THE WISE MEN OF CHRISTMAS

WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM

Read Matthew 2:1–12 & Micah 5:2

     When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written: Matthew 2:4–5 NIV

* * *

     Long before Jesus was born, the prophets  predicted His coming. The priests and rabbis knew that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem – a prophesy they explained to Herod and to the Kings from the East.  We know that even the common people were taught this prophesy because later, after Jesus began His ministry, they said, "How can the Christ come from Galilee? Does not the Scripture say that the Christ will come from David's family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?" (John 7:41b-42)  

     The people must not have realized that Christ was born in Bethlehem during the time of  the census though his home was in Nazareth. They really had  no excuse for not recognizing their Messiah. Had they truly been looking for Him, they would have known who He was–just as the Wise Men and even Herod did. The wise kings sought to worship Him, but Herod caused the murders of thousands of children in his attempt to destroy Him.   

* * *

     Lord, I praise You for the reliability of Your Word. Help me to be willing to share the message of Your coming with my children, my friends and all who might be seeking for truth. As the Christmas cards say, "Wise men still seek Him."

* * *

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."  Matthew 2:2 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Singing in Prison

ARRESTED IN PHILIPI

Read Acts 16:16–40

     At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25 NKJV

* * *

     One day on the way to the place of prayer, a demon possessed girl followed Paul and Silas shouting "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the demon, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" (Acts 16:17-18) 

     This act of compassion for the girl resulted in a loss of profits for her owners. They arrested and flogged Paul and Silas, threw them into prison and fastened their feet in stocks. At midnight, as they were singing hymns, a violent earthquake caused the doors to open and everyone's chains to come loose. The frightened jailer, said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved–you and your household." (Acts 16:30-31) At that hour of the night, Paul spoke the Word of the Lord to the jailer's family and they believed and were baptized.

* * *

     Lord, Your chosen ones were in every place the apostles traveled: A city given over to demons, a cold dark prison, a prayer group by the river – all known to You before the beginning of time. Thank You for including us in this vast multitude of believers.

* * *

     So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed. Acts 16:40 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - The gospel spreads toward Europe

LYDIA OF PHILIPPI

Read Acts 16:6–15

     And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."  Acts 16:9 NKJV

* * *

     Paul, Silas and Timothy attempted to enter Asia on their second missionary journey, but the Holy Spirit prevented them, closing the door on their plans. Paul saw a vision as he slept, of a Macedonian man pleading with him to come and help them.
     When the three men arrived in Philippi, Macedonia, they stayed for several days. On the Sabbath they went to the riverside where prayer was customarily made. What they found was not a man, as Paul saw in his vision, but a prayer meeting for women.

     One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. (16:14 NIV) Lydia opened both her heart and her home for the apostles to stay, planting a church at Philippi and beginning what would become a lighthouse of the gospel in Europe.

* * *

     Lord, how glad I am that You value the ministry of women like Lydia, Mary, Martha, and so many others who helped to start the early churches. May our home be a welcoming lighthouse and may our influence be multiplied through our children.

* * *

     When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay."  Acts 16:15 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Paul and Barnabas Disagree

TIMOTHY

Read Acts 15:36-41; 1Timothy 1; 2 Timothy 1:5–7

     He came to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek.    Acts 16:1 NIV

* * *

     Many of the believers in Antioch were taking on the responsibility of teaching and preaching, so Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing." (Acts 15:36) 
     Barnabas insisted on taking John Mark along, but Paul sharply disagreed because Mark deserted them on the first journey. So Paul chose Silas, while Barnabas continued with Mark and they went their separate ways. God blessed the ministry of all these men.

* * *

     It must have been a heartbreaking loss for Paul to break fellowship with his friend, but soon after that, Paul met another man with the gift of encouragement, Timothy. Paul would later say of him, "Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel" (Philippians 2:22)

* * *

     Lord, sometimes we are saddened when believers disagree. But You are always faithful to provide the encouragement we need to keep going. Help us to trust in Your perfect provision. 

