – So Peter and John had been warned not to “speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 4:18) They went back to their faith community and shared that with them.

I imagine people laughing when they heard that. I can hear Peter and John speaking in sarcastic tones as they relayed the message.

The might as well have been ordered not to breathe. How could they avoid speaking about Jesus? He was in them. And they were fully committed to taking their direction from Him.

I feel pressure from time to time to modify my message so it won’t be offensive to people. And frankly, there are times I give in to that pressure because I don’t want people to be upset with me. For that, I’m sorry. Lord, please forgive me and give me the courage to simply tell your truth as you direct.

What impacts your words about Jesus? How do you deal with the pressure to change your message?

The Power of Ordinary People

Scripture – Acts 4:13-16: ¹³When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. ¹⁴But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. ¹⁶“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it.

Reflection: – Sometimes the evidence standing right in front of me contradicts what I want to believe. The Jewish leaders wanted to charge Peter and John with some kind of crime or offense. But they were confounded.

They could see in these two men signs of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Because they had been with Jesus, these two “unschooled, ordinary men” were doing extraordinary things. And as further proof of that, the man who had been healed was standing there, too.

So, like all good religious organizations, they decided to have a meeting. The main item on the agenda was, “What are we going to do with these men?”

The world has not answered that yet. The power of a changed life continues to confound critics of the church and the gospel. We preachers sometimes get in the way of that. It’s the “ordinary” people of the church who demonstrate Christ’s power most effectively by living out the new creation He brings. That’s where the gospel is most effectively preached – in their lives and in their world.

How has Christ changed you? What extraordinary things has He enabled you to do – things you could never have done without Him?

Reading for Sunday, June 29

Scripture – Acts 4:17-22: ¹⁷But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.” ¹⁸Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. ²⁰For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” ²¹After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. ²²For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Troublesome Truth

Scripture – Acts 4:8-12: ⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, ¹⁰then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ ¹²Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Reflection: – Once again, Peter is ready and empowered to speak. His message is one he knows these “rulers and elders” will not like. The man was healed “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” – crucified by them, but raised by God. And it is through Him alone that people are saved.

That message is still unpopular today. The common view of our North American culture is that all religions are equal. People are free to believe whatever they want as long as they don’t hurt other people.

I meet people all the time who have worked out some sort of spiritual understanding for themselves. They’ve taken a little from here , a little from there, thrown in a little from Oprah and called it a religious viewpoint that works for them. Generally, it’s a spiritual perspective that doesn’t interfere with their personal lives. As I trust Jesus Christ more and more, I find He does interfere with my personal life. And I’m far better for that.

What do you believe? What informs your belief and faith?

Ready for Honest Answers

Scripture – Acts 4:5-7: ⁵The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁶Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest’s family. ⁷They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Reflection: – These folks did not know what they were asking. We’ve seen so far in this book of Acts that Peter and John don’t need much of an opening to preach. And here, the door has been opened as wide as could be.

Sometimes I tell people, “Don’t ask me questions you don’t want me to answer.” I can imagine these two apostles exchanging glances and gearing up for an answer. I’m sure “power” will be demonstrated and the “name” will be proclaimed.

At the same time, I must admit, I often find myself sitting with these “rulers, elders and teachers of the law.” In this present day, as new forms of church and ministry keep emerging, I often ask the same basic question. By the grace of God, may I be ready to hear an honest answer and ready to accept new embodiments of the old gospel truths.

What questions do you have for churches and Christian groups today? How open are you to hearing their answers?

The Intimidation Factor

Scripture – Acts 4:1-4: ¹The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. ²They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. ³They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. ⁴But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

Reflection: – Sometimes I let myself be intimidated by other people. For various reasons I begin concerning myself with what they may think or what they might do. Often, without even thinking about it, I begin adjusting what I’m doing because of that.

Peter and John were doing their thing when the Jewish leaders came up to them – with an armed guard, no less. That didn’t seem to affect their behavior. As a result, the two apostles ended up in jail.

At the same time, many people believed the message Peter and John had put out. The Christian community continued to grow.

Fear does not have to control my behavior. The power of intimidation is based on fear doing just that. In Christ I have the power to act in spite of fear – to act in confidence inspired by truth. Today, I’ll keep that in mind? I’ll push through at least once when I feel that intimidation factor at work.

When do you feel intimidated? What will help you stand against that and keep you moving in the right direction?

