Sorry I missed yesterday. We received a call at 6 am that Waddy's boss's wife had fallen and then died. It was kind of a crazy day, and we didn't have the password for internet at the Bed and Breakfast we were staying at. The funeral for Marilyn Endsley will be some time on Tuesday and I will be officiating. We are getting ready to head over there to meet with the family, but I didn't want you to get behind in your reading. I kept up with the reading even if I didn't try to find another wireless connection.
The first conversion in our readings today is about an Ethiopian eunuch. He has been to Jerusalem and is trying to understand their culture by reading the words of Isaiah out loud. Back in those days texts were written without any breaks between words, so reading out loud helped to determine where the breaks needed to occur based on sounding out syllables. Reading in silence was rare.
There is rapid action and exotic details. A eunuch would have been forbidden to become a Jew because physically he was unable to be circumcised. However, baptism is open for all, so he accepts readily the opportunity.
Conversion 2 is a big one. Saul the zealous persecutor of Christ followers is blinded on the road to Damascus where he was going to persecute more Christ followers. Ananias is called upon to go and pray for Saul. God tells Ananias that Saul has been chosen to bring God's name to "nations and Kings", and "before the people of Israel."
I will have to get to conversion #3 later this evening or tomorrow. The title for chapters 11-13 will be Power, Peter, Paul, Passover, Prayer, Prison, Parallelism, Perga, and Pisidia.
Headed to the Endsley's to meet with the family.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A Bitter Parting - So much for respect...
Acts 6-7
We are in Fredericksburg, TX. and the humidity is almost non-existent. After steamy, sweaty Houston, this is very nice. Nice breeze.
Acts 6 starts out with the story of the election of 7 (there's that number again) new leaders to keep up with the growing needs of the church. (That's quite a jump in staff from 12 to 19, but you have to remember they added 3000 on the first day of church!). The original disciples realize that to have a good outreach program, they must take care of the needs of the people that are already part of the church. Good inreach = good outreach! Stephen, the first of the 7 mentioned, is described as "full of faith and the Holy Spirit". Later on in verse 8 his accolades continue as he is further described as "full of grace and power". This is someone very special.
There is a group of people that don't like Stephen. They are from the Synagogue of the Freedmen. These are people that have been former slaves, but have now become Roman citizens and settled in Jerusalem. Since they are Roman citizens, they probably have some kind of political power. They tried arguing with Stephen, and when they failed they resort to slander. Stephen tries to help the people understand even the temple, as great as it is, is nothing God needs. This does not make the Freedmen happy.
Stephen accuses his accusers of 4 evils. They are 1) stiffnecked (recalling the Lord's condemning of Israel in Ex. 33:3, 5), 2) "uncircumcised of heart and ears", 3) "forever opposing the Holy Spirit", and 4) behaving just like their ancestors who did not give their heroes proper respect.
When they heard these things they became enraged to the point of grinding their teeth (Chapter 7, verse 54; see Psalm 35:16, 37:12, 112:10). That is angry!
To make sure they "followed the law" the pious, angry mob takes Stephen "out of the city" to stone him to death (see Lev. 24:11-13, Numbers 15:35). I wonder how they interpreted "thou shalt not kill".
This is a bitter parting marked by a violent deed. Any questions?
Tomorrow our reading is about miracles and power. Much happier scenerios.
We are in Fredericksburg, TX. and the humidity is almost non-existent. After steamy, sweaty Houston, this is very nice. Nice breeze.
Acts 6 starts out with the story of the election of 7 (there's that number again) new leaders to keep up with the growing needs of the church. (That's quite a jump in staff from 12 to 19, but you have to remember they added 3000 on the first day of church!). The original disciples realize that to have a good outreach program, they must take care of the needs of the people that are already part of the church. Good inreach = good outreach! Stephen, the first of the 7 mentioned, is described as "full of faith and the Holy Spirit". Later on in verse 8 his accolades continue as he is further described as "full of grace and power". This is someone very special.
There is a group of people that don't like Stephen. They are from the Synagogue of the Freedmen. These are people that have been former slaves, but have now become Roman citizens and settled in Jerusalem. Since they are Roman citizens, they probably have some kind of political power. They tried arguing with Stephen, and when they failed they resort to slander. Stephen tries to help the people understand even the temple, as great as it is, is nothing God needs. This does not make the Freedmen happy.