* * *

     "For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."    1 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV

PAUL AND BARNABAS - Good News for the Gentiles

TO THE JEWS FIRST

Read: Acts 13:13–52

'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'" Acts 13:47 NIV

* * *

     Paul and Barnabas, led by the Holy Spirit, set out on a journey to Cyprus where they spoke in the synagogues. From there they traveled to Pisidian Antioch where the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak." (13:15)
     Paul stood up and motioned with his hand, "Men of Israel and you Gentiles, who worship God, listen to me …We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus…" (13:16, 32-33a)

      The people, eager to hear more, invited the apostles to speak the next Sabbath when almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. (13:44-45)

      The desire for power in these men blinded them to the truth that their Messiah had come and offered them forgiveness of sin. By rejecting Him, they were giving up the gift of eternal life.

* * *

     Lord, I am so thankful that You offered that gift to us also, so that we could share the good news with others, both Jews and Gentiles.

* * *

     "We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles."  Acts 13:46b

THE EARLY CHURCH - King Herod's Persecution

AN UNEXPECTED ANSWER

Read Acts 12:1–24

     (King Herod) had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword… So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.  Acts 12:2, 5 NIV

* * *

     On the last night before Peter's trial, the disciples gathered at John Mark's home to pray for his deliverance. What they did not expect, was that their prayers would be miraculously answered that very night. 
     A young servant girl, Rhoda, came to answer the door, and we are told that "when she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!" "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel." (12:14–15)

     While they tried to process what was happening, "Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished." (12:16)

* * *

     Lord, I wonder how many times I have prayed without really expecting an answer. It is a comfort to me that You worked this miracle, not because of the strength of their faith, but on the basis of Your Almighty power in answer to earnest prayer. 

* * *

     …Herod, (who had murdered James) wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man." Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.   Acts 12:21–23 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Barnabas

THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Read Acts 11:19–30, 12:24–13:3

     They sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.   Acts 11:22-23 NIV

* * *

     Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, received a new Christian name from the apostles. They called him Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement." He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lordthrough his ministry. (11:24) He went to Tarsus to find Saul, and brought him to Antioch, where the two of them ministered for a year. In later years Saul, also called Paul, would write of Barnabas and his cousin John Mark, "They have proved to be a comfort to me."(Colossians 4:11)

     Barnabas possessed the gifts of encouragement and discernment. He was quick to recognize the Spirit of the Lord in a new believer and slow to write him off when he failed. His cousin John Mark ran away during a time of persecution, but later rejoined Barnabas in powerful ministry. 

* * *

     Lord, help me to be an encourager like Barnabas. Grant me the wisdom to teach our children how to encourage each other as well. As with Barnabas, fill us with the Holy Spirit and faith so that we can encourage other Christians to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. (11:23-24)

* * *

     The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26 NIV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Gentiles Included

PETER AND CORNELIUS

Read Acts 11:1–18

     But the voice answered me again from heaven, 'What God has cleansed you must not call common.' Acts 11:9 NKJV

* * *

     Up to this time, the apostles preached primarily to the Jewish people. Even at Pentecost, the people from various nations were professing Jews. To come to God, Peter believed a person must become a Jew and follow the Jewish laws, abstaining from unclean foods. 

     But God told Peter that he was going to do a new thing through him. He directed him to an Italian centurion named Cornelius whose heart was prepared to hear the gospel. Today he and his household were going to hear the good news, believe it, and receive the Holy Spirit; bringing Gentiles into the New Testament church.

* * *

     Dear heavenly Father, help me to remember that before I ever speak to someone about Christ, You have already paved the way. You said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,"(John 6:44 NKJV) I pray for the drawing of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Speak to their hearts, so that our words will fall on willing ears.

* * *

     If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?"      Acts 11:17 NKJV

THE EARLY CHURCH - Persecutor Forgiven

THE MAN WHO RAISED HAVOC

Read: Acts 9:23–31

     All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?" Acts 9:21 NIV

* * *

     After Saul's conversion, and recovery from blindness, he began to preach openly, that "Jesus is the Son of God." Believers were afraid of him, and Jews wanted to kill him; so his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. (9:25) 
     From there he traveled back to Jerusalem to join with the believers, but they didn't think he was sincere. With the help of Barnabas, he told his story to the apostles, and was accepted into the church. For a time he spoke boldly to the Jews about his newfound faith, but persecution began again, and Saul now called Paul, left for Tarsus.

