The Trip to Rome - Acts 25:1-28:31

The Trip to Rome - Acts 25:1-28:31

"Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."

Under house-arrest and supervised by guards, we might think that Paul's ministry ends in failure.  He's been arrested, he appeals to Caesar and is transported to Rome (after being shipwrecked), and yet the Bible gives no account of his trial before Caesar.  There doesn't appear to be an acquittal of Paul, and it's possible that he lives out the rest of his life under house arrest.

And yet, his story ends with the greatest testimony to God's grace.  He continues to boldly preach the Gospel without any hindrance.  Despite the obvious physical restraints, Paul is able to entertain guests, send messages, and write letters - and the Kingdom of God continues to expand.

Lots of things seem to hinder us, don't they?  We feel inadequate... we're too busy... we're afraid of what people might think.  Like Moses we feel as though we lack the oratory skills to speak for God.  Our personal comfort, entertainment, and wealth distract us from the greater tasks at hand.  And even though we are not in chains or constrained to our homes, we lack the boldness of Paul to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

We should be challenged by the passion of Paul, his tenacity and his unwillingness to give up.  Grounded in his knowledge of who he was before Christ called him, he is thoroughly sold out to bringing that good news to others around him.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul is filled with the passionate power of God.

For mighty works for Thee, prepare And strengthen ev'ry heart.
Come, take possession of Thine own, And nevermore depart.
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
Thy floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide!
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power,
That sinners be converted and Thy name glorified!
                                 - Charlotte G. Homer

More Missionary Journeys - Acts 16:1-20:38

More Missionary Journeys - Acts 16:1-20:38


It seems that conflict and violence follows Paul wherever he goes. Paul and Silas are jailed in Philippi, Jason is arrested on Paul's behalf in Thessalonica, and Paul has to run from Thessalonian agitators in Berea.  He is abused and accused in Corinth, and he causes a two-hour riot in Ephesus.

Most of us would be tempted to give up... over and over again!  And perhaps Paul is tempted to give up as well.  But one night in Corinth, Paul has a vision, and God says:

"Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 
  
I'm not a language scholar, but after consulting multiple translations, it appears as though there are two cause-and-effect statements in this vision:

• Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent
• For I am with you.

• No one is going to attack and harm you
• Because I have many people in this city.

What's particularly interesting to me is that Paul isn't told "don't be afraid because nobody will harm you."  Neither is he told, "No one will harm you because I am with you."  Instead, he's told "don't be afraid, I am with you," AND "no one will harm you because I have many people."

Our lack of fear should never be rooted in the belief that we won't be harmed or that things won't go wrong.  Our lack of fear should only be rooted in the knowledge of God's abiding presence with us.  Furthermore, our belief that God is always with us should never be confused with a belief that things won't go wrong.  Instead, we can be confident that He goes with us, even through difficult and trying times.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
By still, my soul; thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
                                                                  - Katharina von Schlegel (trans. by Jane L. Borthwick)

The Council at Jerusalem - Acts 15:1-41

The Council at Jerusalem - Acts 15:1-41

"...we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God."

I realize that this verse is in the context of a very specific discussion about what Gentiles must do (or not) in order to be considered part of this new Christian faith.  As the Jewish Christians are hammering out the essentials of the faith, they are confronted with the question about what portions of the law the new Gentile converts must obey.  Ultimately, they choose an open stance with few requirements, mirroring their understanding of the grace of God.

Even though this verse is within that specific context, I find that the quote has far-reaching implications to our own lives.  As Gentile Christians, we might rewrite it as "...we should not make it difficult for the non-Christians who are turning to God."

Are there things that we do that make it difficult for those who are turning to God?  Non-biblical behavioral requirements?  Church dress codes?  Insider language?  Unfriendliness?  Judgmentalism?  Hypocrisy?

Any of those behaviors on the part of a Christian, could be something which becomes a stumbling block to an unbeliever.  Our actions and attitudes could form a hurdle which keeps someone from accepting the free gift of salvation.  Let us be as free and as gracious as the Early Church as we share the Good News with all.

