Readings

Acts 11:1-18

Psalm 148

Revelation 21:1-6

John 13:31-35

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Erin with the blanket her great grandma made her as a child.

The easy thing to do would be to send the surviving bomber of the Boston Marathon to Guantanamo Bay without a trial. Most Americans agree the bombing was an act of terrorism – an attack on Americans’ way of life. Vice President Joe Biden said:

“They do it to instill fear, to have us — in the name of our safety and security — jettison what we value most, and the world most values about us: our open society, our system of justice that guarantees freedom, the access of all Americans to opportunity, the free flow of information and people across this country, our transparency, that’s their target.” (CNN Staff, 2013).

The Tsarnaev brothers made Americans feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods as police, FBI, and more searched their streets and homes for the suspects.

This story in our reading today is found three times in the Book of Acts, but this is the only time Peter tells it himself. Circumcised believers question Peter as to why he eats with uncircumcised men (Acts 11:2-3). By asking this question, the circumcised believers are making a division between the circumcised and the uncircumcised (which was normal before the coming of Jesus). Through the following story, Peter rebukes any “us versus them” division.

Through a dream, Peter gets a message from the Lord to kill and eat unclean meat (Acts 11:7). In his dream, Peter argues with the Lord, because he thinks the Lord is testing his loyalty. Ever since the Lord has given Moses the laws in the wilderness, the Jews have not eaten unclean meat. Peter is convinced the Lord is testing him and refuses to kill and eat the unclean animals.

However, the Lord is not testing Peter; rather, he is showing him something new. The Lord says, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” (Acts 11:9b NRSV). Through Jesus’ crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension, God the Father has made all things clean. Just like us, the unclean animals are made clean. There is no longer a division between clean and unclean, because through Jesus Christ every living thing is made clean.

The easy thing to do is to call the Tsarnaev brothers terrorists and stop there, failing to see how we and they are united by our common sinful natures. We feel the need to separate ourselves from those who harm us, especially those who harm a mass amount of people. We would never harm others, right? Most of us yell, “Yes!” Yet we say things out of anger to hurt the other person’s feelings or shut others out of our lives when we have had enough. We justify our actions by saying we are standing up for our beliefs, ways of life, or [whatever “it” is]. I am sure the surviving Tsarnaev brother would say he and his older brother were standing up for their beliefs or [whatever “it” is].

The Lord calls us to forgive the Tsarnaev brothers. Jesus tells us to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44b). This is when it is difficult to be a Christian. It is easy to forgive a friend or family member, because we know them personally and have a history with them. Even our public enemies in our neighborhoods are easier to forgive than the Tsarnaev brothers, because we have or can have a conversation with these individuals. We can come to some kind of agreement and we have some kind of working relationship with them – as dysfunctional as it may be. Most of us never heard of the Tsarnaev brothers before the Boston Marathon tragedy. The only history we have with the Tsarnaev brothers is when they set off the two bombs – killing three people, causing fourteen people to be amputees, and injuring over one hundred more people. We know them also for their murder of a MIT police officer. How do we possibly forgive the Tsarnaev brothers?

The Lord tells Peter to follow the three men from Caesarea, the capital of Judea, and to not to make a division between him and them (Acts 11:11-12). The three men take Peter to a man’s house where the man explains how an angel told him to send for Peter so that his whole household would be forgiven (Acts 11:13-14). As Peter speaks to the men, the Holy Spirit falls upon them, which reminds Peter how Jesus said John baptized with water but he would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:15-16).

By telling us this story, Peter is rebuking any “us versus them” division. The Lord sends Peter to Caesarea, a Gentile city, to speak the message of forgiveness to a Gentile household. The Gentiles threatened the Jewish way of life, because they did not follow Jewish laws. However, God the Father no longer defines his people by one special group of people who follow the Old Testament commandments. Anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord is given the right of passage into the Kingdom of God. We are all forgiven through Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Now we are called to pass on the forgiveness to others.

The easy thing to do would be to hate the Tsarnaev brothers. The easy thing would be to want the surviving brother to sit in Guantanamo Bay for the rest of his life or to sentence him to death. Most of us feel justified in these thoughts – they killed four people, caused fourteen people to be amputees, and injured over one hundred more people; they took away our sense of safety; they imposed on our celebration. Forgiveness for the Tsarnaev brothers is far from our minds.