* * *

     Lord, I can just imagine how those early Christians must have felt. Saul was the one who stood by while Stephen was martyred. He was the one who dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Not only did they need to believe him, they also had to forgive him. Thank You for forgiving me, and help me to learn to forgive others who have "caused havoc in the church."

* * *

     Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit; it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. Acts 9:31 NIV

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - A Special Appointment

PHILIP AND THE ETHIOPIAN

Read Acts 8:26–40; Isaiah 53:7–8

     Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road-the desert road-that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." Acts 8:26 NIV

* * *

     God had a special appointment for Philip on a desert road leading from Jerusalem to Gaza. Though he didn't know it, he was to meet with the chief treasurer for Queen Candace of Ethiopia. This man was sitting in his chariot reading aloud from the book of Isaiah the prophet. (Isaiah 53:7-8)

     Philip approached and asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me? …who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" (Acts 8:30b-31a, 34b)

     The passage read, "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice…For his life was taken from the earth." (Acts 8:32–33 NIV) Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. (8:35)

* * *

     Philip didn't know why he was told to go to the desert, but God had a specific reason for sending him there. Lord, when I am worried, help me to trust Your leading for our family, knowing that You have a purpose for our lives, and perhaps that purpose will be to influence and encourage other people along the way.

* * *

     Then…Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.   Acts 8:38-39 NIV

AFTER PENTECOST - God's Unexpected Choice

WHO ARE YOU LORD?

Read Acts 8:1–3; 9:1–22

     Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Acts 8:2-3 NIV

* * *

     The day that Stephen was martyred, a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem. The young man, Saul, asked for official approval to go to Damascus, and arrest any who belonged to "the Way," whether men or women. (9:2)

     Saul did this believing that he had God's approval as well. Later he would say, "I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers." (Galatians 1:14) On his way to Damascus, this fiery zealous young man had a massive change of heart. He met Jesus who said, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" His immediate response was, "Who are you, Lord?" (Acts 9:4–5)

* * *

     Dear Jesus, You are the One who knows men's hearts. Help me to believe that even those who seem to oppose the gospel may have a heart that is searching, and when You speak to them, they will recognize Your voice, because they are Your chosen ones.

* * *

     "God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles… " Galatians 1:15-16a NIV

AFTER PENTECOST - Persecution of the Church

STEPHEN MARTYRED

Read Acts Chapters 6 ─ 7

     These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. Acts 6:9b–10 NIV

* * *

     The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. This was a major threat to the powers in control, so not finding anything with which to accuse Stephen, they lied about him and brought him before the Sanhedrin.

     Amazingly, in the face of death, Stephen began by giving a complete overview of Israel's history – ending with, "Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous one. And now you have betrayed and murdered him…" (7:52 NIV)

* * *

     Stephen was chosen by the church to be a deacon. His job was distributing food among the widows, but he also faithfully continued to teach and preach about Jesus Christ. God had a particular Pharisee for Stephen to influence and we are told that "the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." (7:58 NIV) Later this man would be converted and become the Apostle to the Gentiles, renamed Paul, who would write letters from prison which are now included in Holy Scripture.

* * *

     Lord, we never know what You will accomplish through those we influence, especially our children. Help us to be faithful as we share the good news of the gospel in our day.

* * *

     While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:59-60 NIV

AFTER PENTECOST - Imprisoned

WE MUST OBEY GOD RATHER THAN MEN

Read Acts 5:12–32

     Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him . . . laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison.  Acts 5:17-18 NKJV

* * *

     Through the preaching of Spirit-filled apostles, "more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number." (5:14 NIV) The result was that the High Priest and other Sadducees were filled with jealousy, and had them arrested. 

     After a miraculous escape from prison, the apostles were again taken to the High Priest who said, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,…yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching…" Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! (5:28-29 NIV)

     One of the most convincing proofs of the power of the Holy Spirit was the courage of these ordinary uneducated men. But with God's help, they became extraordinary witnesses for the kingdom.

* * *

     Lord, I pray that You will give this ordinary woman an extraordinary filling of Your Spirit today. Help me to keep eternal values in view as I do my daily tasks, and try to love my family and other people as You love me.

