RSS

Category Archives: Acts

Acts 2:14-41

21 Aug

14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:

17 ‘In the last days,’ God says,
    ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
    Your young men will see visions,
    and your old men will dream dreams.
18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit
    even on my servants—men and women alike—
    and they will prophesy.
19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below—
    blood and fire and clouds of smoke.
20 The sun will become dark,
    and the moon will turn blood red
    before that great and glorious day of the Lord arrives.
21 But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
    will be saved.’[c]

22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene[d] by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. 25 King David said this about him:

‘I see that the Lord is always with me.
    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
26 No wonder my heart is glad,
    and my tongue shouts his praises!
    My body rests in hope.
27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead[e]
    or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.
28 You have shown me the way of life,
    and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’[f]

29 “Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. 31 David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave.

32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said,

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
    “Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
35 until I humble your enemies,
    making them a footstool under your feet.”’[g]

36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

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

38 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. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[h]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

  1. 2:17-21 Joel 2:28-32.
  2. 2:22 Or Jesus of Nazareth.
  3. 2:27 Greek in Hades; also in 2:31.
  4. 2:25-28 Ps 16:8-11 (Greek version).
  5. 2:34-35 Ps 110:1.
  6. 2:39 Or and to people far in the future, or and to the Gentiles.

Acts 2:14-41

Dear God, I have so many thoughts, but I want to start with quoting Psalm 16:8-11 because that’s why I’m here. I was praying about that psalm yesterday when I realized Peter quoted it as part of this powerful sermon in Jerusalem shortly after Jesus’s ascension. David is worshipping you, his powerful God. And that includes Jesus even if David maybe didn’t completely understand that in the moment. But Peter recalls it. I wonder if, for Peter, it was like when I pray to you and sometimes start quoting a hymn or song I know in the middle of the prayer. Was this a psalm/song he knew from church and the lyrics were buried in him and just came out? It’s kind of fun to think about.

Other thoughts.

  • Peter referred to his time as the last days by linking their present moment to Joel’s prophecy. Why is it that we always think our times are the “last days?” We have such recency bias.
  • Along those lines, Peter refers to the people in their time as a “crooked generation.” Were they really any more crooked that the generations before? Than we are now?
  • The message was simple. This dude was God’s Messiah and you killed him. God visited you and you rejected him. Now believe and follow what he taught. They started with a reverence for you and a knowledge that they needed to submit to you. They just had to be brought the extra step. Our situation is a little different now. I need to help people to see your love for them and the freedom you offer through the extension of mercy to them and them not only receiving that mercy but offering it to others.

Father, I have a relative right now who is struggling. I love that person. Help me to know my role in loving them and reaching out to them. Help me to know how to pray for them. Help me to know how to introduce them to you in a new way. Help me to know how to worship you as well. You are my God. I love you.

I pray all of this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on August 21, 2025 in Acts

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Acts 14:8-20

18 May

8 While they were at Lystra, Paul and Barnabas came upon a man with crippled feet. He had been that way from birth, so he had never walked. He was sitting 9 and listening as Paul preached. Looking straight at him, Paul realized he had faith to be healed. 10 So Paul called to him in a loud voice, “Stand up!” And the man jumped to his feet and started walking.

11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” 12 They decided that Barnabas was the Greek god Zeus and that Paul was Hermes, since he was the chief speaker. 13 Now the temple of Zeus was located just outside the town. So the priest of the temple and the crowd brought bulls and wreaths of flowers to the town gates, and they prepared to offer sacrifices to the apostles.

14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard what was happening, they tore their clothing in dismay and ran out among the people, shouting, 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We are merely human beings—just like you! We have come to bring you the Good News that you should turn from these worthless things and turn to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 16 In the past he permitted all the nations to go their own ways, 17 but he never left them without evidence of himself and his goodness. For instance, he sends you rain and good crops and gives you food and joyful hearts.” 18 But even with these words, Paul and Barnabas could scarcely restrain the people from sacrificing to them.

19 Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. 20 But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

Acts 14:8-20

Dear God, I know I’ve read this story before. So how could I forget it? I guess there’s only so much place for things in my memory, and this one didn’t make the cut. But it is such a wild story! Such a wild story.

But I guess it reminds me of the mob mentality I talked about yesterday. What is it about us that is so susceptible to the group think and peer pressure of others? These people in Lystra have preconceived notions about religion, and when they see a miracle they apply that to the situation as a collective. Not even Paul and Barnabas themselves can disabuse them of their mistake. Then some persuasive men show up and talk the crowd into stoning them. It is reminiscent of Jesus’s triumphal entry on Sunday and crucifixion on Friday.