Our Shared Faith Journey

Scripture – Acts 3:22-26: ²²For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ²³Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.^{’ 24}“Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. ²⁵And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’ ²⁶When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Reflection: – The Christian experience is often referred to as a journey. It’s an apt description. As I look back on my life, it has been a most intriguing journey – one that began well before I accepted Christ personally and consciously.

It began with my parents. Their quiet witness and faithful lifestyle was something I didn’t appreciate for many years. My church and Sunday school teachers, my Youth Group, my Christian camping experiences – all of these were part of God’s shaping influence in my life. When I finally opened myself intentionally to embrace Christ and His promise of eternal life, all kinds of people were behind me in that decision. All were part of my personal journey.

In this passage, Peter mentions Abraham, Moses and Samuel – people who share in our collective faith journey. We add, of course, Peter, John, Paul and scores of others. Then we each add our own personal people who make our collective journey our own.

Who are some to the people on your list? Whose list might you be on?

A Refreshing Turn

Scripture – Acts 3:17-21: ¹⁷“Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. ¹⁹Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. ²¹He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Reflection: – Once again (together with yesterday’s reading) the basic preaching of the early church is reiterated: Jesus Christ lived, died, was raised and is coming again. Peter was ready with this message whenever the opportunity to share it came up.

I like the phrasing of vs. 19. There’s the call to repent. “Repent” means most simply “turn around.” Stop moving or looking away from Christ and turn toward Him. As a result of doing that our sins are “wiped out.” God’s forgiveness is such a wonderful, grace-full gift.

Also, as I turn, a time of “refreshing” comes from Him. It’s like new life is breathed into me. A new beginning is before me. I am made fresh again. I can’t count how many times I’ve experienced this.

How would you describe it? How have you experienced repentance? How has God’s refreshing spirit affected you?

Giving What I Have

Scripture – Acts 3:6-10: ⁶Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Reflection: – What a story! I’m struck by the instant affect on the man. Sometimes God does that. One moment I’m crippled by something, the next I’m whole.

The man’s response is pretty neat, too. He followed them into the temple. In his walking and jumping he demonstrated the change that had come to him “in the name of Jesus Christ.” And he made sure God got the praise and credit for what happened.

A deeper lesson for me personally is at the beginning of today’s story. Peter said simply, “What I have I give you.” Sometimes I focus on what I don’t have to give and I end up doing nothing to help. Often it’s easier to write a check than to take someone by the hand. As I encounter people today, I’ll ask myself, “What do I have to give?”

What about you? What can you give? What will you give?

Reading for Sunday, June 22

Scripture – Acts 3:11-16: ¹¹While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹²When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

An Engaging Moment

Scripture – Acts 3:1-5: ¹One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ²Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Reflection: – What was it like for this man? He was “crippled form birth.” We don’t know exactly what that meant. We can surmise he grew up always being dependent on others to move him from place to place. It must have been a tough childhood.

Here he “was being carried” by someone. I wonder who that was. Were they family members? Friends? Had the man worked out a deal to split what he gained from begging? Were they using him as a source of income? We can only see he was put in a prime spot “every day” to beg from religious and hopefully sympathetic people.

On this day, Peter and John came by. The stopped and “looked straight at the him.” There are a lot of people I don’t look at at all. I certainly don’t engage them in conversation. Here, Peter and John intentionally look at him, and Peter calls him to “look at us.” So the man looked with expectation.

How many people do you not see in a day? What would happen if you stopped to engage one of them in conversation? What do you have to offer them?

Christian Community

Scripture – Acts 2:42-47: ⁴²They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. ⁴⁴All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. ⁴⁶Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Reflection: – There is great confidence found in trusting Christ to be in charge. I don’t have to figure things out. I just have to be sensitive to His direction, trusting He already has things figured out.

As the story in Acts continues, there’s no sense of panic or confusion after these thousands of new people joined the Christian community. An order, of sorts, was put into practice rather quickly it seems.

The people devoted themselves to “the apostle’s teaching.” That was the closest they had to a New Testament. The apostle’s teaching had the authority we give scripture today. That’s why we devote ourselves to daily Bible reading and reflection. That’s where I usually encounter God’s word and direction for my life. It feeds me in ways beyond description.