Stephen accuses his accusers of 4 evils. They are 1) stiffnecked (recalling the Lord's condemning of Israel in Ex. 33:3, 5), 2) "uncircumcised of heart and ears", 3) "forever opposing the Holy Spirit", and 4) behaving just like their ancestors who did not give their heroes proper respect.
When they heard these things they became enraged to the point of grinding their teeth (Chapter 7, verse 54; see Psalm 35:16, 37:12, 112:10). That is angry!
To make sure they "followed the law" the pious, angry mob takes Stephen "out of the city" to stone him to death (see Lev. 24:11-13, Numbers 15:35). I wonder how they interpreted "thou shalt not kill".
This is a bitter parting marked by a violent deed. Any questions?
Tomorrow our reading is about miracles and power. Much happier scenerios.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Cut to the Heart - And you're to blame...(music note, music note, ...)
Acts 2-5
In chapter 2 the focus is NOT the fire, the focus is the TONGUES. Babel (Genesis 11) has fallen. Peter quotes from Joel 2:28. And 3000 new members are added after a fairly short sermon. More effects and less talk seem to make a difference here! This is the story of US and how to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit.
The power of the NAME of Jesus is shown in chapter 3 ("in the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk"). Have you ever tried that on anyone for anything? That is Bold - with a capital B. Even when questioned by the authorities, Peter gives another compelling and very short sermon. Did you notice that the age of the man who was healed is given? 40 years means a long time (40 days and nights of rain, 40 years in the wilderness, 40 days on the mount of temptation). The man had been crippled for a long time, thus making the miracle even more miraculous. In chapter 4, verse 4 the number of Christians is now at 5000.
Chapter 4 ends with a prayer for BOLDNESS. And they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit. When was the last time prayer filled you with boldness? Can you imagine what would happen if "the place in which" we are gathered ever started to "shake"?
It also ends with the introduction of Barnabas, who we will hear more about later. Verse 36 inserts that his name means "son of encouragement". However, this is a Jew from the diaspora (Cyprus), and his name could mean "Son of Nebo" (Bar: Son, Nabas: Nebo) - a Babylonian deity. Look up what Barabbas means (Son of the Father). Nebo was the Babylonian god of wisdom and writing.
In chapter 5 no grace is shown to people who "lie to the Holy Spirit" (verse 3). Judgement is harsh and immediate. What if we as a society believed that to be true? We seem to get by with a lot today.
The last 25 verses of chapter 5 shows increasing rage by those "in charge". Can you imagine being flogged and rejoicing? And no force is necessary to bring the apostles to trial. The officers are fearful of being "stoned".
There are a lot of rocks in Israel. I hope that one day you will be able to go and see what is called the 5th Gospel, the land of Israel.
Tomorrow Waddy and I are picking up my parents in Georgetown, Texas and taking them to Fredericksburg for a couple of days. We are staying at Abend Haus - a wonderful Bed and Breakfast. It is my birthday! Happy birthday to me!
Keep in touch.
In chapter 2 the focus is NOT the fire, the focus is the TONGUES. Babel (Genesis 11) has fallen. Peter quotes from Joel 2:28. And 3000 new members are added after a fairly short sermon. More effects and less talk seem to make a difference here! This is the story of US and how to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit.
The power of the NAME of Jesus is shown in chapter 3 ("in the name of Jesus Christ, get up and walk"). Have you ever tried that on anyone for anything? That is Bold - with a capital B. Even when questioned by the authorities, Peter gives another compelling and very short sermon. Did you notice that the age of the man who was healed is given? 40 years means a long time (40 days and nights of rain, 40 years in the wilderness, 40 days on the mount of temptation). The man had been crippled for a long time, thus making the miracle even more miraculous. In chapter 4, verse 4 the number of Christians is now at 5000.
Chapter 4 ends with a prayer for BOLDNESS. And they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit. When was the last time prayer filled you with boldness? Can you imagine what would happen if "the place in which" we are gathered ever started to "shake"?
It also ends with the introduction of Barnabas, who we will hear more about later. Verse 36 inserts that his name means "son of encouragement". However, this is a Jew from the diaspora (Cyprus), and his name could mean "Son of Nebo" (Bar: Son, Nabas: Nebo) - a Babylonian deity. Look up what Barabbas means (Son of the Father). Nebo was the Babylonian god of wisdom and writing.