God forgave my sin in Jesus' name;
I've been born again in Jesus' name;
And in Jesus' name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to.
He said, "Freely, freely you have received;
Freely, freely give.
Go in My name and because you believe,
Others will know that I live."
                        - Carol Owens

The First Missionary Journey - Acts 13:1-14:28

The First Missionary Journey - Acts 13:1-14:28

Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!

Given the chance to speak in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Paul stands up and begins a history lesson, summarizing God's interactions with the people of God from the time of Abraham until the time of Jesus.  This same approach was taken when Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-22), and when Stephen stood trial (Acts 7:1-53).  In each case, they respond to their accusers by putting their current events within their historical context.

A couple of thoughts related to this:

1. We are reminded that the Christian faith is thoroughly grounded and rooted in history.  While God is doing a new thing (even today), it is fully consistent with the "new thing" He has been doing throughout history.  We ought to remain connected not only to ancient Christian practices, but to our Jewish roots as well.
   
2. These men (Paul, Peter, John, and Stephen) all witness to others within the context of the worldview of those they are trying to reach.  They understand the people they are reaching, and they meet them where they are.  As we share our faith, it's vital that we get to know those we are reaching, to share with them the information that is appropriate to their context, spiritual state, and knowledge.
   
3. We are also reminded how important it is for us to know our scriptures!  We can only outline the history of God's interaction with the world if we know that history.  We can only remain rooted in our own history if we understand it.  Our ability to share the Good News is related to our knowledge of the Good News.

As you consider these early missionary movements, consider the ways God has worked in your life... in the Church... and in the world.  These all become events and moments that might be part of your summary of the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true.
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story! 'Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

                                   - Katherine Hankey

The Road to Damascus - Acts 9:1-31

The Road to Damascus - Acts 9:1-31

Saul/Paul experiences a true one-eighty, about-face, switching teams.  He was going full-tilt in one particular direction, and within days is going full-tilt in the completely opposite direction.  From persecuting Christians and "breathing out murderous threats" to not only becoming a Christ-follower, but preaching and evangelizing - to the point that the target had shifted and was now being painted on Paul's head!

Paul must have been pretty convinced of what he heard and saw on the road to Damascus.  Nobody is likely to put their life on the line for a fabrication or a made-up story.  In fact, one of our best evidences for the resurrection of Christ is that the disciples were willing to give up their lives rather than recant their amazing story.  Clearly, Paul's encounter with Christ was a deep and abiding transformation that changed the very fabric of his being.

What was the transformation in your life?  It might not have been as dramatic as Paul's, but we can be certain that you're different because Christ is in your life. Evangelism is simply sharing your story with others, allowing them to see the ways that Christ has transformed you.  Paul was willing to give his life in order to share his story... how about you?

I gave My life for thee; My precious blood I shed,
That thou might'st ransomed be, And quickened from the dead.
I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast though giv'n for Me?I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast though giv'n for Me?
                                           - Frances R. Havergal

Good News for All - Acts 10:1-11:18

Good News for All - Acts 10:1-11:18

Now send men to Joppa...

It's interesting to note that Joppa is also referenced in the book of Jonah.  You might remember that Jonah was called to go to Nineveh (the capital of Assyria) to preach the Gospel to a city that was full of pagan worship and evil behaviors.  Instead of going up to Nineveh, he went down to Joppa in order to run the other way.

Peter has his own dialogue with God right there in Joppa, as God prepares him for something new that was about to happen.  By commanding him to eat food that was previously considered unclean, God is helping Peter understand that He is interested in the salvation of ALL people.

And like Jonah, God calls Peter to preach to Gentiles who were part of an oppressive empire.  Instead of sending Peter to the Assyrians, God sends him to man named Cornelius--a centurion in the Roman Army.  But that's where the similarities in the stories end.  For unlike Jonah, Peter is obedient to God's call, going to Cornelius, witnessing to him, and baptizing his entire household. 

Where is God calling you to go?  Who are the people that God desires to reach through you?  And how will you respond?  Like Jonah who offers excuses and goes in the other direction?  Or like Peter who faithfully goes where God calls?

Lord, lay some soul upon my heart
And love that soul thro' me;
And may I always do my part
To win that soul for Thee.
                  - Leon Tucker

Sharing the Word - Acts 8:26-40

Sharing the Word - Acts 8:26-40

Why shouldn’t I be baptized?