Unfortunately, this is not what Jesus calls us to do. Jesus says to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44b). Our enemies include the Tsarnaev brothers who persecuted us for our way of life. The only way I can personally forgive the Tsarnaev brothers is with the knowledge and compassion that they are children of God, just like you and me, and God loves them unconditionally. However, it does not mean we should allow the surviving Tsarnaev brother to live free and go without punishment. Paul writes that God ordains the sword for the government (Romans 13:1-7), which means the government to punish the surviving Tsarnaev brother within their means and within reason. It is important for the State to find the answers to our questions and to deliver a fair and just punishment, which will give us the grace of a trustworthy world. And the cries of the victims will be heard by a loving God.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of forgiveness through Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Help us to forgive the Tsarnaev brothers for attacking our way of life. Remind us the Tsarnaev brothers are your children whom you love unconditionally. Guide the governmental authorities with justice and truth as they move forward in investigation. Lead us to forgive all others who are our enemies by showing them your love and grace. Thank you for welcoming us into your kingdom as your children. Thank you for forgiving us our great sin. Amen.

Works Cited

CNN Staff. (2013, April 25). Latest developments in the Boston bombing investigation. Retrieved April 25, 2013, from CNN U.S.: http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/25/us/massachusetts-boston-bombings-latest-developments/index.html

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How do you rebuke “us versus them” divisions?

2. How do we possibly forgive and love the Tsarnaev brothers?

Readings

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Luke 19:28-40

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Today there is a large commotion in Jerusalem. A man named Jesus is riding on a colt though the Mount of Olives in the mountains. As Jesus goes by on the colt, people are throwing their cloaks down on the road and shouting, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven” (Luke 19:38 NRSV). The people are excited to be welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem.

However, the Pharisees are beside themselves. The people are shouting “Blessed is the king!” and that makes the Pharisees anxious. The religious leaders may have been nervous because of fear from a backlash from Rome. Jesus did claim to be God, particularly in the book of John, as the one who will save us from our sins through forgiveness and grace. No one should be called “king who comes in the name of the Lord.” That is blasphemy. How dare these people claim this man Jesus comes in the name of the Lord!

The Pharisees approach Jesus and demand his disciples to stop the commotion (Luke 19:39:). The people are disturbing the peace with all of their shouting, “Blessed is the king.” The Pharisees must be thinking: “Do his disciples and his followers not know the seriousness of their statement? What are they thinking calling Jesus the king? This man Jesus does not come in the name of the Lord. How dare these people make such a bold blasphemy? What will the Roman government think of this out cry of foolishness?” The Pharisees have religious and political concerns, which cause them to take action.

Jesus answers the Pharisees, “No, and if I did, the stones would shout” (Luke 19:40 NRSV). Somehow, God the Father would find a way for Jesus, the one he has sent, to be worshipped and glorified. It is impossible for Jesus to not be glorified on this day. Jesus is to be glorified, because he is the Son of Man and the Son of God, was sent by the Lord to redeem all the people in the world.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for letting us glorify your son, Jesus, as he enters Jerusalem. Help us to recall the excitement of Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem as we follow him to the cross. Thank you for sending Jesus to the cross so that we might be saved. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How do you celebrate Palm Sunday?

2. Describe the excitement you feel when you worship Jesus.

Readings

Acts 9:36-43

Psalm 23

Revelation 7:9-17

John 10:22-30

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Several times this week I sat on my couch with my pups and my baby blanket wondering where to find light in the midst of much darkness. This week has been one long /emotional rollercoaster for our nation and the world. The week started with the joyous celebration of Patriot’s Day with the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 15, 2013 – a date now forever engraved in our minds. Two young men changed the joyous celebration into fear and trauma. The nation spent the week on edge as police and FBI agents came together to find the two terrorists. By Friday, Boston and surrounding areas were on lockdown as the police, FBI, and more went into homes and searched for the second suspect after a bloody battle late Thursday night took the life of the first suspect. Friday evening, the second suspect was captured and taken into custody. A joyous celebration followed in Boston and on social networks. Yet for the injured, maimed and grieving, the nightmare is still not over. Families sit awaiting news of their loved ones who were injured in the week’s events and plan funerals for those who were lost.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 is another date engraved into our minds this week as a fertilizer plant exploded, destroying a whole town and neighborhood. Fourteen people were killed in the explosion while several others are injured. Some of the first responders were among the causalities.

Nothing about this week has been light-hearted. Even the history books cast a dark shadow on the dates of this past week. On April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was killed. On April 19, 1995, the Oklahoma City bomb exploded. On April 20, 1999, two teenagers killed thirteen people at Columbine High School. I remember having drills in school following this event just in case it happened at our school. And if that is not enough to put a pit in your stomach, April 20 is Hitler’s birthday. These kinds of events inspire fear and hopelessness in our hearts.