They also devoted themselves “to the fellowship” – eating together, sharing their stuff together, praying together. There is no substitute for Christian community. That’s part of the nature of the church. That can be one of the great strengths of smaller churches. In light of their devotion, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

How have you experienced the confidence found in trusting Christ to be in charge? Who makes up your Christian community? How does that community impact your daily life?

What a Day It Was!

Scripture – Acts 2:37-41: ³⁷When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ³⁸Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Reflection: – This is an amazing phenomenon. Peter preached the simple, but powerful, words of the gospel. The Holy Spirit reached out and touched the people in their heart of hearts. As a result, “about three thousand were added to their number that day.”

Remember, there were only about 120 or so disciples in the original group. All at once thousands more were added. In our church, if we were to add ten people at one time, that would be hard to adjust to.

What must it have been like in Jerusalem that day? How would they deal with this wonderful, yet overwhelming change? How would you?

Three Powerful Words

Scripture – Acts 2:34-36: ³⁴For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand ³⁵until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ ³⁶“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Reflection: – Here’s our basic proclamation again: Jesus Christ is Lord. There’s something about those three words as they’re put together that makes them our source of power.

Jesus – God became a human being. He lived on this earth as a fully human person. He knows our experience of life.

Christ – Even as He was fully human, He was and is fully divine. This is a mystery we cannot figure out. It’s a reality that gives Him the unique ability to be our Savior.

Lord – He is the guiding, directing force in life we can trust. He will always lead us in ways that are good. He always has our best in mind. There are so many other influences trying to shape me and control me. As I keep focused on Jesus Christ as Lord, I live with clarity and fullness.

What do these three words mean to you? How would you describe them? Where do you find your primary direction in life?

Witnesses

Scripture – Acts 2:29-33: ²⁹“Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. ³⁰But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. ³¹Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. ³²God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. ³³Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Reflection: – Back in chapter one of Acts, Jesus told the disciples they would be His witness – beginning in Jerusalem (1:8). Here we see that at work.

One of our key beliefs is that “God has raised Jesus to life.” The disciples were all witnesses to that. They had physically seen Him before and after the cross.

A witness simply tells what he or she knows. I can tell my story with much greater veracity than I can tell yours.

Jesus calls us to be witnesses for Him. We’re not witnesses for our church, ourselves or anyone else. The members of our early church did not promote or “market” themselves. Their message and witness was about Jesus Christ who lived, died and was raised.

What kind of witness are you? What story do you have tell?

Our Basic Belief

Scripture – Acts 2:22-24: ²²“Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. ²³This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. ²⁴But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

Reflection: – Here’s the basic gospel again. As Peter addresses this international group of Jews, he points out that Jesus was a man. He was killed – dying on the cross. God raised Him from the dead.

There is a basic step of faith we are called to take – to believe what, by all earthly logic, is unbelievable. God came to earth in the person of Jesus. He didn’t leave His divine nature behind. It came with Him at the same time that He assumed His fully human nature. He lived life on this earth as a man. He was killed on the cross. He was dead in every way we understand that term. Then, God raised Him to life and re-established Him as Lord of all.

That’s our basic confession: Jesus Christ is Lord. Our hope of eternal life is found in Him – in His life, death and resurrection. That’s the message Peter preached. It’s our message still today.

What do you find hard to accept in Christian belief? What difference would it make if you just lived as though that belief were true?

Reading for Sunday, June 15, 2008

Scripture – Acts 2:25-28: ²⁵David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. ²⁶Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, ²⁷because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. ²⁸You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

Beginning a New Day

Scripture – Acts 2:14-21: ¹⁴Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. ¹⁵These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! ¹⁶No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ¹⁷“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. ¹⁸Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. ¹⁹I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. ²⁰The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. ²¹And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Reflection: – All at once a ready-made audience is assembled to hear as Peter steps up to preach. He begins with this quote from the Old Testament prophet Joel. Three things pop out to me.

First, the gift of God’s Spirit is for men and women. This signals right off the bat something new has begun.

Second, while everyone has different roles in this new day, all are looking ahead. Younger people will have the visions. Older people will be open to new dreams and ideas. In my mind, I see the wisdom and maturity of the old working together with the energy and enthusiasm of the young.

Third, “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” It will take the church a few more years to fully figure that out. But God’s invitation to eternal life is for everyone!

What do you see in this passage? What vision is God stirring in you?