We don't know for sure, but it's pretty likely that the Ethiopian Eunuch had previously encountered all sorts of barriers and hurdles which prevented him from worshiping God.  As a Gentile who had probably been emasculated in order to serve a pagan queen, it's very likely that he was relegated to the very outer courts of the Jerusalem Temple, and may have been considered an outcast by the people that he joined in order to worship God.  (See Deut. 23:1)

So when I imagine him asking "why shouldn't I be baptized?" I hear all sorts of fear and trembling in his voice.  He may be expecting Philip to list all the reasons why not--his ethnicity, his sexuality, his occupation.  He has probably considered the possibility that he will remain a second-class citizen in the Kingdom of God, forever outside the wall eavesdropping on the insiders. Instead, Philip climbs out of the chariot with him and baptizes him, right then and there.

The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that forgiveness of sins and entrance into the Kingdom is available to anyone who would confess and repent.  Regardless of past, heritage, or social status, Jesus welcomes the outcast and the wanderer with open arms.  Paul writes, "For he himself (Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two (Jews & Gentiles) one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." (Eph. 2:14)

"Whosoever heareth" shout, shout the sound!
Spread the blessed tidings all the world around.
Tell the joyful news wherever man is found:
"Whosoever will may come."
                         - Philip P. Bliss 

The First Martyr - Acts 6:8-8:8

The First Martyr - Acts 6:8-8:8

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Has it ever occurred to you that we are among the scattered?  We don't worship at the temple in Jerusalem. We don't have a particular holy site that we make pilgrimages to.  We don't have a centralized monolithic authority that speaks on our behalf.  Instead, we are just like millions of other Christians, scattered throughout the earth.


I suspect that the persecution that broke out after Stephen's death was one of the primary catalysts for the explosive growth of the Gospel.  Even the authority of the Apostles was decentralized, and individuals were given the authority and calling to preach the gospel to all around them.  It appears as though God's strategy was not to use an institution... but to use individuals.


We miss the point of the Gospel if we think that it is solely the pastor's job to witness and evangelize.  Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 4 that the job of the pastor is to equip the saints (that's all of us) for service and acts of ministry.  In Acts, even though we hear a lot about the Apostles, it's apparent that the work of the ministry belonged to everyone.


So... to you who are scattered... who has God called you to reach?  Who can you share the Gospel with today?  To whom can you show the love of God?

Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing; make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
                          - Ira B. Wilson

Growth and Persecution - Acts 3:1-4:37

Growth and Persecution - Acts 3:1-4:37

All the believers were one in heart and mind.

It's fascinating that this story of persecution is immediately followed by this paragraph about the believers sharing everything in common and being one in heart and mind.  While Luke doesn't go so far as to suggest a cause-and-effect relationship, it certainly makes sense that the threats, arrests, and conspiracies would drive the early Christians even closer together.

Perhaps the North American Church is so fractured today because we lack real adversity and oppression.  Without the sort of persecution that other Christ-followers face on a daily basis, we find it easier to turn on each other, instead of directing our energy against the powers and kingdoms of this world.

Given the persecution faced by the early church, it's nearly impossible to imagine gossip, back-biting, or criticism reaching their fingers into the community.  Instead, we see this deep love and commitment to each other, where people put the needs of the community before themselves.  They shared everything they had, and made sure that everyone was taken care of.

This sort of unity and sacrifice should be the hallmark of every Christian community.  When we share life together in this way, we reflect the image of the Triune God to the world around us.  When we put the needs of others before our own, we reflect the Christ who humbled Himself and became a servant.

We are one in the bond of love.
We are one in the bond of love.
We have joined our spirits with the Spirit of God.
We are one in the bond of love.

The Day of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-47

The Day of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-47

"In the last days..."

Peter makes it quite clear that the Day of Pentecost ushers in a period of time we might call "The Last Days."  Now, I realize that this period of time has been nearly 2000 years long, but there's no question that the Kingdom of God began to be ushered in with the coming of the Holy Spirit.  While we eagerly await the coming of the Kingdom in all of its fullness, we rejoice that it is already at hand.

