Reading for:
Saturday, November 16: Acts 9 – 10
Sunday, November 17: Acts 11 – 13
Monday, November 18: Acts 14 – 15

Enter Paul . . . I mean Saul . . . I mean Paul. Well, yeah that guy.

Our reading in Acts take a bit of a shift as we enter the 9th chapter. Here we move away from the Acts of the Apostles to the Acts of one who was persecuting the church. We saw him briefly in Chapters 7 and 8, as Stephen was stoned, as he “was ravaging the church” (8:3). His actions remind me of the movie and tv series “The Purge.” Troubling stuff, and seems all to close to potential reality in our own times, but here Saul is doing much the same, purging new christians.

Yet, God does something unthinkable. God uses Saul as a key leader in the growth of the same church he is persecuting. Wow! I can imagine the trepidation that Ananias had when called to go to Saul in Damascus. He likely knocked on the door thinking this would be his very last. Instead the unthinkable. Saul is converted. He is changed and begins to spread the good news.

Certainly this brought tension to the Apostles, as God was doing something new through Paul. It may not say it, but there is definitely a bit of the childhood mindset, “I was here first” that takes place between Paul and Peter. While we all hold on to that child like mentality, it is important to remember that God uses the most unexpected of people, which includes you and me.

So let’s all wash the scales off of our own eyes, and go and share the good news of Jesus Christ!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Tuesday, November 19: Acts: 16 – 17
Wednesday, November 20: Acts 18 – 20
Thursday, November 21: Acts 21 – 23

Reading for the next few days:
Thursday, November 14: Acts 4 – 6
Friday, November 15: Acts 7 – 8

Filled with the Holy Spirit the Apostles are sent out into the world. As they are sent, persecution begins. Stephen is stoned in chapter 7. The Apostles are flogged in chapter 5. Jesus had warned them the road ahead would be difficult.

Then they will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death,
and you will be hated by all nations because of my name.
(Matthew 24:9)

‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 
(Matthew 10: 16-18)

Despite a constant reminder, the Apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit can do none other than proclaim the name and grace of Christ! While they experience hardship, here’s what I love, as Luke writes the Book of Acts, just after they were flogged:

As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day in the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.
(Acts 5:41-42)

Would you be so faithful to rejoice in persecution? I’m not sure I would, but thanks be to God these first witnesses were empowered to do none other than proclaim the name of Christ!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Saturday, November 16: Acts 9 – 10
Sunday, November 17: Acts 11 – 13
Monday, November 18: Acts 14 – 15

Reading for:
Wednesday, November 13: Acts 1 – 3

As we turn the page to another book in the Bible we shift from Jesus and the Gospels to the Book of Acts. However this isn’t a stand alone book. At least it was never meant to, be that when it was first written. We’ve have to turn back to the opening chapter of Luke to understand what I mean, or turn back to my reflections titled “Year of Scripture-Luke”. Luke writes to “Theophilus” and either dedicates his writing to him, or gives greetings to him in the opening words of both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. So Acts is a sequel! If it were up to me, I would probably re-order the Gospels and Acts to John, Mark, Matthew, Luke, Acts, but as it is they didn’t ask me when the were putting the good book together. 🙂

Also, I think the title is misleading. Several scholars may agree. The Acts of the Apostles as it is often called, looses sight of the main actor in the story. This should be renamed the Acts of the Holy Spirit. For it is the Spirit that gives life to the early Church after Jesus’ Ascension . . . and the Holy Spirit is awesome!

Rushing in like a violent wind. Helping the now Apostles hear and speak in other languages. Moving them from a locked upper room. Sending them forth into the world. What an awe inspiring moment as 1,000’s were baptized and brought to faith on the Day of Pentecost.

Add to that, the impressive words of Peter. This is definitely a Spirit filled Peter. No longer are we sinking in the water as the storm rages. No longer are we turning back to our former lives and caught fishing in Jesus’ absence. No longer are we putting selfish desires first and told “get behind me Satan.” No longer are we denying Jesus in the public courtyard of the High Priest. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter has been changed. Peter has been moved from Disciple to Apostle and witness to Christ! With that, we realize one thing, this bumbling fool of a disciple can preach!