Erin with the blanket her great grandma made her.

It is on weeks like this when I dig into my memory boxes from my childhood and take out the two blankets my great grandmother made me. The blankets were made by hand in her home – a single room schoolhouse with no running water. The first blanket was my baby blanket made from patch squares. My great grandma made one pink and white flower blanket to match my “big girl bedroom” when I was a child. You cannot buy blankets like my great grandma created with her fragile arthritic hands. The pink blanket my great grandma made me sits on lap as I write this devotion. The world seems darker after the Boston Marathon tragedy and the Texas explosion, but the blanket gives me hope for tomorrow. Born in 1900, my great grandma lived through the Great Depression, both World Wars, and the Cold War, and she still had hope in the future as long as she had her shot of whiskey in her coffee each morning! Hope is stitched into the blankets she made; through them, she ensured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would always keep warm.

In our first reading, Peter gets news that a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ has died and is asked to come visit her friends and family in Joppa. Tabitha is a woman beloved by her community where she did many works of charity such as helping widows and mothers by making them tunics and clothing (Acts 9:36). She was the Mother Teresa of the first century, caring for those that needed extra care and love. By her good works, Tabitha gained the trust of those in her community as a beloved disciple of Jesus Christ. She also brought different cultures together because she was a Greek who came to believe in the Jewish Messiah, Jesus. She lived out the true meaning of discipleship by sharing Jesus’ love with others.

Her friends and family are gathered in her home, recalling memories of Tabitha. Some of her friends probably do not know what they will do without her, because Tabitha did so much for them. Others are hoping to continue to share her handmade tunics and clothing with others and to help those in need. It is a time of grieving as they call on Peter to visit.

Peter has brought back people who were dead before. Jesus was raised from the dead and walked on earth before he ascended into heaven. It was well known that Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave. Tabitha’s friends and family have hope that she will be given new life through Jesus Christ.

In the days that follow the Boston Marathon tragedy and the Texas explosion, it is this hope that keeps me going – death is another chapter in one’s life. Hope carries us beyond the grave and into eternal life. Psalm 23:4 says:

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil;

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff—

they comfort me (NRSV).

Jesus Christ brings this light into the darkness to give us hope and to lead us into eternal life. In the darkness, angels continue to whisper, “Do not be afraid. The light is showing you the way home.” It is hard not to be afraid when tragedies occur. Fear is our first instinctive mechanism when tragedies happen, because we want to feel safe. However, the Lord calls us to keep calm and to have hope.

When Peter raises Tabitha to life (Acts 9:40), it is not so much a miracle as it would be today, because it was a common practice – Jesus raised Lazarus and Peter raised others. People come to believe in the Lord (Acts 9:42), because Tabitha being brought back to life changes how the world views death. Before Jesus came into the world, death had the final say. Now people are being raised from the grave. The world is changing right in front of those who watch.

We are given new life through Jesus Christ and his ascension to heaven. Jesus gives us eternal life in his crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension. Tabitha’s friends and family witness new life when Peter brings her back to life; they witness the Lord working through Peter to conquer death. The world no longer has to feel threatened by death, because it is no longer gets the final say. We can hold on to hope that God the Father raised the two runners, the young boy, and the policeman killed on Monday, April 15, 2013 during the explosions in Boston. We can lift up the fourteen people killed on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 in the Texas explosion.

The end of death: this is exciting news for Christians to hear. Satan brought death into the world when he told Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. However, through his crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus conquers death. Where Satan brings darkness, Jesus shines for all to see. This is the good news we, as disciples, are called to share with the world.

Everyone in our family has a blanket handmade by Great Grandma. My mom just had her blankets out and, upon seeing them, I was a little girl again, laid out on a blanket watching my great grandma sew, knit, or crochet all while telling me about God’s love. On days when a tragedy happens, I wrap myself in one of her blankets. Her loving hands were busy creating something for us to treasure. My great grandma lives through her blankets, even today.

Runners have announced their intention to run the Boston Marathon next year to keep the memory of those who died in the bombings alive. Someone placed a jersey on the historical statue at the Boston hockey game with the name of the young boy who died. After the second suspect was captured, people crowded the streets of Boston and surrounding areas and sang the national anthem in memory of those who died in the Revolutionary War and the Boston bombings. God shines his light into the darkness and raises up the innocent, the helpless, the hopeless, and the shameless to new life.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for raising Tabitha up to new life. Help us to share the good news with all those who come into our lives. Remind us the gift of new life starts with Jesus Christ, your Son, and is for all people. Thank you for the gift of new life. Amen.

 Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. Where do you find hope in the darkness? How do you keep calm when tragedies happen?

2. How do you share Jesus’ love with others?

Readings

Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)

Psalm 30

Revelation 5:11-14

John 21:1-19

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Everyone is called by God in some shape or form. You do not have to be a clergyperson / ordained minister to be called by God. A nurse is called by God to tend to the sick; a social worker is called to help people get back on their feet; a police officer is called to keep our neighborhoods safe; a teacher is called to educate others in their field; a parent is called to care for and nurture their children. Everyone has a calling from God to further the good news of Jesus Christ.

As a high school student, I decided I wanted to go to seminary, though at the time I felt called to be a pastor. Somewhere along the way God called me to write as more people, especially former Dean Patricia Lull at Luther Seminary, would nudge me to write. Two years after graduating from Luther Seminary I felt called to write weekly lectionary-based devotions that revolved around the theme of healing. I was scared to begin writing, not knowing who would read the devotions or even what I was getting myself into. The unknown is scary.

In our readings for today, the Lord calls an unlikely individual: Saul who is known to threaten and kill Jesus’ disciples (Acts 9:1). Saul is on way to Damascus to visit the synagogues and find anyone, man or woman, who is a disciple of Jesus. He plans to bring them back to Jerusalem to punish them (Acts 9:2). I think the last person who should be called as a church leader is someone who persecutes Christians. Sometimes I have a difficult time believing the Lord calls me, let alone someone who has killed God’s children. It would be scary to think of the Lord calling Hitler or a serial killer. But God does call and use people who have done terrible things–as he did when he called Saul.

The Lord gets Saul’s attention with a flash of light (Acts 9:3) when he asks, “Why do you persecute me?” Saul is dumbfounded and replies, “Who are you, Lord?” (Acts 9:4-5a). If you have never asked that same question, you may be fooling yourself. I think everyone wonders at some point in their lives who God really is. Maybe your question was, “How are you calling me, Lord?” or “Where are you sending me, Lord? North Dakota? Why not somewhere warmer?” or “What do you want me to do here, Lord?” When the Lord calls you, it is not very simple, because it takes time to fully understand your call.

The Lord answers Saul, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” (Acts 9:5b-6 NRSV). “Just go, Saul, and you will be told what to do.”

“Sure, Lord, could you give me a little more to go on?” A temporarily blinded Saul gets up and is led into Damascus by his two traveling companions (Acts 9:8). Saul is blind, even though for the first time he saw the light and he now believes in Jesus’ glory. He sits in prayer for three days without eating or drinking (Acts 9:9).

The Lord has his work cut out for him by calling Saul, so he calls upon Ananias to show him the way. The Lord says, “Ananias, I need you to go to downtown Damascus and go to Judas’ house where Saul of Tarsus is staying and praying. He had a vision that a man named Ananias would come, lay hands on him, and heal him of his blindness” (Acts 11-12). Ananias takes a minute to collect his thoughts and says, “Do you know who this Saul guy is, Lord? By the authority of the chief priests, he persecutes people who follow you.  Are you sure about this?” (Acts 9:13-14). Even faithful disciples of Jesus question him when they are confused.

However, the Lord is determined for Ananias to heal Saul, because he is going to use Saul to bring the good news to the Gentiles, the kings, and the people of Israel. The Lord tells Ananias that Saul will also suffer in his name (Acts 9:15-16). Maybe it is the fact the Lord says Saul will suffer that helps Ananias decide to do what he is called to do, but he does go to see and heal Saul. Saul is then baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18). Saul spends time with the disciples in Damascus and proclaims Jesus is the Son of God in the synagogues (Acts 9:19-20).

From a persecutor of Jesus’ disciples to being one of his disciples: Saul is transformed into a new person – someone who believes. Sometime during our call process, we have all been transformed into someone new. A light bulb goes on when we begin to understand what we are called to do and that creates excitement within us.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for calling each one of us to spread the good news. Help us to slow down and to listen to how you are calling us to fulfill your plan. Remind us it is not our will but your will. Continue to guide us as we walk in your way. Thank you for having patience with us as we stumble sometimes in our calls. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How is Jesus calling you to spread the good news?

2. Who guided you through the call process?

Readings

Acts 5:27-32

Psalm 118:14-29

Revelation 1:4-8

John 20:19-31

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Sometimes a moment happens that forever changes things for those that come thereafter.

Before 1976, individuals with disabilities were shunned by society. The few individuals with disabilities fought for the American Disability Act to ensure rights for all individuals with all abilities. These individuals changed the way our society viewed disabilities. No longer did the inability to walk or to be fully independent mean the person was not able to think for themselves. Individuals with disabilities were finally viewed as persons.