No longer would "the Spirit of God" be restricted to an elite class of people.  No longer would we have to trust in priests and prophets to speak the Word of the Lord.  No longer would the ministry be restricted to people of a particular age, or race, or gender.  Instead, Peter reminds us that Joel prophecied a day when the Spirit of God would be poured out on all people... and according to Peter, that day began on the day of Pentecost so many years ago.

Rejoice in the knowledge that you don't need a priest or a mediator to enter into the presence of God.  Celebrate the fact that you can be used by the Holy Spirit as a mouthpiece for the Most High God.  Take delight in the certainty that God has come to Jew and Gentile, free and slave, male and female, young and old.

At the same time, this knowledge comes with great responsibility.  What role does God want you to fill in His Kingdom?  Are you living in the fullness of the Spirit and exploring all that He has for you today?  Are your words consistent with the words that He would want to speak through you?

Pentecost reminds us that you are the Body of Christ on the earth today--the ambassadors of the Kingdom, filled with the Spirit of God.  Go forth in the knowledge that the Spirit of Christ indwells you!

O boundless love divine!  How shall this tongue of mine
To wond'ring mortals tell the matchless grace divine--
That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!
                                - Frank Bottome

The Ascension - Acts 1:1-11

The Ascension - Acts 1:1-11

When?  How Long?

The disciples ask Jesus if he's going to "restore the kingdom to Israel."  It's quite likely that what they want to know is if He is finally going to deliver them from Roman occupation.  Failing to understand that He came to conquer sin and death, they still are asking questions about politics and earthly kingdoms.

In fairness to the disciples, we all want to know when.  We all want to know how long.  We long for wrongs to be made right... for injustices to be corrected... for the Peace of Christ to reign over all the earth.  In short, we all want to know how long until Christ will come again.

But Christ doesn't give the disciples the answer they want (nor does He give us the answer we want).  Instead, He essentially says, "wait and see."  It's up to the Father in His infinite wisdom to bring about the ultimate redemption of His creation.

The question for us is this, "How do we live in the meantime?"

In anticipation of the coming Kingdom, we ought to live as though it is our present reality, knowing that Christ has already come... that Christ is made present to us right now... and that Christ will come again.

View the present through the promise, Christ will come again.
Trust despite the deepening darkness, Christ will come again.
Lift the world above its grieving through your watching and believing
in the hope past hope’s conceiving: Christ will come again.

                                           - Thomas Troeger

The Resurrection - John 20:1-21:25

The Resurrection - John 20:1-21:25

Dying, Christ destroyed our death.
Rising, Christ restored our life.
Christ will come again in glory.

These words, part of nearly every funeral service I conduct, remind us that death is not the end... that the grave has lost the battle against life and love.  Even when confronted with caskets and gravestones, I am granted the privilege to proclaim the certainty that Christ has defeated death, granted us new life, and will come again.

At the heart of the Gospel is the defeat of sin and death.  Not only did Christ die so our sins could be forgiven, but He rose again so we could have confidence of new and unending life with Him.  This is our certain hope.

This is the victorious life that Christians should live!  With sin and death defeated, we need not live in fear, but in confidence.  We need not be afraid of death because we know that the Good Shepherd has already passed that way before, He knows what is on the other side, and He walks with us through the unknown.

Rise O Church and lift your voices
Christ has conquered death and hell
Sing as all the earth rejoices
Resurrection anthems swell
Come and worship come and worship
Worship Christ the Risen King
                      - Jack Hayford

The Crucifixion - John 19:1-42

The Crucifixion - John 19:1-42

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

The crucifixion of Jesus is a central component of the Gospel message... and right in the middle of the narrative we are confronted with this crucial question about the Lordship of Jesus.  Pilate asks the chief priests if he should crucify their king, and they respond by indicating that they do not recognize the authority of anyone except Caesar.

Just imagine - the religious leaders of the day are not only willing to crucify an innocent man, but they are also willing to declare their allegiance to Caesar, aligning themselves with the political powers of this world. 

The reality is that the Kingdom of God stands in direct opposition to the kingdoms of this world.  There is no room for compromise in the Kingdom of God, and when kingdoms collide, we are forced to declare our allegiance by our words and actions. As has been said, "Christ must be Lord of all... or He is not Lord at all."  And Christ's Kingdom isn't based on political power and authority, but on self-sacrifice and servanthood.