* * *

     Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.  Acts 5:42 NIV

AFTER PENTECOST - The Stone of Stumbling

JESUS THE CORNERSTONE

Read: Read Acts 4:1–22

     This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Acts 4:11 NKJV

* * *

     The religious leaders were in a dilemma: A man had been healed and Peter and John insisted that the healing was in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the One they had crucified. 

     The apostles claimed that Jesus was a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophesy: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed." (Isaiah 28:16 NIV) But this same Jesus had become to them "…A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." (Isaiah 8:14 NKJV)

* * *

     They stumbled because they refused to receive the Lord as Savior, in spite of His miracles and fulfillment of prophesy. But God has something better in mind for those of us who have received Him: 
     "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy," (Jude 24 NKJV) to Him be the glory! Thank You Lord Jesus!

* * *

     'Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 NKJV

AFTER PENTECOST - Peter Heals a Lame Man

IN THE NAME OF JESUS

Read Acts 3

        Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Acts 3:6 NIV

* * *

     After Pentecost the Apostles were granted the gift of healing that Jesus had promised before He went to the Father. When this man began to walk and praise God, the people were astonished because "they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him."(3:10) 

     Peter said, “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” (3:12b)

    This was a moment when Peter and John could have taken credit, but instead Peter began to preach a courageous message: 

    He proclaimed to them, “you killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this…  By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see." (Acts 3:16 NIV)     

* * *

    Lord, I pray that whatever ministry you accomplish through my life, that I will always give glory to You. Help me to be sensitive to the kind of message that will be received, speaking boldly or gently as the occasion requires. You have promised to give the wisdom we need. Thank You, Lord. 

AFTER RESURRECTION - Pentecost

POWER FROM ABOVE - WITHIN

Read: Acts 2:1–47

     Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:2 NIV

* * *

     Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit and they would be witnesses to the world, beginning at Jerusalem. So they waited until the day of the feast of Pentecost when Jerusalem was filled with God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. (2:5) As the apostles began to speak, the people all said, "How is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?" (2:8)
     Peter, who had once fled in fear of the Jews, now stood up in front of the largest crowd of Jews he could possibly imagine, and says, "This man (Jesus) was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." (2:23-25)

* * *

     What a change God's indwelling Spirit had made in Peter. Lord, this same Holy Spirit lives in us, please give us the courage to witness to our generation and the one to come.

* * *

     The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:39 NIV

AFTER RESURRECTION - He's Coming Back

THIS SAME JESUS

Read: Acts 1:1–11

     He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 NKJV

* * *

     After forty days of being with Jesus and rejoicing that He was truly alive, the disciples asked Him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts1:6 NIV) He told them that it was not for them to know the times and dates,
     "But," He said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (1:7-8 NIV) 

     Then just as they must have wanted to ask Him many other things, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight!

* * *

     Lord, I can't imagine how alone they must have felt at that moment. We know now, and they knew in just a few days, that they would not be alone.          Lord, I praise You that You have given us Your Holy Spirit to guide us. Thank You that though we cannot see Him, He dwells within us and prays for us according to Your will.

* * *

     This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11b NIV

FRIDAY'S HERE BUT SUNDAY'S COMING

   Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed -- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed .   1 Cor 15:51-52 NKJV

* * *

     Easter is coming late this year, but in just a few days it will be here.  I prefer late April - in March it always takes me by surprise.  Easter came as a surprise to believers in Bible times as well. No matter how many times the Lord told them that He would die and rise again the third day - they couldn't seem to comprehend. They were ready to see Him as King, Messiah, Promised One - but suffering, death and resurrection - that was unthinkable!

* * *

   Our hope comes not just on Friday (the cross) but on the Sunday that follows. Jesus died for our sins on Friday - but He conquered death on Sunday- so that those of us who receive Him need not fear death any more.

* * *

     For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.   John 3:16

Have you believed in the only begotten Son of God?

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Mary Magdalene

I HAVE SEEN THE LORD!
Read: John 20:1-18 

     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

* * *

     Mary Magdalene was one of the devout women who supplied the needs of Jesus and His disciples throughout His ministry. She was a woman whom Jesus had delivered from demon possession, as were many others who followed Him. Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus.