A New Language

Scripture – Acts 2:7-13: ⁷Utterly amazed, they asked: “Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? ⁸Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? ⁹Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome ¹¹(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” ¹²Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” ¹³Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Reflection: – It’s very hard for me to imagine what this would have been like. I’ve never been in a setting where English wasn’t spoken or where it would be surprising to hear it.

Jerusalem, however, was a cosmopolitan city. For this festival of Pentecost Jews had come from all over the known world. The power of the Holy Spirit had enabled members of the church to speak in different languages. So people were “utterly amazed” to hear their own language. They gathered around to see what was going on.]

There are a lot of languages today I don’t’ understand or speak (texting, for example). At the same time, I’ve found the Spirit still enables me to communicate at some level. In fact, I’ve learned to think of the Spirit as sort of an underground communication link among believers. There are many ways He connects us to one another – often before we even realize it. Many times, for instance, I’ve found myself thinking about someone and then they call.

How has the Spirit enabled you to communicate? What things have you just thought of as coincidences? How might the Spirit be involved in that?

A Surprising Change

Scripture – Acts 2:1-6: ¹When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ²Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. ⁴All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. ⁵Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. ⁶When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

Reflection: – At last, the gift Jesus told them to wait for came. The power He promised now was in them. I wonder if it was anything like they expected.

There are some key dynamics I see here. First, “they were all together in one place.” Jesus told them to wait, and so they did – together! There are things that happen when the wider Christian community is together that are different than when we’re separated. Sometimes God breaks into corporate worship with a power that’s greater than anything I receive in times of individual devotion and worship.

The second thing I notice is they kept themselves ready. They were listening. All at once they heard “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind.” Then saw something – “What seemed to be tongues of fire.”

Then “all of them were filled with the Holy Spirit.” They began speaking different languages. People around them heard this and came together to see what was going on. All at once this Christian adventure took on a whole new shape. What would happen from here on out?

When you come to a time of worship, what are you ready for? What do you expect? How have you been surprised?

Choosing a Replacement

Scripture – Acts 1:21-26: ²¹Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ²²beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” ²³So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen ²⁵to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Reflection: – This was an interesting process. They decided to fill the spot that Judas used to have – to bring the number of apostles back up to twelve. They developed criteria. They narrowed the field of candidates to two. They prayed for the Lord’s guidance. Then they essentially rolled the dice to determine which of the two to add.

I wonder how all this was for those two men. Matthias was given new responsibilities. For all this time he had watched the others. Now he was brought into that circle of specially chosen ones.

And how was it for Joseph to not be chosen? How did he react? How would I? I can imagine a mixture of disappointment and relief.

When has someone been chosen instead of you? How did you handle it? What do you think Joseph’s relationship with the church was like after this?

What do Do While We Wait?

Scripture – Acts 1:15-20: ¹⁵In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) ¹⁶and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus—¹⁷he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.” ¹⁸(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) ²⁰“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’

Reflection: – As they continued to wait in Jerusalem, we see there were about 120 believers. That’s more than a lot ( probably most) churches have on a Sunday morning. We know there were the eleven disciples specifically chosen by Jesus. There were also some women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus. Aside from them, we have no clue who most of these believers were or where they came from. We know Jesus picked up many followers along the way. How many of them were with this group, we don’t know. (It’s important to note the size of the group because in a few days things will change dramatically.)

We can also see that Peter appears to be assuming leadership of this still relatively disorganized group. He proposed someone needs to fill the place vacated by Judas. In some ways, this looks like a rather mundane business meeting.

Sometimes waiting is boring. Here we see the group doing more than just passing the time. Still it’s not very exciting. What are you waiting for? How are you using the time while you wait?

Time to Stop Staring

Scripture – Acts 1:10-11: ¹⁰They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ¹¹“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Reflection: – One of the things I truly love about this discipline of daily Bible reading and reflection is the surprising way God can speak. I come to each day wondering what I will see. What will God have for me in any particular day?

Sometimes, like today, there doesn’t seem to be much at first. At the same time, I’ve caught myself this week at times just sort of standing and staring – unsure of what to do. You see, I find myself in a situation somewhat similar to these disciples. It’s too personal to go into detail. However, I have the sense of Jesus telling me to wait patiently. He’s taken me to a specific place, and He’ll tell me what to do next. He’s also promised me all the power and wisdom I need for the next steps. So my direction today is to stop staring and start living until those next steps are revealed. That’s what I’ll do.