Which narrative shapes your life?  Of which kingdom are you a subject?

O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my guide.

                          - John E. Bode

Arrest and Trial - John 18:1-40

Arrest and Trial - John 18:1-40

"I am He" - Jesus
"I am not" - Peter

As I read this passage, I was struck by the repetition of these phrases.  Twice, in dialogue with the chief priests and officials, Jesus says, "I am He."  And twice, when asked if he was a disciple, Peter replied with the words "I am not."

In the middle of this story of Jesus' betrayal and arrest, we find this sub-plot which centers around identity.  Jesus knows exactly who He is, and doesn't mind who knows it.  He responds simply and clearly to the question of identity.  On the other hand, Peter appears confused as to his identity, and ultimately denies his identity as a follower of Christ.

How do you define your identity?  Do you define yourself by a job? your family? your political affiliation? where you live? your hobbies? your church denomination?

There's nothing wrong with any of those things--but there should be no room for identity confusion in the life of a Christian.  First and foremost, we are to be subjects in the Kingdom of God... we are to be disciples of Christ... we are to be friends of God.

Every other defining characteristics and identity should pale in comparison to the identity as a Christian.

Who are you?

I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice, an alien by birth,
But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,
An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.
I’m a child of the King,
A child of the King:
With Jesus my Savior,
I’m a child of the King.
                            - Harriet E. Buell

The Last Supper - Luke 22:1-46

The Last Supper - Luke 22:1-46

But I am among you as one who serves.

I recently read an article in which the author suggested that one of the best remedies to our celebrity culture (even within the Church) is an intentional and continual celebration of the sacrifice of Christ.

Consider, for just a moment, the oxymoronic behavior of the disciples. Jesus is presenting them with bread and wine, telling them that this is His broken body and shed blood.  Within minutes, they're arguing about who will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Despite the example of self-sacrifice, they're drawn to status and power.

We must continually ask ourselves which narrative we are allowing to shape our lives.  The narrative of our culture would call us to bow at the idols of wealth, status, power, and popularity.  But the Narrative of the Table calls us to follow the example of Jesus, and to be broken and spilled out for the world around us.

I'm inspired by people like John Wesley who partook of Communion daily--allowing the Narrative of the Table to become the primary shaping influence in their lives.  As we gather each week, may we not simply partake of the elements, but may we be shaped by the Christ that we meet at the Table.

Now let us from this table rise
Renewed in body, mind and soul.
With Christ we die and live again;
His selfless love has made us whole.

                                - Fred Kaan

Raising Lazarus from the Dead - John 11:1-57

Raising Lazarus from the Dead - John 11:1-57

Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?

Lazarus is dead... and Jesus was too late to save him.  At least, that's what the onlookers are suggesting.  And in this quote, they reveal their own lack of faith--possibly even suggesting that they don't believe Jesus really did heal the blind man!  After all, if Jesus had healed the blind man, surely he could have kept Lazarus from dying.

It doesn't even occur to them that Jesus might bring Lazarus back to life. They are expressing their disappointment that Jesus hadn't healed Lazarus, oblivious to the fact that Jesus has something even greater in store.  They are are still wishing for a relatively minor miracle, completely unaware that they are on the verge of a major miracle.

Often when God doesn't answer our prayer the way we want, it's because He has something even better in mind.  We may not immediately understand what that is... or how it is better.  In fact, we may never understand it this side of the grave.  But if we truly submit our requests to "Thy will be done," then we can trust that God will do what is best.

When our prayers seem to go unanswered, or we don't get the answer we like... do we get angry and lose faith?  Or do we keep our eyes open for the ways that God's glory will be revealed?

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

                  - Ira F. Stanphill

Healing a Demon-Possessed Man - Mark 5:1-20

Healing a Demon-Possessed Man - Mark 5:1-20

Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Jesus' arrival in our lives always carries long-lasting implications:  sins are forgiven, bondage is broken, and injustices are corrected.  Jesus didn't come simply so we could go to Heaven, but so He could transform our lives in the here-and-now.  And when Jesus changes lives, it is not only an individual transformation, but it should affect our neighborhoods and communities as well.