In chapter 5 no grace is shown to people who "lie to the Holy Spirit" (verse 3). Judgement is harsh and immediate. What if we as a society believed that to be true? We seem to get by with a lot today.
The last 25 verses of chapter 5 shows increasing rage by those "in charge". Can you imagine being flogged and rejoicing? And no force is necessary to bring the apostles to trial. The officers are fearful of being "stoned".
There are a lot of rocks in Israel. I hope that one day you will be able to go and see what is called the 5th Gospel, the land of Israel.
Tomorrow Waddy and I are picking up my parents in Georgetown, Texas and taking them to Fredericksburg for a couple of days. We are staying at Abend Haus - a wonderful Bed and Breakfast. It is my birthday! Happy birthday to me!
Keep in touch.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tension - Into the Future
In John 21 Peter's leadership is redeemed and he is urged to follow the lead of the good shepherd who "lays down his life for the sheep". Yet there appears to be another leader - there's that "disciple whom Jesus loved". What about him? Is he going to have to lay down his life, too?
I've wondered about the significance of living a good life versus those who lay their live on the line daily. There is a magazine I receive occasionally called "The Voice of the Martyrs" (their website is http://www.persecution.com/). It is very humbling to see what some people have to deal with when they profess to be Christian in some parts of the world. Have you ever wondered about the worth of your witness and if you are doing "enough"?
One way to look at the worth of all disciples is to look the breakfast story. Everybody had fish to eat. Not just Peter and "the beloved disciple". Jesus' gifts are for everyone.
Now we move on to Acts. Taking the gospel to the "remotest part of the earth" will be a major theme. Even to Samaria - to people that were considered hostile and wrong-headed. Ever know anyone like that? Maybe even a neighbor or family member?!
The Ascension is a prelude to the empowerment that ALL the disciples are about to receive. Jesus will be able to help them from a higher vantage point where he can see to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:16-20 describes what happened to Judas. The book of Acts will tell the stories of how God punishes the wicked. There will be judgement.
The definition of an apostle is in verses 21 and 22 - one who has been a follower from the Baptism until the Ascension. With the selection of new leaders some denominations over the last 2000 years believed that these that are chosen also received special abilities and authority. This is called "apostolic succession".
I've wondered about the significance of living a good life versus those who lay their live on the line daily. There is a magazine I receive occasionally called "The Voice of the Martyrs" (their website is http://www.persecution.com/). It is very humbling to see what some people have to deal with when they profess to be Christian in some parts of the world. Have you ever wondered about the worth of your witness and if you are doing "enough"?
One way to look at the worth of all disciples is to look the breakfast story. Everybody had fish to eat. Not just Peter and "the beloved disciple". Jesus' gifts are for everyone.
Now we move on to Acts. Taking the gospel to the "remotest part of the earth" will be a major theme. Even to Samaria - to people that were considered hostile and wrong-headed. Ever know anyone like that? Maybe even a neighbor or family member?!
The Ascension is a prelude to the empowerment that ALL the disciples are about to receive. Jesus will be able to help them from a higher vantage point where he can see to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:16-20 describes what happened to Judas. The book of Acts will tell the stories of how God punishes the wicked. There will be judgement.
The definition of an apostle is in verses 21 and 22 - one who has been a follower from the Baptism until the Ascension. With the selection of new leaders some denominations over the last 2000 years believed that these that are chosen also received special abilities and authority. This is called "apostolic succession".
Monday, June 7, 2010
The Ultimate Question
Seems like a lot of reading about very important events for the day. Maybe because these are the events we are more familiar with. However John puts a little different twist on these stories. Jesus is in control in every scene. He came to die, and he knows it is going to happen.
I have never noticed before "the other disciple" mentioned in 18:16. Is this the intriguing "beloved" disciple? There is interesting parallelism between this scene of Peter's denial and then the scene in Chapter 21 of the Peter's confession (tomorrow's reading).
Have you ever noticed that the story of the trial before Pilate is in 7 scenes like the story of the blind man was earlier.
Scene 1: Outside the praetorium where Pilate lived. The Jewish leaders cannot enter the Gentile Praetorium or they will be defiled and won't be able to eat the upcoming Passover meal.
Scene 2: Pilate goes in to talk to Jesus. This is where "the ultimate question" comes in. Are you the King of the Jews?
Scene 3: Pilate goes out to the Jewish leaders once more.
Scene 4: Central scene. Jesus is flogged and robed in purple. His coronation has begun.