How does Jesus interact in your life? What are you waiting for? What are you doing while you wait?

Reading for Sunday, June 8, 2008

Scripture – Acts 1:12-14: ¹²Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. ¹³When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. ¹⁴They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Empowerment

Scripture – Acts 1:6-9: ⁶So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ⁹After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

Reflection: – Just like me, the disciples wanted to know more. And Jesus replied to them, “It is not for you to know…” He did, however, give them a couple hints of what to expect. They would receive power and they would be His witnesses.

I often find myself afraid of the power Christ gives. I’m afraid to do some of the things He empowers me to do. I’d rather hide behind my feelings of weakness. So I set limits on myself, and use them to keep myself safe.

Today I’ll stretch a bit. I’ll keep an eye out for the times I begin to retreat behind my self-made wall. When I catch myself, I’ll stay out front and see what happens.

Lord, help me do that. I can’t be your witness if I stay in hiding.

What limits do you have in your life? Which ones are self-imposed? What could you do to step out a bit today?

Just Follow the Directions

Scripture – Acts 1:4-5: ⁴On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. ⁵For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection: – Most often the commands of Jesus are very simple and clear. My problem is they’re usually not complete enough for me. So I find myself over-thinking my response – making things much harder for me (and often for other, as well).

Here, for example, I’d want to know how long we’re supposed to wait. What are we supposed to do while we wait? What exactly are we waiting for? How will it look when it happens? How will we know when it happens? What will we do after it happens?

That’s the way my mind works when all Jesus has said is, ‘Wait here for a few days and you’ll be receiving a gift.’ So, if I’m not careful, I’ll get frustrated, even though I know better. That is, I know Jesus seldom gives complete directions. When I want the whole route mapped out, He’ll say, ‘Go down to the corner.’ I’ve learned that’s all I have to do. When I get to the corner, He’ll tell me which way to turn. So even though I want to know more, I’ll practice doing what He says, as simple or incomplete as it seems.

How about you? What would Jesus have you do right now? What keeps you from doing it?

The Beginning of Our Story

Scripture – Acts 1:1-3: ¹In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach ²until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. ³After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

Reflection: – Acts is a terrific book. It describes what’s often called the birthday of the church. It tells some of the stories of the early church. It shows much of the missionary career of Paul.

So the writer (many think it’s Luke) begins with a brief re-cap of his “former book.” In his opening, he touches on the core message of the church: Jesus Christ lived, died and was raised. As we move through this book, keep track of how often the message is repeated. It’s still the heart of who we are today.

Lord, open me anew to your written word. Speak through this beginning of our story. Thank you for the privilege of being your church in this day.

This Is What Counts

Scripture – Galatians 6:15-18: ¹⁵Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. ¹⁶Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. ¹⁷Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. ¹⁸The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Reflection: – This letter we call Galatians ends with the summary statement of verse 15. After all is said, “what counts is a new creation.” This we have in Christ.

He doesn’t come into our lives to improve us. He comes to change us. He comes to re-form us into a person so different we can only use the term “new creation.”

There’s a house on our block that has gone through so much renovation that it’s become a new house. Some of the old was taken out. A lot of new was added. So it is with us.

Part of the new for us is the new perspective. We’re free from the demands of the law. We no longer live with that burden. Now, in Christ, we are free to be the new creation – an experience of re-creation that is on-going That’s part of the fun of Christ life. Sometimes, yes, it’s painful. More often it’s joyful. For whatever happens, our eternal future is secure through our faith in Christ.

How has Jesus Christ made you a new person? What are the changes He’s brought about in you? How is He still re-creating you?

The Primary Issue

Scripture – Galatians 6:11-14: ¹¹See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand! ¹²Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. ¹⁴May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Reflection: – As we come up toward the end of Paul’s letter, he jots down his closing comments in his own handwriting. Up to now, he’s had someone writing for him as he dictated. This is the beginning of his extended personal signature.

He takes the opportunity to drive home the main thrust of the letter. This whole business of circumcision is just a red herring – something meant to distract us from the real issue. Eternal life is God’s gift to us. It depends not at all on my good works. If I try to earn it or pay for it, I nullify the gift. Christ has done all the work that needs to be done through His cross. My decision is to believe that – to believe in Him.

Who do you trust for eternal life? What makes it so hard for people to receive God’s gift? How can we help them do that?