June 5, 2014
Peter and John encountered a cripple asking for money on their way to afternoon prayers at the Temple. While many worshipers passed by the invalid without looking at him, probably even avoiding eye contact, Peter and John “looked at him intently.” They weren’t afraid of his need. In fact, they looked past his felt need for money to his deeper need for wholeness. Peter and John didn’t have money, but what they did have was better. When we have Jesus, we always have what people need. We don’t have to fear making eye contact with those in need. We may not have what people want, but we certainly have what they need.
June 4, 2014
and to prayer” (Acts 2:42 NLT).
The first century church was devoted to four things: 1) the apostle’s teaching, 2) the fellowship, 3) the sharing of meals and 4) prayer. And there was a rhythm to their days as they worshiped in the temple and met in one another’s homes (Acts 2:46). Following this pattern, the early church grew miraculously as God added to their number daily “those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). We would do well to devote ourselves to this same pattern in our churches today.
June 3, 2014
Psalm 121 is the second of 15 “Psalms of Ascent” (Psalms 120-134). These psalms became known as such because of their use by Hebrew pilgrims making the three annual treks to Jerusalem for the required festivals. The pilgrims would sing these songs as they ascended to the temple mount in preparation for worship. During Jesus’ time there were 15 steps to the Herodian Temple that approached the Double Gate. These psalms were sung on these steps before entering the gates to the temple. Today, the gates are sealed, but the steps remain. It’s good to get your praise on before coming to worship. And this reminder from Psalm 121 that it is the “Lord himself” that is with you, watching over you to protect you is especially encouraging.
June 2, 2014
After Jesus’ resurrection he appeared to his disciples many times. On his third appearance he asked Peter three times whether he loved him. Certainly this must be connected to Peter’s denying Jesus three times before his crucifixion. In this manner Jesus helped restore their relationship, giving Peter the opportunity to renew his pledge of love, even reminding him of his earlier promise that he was willing to die for Jesus. Our pledge to love Jesus even unto death is of no value without Jesus helping us to keep our relationship. When we make a commitment to Jesus, as Peter learned, he helps us to keep it. Jesus loves us and it is the power of his love that enables us to love him back. Coincidently, this OYB reading falls on June 2nd, my anniversary. On this day 35 years ago, Robin and I committed to love one another until death do us part. We have kept that promise so far and we give Jesus all the credit for empowering us to not only keep loving, but to love one another more and more deeply as the years roll on. Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” Perhaps the most important question we will ever answer.
June 1, 2014
Jesus encouraged his disciple Thomas to stop being “faithless” and to see and believe. Thomas saw the risen Lord and believed. Early church history indicates that Thomas carried the gospel to India and was martyred there. Thomas saw the words of Jesus come to pass as three thousand believed in Jerusalem at Pentecost and many more thousands across the Roman empire and even to the East in India believed without seeing the risen Savior. Today, those of us who believe are among those who are blessed, for we have believed without seeing. At least not yet. For Thomas, seeing preceded believing. For us, believing came first, but seeing will soon follow.
May 31, 2014
The story of David’s betrayal foreshadows that of Jesus. David wept on the Mount of Olives as he left Jerusalem. He was betrayed by a trusted advisor. And his advisor later hung himself. The Old Testament prepares us for the Jesus story, which is the gospel story. Yet, only those with eyes to see and ears to hear will believe.
May 30, 2014
When David was betrayed, he fled from Jerusalem going East towards the Mount of Olives. As he climbed the Mount he wept and prayed that God would have mercy on him. God heard David’s prayer and restored him to the throne. Centuries later, Jesus, Son of David, left Jerusalem to pray on that same Mount. Weeping he prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matt. 26:39). God prevented David’s betrayer from succeeding, but Jesus’ betrayer found him there on the Mount of Olives and turned him over to the authorities to be crucified. God showed David mercy, but poured out the judgment that belonged to us all upon His Son, Jesus. Jesus took the wages of our sin, so that God could show not only David, but all of us His mercy.
May 29, 2014
There’s no biblical prohibition against making plans. There’s wisdom in planning for the future. Yet, it is foolish to leave the Lord out of our planning for God is the one who holds the future. So, ask for God’s wisdom when making plans. Seek godly counsel. Pray for clarity and follow God’s instruction. And when things don’t go according to plan, don’t get frustrated. Adjust. Perhaps God has a better plan.
May 28, 2014
Jesus prayed for those that would believe in him both present and future. That includes us! The prayer found in Matthew 6 that begins “Our Father” is referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer,” but really it is the Lord’s model prayer, for he gave the prayer as an example of how to pray. The prayer found here in John 17 is the best insight into the Lord Jesus actually praying. This is how he poured out his heart to the Father. He prayed specifically for us that we would be one with one another and with God. He prayed for our protection from the evil one. He prayed for us to experience his glory. And we know that the Lord Jesus isn’t finished praying for us. He sits at the right of the Father continually interceding for those who belong to him (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1).
May 27, 2014
David was a sinner. He committed adultery with Bathsheba and then conspired to have her husband murdered. Yet, God forgave him. How was David different than Saul? On one hand there is the mystery of God’s mercy. As the apostle Paul said, “God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy” (Romans 9:18). Then, on the other hand there is the different response to sin that David had. Saul made excuses, but David “confessed” and repented. Perhaps this is what made David a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). Not that he was without sin (he wasn’t). But that he was quick to confess and repent, asking God for forgiveness and mercy.