I guess this is a reminder for me to question everything. Absolutely everything. I know some people I truly respect and love who have a completely different view than me of the current political landscape in the United States. They celebrate what I grieve and they grieve what I celebrate. There are still areas for our Venn Diagrams overlap, but on some really core issues we are miles apart. So who is part of the mob mentality and who isn’t? Or are we all in different mobs, deceived in different ways?

Now that I think about it, the passages in the Gospels that describe passion week and this passage here never say that they crowds at the beginning of the stories contain the same people as the crowds at the end of the stories. Maybe we are all part of a mob and we don’t realize it. Maybe it’s human nature to find comfort in group-think.

Father, open my eyes so I can see this. Open my mind and heart and reveal the lies I believe to me. The main thing I need you to show me is how to love you better and how to love people around me better. If I can stick to those two things then the rest will fall into place. At least, that is what Jesus promised me. All of your other laws fit under those two. So I worship you. You are God. You are my absolute authority. You are my King. Let your Holy Spirit guide me moment to moment today. Show me where I am wrong and make me quick to repent. I offer myself to you. Help me as I teach this morning. Keep me from heresy. Keep me from leading anyone in the wrong direction and away from you. Use me today to lead others at least one step closer to you.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 18, 2025 in Acts

 

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Acts 9:10-16

25 Jan

10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord!” he replied.

11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”

13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.”

15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

Acts 9:10-16

Dear God, I don’t know that I’ve ever spent enough time with Ananias. We started visiting a Baptist church when I was eight years old, and, to my memory, this is the first Sunday school lesson I heard. I could obviously be wrong. That was 46 years ago, and eight-year-olds aren’t known to carry the most accurate memories forward, but I can still picture the little Sunday school book that had each week’s lesson for the quarter, and I have vague recollections of what the pages and illustrations look like. The name Ananias is burned in my brain. Maybe the teacher stressed this point, but for some reason I remember thinking about how scared Ananias must have been.

I don’t know what you are calling me to do at any given moment. I don’t know whom you have for me to encourage, teach, serve, or even protect. But I know there are times when I am afraid of others. I know I don’t like to stick my head up and risk.

Going back to Ananias, he was already risking. In Acts 22, Paul describes him as being a respected Jewish person. So he had already stepped out and risked a lot just by believing in you. But then he was asked to risk imprisonment by offering himself freely to Saul’s presence. Ananias might have even been on someone’s list that would have been given to Saul when he got to town. And he questioned you. He made his fear known to you. In this case, you told him it would be alright. And it was through this plain, good man who was a believer that you helped Saul become Paul, and you made it clear to the Jewish members of The Way that people like me are loved by you as well. You used Ananias to help Paul so Paul could put things in motion to the point where you were able to convince me that you love me as well.

Father, I have no desire to do anything great. Well, that’s not true. There is a carnal part of me that would love to know I have made a real impact for you in the world, leading great numbers of people into deeper discipleship with you. But I also repent of that because it means a certain amount of glory for me, and I know that as soon as I start pursuing the idol of glory I will lose my grip on you, my God. So I ask that you will simply use me today, whether unwittingly or intentionally. Show me what you would have me do. Show me who to love. Show me how to love. And, of course, receive my worship. You are my God. I put my trust in you.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on January 25, 2025 in Acts

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-60

26 Dec

8 Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. 9 But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. 10 None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.

Acts 6:8-10

54 The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”

57 Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.

Acts 7:54-60

Dear God, I want to look at the men from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and Asia this morning. They are basically the ones who started this event. I wonder what was in their hearts while they challenged Stephen. Were they proud? Were they angry? Were they afraid they were wrong and overcompensating? And how much am I like these men? My temptation is to put myself in the Stephen role and people with whom I disagree in the role of these men, but something tells me that if I do that then I am being even more like these men than I already am.

I was telling some family last night that my need to be “right” decreases every year. I have friends who don’t believe. I have family who are hostile towards you. I used to see it as my job to be the one smart enough to convince them. Now, as I go through life, I find that what you really need me to do is love them and then be available to speak truth to them in the opportune moments. But I don’t have to be right. They don’t have to be wrong. And if I am wrong about something…”If.” As if I’m not already wrong about a lot of things. When I am wrong about something, give me ears to hear and eyes to see.