A few weeks ago I took part in the Clean Air Ride along the biking trail near my home with my step dad, Kim, and my friend, Peggy. When I went up to check-in, the lady asked me how far I was driving my electric wheelchair. Peggy quickly corrected her by saying, “She is biking fourteen miles on her tricycle.” After that, the lady got us the waver to sign and off we went. Without the American Disability Act, I would not be able to be a part of the amazing cycling community.

In our reading today, the Jewish authorities challenge the teachings of the apostles and even imprison them for not stopping healing the sick, preaching Jesus’ words, and casting out unclean spirits. While imprisoned, the apostles are brought before the Jewish council for a trial (Acts 5:27). The high priest scolds, “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you are determined to bring this man’s blood on us.” (Acts 5:28 NRSV). Does the Jewish council feel guilty for having Jesus crucified? What is wrong with teaching in his name.

The conflict between the apostles and the Jewish council is rooted in the apostles’ actions after Jesus’ resurrection. The apostles continue to heal the sick, cast out unclean spirits, and preach the good news. The Jewish council feels threatened by the actions of the apostles, because their message is spreading throughout Judea and Galilee. The good news is something the people are hungry to hear and live out. The Jewish authorities no longer hold the people in fear by requiring them to make sacrifices. God’s message to the world is changing, because it is no longer just for one special group of people but for all people.

The apostles continue to draw attention to Jesus – the man the Jewish authorities had killed. The Jewish authorities are now feeling the negative consequences of having Jesus killed. Drawing attention to Jesus’ love, grace, and forgiveness indirectly places blame on the Jewish authorities. The apostles are challenging the authority of the Jewish council as well as the Roman Empire for killing an innocent man. No one likes to be blamed for something or to be reminded of their past sins. By continuing to heal the sick, cast out unclean spirits, and preach the good news, the apostles are blaming the Jewish authorities for killing Jesus, even if this is not their primary intention.

Peter beautifully rebukes the Jewish authorities in his arguments against their judgments. The apostles answer to a higher power; their first allegiance is to God the Father (Acts 5:29b). No other authority comes before God’s authority. When a human authority contradicts God, the apostles follow God’s authority. Jesus tells the apostles to continue to heal the sick, cast out unclean spirits, and preach the good news just as he did when he was in the world. The apostles do as Jesus instructs them.

Second, Peter points out that, despite the Jewish authorities’ best efforts to put a halt to Jesus and his message, God raised him up (Acts 5:30). Jesus physically overturns death by rising on the third day. Death no longer gets the final say. Jesus’ resurrection confirms his Lordship for the entire world. He who was killed as a criminal is raised up as Lord of all on God’s right hand (Acts 5:31a). The Jewish authorities condemn Jesus as a criminal, but God makes him Lord.

God raises Jesus up in order to give Israel the ability to repent and to receive forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:31b). God does not have Jesus crucified just for the fun of it but to give Israel two gifts: repentance and forgiveness. These gifts challenge the Jewish authorities (…and us), because it is a new way of thinking and being. We no longer have to kill our best calf to show our loyalty to God the Father; all we need to do is repent and ask for forgiveness. We have to let go of everything that keeps us from having a relationship with God the Father – anger, fear, and resentment – and go into the light.

The apostles are witnesses to Jesus’ glory and are empowered to spread the good news with the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32). As witnesses, Jesus calls the apostles to share the good news with all people.

Just as the American Disability Act changed the relationship between individuals with disabilities and individuals without disabilities, so did Jesus’ message to the world. There are no more outsiders, because all are welcomed to be in a relationship with the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for Peter’s wisdom to stand up for your authority and not be pressured to keep quiet. Help us to be like Peter as we go out to spread the good news. Keep us from being trapped by other authorities. Thank you for providing a change in the world by welcoming all of us into your Kingdom. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. How has the world changed in your lifetime?

2. How does the Easter promise change you?

Readings

Acts 10:34-43

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Luke 24:1-12

Devotion

Photo Credit: Amber Sue Photography, www.ambersuephotography.com

Peace be with you!

After the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women go back to the tomb with burial spices they have prepared (Luke 24:1), only to find the stone only from the tomb (Luke 24:2). The women go in the tomb and discover Jesus’ body is missing (Luke 24:3). First, their Lord, who they had followed for three years, was brutally killed and now his body is missing. All of the women saw Joseph of Arimathea place Jesus’ linen-wrapped body wrapped in the tomb two nights ago. Where could it have gone? Who would take it?