     Now Mary came to the tomb to grieve, but instead she found that the tomb was empty. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"   

     Later back at the empty tomb, she turned around and saw Jesus, so changed that she did not recognize Him - until He said her name!

    Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (John 20:16)

     Mary Magdalene had been forgiven much and she loved her Savior. Her life was dedicated to the ministry and to being a friend to other believers. God chose her to be the first one to see her risen Lord.

* * *

     Thank You, Lord, that You sent your Son to set people like Mary free from their sin, and that You saved me too. I pray that my life will be spent serving you and other believers, in Jesus name, Amen.

* * *

     Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!"   John 20:18

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Secret Disciples

SECRET DISCIPLES 

Read John 19:38-42

     After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.   John 19:38 NKJV

* * * 

     Here are two Jewish men, one of them Nicodemus, a Pharisee and the other Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent wealthy council member - both of them secret disciples of Jesus. On one occasion Nicodemus tried to speak up at a council meeting by saying, 

     "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" They ridiculed him by saying, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee." (John 7:50-52)

     After the crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea gathered up his courage and asked Pilot for Jesus' body. He and Nicodemus - no longer secret disciples - prepared the body for burial and laid it in Joseph's new tomb, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that Messiah would be buried in a rich man's grave.(Isaiah 53:9) 

* * *

     Lord, forgive me when I have been reluctant to speak up for You among unbelievers. Give me courage and discernment to know when and where to share my faith. 

* * * 

     And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.    John 19:39 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - At The Cross

BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER

Read John 19:17-37

     Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.    John 19:25-26 NKJV

* * *

     Years before, Mary and Joseph stood before the priest to dedicate her newborn Son. The old man Simeon had prophesied, "This child is destined to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:34-35)  

     Now Mary was experiencing the ultimate piercing of her soul, as Jesus hung from the cross in agonizing pain: 
     When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.   John 19:26-27 NKJV

     Jesus knew the emotional pain that this moment brought to His mother. God had chosen her of all women to give birth to His Son, but His plans for her were not over. After the resurrection and ascension, Mary's other sons became devout believers. In Acts we read,

   "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."   Acts 1:14 NKJV

* * *

     Lord, so often Mary stood in the background watching God's plan unfold. She is an example I would like to follow when it seems better to be still and wait on You. What honor came to this humble woman as the Son of God saw to her needs in His last hour. I know that You are aware of my needs and the needs of my children. I pray that like Mary's sons they will follow You.

* * *

     One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water... These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled ..."They will look on the one they have pierced."    John 19:34-37;  Zechariah 12:10

EASTER DEVOTIONS - The Rooster Crowed

"I HAVE PRAYED FOR YOU, THAT YOUR FAITH SHOULD NOT FAIL"

Read Mark 14: 66-72

     After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."   Mark 14:70-71 NIV

* * *

     Just a short time before this incident, Peter had declared to Jesus, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death."(Luke 22:33) Peter had stood up valiantly in the garden by starting a sword fight. But then Jesus healed the soldier's ear, and submitted himself to arrest. Jesus said to them, 

     "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."  (John 18:8b-9 quoting John 17:12) 

* * *

     Jesus knew all about what Peter would do. He knew that Satan wanted to "sift him like wheat", but Satan could not defeat Peter, because Jesus had said, "I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail." (Luke 22:32) 

* * *

     Lord, The moment the rooster crowed had to be the darkest day of Peter's life - but the story told through the years has brought comfort and encouragement to all of us who, like Peter, have experienced failure. 

* * * 

     Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.   Mark 14:72 NIV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Gethsemane

TAKE A SWORD

Read: Luke 22: 35-53

 

     He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.    Luke 22:36 NIV 

* * *

     It has been obvious up to this point that everything the Lord did had a purpose and was part of His Father's plan. Just prior to entering the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer, He gave the apostles specific instruction to sell their cloaks and buy a sword. They must have thought they were preparing to fight for the Kingdom. But Jesus had a plan they never could have guessed. They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough." (22:38)

* * *

     After a night of prayer in the garden; a contingency of soldiers and religious leaders came to arrest Jesus. When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them (Peter) struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. (22:49-50) What happened next would show everyone that Jesus laid down his life for us; it wasn't taken from Him.