Father, as I go out into the world today, let me be a vessel that carries you with me. As a pastor friend of mine would put it, spill out of my bucket and over into the lives of those I touch. Bring your kingdom and your will being done into this world through me and anyone else you choose. And I pray for friends and family a lot, but I seem to forget the angel component, and I believe the angels are here. I don’t know their roles. I don’t know how much my prayers impact their activities or the power they have, but I pray for the angels that touch my life and the lives of those I love. And I pray that my own heart will not be hardened but open to the truth you have for me.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on December 26, 2024 in Acts

 

Tags: , , , , ,

Hebrews 10:32-36, Jonah 3, Acts 17:22-34

24 Sep

32 Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. 33 Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. 34 You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.

35 So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! 36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

Hebrews 10:32-36

Dear God, I had a thought cross my mind this morning: How do we bring the world to repentance? How do we bring the world, and our country, back to worshipping you with all our hearts, soul, mind and strength, and then loving our neighbors as ourselves? I see two options:

Jonah and Nineveh: When Jonah finally goes to Nineveh in chapter Jonah 3, he walks through the city and preaches that you will destroy the city in 40 days. So, in a way, there is still a threat of destruction here. They are just able to heed the warnings. They are able to come quickly to the end of themselves. It’s quite admirable how quickly the king and the people get there.

Suffering: Right now, I think there are some in the church who are admirably trying to be Jonah to our current society. They are trying to warn of your disappointment, displeasure, and a coming destruction. Some of them are more effective at it than others. Jesus offers a new Gospel than Jonah had to offer Nineveh, so it is not apples to apples. It is important to note that.

That leads me to an interesting question: What would Jonah’s message to Nineveh have been in a time that is after Jesus’s life, death and resurrection? Maybe it’s kind of like Paul preaching to the Greeks in Acts about the Unknown God (Acts 17:22-34). Instead of preaching fear and destruction, Paul preached reconciliation and relationship with you. Fruit of your Spirit growing within us. A changed life.

Father, I really don’t know that there is any turning of our collective hearts towards you at this point without some sort of suffering. And if that is what you have for us, I am okay with that. I’m not afraid of what happens if either Harris or Trump are elected president in November. I am not worried about preserving American Christian power and influence in the world. I am just worried about how you would have me influence the people you have put in my lives today. I am worried about loving you with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I am worried about loving my neighbor as myself. I am worried about teaching people reconciliation to you. I am worried about teaching them about the God they don’t know. I’ve known you for 35 years, and I still have only scratched the surface of who you are. In fact, I don’t even think I’ve scratched the surface. But in this moment, right now, I just want to make my life a living sacrifice to you. All that I am for all that you are. My utmost for your highest.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
1 Comment

Posted by on September 24, 2024 in Acts, Hebrews, Jonah

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3

11 Jun

21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.

22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)

Acts 11:21-26

13 Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Acts 13:1-3

Dear God, I had a couple of thoughts as I read the New Testament reading for the Catholic church this morning. 1.) As Paul and Barnabas taught that first year in Antioch, what was the focus of their messages? What was their priority to teach them first and make sure they understood? 2.) I never noticed that one of these men, Manaen, was a childhood friend of King Herod Antipas. It reminds me of a woman I knew whose brother was friends with Fidel Castro in Cuba growing up, but he later fell out with him as friends after the Cuban Revolution and Castro took over as dictator. I wonder what it was like for Manaen to know Herod so well and yet not know him now.

But going back to the first part of my musings, what would Paul’s and Barnabas’s priorities have been to get across to the people in Antioch that first year? What would be my priorities if it were me outlining a first year plan?

  • How to nurture a relationship with God.
  • How to pray.
  • How Jesus taught us a whole new way of seeing life.
    • Love your enemies.
    • Love your neighbor as yourself.
    • Forgive all.
    • Love the poor and help them.
  • Avoid sexual immorality (in every list of sins Paul gives in his epistles, it always seems like sexual immorality is the lead-off hitter).
  • Avoid all of the other sinful behaviors that most already knew they should avoid but didn’t.

I’m probably missing a ton of things, but I think that is a pretty good list. It seems like when he gets frustrated with the different churches in his epistles these are usually the areas he focuses on.