Then the women are confused when they suddenly see two angels (Luke 24:4) who frighten them. However, the angels say, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again” (Luke 24:5-7). Jesus told them he would not be there on the third day, and yet the angels needed to remind the women. Then a light bulb goes off in the women’s heads and they remember what Jesus had said (Luke 24:8).

Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women race back to tell the eleven disciples about what the angels told them (Luke 24:9-10). The disciples are mystified by the news and do not believe the women (Luke 24:11). However, Peter runs to the tomb, looks in, and sees the linen cloths laying there (Luke 24:12a). Peter goes home and is amazed (Luke 24:12b).

One difficult part of faith is believing in the impossible. How can a man can rise again after being dead for three days? Like Peter, you want to see it for yourself,. Sure, Jesus said he would rise again, but it is impossible in our minds. How can it be? God the Father creates a way through Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son and our Lord

At Bible camp, “trust falls” are frequently used to illustrate what it means to put your faith in someone. One person falls backward into the arms of another. This is a tough part of faith: falling back and trusting Jesus will catch you. After all, in real life, how many times do we put our trust in someone only to have them to let us fall? We have done it countless times. We just cannot trust Jesus’ words when he says he will rise again and we will rise with him. It sounds like a fairy tale – all of our dreams will come true.

The last difficult part about faith is that we will be criticized for believing in the unseen. We will be asked (as the women asked the angels) how it can be so.

Yet having faith in the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit – gives us such peace. God the Father sent Jesus to die for our sins to give us love, peace, grace, and forgiveness. We cannot earn our way into the Kingdom of God on our own merit. We need Jesus to die on cross, to rise again, and to ascend into heaven to be with God the Father. This is the truly amazing gift of Easter – the life-giving gift that Jesus gave us when he overcame death. He provided us with a way into the Kingdom of God.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for showing us the empty tomb. Help us to grasp the Easter miracle as we go about our day. Remind us that you will catch us when we fall. Thank you for your love, peace, grace, and forgiveness. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. When did you find the empty tomb?

2. What is difficult about faith for you? How does faith give you peace?

Readings

Psalm 31:9-16

Philippians 2:5-11

Luke 23:50-56

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Not all of the Jewish leaders agreed with the majority decision to get rid of him. After Jesus dies yesterday, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council shows his dissent by going  to Pilate and asking for Jesus’ body (Luke 23:50-52). Luke tells us this story because he wants us to fully understand that Jesus is now dead.  Because Joseph cares for Jesus’ body, he is in a position to assess and witness to this fact. Only dead bodies are placed in tombs.

Joseph takes great care with Jesus’ body by taking it down from the cross and wrapping it in linen cloth (Luke 23:53ab). Because the Sabbath is beginning at dusk, Joseph lays the dead Jesus in his own new tomb  (Luke 23:53c-54). Although Joseph is a Jewish authority figure, he gives Jesus a burial of honor after his unjust execution as a criminal.

Joseph does not hide his actions. The Galilean women (probably Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary mother of James as noted in Luke 24:10) follow Joseph to the tomb and see where he lays Jesus’ body (Luke 23:55). The women who cared for Jesus during his ministry follow him to the cross and the grave. Their devotion stands in contrast to the fearful betrayals and denials of some of the disciples.

Since it is the Sabbath, Joseph and the women go home to rest according to the commandment (Luke 23:56c). They are faithfully following the Ten Commandments and honoring their Lord. Their devotion to Jesus never ceases, even in his death. After the Sabbath, the woman will return with prepared spices and ointments to care for Jesus’ body (23:56ab). The women’s love for Jesus goes beyond death and the grave; they will keep his love and ministry alive.

Thanks be to God!

Dear Jesus, Thank you for taking our beating, our cross, our punishment for us. Help us to live a life worthy of your sacrifice. Thank you for the power of your love. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. In our culture today, what rituals are done to prepare a body for burial? How do these compare to those that were used during the time of Jesus?

2. Where are you in the story after Jesus’ death? With Joseph who only finds the courage to break with the Jewish council after Jesus’ death? With the devoted women who do not abandon Jesus in his death and burial? With the disciples who hid out in fear? What happens in your faith life when the going gets tough?

Readings

Psalm 31:9-16

Philippians 2:5-11

Luke 23:26-49

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Pilate hands Jesus over to the Roman soldiers to crucify him (Luke 23:24-25), despite his own belief in Jesus’ innocence. The Roman soldiers lead Jesus to the Place of The Skull (Luke 23:26, 33). Weakened by the floggings, Jesus can barely carry his cross beam, so the soldiers draft Simon of Cyrene to carry it instead (Luke 23:26). A crowd follows Jesus, and the women wail and beat their breasts in sorrow (Luke 23:27).