In the case of the region of the Gerasenes, the economic implications of Jesus' arrival were so great that they actually asked Him to leave.  Instead of rejoicing that this man had been delivered, all they could see was the loss of so many pigs.  Can you imagine that in the minds of this culture, the value of 2000 pigs was considered greater than the value of a human life?

And yet, perhaps our culture is not so different.

I wonder what would happened if we lived as though Christ had "moved into the neighborhood"?  What would be the societal and economic implications if we lived incarnationally--as the present-day representation of the Body of Christ?  At what point would our culture begin to plead with us to leave?

Your love compels me, Lord, to give as You would give,
To speak as You would speak, to live as You would live.
Your love compels me, Lord, to see as You would see,
To serve as You would serve, to be what You would be.
                          - Doug Holck

Healing a Blind Man - John 9:1-41

Healing a Blind Man - John 9:1-41

Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!

Aren't you glad you don't have to know all the answers?  After all, theologians have debated countless issues for centuries, and they still don't agree. Wiser and smarter people than you and I face some deep questions and respond with theories, best guesses, and sometimes a simple shrug.

Wesleyan scholar and author Keith Drury once provided an analogy about writing beliefs in pencil, pen, and blood.  In short, he suggests that we write our strong opinions in pencil, knowing that we might need to erase them and change them.  Our convictions we write in pen, and while they might change, it becomes difficult to do so.  But the core of the Gospel is written in blood--for it is the Gospel for which we are willing to die.

The challenge is that sometimes we get our pencil, pen, and blood confused.  We are wishy-washy on the things that really matter... and we get in lengthy arguments and debates over the issues that don't matter as much.  The man who was born blind reminds us to refocus our attention on what is really important, "I once was blind, but now I see!"

What are the core convictions in your life?  What beliefs are you willing to die for?

He touched me, O He touched me,
And O the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened, and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.
                     - William J. Gaither

Walking on Water - Matthew 14:22-36

Walking on Water - Matthew 14:22-36

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid...

Our tendency when reading this story is to give Peter a hard time... after all, he takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink.  Jesus even chides Peter a little bit, calling him, "You of little faith."  But let's remember that Peter had the faith to get out of the boat, while the rest of the disciples are still in the boat, presumably trembling with fear.

At the same time, there is something to be learned from Peter's experience.  It seems as though he began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and began to look at his problem.  Paralyzed by fear, he stopped moving, and began to sink.

Beginner drivers face a similar temptation.  Their tendency is to look at the oncoming car... or the obstacle in the road... or the guardrail.  And when they do, they are likely to steer the car directly toward the danger they wish to avoid! And so driving instructors have to remind students to look in the direction they want the car to go, not at the obstacle or danger.

We know exactly what that feels like, don't we?  We are constantly tempted to focus our attention on the problem, instead of the Solution.  We get overwhelmed and begin to drown in our own complicated situations, and it takes our attention off from the One who is mighty to save.

"Look and live," my brother, live.
Look to Jesus now and live.
'Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you "look and live."

Feeding the Five Thousand - Luke 9:1-36

Feeding the Five Thousand - Luke 9:1-36

Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.

I find it interesting that this passage about the Sending of the Twelve comes immediately before the Feeding of the Five Thousand.  The disciples had just been traveling throughout the countryside with no resources to their name.  Clearly, God has been providing for them as they have traveled and performed miracles.  And yet, they are not prepared for Jesus to provide for the crowds of people that have come to hear Him teach.

We have a tendency to buy into what I've heard called The Myth of Scarcity.  In other words, we tend to believe that there won't be enough.  This tends to lead into a self-fulfilling prophecy where we hoard resources to make sure that we will have enough... ensuring that there, in fact, won't be enough for everyone.

You can see this at work whenever you get a group of junior high guys together for a youth group pizza party.  They are afraid there won't be enough, so the first ones through the line grab extra slices of pizza just in case they will want them later!  And sure enough, by the time we get to the end of the line, there aren't enough slices for everyone, and the ones who took extra slices are throwing the crusts away in the trash because they're too full.

The point?  The point is that we serve a God of abundance.  He's able to provide for twelve disciples wandering the countryside... and He's able to provide for a massive crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children... and surely He's able to provide for you.  So when you're tempted to buy into the myth of scarcity, remember that you serve a God of abundance!

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21