Scene 5: Pilate goes back out to the Jewish leaders and announces he finds nothing wrong with Jesus.
Scene 6: Back into the praetorium. Jesus is in charge. He is choosing His own death. His refusal to answer is used in all the gospels and is a reflection of Isaiah 53:7.
Scene 7: Back outside. The Jewish leaders make a statement that is TRULY blasphemous. "We have no king but Caesar". "Their sin is complete; they have ended up renouncing their God" (The Storyteller's Companion to the Bible, Vol. 10, pg. 151).
Why would these 7 scenes go along with 7 scenes about the blind man? These Jews cannot see either. In a moment of crisis - How would you respond? Would you follow the crowd?
I cried for three days straight when I first faced this question. It was before I entered the ministry. There is a beautiful church in Rouen dedicated to Joan of Arc. She too died because of her faith. The picture of the statue dedicated to her that is inside the church is the picture at the beginning of this post.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Vines and Victory - Take courage, Jesus has conquered the World!
Verse 16:33 is a great wrap up for today's reading. "Take courage; I have conquered the world."
First, let's talk about vines and fruit (chapter 15). This imagery tells us that relationships are very important, and fruitfulness depends on the relationship to the vine (which in this case is Jesus). What does it mean in this context to "bear fruit"? Jesus says it has something to do with abiding in His love (verse 15:10). He wants to fill us with joy (verse 15:11).
I have found "love" to be a challenge when it comes to a large church community. Love can be difficult for couples! Love can be even more difficult in families. Do you love me? (No need to answer that question in the comments!).
I visited St. John's UMC downtown several years ago with the staff I was working with then (Christ UMC in College Station). As we entered the St. John's we were were greeted with genuine love. I don't remember the exact words (it was a long time ago), but I remember watching the person at the desk greet everyone with love in his words.
I like the word "abide". "In Heavenly Love Abiding" was a song in the hymnal of the church I grew up in. The words of the first stanza are "The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid, but God is round about me, and can I be dismayed." Great song.
Tomorrow is Monday! Keep up the good work.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Parade and a Banquet
This is going to be short today because I am headed up to "the Park" this morning and I have a wedding luncheon after that. "The Park" is our new children's area at the church and it is looking fantastic! Just some finishing touches need to be made.
In John 12 I noticed something for the first time. In John 12:19 the Pharisees note that "the world has gone after him!" Then in the very next verse it mentions "some Greeks" who are at the festival and wish to see Jesus. In verse 26 Jesus tells Philip and Andrew, "Whoever serves me, the Father will honor." There is so much we miss if we just skim through these stories.
Then Jesus begins to talk about His death, and makes references to the prophet Isaiah.
The banquet story, the last supper, has so much going on. Ancient meals had two main courses, the deipnon was the supper proper when the meal was actually eaten, followed by the symposium during which there was conversation and other entertainment. Jesus has a lot to say. And have you ever wondered about "the disciple whom Jesus loved"? People have said it was the author of the book we are reading, but I wonder if it might have been Lazarus. Just a thought. After all, he had just raised him from the dead.
There was a children's musical by Kathi Hill that I directed many years ago called "We Like Sheep" that had many passages from John in the words of the songs. John 13:34-35 is one of my favorite that was the basis of one song. I'll sing it for you next time I see you. Off to the Park for now!
In John 12 I noticed something for the first time. In John 12:19 the Pharisees note that "the world has gone after him!" Then in the very next verse it mentions "some Greeks" who are at the festival and wish to see Jesus. In verse 26 Jesus tells Philip and Andrew, "Whoever serves me, the Father will honor." There is so much we miss if we just skim through these stories.
Then Jesus begins to talk about His death, and makes references to the prophet Isaiah.
The banquet story, the last supper, has so much going on. Ancient meals had two main courses, the deipnon was the supper proper when the meal was actually eaten, followed by the symposium during which there was conversation and other entertainment. Jesus has a lot to say. And have you ever wondered about "the disciple whom Jesus loved"? People have said it was the author of the book we are reading, but I wonder if it might have been Lazarus. Just a thought. After all, he had just raised him from the dead.
There was a children's musical by Kathi Hill that I directed many years ago called "We Like Sheep" that had many passages from John in the words of the songs. John 13:34-35 is one of my favorite that was the basis of one song. I'll sing it for you next time I see you. Off to the Park for now!
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