Father, let me start by saying I am sorry for my sin. I want to be wholly and “holy” yours. I am sorry for the times when I take over, indulge my insecurities and selfishness and hurt you and others (not to mention myself). I am sorry for the things I do to come between you and me and me and others. I don’t want anything to get in the way of me living out the two great commandments. And I worship you, God of the universe. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are unbelievable. You are amazing. You are beyond words. You are my only hope. I pray that you will do your will on earth through me and through your church. But I know you are not limited to that. I pray that the ungodly will find themselves doing your will as well. I pray that you will hear my prayers for both the needs I have, but also the wants I have for friends who are sick or facing other challenges. Please have mercy and let it be in your will to heal the people who are on my heart right now. Strengthen their caregivers. Guide all of us closer to knowing you and your heart. Forgive me of my sin. I am sorry. Help me to forgive others. Reveal my unforgiveness to me and show me how to address it and let it go. Show me the paths around temptation and give me the courage to take them. This is everything from hate, to lust, to gossip. Make me a source of light in this world.

I pray all of this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on June 11, 2024 in Acts

 

Acts 2:1-11

19 May

2 On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.

5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.

7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!”

Acts 2:1-11

Dear God, I think what strikes me about this story this morning is that when we least expect, you show up. The believers in Jerusalem, who were just about exclusively Jewish at the time, were waiting. The didn’t know what was next. They had no idea what you were about to unleash on the world—your presence manifest within us through your Holy Spirit! It was bigger than what happened that day in Jerusalem, in that room. It was bigger than what happened outside when Peter preached and thousands believed. The idea that your Holy Spirit would come to us to be a counselor, comforter, teacher, encourager, etc. was paradigm-shifting, and it is something that I now both take for granted and don’t fully utilize or understand the power of.

One of the challenges in our modern Christian life is to really sink into the idea that I do not have to be experiencing a great high at any given moment to be Spirit-filled. For example, my wife and I talked this morning, and she is currently needing some comfort. I prayed for her comfort. I know you are there to comfort her. To the outside, she might not look Spirit-filled, but she is.

Father, help me to simply embrace you today. I spent a good bit of yesterday reading the Nancy French memoir, Ghosted: An American Story, and I got deep into the political part. It left me feeling icky. This whole political environment right now leaves me feeling, well, icky. But politics is not my God. You are my God. I worship you. I thank you for loving me. Please guide me today. Show me how to love my wife. Show me how to love my children. My parents. My siblings and nieces and nephews. My friends. Love through me, and help me to feel your Holy Spirit living within me. And help me to understand fully what that means.

I pray this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 19, 2024 in Acts

 

Acts 23:1-5

16 May

23 Gazing intently at the high council, Paul began: “Brothers, I have always lived before God with a clear conscience!”

2 Instantly Ananias the high priest commanded those close to Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3 But Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you corrupt hypocrite! What kind of judge are you to break the law yourself by ordering me struck like that?”

4 Those standing near Paul said to him, “Do you dare to insult God’s high priest?”

5 “I’m sorry, brothers. I didn’t realize he was the high priest,” Paul replied, “for the Scriptures say, ‘You must not speak evil of any of your rulers.’”

Acts 23:1-5

Dear God, I guess it is time for me to do a little repenting. At least, according to what Paul indicated here. There are only a handful of times I can remember Paul apologizing for something, but this is one of them. And apparently Paul felt very strongly about not speaking evil of any of your rulers. His actions here supports what he says in Romans 13:1-5. I don’t think there is any American who has not broken this…what do I call it? Rule?…this rule over the last 10 years. No matter which end of the political spectrum you’re on, including dead in the middle, I would venture to say that all of us have done it. I certainly have.

Interestingly, I don’t really have a hard time with this concept in my immediate life. Well, no, I can’t even say that. As I sit here this morning, I can think of a few people to whom I owe more respect than I’ve probably given them.

Father, yes, this is something I really need to repent to you about and also do better. Much, much better. Whether it is politicians at a national, state, or even local level, or anyone else who has some amount of authority over me or my community, or even people without authority but are simply your loved children, I need to be better about how I speak about people. Including those who are actively opposed to things I am doing or to whom I am actively opposed. I need to do better. I need to see them with your eyes. I need to pray for them. I need to find your role for me in the midst of what they are doing. I need to walk with you in ever way, including this one. I am sorry for my carelessness in this area. I truly am.

I pray this to you in the grace offered me through Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 16, 2024 in Acts

 

Acts 1:15-26

14 May

15 During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. 16 “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. 17 Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.”

18 (Judas had bought a field with the money he received for his treachery. Falling headfirst there, his body split open, spilling out all his intestines. 19 The news of his death spread to all the people of Jerusalem, and they gave the place the Aramaic name Akeldama, which means “Field of Blood.”)

20 Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’

21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus— 22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they all prayed, “O Lord, you know every heart. Show us which of these men you have chosen 25 as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven.

Acts 1:15-26

Dear God, I noticed that, in the Catholic church, it is the feast day for Matthias. I really wish we knew more about him or how the rest of his life turned out. All I can find is that he preached the Gospel and was crucified. So he is to be respected. He is certainly to be respected.

My issue with this story is that I still think Peter was forcing something that didn’t need to be forced. He was tired of waiting for what was next so, in my opinion, he decided for himself what was next: Let’s replace Judas.

To set the stage, they had returned from the ascension, during which time we have no one recording Jesus telling them to replace Judas. And Jesus obviously didn’t do it while he was with them for the 40 days. But now they were sitting around the house waiting, and, again, this is what I think, Peter got restless and wanted to take some action. And after the lot fell on Matthias, I don’t know what happened. I don’t know if they gave him some sort of oath. Did they give him a special vote among the other 11? Did they lay their hands on him and pray over him? I know he was there later when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. But what else happened that changed anything for Matthias or for the 12?

Oh, how there is a lesson here for me. Don’t get restless. Don’t force things. Don’t get impatient with your timing. None of them knew that the one of the guys all of them were afraid of, Saul of Tarsus, would really (in my opinion) be Judas’s replacement, as literally selected by Jesus. How could they? He wanted to imprison and kill them. How could they possibly have known?

And there is so, so much that I do not know. Even today. I am coming to the end of what I call “fundraising season” at work. Every day, I have had fundraising things to work on. It’s normally been a good time of year for me to take a vacation. And as I go to work today, will I look for things to do, or will I wait on you, pray that you guide me, and just worship you through my being and take you everywhere I go?

Father, I want to be your…well, I just want to be yours. I want to lead with worship of you. I want to move through my day as someone who is completely submitted to you. I want to love others. I want to offer them your true Gospel: the reconciliation between you and us through Jesus. I want to be a source of helping people heal. I want to know what is possible in the world that I cannot see. Well, that isn’t true. I’m okay with not knowing that the Sauls of the world can become Pauls. But I do want to be open to what is possible. I want to be open to praying for angels to watch over people. I want to be open to the idea of praying for radical healings. I want to be open to whatever path you have for me to walk. All for your glory, oh Lord. All for your glory.

I offer this to you in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 14, 2024 in Acts

 

Tags:

The Way —-> Christians

11 May

Dear God, I just finished working on the Sunday school lesson I’m teaching tomorrow on Acts 10:1-11:26. It is so interesting to see the whole thing from a macro level. The realization I kind of came to at the end was that you used a faithful Roman officer to set the stage for The Way for Jews to transform into Christians for us all. No one knew it at the time. Cornelius didn’t know it. Peter didn’t know it. the apostles back in Jerusalem who were agitated about what they heard about it didn’t know it. The Jewish people who went with Peter to Cornelius’s home didn’t know it. The people Cornelius gathered in his home to hear Peter’s words didn’t know it. The Roman soldier who accompanied Cornelius’s two servants to retrieve Peter didn’t know it. There are so many characters in this story and not one of them knew what you were doing on a larger scale. They were just in the moment and prayerfully making their way through each one as best as they could.

I’ll point out another thing. While it doesn’t say Cornelius was praying at the time of his angel visit, it does make a point to say that he “prayed to God always. And Peter had his vision from you, Holy Spirit, while he was intentionally praying. things just don’t happen unless we spend focused time with you. I don’t know if these prayer journals are giving me the pinnacle of what prayer time can be, but I am grateful for them for helping me to spend time with you in conversation and to learn from you. And sometimes I am wrong. Like Peter responding the Holy Spirit, sometimes my first response is, “No, Lord.” But you slowly burn off the chaff little by little so that I can become who you have for me to be.

Father, keep me in the moment. I don’t need to know what you are doing? Frankly, there is no way I can know. And I don’t really want to know. But I know I love you. I know I want to know you and your will for me. Your call on me. So help me to do that. Help me to do it in love. Help me to be exactly who you need me to be. And help me tomorrow as I visit with this Sunday school class and teach the lesson I believe your Holy Spirit has given me to teach. Prepare the way. Prepare hearts. Help me to know what to say and what not to say.

I pray all of this in Jesus and with your Holy Spirit,

Amen

 
Leave a comment

Posted by on May 11, 2024 in Acts, Cornelius

 

Tags: ,

← Older posts