Image of the crucifixion by Casper David Friedrich

Jesus turns to the women and says, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:28-31 NRSV). Jesus is saying that the Jewish nation along with Jerusalem is going to have difficult times ahead. Family members will fight among themselves in his name. The women are weeping for the wrong reason; Jesus calls them to weep for themselves for the future will bring more trouble.

Jesus, along with two criminals, is led to the Place of The Skull to be crucified. One criminal is crucified on Jesus’ left, and the other one on his right (Luke 23:33). “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing,” Jesus calls out as the soldiers cast lots for his clothing (Luke 23:34). Even as Jesus is dying, he calls for God the Father to forgive the ones who crucified him. Jesus seeks forgiveness for the Jewish authorities, because they do not understand what they are doing, plus this is God’s plan.

The soldiers continue to mock Jesus and they offer him sour wine (Luke 23:36) even as he hangs dying on the cross. They call out, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself” (Luke 23:37 NRSV). The soldiers even hang an inscription over him: “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38 NRSV). The soldiers taunt Jesus; they have finally stopped him. He who saved others cannot save himself.

The two criminals even join in the mocking and wailing:

“One of the criminals who were hanged there kept deriding him and saying, ‘Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed have been condemned justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:39-43).

The first criminal, like the soldiers, mocks Jesus for being the King of the Jews by telling Jesus to save both himself and the criminals. The first criminal sees Jesus as defeated. The second criminal accepts Jesus as the Messiah and asks him to remember him when Jesus is heaven. Even close to death, Jesus offers the second criminal forgiveness and promises to see him in Paradise.

Darkness covers the land from noon until three in the afternoon and the temple’s curtain is torn in two pieces (Luke 23:44-45). The darkness symbolizes that the Lord’s work is not fulfilled for Jesus’ death is only part of God’s plan. The curtain torn in two symbolizes God being for all people, not just for the Jews. There is no longer a barrier between humanity and God. The Gentiles are now invited into the Kingdom of God.

With his last breath, Jesus cries out, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46 NRSV). Even in death, Jesus gives himself to God the Father. Jesus never wavers in his love for God the Father.

The Centurion, a Gentile, makes the final statement on Jesus’ death by saying: “Certainly this man was innocent” (Luke 23:47 NRSV). The Roman government never sees Jesus as guilty; he is innocent. The crowd goes home wailing and weeping (Luke 23:48), but Jesus’ followers stay watching from a distance (Luke 23:49).

Dear Jesus, Thank you for taking our beating, our cross, our punishment for us. Help us to live a life worthy of your sacrifice. Thank you for the power of your love. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. Where are you in the crowd?

2. How do you follow Jesus to the cross?

Readings

Psalm 31:9-16

Philippians 2:5-11

Luke 23:7-25

Devotion

Peace be with you!

In yesterday’s reading, Pilate finds out Jesus is a Galilean and sends him to see Herod since Galilee is his jurisdiction (Luke 23:6-7). Herod is glad to finally meet Jesus, because he has heard a lot about him and has wanted to see Jesus performing a miracle (Luke 23:8). However, Herod likely wants see Jesus perform a sign so he can prove he deserves death. Earlier in the Gospel of Luke, Herod has expressed intent to cause harm to Jesus (Luke 9:9; 13:31). His interest in Jesus performing signs is likely Herod’s way to have a reason to cause harm to him, not to see his glory.

Herod questioned Jesus at length, but he did not answer any of his questions (Luke 23:9) or perform any signs, and therefore, Herod has no reason to cause him harm. The chief priests continue to argue that Jesus is causing a ruckus throughout Judea and Galilee (Luke 23:10). The scene with Herod serves as comic relief as the chief priests and the scribes try to convince him to crucify Jesus, even when they have no evidence for their accusations. Although both parties have a common goal of causing harm to Jesus, the chief priests are wasting their breath without evidence. With the help of his soldiers, Herod treats Jesus with contempt and mocks him by dressing him in an elegant robe (Luke 23:11ab). This mockery points to Herod’s disregard of having Jesus around causing a ruckus throughout Judea and Galilee. Herod just wants one reason to have Jesus crucified and is coming up empty handed.

Feeling defended Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate (Luke 23:11c). Both Herod and Pilate find no reason to crucify Jesus, yet they both make sport of Jesus and of the chief priests who they despise. Herod is theatrical with his treatment of Jesus when he has him dressed in the elegant robe and agonizes the chief priests with his long questioning of Jesus. Herod and Pilate both perform power plays when they have Jesus on trial.