* * *

     Lord, I am unable to comprehend the love that motivated You to give Your only begotten Son to make such a sacrifice. Jesus said, "No more of this!" And He touched the man's ear and healed him. (22:51)

* * *

     Jesus said to him ... "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"    Matthew 26:53-54 NIV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Jesus Prays For Us

THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW

Read: John 17:1-26

     "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." John 17:4-5 NIV 

* * * 

     Jesus spoke to His Father intentionally in the presence of His disciples. He was going to be entering Heaven very soon - restored to the glory He left behind when He became a man. The disciples must have been encouraged when they heard Him tell His Father, 

     "I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me." (17:8) "... My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (17:15)

* * * 

     Lord, I am so thankful that in this prayer You said, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message." (17:20) As I meditate on this chapter and all the words You said for them and for us - I claim these words for my family:

      "I in them and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."(17:23) 

* * *

     "I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."   John 17:26 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Abide In Me

I AM THE VINE
Read John 15:1–17

     "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NKJV

* * *

     These final words of Jesus to His beloved apostles are of utmost importance, both to them and to us. He was going away and they would carry on the work of spreading the gospel to the world. They did not yet have the indwelling Holy Spirit – but soon they would.

* * *

     Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…" (15:16) How were they going to be able to accomplish this? Jesus said, "…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine…If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." (15:4, 7)

* * *

     Dear Lord, I know that apart from You we will not see lasting fruit in our lives. I come to You this morning as an act of abiding in You. Speak to me from Your Word and plant Your will deep within my heart. I am asking and You have promised that it shall be done. I claim that promise today.

* * *

     "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

HE WHO HAS SEEN ME HAS SEEN THE FATHER
Read John 14:1–31

     "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1 NKJV

* * *

     The disciples still did not quite understand the clues Jesus had given of His coming death and resurrection. Thomas questioned Him about where He was going, and would not fully comprehend until after it all took place and he saw the nail prints in His hands.

     Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father…" (14:8–9)

     Then He promised, "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever– the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (14:16-17)

* * *

     God the Father would send His Holy Spirit not only to dwell with them, but in them. The Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – all working together to abide in us forever. Thank You Lord for this incomparable truth –"Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27 NKJV)

* * *

     "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."  John 14:27 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Humility

AS I HAVE DONE TO YOU...

Read John 13:1–17

     Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and--poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet… John 13:3-5 NKJV

* * *

     Jesus knew exactly who He was, where He had come from, and where He was going. In view of His coming crucifixion, how amazing that He does such a loving, comforting act in washing his disciple's feet.
     Peter, also knowing who Christ was said, "Lord, are You washing my feet? You shall never wash my feet!" (13:8a) But Jesus told him that if he did not allow his feet to be washed he would have no part with Him. Peter said, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!" (13:9) With a poignant symbolism, Jesus told him he only needed his feet washed, because the rest of him was already clean, forgiven and eternally secure. Only Judas did not qualify as being so cleansed.

* * *

     Lord, I am so thankful for the daily cleansing You offer as I confess my sins and You are faithful to forgive. Help me to follow this example of humility toward others, especially my own family.

* * *

     If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. John 13:14-15 NKJV

EASTER DEVOTIONS - Scattered

SCATTERED BUT NOT ALONE

Read John 16:5–33

     "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you."   John 16:7 NKJV

* * *

      The disciples were still trying to grasp what Jesus was telling them. He was preparing them for the frightening, sorrowful days ahead. He said, "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (16:22)

* * *

      At one point, the men thought they understood; they said, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God." (16:29–30)

      Jesus replied, “Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone…”(16:30-32 NKJV) 

          The disciples would indeed be scattered, but they would be gathered again, empowered by the Holy Spirit and made into the foundation of a church that would turn the world upside down.

* * *

      Lord, I see from the lives of these men that I don't have to understand all that You are doing in the world. I just have to trust that You are the Son of God who has taken away my sin, and promised a fruitful, abundant life, by the power of Your Holy Spirit.



* * *

     "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV