Breath of God

Reading : John 20:19-23

Jesus said, 

‘Peace be with you! 

As the Father has sent me, 

I am sending you.’”

‭‭John‬ ‭20:21‬ 

As the day came to an end they were gathered behind locked doors, probably in prayer and fellowship. The terror of religious leaders, exacerbated by an already inflammatory situation of the empty tomb and rumors of a resurrection, consumes their thoughts. They confine themselves together in one home. Mary Magdalene has told them that she spoke to the risen Lord and he would soon be ascending to his Father and God. Then to add fuel to the flames, two disciples from Emmaus return with news of seeing Jesus. The Good News of Jesus’s resurrection has a telling impact on the disciples. There is a growing expectancy in the air as to when they will see the Lord. 

Then suddenly there in their midst stood Jesus, The Risen Lord, gently greeting them as he always had, “Peace be with you (Shalom)!” (John 20:19). A climatic peace of mind that calms their fears and soothes their trauma of having seen Jesus suffer and die. The renewal of the peace of conscience Jesus gives to his disciples is an assurance that even though they all abandoned him at the time of his trial and crucifixion there is nothing to be ashamed of any more (Colossians 1:20). They are forgiven (John 14:27).

He shows them his hands and his sides (John 20:20).They see and believe. Then he extends his peace to them once more. Their hearts rejoice and are overflowing with everlasting joy of seeing their Lord and Savior just as he said they would (John 16:22). Our hearts and minds wonder with amazement. How did Jesus just appear out of thin air? What did the scars look like? Did they touch them to see if he is actually still flesh and blood? Clearly the resurrected spiritual body is beyond comprehension or supernatural in many ways (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

Jesus commissions them to go spread the Good News of Salvation all over the world. He says, “just as the Father sent me so am I sending you (John 20-23) to proclaim the forgiveness of sins and salvation to all who believe”. He breathes on his disciples and gives them the Holy Spirit. The disciples experience an exclusive filling of the Holy Spirit which all believers would experience on Pentecost. 

St. Paul says that the first Adam was a living being, referring to how God breathed into the man formed from dust the breathe of life (Genesis 2:7). Jesus the last Adam breathes the Holy Spirit into the disciples (1 Corinthians 15:45). The Spirit equips all of us to live a transformed life from now to eternity (2 Corinthians 4:6).

If Christ had not come back and spent time with them they would have probably gone back to their old professions. After they met the Risen Christ they are not the same men any more. They were the eye witnesses of the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus while he was in the world. Their testimony is the foundations on which the church of which we all are a part of is built (Ephesians 2:20-22). From disciples of Christ they become known as the Apostles.

Jesus gives them the Holy Spirit (Paraklētos-Greek which means advocate, intercessor, consoler, comforter, or helper). The Holy Spirit will transform them to Christ’s likeness ie to be imitators of Christ (Romans 8:29, 2Corinthians 3:18). An Advocate who will plead on their behalf before God about their trials and tribulations with God’s laws. A Comforter who will calm, console and cheer them through the great challenges they face in their ministry. The Holy Spirit will play a role in two key areas of their lives. The Holy Spirit will teach and remind them, and all of us who follow Jesus, of things, as he had been doing with them during his time with them. Here is Jesus sending them just as the Father sent him, empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach salvation and forgiveness of sins. Through the help of the Holy Spirit they were able to have a binocular vision of the mind for the life on earth and the heart (Hebrews 11:1)for the life eternal with Christ. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus just as you breathed the Holy Spirit into the disciples, breathe on us your breathe. Lord fill our hearts and minds that we may see the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May the light of your presence in this world help us to see the way ahead and beyond this life where you live and reign forever and ever. Amen

Soli Deo Gloria

Shattered Sojourners

Strolling with a Stranger

Gang nach Emmaus, Gemalde vin Robert Zund 1877

Reading - Luke 24:13-35

They asked each other

Were not our hearts burning within us

While he talked with us on the road

And opened the Scriptures to us?

Luke 24:32

As two dispirited followers of Jesus return from Jerusalem, a stranger joins them. They seem to be walking and talking away trying to process all the events of the past week. He asks them gently to reveal their sorrows to him (Luke 24:17-18). They wonder if this stranger is the only one who has not heard of Jesus. Yet something about the stranger’s questions makes them open their hearts out to him. So they narrate to him about the crucifixion, death, and burial of their teacher. They go on to say that some of the believers had found the tomb empty and now they believe he has risen from the dead. Resurrection seems so unbelievable they exclaim (Luke 24:19-24). They grieve deeply for their shattered hopes of a Messiah who they thought would save them. 

We wonder what might have gone through Jesus’s mind when he heard their doubts and disbelief. We realize how far and deep our savior’s love is, as he reaches out to followers outside his inner circle. Jesus knew exactly how they felt and chose to join them as they walk back to Emmaus. Is this another instance of where Jesus says I know you will have doubts, but please don’t walk away from the fellowship of believers or the church? Do we not often have similar doubts in our own lives? Jesus’s death only points to the greatest hope there is for all of us who believe.

We wonder to which passages Jesus was referring (Luke 24:25-27). If we look into the Messianic prophesies in the Bible there are so many that point to why he was born, suffered, died and rose again.

The passages from Moses' writings and the prophets elucidate on what the scriptures had to say about the Messiah. Could Jesus have been referring to God’s promise to Abraham that through him the entire world would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3)? Was it that the Messiah would come from the Tribe of Judah (Genesis 49:10)? Or that the Messiah would be a descendant of David (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Psalm 89:2,27)? Could Jesus have referred to Psalm 2, used for the coronation of the kings of Israel, as being applied to the coronation of him the chosen one, now King of Heaven and Earth? David clearly foresaw a relationship between a father and son, in God and the Messiah? Did he not also speak of the begotten son as Jesus, as the son of God (Psalm 2:7)? 

Did Jesus speak of his encounter in Mathew 22:41-46, when he confronts the Pharisees with a rhetorical question, “Whose son is the Messiah?” They reply, “The son of David.” When Jesus asks them why David refers to the Messiah as Lord in Psalm 110:1, they were silenced. The Pharisees probably could never conceive that the Messiah, a descendant of David could be the everlasting God in human flesh (Isaiah 9:6). David grasped the plurality of persons in one God.

Did Jesus refer to the Prophet Micah who prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2)? Prophet Zechariah prophesied the Messiah would come riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). Could Jesus have referred to Prophet Isaiah  (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) and the role of the suffering servant, where he had to suffer and die? Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross is the path he paved to God the Father (John 3:16) and the witness of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 12:10) for all of us who believe. In Psalm 16:10 David says he is filled with great joy that God will not leave his soul among the dead. He says that God would not allow His holy one to rot in the grave. These verses are used by the disciples when they speak about the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2: 25-31). Did not this promise of King David come true when Christ rose from the dead? 

We can imagine the shattered Sojourners strolling along with Jesus, as he speaks to them. As his words roll into their hearts like refreshing steams of living water they become more and more captivated by this stranger who speaks the truth with so much love. His presence makes their weary walk refreshing to their thirsty souls. Although it seems that Jesus has to go further, they invite him to abide with them for a meal, and he obliges (Luke 24:28-29). As Jesus breaks the bread, something about his familiar gestures suddenly illuminates their souls. Jesus disappears but touches their hearts and renews their thoughts by this close encounter(Luke 24:30-32). They ask each other, “As he spoke to us did you not feel your hearts burn?” Immediately they hurry back to Jerusalem, to tell the good news to Jesus’s followers that they have seen the Risen Lord (Luke 24:33-35). Although Jesus disappears from their sight, his presence has softly and tenderly shed his light into their souls. Their story now lives on in the hearts of all of us who have not seen but believe in Jesus Christ (the Messiah in Greek is Khristós (Χριστός), anglicized as  Christ).

Prayer:

 Lord Jesus Christ we praise and glorify you for you have shown us the wonders of your love. When we are weary and lost you hear our cries. Thank you for strengthening and filling our hearts with hope of the world to come. Amen 

Christ in the Stranger's Guise 

A Scottish Hospitality Prayer 

 I met a stranger yest're'een;

 I put food in the eating place, 

Drink in the drinking place, 

Music in the listening place; 

And, in the sacred name of the Triune, 

He blessed myself and my house. 

My cattle and my dear ones, 

 And the lark said in her song, 

 Often, often, often, 

Goes the Christ in the stanger's guise; 

 Often, often, often, 

Goes the Christ in the stranger's guise.

Soli Deo Gloria

The Risen Lord

“They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” 

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, 

“and I don’t know where they have put him.””

‭‭John‬ ‭20:13‬ ‭

Source:https://www.freebibleimages.org

Reading John 20:11-18

Peter and John, the disciples of Jesus run ahead of Mary. They examine the empty tomb and leave without looking for any further evidence. Mary who couldn’t keep pace with them, arrives and glances into the tomb of Jesus. She witnesses two angels, one at the head and the other at the foot of where Jesus lay. In most encounters with angels great fear overwhelms the eyewitness. The spontaneous response of the angels is, “Do not be afraid.” Mary did not appear to be surprised by their presence. Did her previous bout with demon possession give her spiritual powers to see beyond the land of the living?

On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would enter the holy of holies where the Mercy Seat of God is located in the Tabernacle, to atone for the sins of all the people. What the high priest did once a year for the Jewish people, Jesus did once and for all for all people (1 Peter 1:3-12). The most exciting part of the Tabernacle are the two cherubs at either end of the “Mercy Seat” (Exodus 25:17-22). Between the two cherubs gazing down at the mercy seat is the divine presence of God. Could the two angels be symbolic of  the mercy and grace of God through Christ for the atonement of our sins (Romans 3:23-26, 2Corinthians 5:19)? When the veil of his flesh was severed from his spirit, we have all been given access into the very presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-20). The sight of two angels did not make Mary draw any parallels with the Mercy seat of God.

Source:https://www.freebibleimages.org

 Here Mary is so preoccupied with her loss of her teacher and Lord she does not remember that Christ had said he would rise from the dead, or see any of the visible clues indicating the magnificent resurrection of Jesus. The angels inquire, “Woman why are you weeping?’ The trauma of the death of Jesus and her hope to embalm his body as soon as possible made her only think of the down to earth life that perturbed her. One can picture the grief stricken Mary bewailing to the angels, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Had she relapsed into her old psychiatric disorder of yesteryears seeing demons and angels? 

Then she sees a figure she assumes is the gardener who asks her the same question a second time, “Woman why are you weeping?” Nonetheless she didn’t recognize Jesus’s voice because he called her “woman” although he did hint by saying, “ Whom are you seeking?”. She responds by saying, “Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you laid him.” At that moment Jesus gently calls her, “Mary!” She jolts out of her stupor and responds with a joyous shriek, “Rabboni!”(which means teacher) and clings to the feet of Jesus. Jesus tells her to let go, as he no longer can be physically there for her like of old. He is now the Savior of the world, nevertheless will very soon send the Holy Spirit to be with her forever. 

Source:Wikimediia

Jesus told his followers so many times he would rise again. Mary never understood. Be that as it may, why does Jesus have compassion on Mary and reveal himself to her first? Was it because she persists to seek Jesus when everyone else has left? Can anyone ask for a a closer encounter with Jesus than Mary? Mary sees the Risen Lord alive, touches his feet and rejoices.  Jesus sends her to tell the good news to his brothers (disciples) that she has seen him and he is on his way back to his Father’s house. Isn’t she the first Apostle of the Gospel message?

Prayer: Heavenly Father we praise you who in your abundant grace and mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. Lord Jesus our risen Savior of the world, we magnify you as our resurrection and life. Renew us and make us alive in you. May our hearts and minds come alive with your glorious inexpressible love and joy. Amen.

Soli deo Gloria

Run for Jesus

Reading John 20:1-10

The step by step growth of the gospel narrative begins early morning before sunrise. Mary Magdalene, the woman Jesus healed of demon possession, is one of the first witnesses of the empty tomb. If John wanted to have a more credible witness he could have written that it was Peter or one of the other men who had found the tomb empty. The truth prevails; all the gospel accounts say that the disciples to first witness the resurrection are women. John says that Mary faithfully stays by the cross till Jesus dies and watches where they laid the body. Early in the morning after Sabbath Mary goes to the tomb of Christ to embalm the body. To her surprise she finds the stone from the entrance of the tomb is removed. She fears the worst and runs to tell Peter and John. As bearer of the good news, John makes Mary the principal witness.

Title of the Painting : - “The Disciples Peter and John Running to the Sepulchre on the morning of the resurrection” hangs in the Musee D’Orsey in Paris.

This painting created in 1898 by Eugene Burnand, a realist painter with a vivid imagination, brings out the state of mind of  John the beloved disciple and Peter the leader of the band as they race to the tomb on the morning of the resurrection.The skies reveal the breaking of dawn. John clutches his hands together as though in prayer hoping against hope that the good news of Christ’s resurrection is true. Peter looks like he has barely slept since the crucifixion and is tormented by the news. His right hand is on his heart and the left hand finger is pointing forward. To run well you need strong legs, a mind set for the joy of reaching the goal, and your heart loving every step of the way.

The run for Jesus is the dawning of the gospel faith of the disciples. Mary runs to the disciples to tell them that the grave is empty. The disciples in turn run to the tomb of Jesus. John the younger disciple reaches first and sees the linen clothes but does not enter. When Peter arrives, he steps into the tomb. He finds the linen clothes and napkin for the face lying there as if the body just slipped out of it unfazed. They realize if the body was stolen, the linen clothes would have been taken away by the robbers too. When John enters, he sees and believes. 

Until then he hadn’t understood Christ when he said he would rise from the dead as recounted by the scriptures (Isaiah 25:8, Hosea 13:14; 1Corinthians 15:54; Revelations 21:4). It is only when he sees the empty linen clothes that he believes the Lord has risen indeed! Love for Christ makes him see the truth when his intellect to see reason is fuzzy. To  grasp the truth we need our hearts and minds to work together. The time has come for them to wait for the resurrected Christ to reveal himself. Imagine the joy that has begun to spring up into their hearts and minds. Death is swallowed up in victory. Where oh death, is your sting?

Prayer: Lord Jesus our risen savior of the world we praise you because you have delivered us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of God. Renew us and watch over us and may our hearts and minds come alive with your goodness and love. Amen.

Soli deo Gloria

Spiritual Blessing

Reading: Romans 1:11-16

Do we feel ashamed of the gospel message and feel that it has no relevance in the world today? St.Paul, as he writes this letter, has made three long successful missionary journeys. But his enthusiasm and eagerness to preach the gospel has only reached a higher level of urgency. Do we have this love and passion to spread God’s Word today? 

For Apostle Paul, it so empowering to see Christians living together in love. Christian fellowship is one of the greatest ways to experience and be encouraged by the power of God in our lives. St. Paul talks of  eagerly wanting to share the spiritual blessing he has come to experience in his life to encourage his brothers and sisters in Christ. He hopes that in doing so he will be encouraged and blessed himself. He is referring to the love and joy that is born when they fellowship together as the Body of Christ. 

Have you experienced this spiritual blessing in your life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, cleanse us from all our sins and work in our hearts and minds that we may passionately witness to the gospel. We pray for every spiritual blessing that will let us walk rejoicing with the newness of life we have found in you. Amen

Open and Shut Doors

Open and Shut Doors 

 Following the Spirit's Guidance

Lessons from Paul and Silas

In Acts 16:6-8, we read about Paul and Silas on their second missionary journey through Phrygia and Galatia. During this journey, the Holy Spirit directed them not to enter Asia and Bithynia. This divine intervention highlights a critical aspect of Christian living: recognizing and following the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Acts 16:6-8 (NIV) tells us, "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas."

The Significance of Open and Shut Doors

Throughout Christian history, we see examples of God's guidance through both open and shut doors. David Livingstone, who initially wanted to go to China, was directed by God to Africa. William Carey, who had plans for Polynesia, was sent to India. Similarly, Adoniram Judson set out for India but was guided by God to Burma. These stories exemplify how God places us in the right place at the right time.

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) reminds us, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." When doors close, it can be challenging to understand why. Is it an obstacle from the enemy or a redirection from the Holy Spirit? It is through prayer and seeking God's wisdom that we discern His plans.

Paul's journey continues with a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help. This vision convinced Paul that the Holy Spirit was leading them to Macedonia. Acts 16:9-10 (NIV) says, "During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

The Fruit of Following God's Guidance

Upon arriving in Philippi, Paul and his companions met Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman, and other women. They opened their hearts to Paul's message, were baptized, and Lydia offered her home for Paul and his companions to stay. Acts 16:14-15 (NIV) records, "One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home."

This encounter not only provided a place for Paul and his companions to stay but also facilitated the growth of the early Christian community in Philippi. Lydia and her friends played a crucial role in the ministry and expansion of the church.

Trusting in God's Plan

When we face closed doors, we can find comfort in knowing that God is guiding us to the right path. Paul's experience teaches us to trust in God's timing and direction. His letters to the churches, written during his imprisonment in Rome, have become a significant part of the New Testament, offering guidance and inspiration to Christians around the world. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Open our eyes to see Your hand leading us as we discern Your plans for our lives. Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your guidance through both open and closed doors. Strengthen us to remain faithful to the growth and ministry of the church, even when we encounter obstacles along the way.

Amen.