Photo Credit: Amber Sue Photography, www.ambersuephotography.com

Pilate calls the chief priests, scribes, leaders, and the people back together and says, “You have brought me this man who was perverting the people; and here I have examined him in your presence and have not found this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither has Herod, for he sent him back to us. Indeed, he has done nothing to deserve death. I will therefore have him flogged and release him.” (Luke 23:13-16 NRSV). Pilate upholds his verdict from the first he questioned Jesus. The chief priests, scribes, leaders, and the people have not provided any new evidence to change Pilate’s mind.

However, the chief priests, scribes, leaders, and the people will not allow Pilate to release Jesus. The whole crowd keeps yelling, “Away with Jesus! Release Barabbas for us!” (Luke 23:18 NRSV). Now Barabbas is always causing trouble in the city and has even killed a few people (Luke 23:19). Pilate cannot understand why the crowd wants Barabbas released instead of Jesus. Pilate asks the crowd what he should do with Jesus and the people say, “Crucify, crucify him!” (Luke 23:20-21). Pilate appeals to the crowd one last time: “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no ground for the   sentence of death; I will therefore have him flogged and then release him.” (Luke 23:22 NRSV).

The crowd continues to yell, “Crucify, crucify him!” No amount of pleading with the crowd will change their minds. The more Pilate pleads to have Jesus flogged and released, the more the crowd yells, “Crucify, crucify him!”  (Luke 23:23). Finally Pilate gives into the crowd’s demands and orders his soldiers to crucify Jesus and releases Barabbas (Luke 23:24-25).

Dear Jesus, Thank you for taking our beating, our cross, our punishment for us. Help us to live a life worthy of your sacrifice. Thank you for the power of your love. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. Who challenges your faith in God the Father and Jesus?

2. Where are you in the crowd?

Readings

Psalm 31:9-16

Philippians 2:5-11

Luke 22:63-23:6

Devotion

Peace be with you!

Jesus is in the hands of the high priest, chief priests, scribes, and the Jewish council. Men restraining Jesus start mocking and beating him (Luke 22:63). The guards blindfold Jesus and play the sick game of making Jesus guess who is beating him (Luke 22:64). They insult Jesus (Luke 22:65), and yet he does not fight back.

The chief priests have gathered the high priest, scribes, and the assembly of elders to question Jesus (Luke 22:66). The chief priests ask Jesus, “If you are the Messiah, tell us.” He replied, “If I tell you, you will not believe; and if I question you, you will not answer.  But from now on the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God” (Luke 22:67-69 NRSV). Then the chief priests ask if he is the Son of God, and he replies, “You say I am.” (Luke 22:70).

The high priest, scribes, and the assembly of elders are convinced Jesus is committing blasphemy and take him to see Pilate (Luke 22:71-23:1). Nothing Jesus would have said could have changed their minds. The chief priests have been waiting for their chance to get their hands on Jesus and stop him from being “disruptive.” The chief priests insist that Jesus forbids his followers from paying the Emperor taxes and calls himself the Messiah, the King of the Jews. This should be enough to convict Jesus of being disruptive to the Roman government. The chief priests think they have Jesus cornered, yet he has the upper hand.

Pilate asks Jesus if he is the King of the Jews, and Jesus answers, “You say so” (Luke 23:3). Pilate finds no basis to hold Jesus and finds the crowd annoying for bringing charges against an innocent man (Luke 23:4). There is no evidence to back the accusations the chief priests bring against Jesus. Pilate has no right to hold Jesus any longer.

However, the chief priests are insistent that Jesus began in Galilee and now disrupts the peace throughout Judea (Luke 23:5). When Pilate finds out Jesus is a Galilean, he sends him to see Herod since that is his jurisdiction (Luke 23:6-7).

The Jewish authorities and the Roman government are having a power struggle. Jesus is a problem for the Jewish authorities, but they cannot crucify him without the assistance of the Roman government. There is not enough evidence for the Roman government to Jesus killed. Yet the Lord finds a way to fulfill his scriptures.

Dear Jesus, Thank you for taking our beating, our cross, our punishment for us. Help us to live a life worthy of your sacrifice . Thank you for the power of your love. Amen.

Works Cited

Thanks to the Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions

Please answer the following reflective questions in the comments below.  Please agree to disagree and be respectful to each other. (If you have not already done so, please also take a moment, to sign the comment covenant.)  You can answer as many questions as you would like. 

1. Describe your weakest moment.

2. If you were Pilate, what would you do?