With the voice of Peter and filled with the Holy Spirit, let us all preach on and proclaim the good news of Jesus!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Thursday, November 14: Acts 4 – 6
Friday, November 15: Acts 7 – 8
Saturday, November 16: Acts 9 – 10

Reading for:
Sunday, November 10: John 13 – 15
Monday, November 11: John 16 – 18
Tuesday, November 12: John 19 – 21

It’s hard not to fall in love and be amazed by the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. There is always something awe inspiring every time I read it. That being said, between teaching the Gospels for a Diaknoia Class, and my prep work for it, and now journeying through the Year of Scripture, this is the 12th time I’ve read these words in the past two months, so I’ve got it down. Still . . . I come back in awe that God would do such a thing for me!

Three things to note as we wrap up our reading of John.

1. Nicodemus: Way back in chapter three, Nicodemus came to Jesus when? In the darkness of night. It was all in secret, a bit hush hush, and Nicodemus was challenged with some great words by Jesus. So what happened? I posed that in my daily blog a few days back. Nicodemus became a believer! From the darkness of night to the light of the day, he now publicly attends to Jesus’ burial with 75 pounds of aloes. What a rich gift! What a transition of faith! As people of light, may we bold enough to move from our own darkened places to share the love of God!
2. Jesus prays: As we gather in the upper room in John just before Jesus is betrayed, foot washing is introduced as a model of service, and Jesus prays. This “High Priestly Prayer” as it is often called, includes words of prayer for our unity, care, and well being. And Jesus prays . . . wow does he pray. Words of compassion. Words of authority! Words of vision! Words of God. May we be bold enough to pray, and to remember that Jesus prayed for us!
3. Peter runs: You have to enjoy the dynamics of Easter morning. Mary encounters Jesus at the tomb, runs to greet the disciples and there is this great power play between Peter and the Beloved Disciple. Perhaps it goes something like this: They take off running to the tomb together. The Beloved Disciple takes the lead and arrives first. Out of breath he stands hand on either side of the entrance, leaning in trying to catch his breath. Peter arrives a few minutes later, huffing and puffing, shoves the Beloved disciple out of the way, and rushes into the tomb, filled with concern and doubt. The Beloved Disciple steps in, takes a look around, and realizes what has happened. He is alive! Proclaiming the good news, Peter still stands in awe at the mystery of what has taken place, while the Beloved Disciple begins running back, shouting over and over, “He is alive!” I love playing that scene in my head. You can sense the dynamics at play. The disbelief, the awe, the wonder, and the amazement at the awesome thing that God has done!

Knowing Christ is alive, go and share the Good News!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Wednesday, November 13: Acts 1 – 3
Thursday, November 14: Acts 4 – 6
Friday, November 15: Acts 7 – 8

Reading for:
Saturday, November 9: John 11 – 12

Just as the blind man in Chapter 9 is a story unique to John, Chapter 11 presents another unique story with the death and rising of Lazarus. What a powerful story. Most of us are familiar with it, even if we haven’t read much of the Bible.

• One of Jesus’ friends is sick and in need of healing
• Jesus is invited to come and heal him.
• He chooses not to.
• Then changes his mind, but it’s to late. Lazarus has died.
• The sisters weep.
• Jesus weeps.
• With bold words, “Lazarus come out!” The dead come back to life!

Granted that is a real quick summary of the story, but that’s it in a nut shell. We could reflect on a bunch of the details given, however I’d like us to think about Lazarus for a minute. What do you think was going on in his mind after he came back up out of the tomb. My gut reaction is “Jesus what were you thinking!” Trusting in the promise of eternal life, dwelling in the glory of God, who in their right mind would want to come back to this? Not me! I certainly hope that when my time is come, that I can enjoy the splendor of eternal life without being wrenched back to the struggles of life on earth. That being said, I would think Lazarus must have thought, “Jesus what were you thinking!”

However, this takes place in the days prior to Jesus’ death and resurrection, and without Jesus death and resurrection we may wonder if paradise was open to the faithful. Isn’t that what Jesus died for, to open the gates of paradise, among other things? So . . . if paradise wasn’t open, perhaps Lazarus was doomed to live in “Sheol” as we often read in the bible. Life in the fringe, no hope, no suffering, yet no glory either. Perhaps, without the cross there was little for Lazarus to enjoy. At least temporarily. So for that, Lazarus might give thanks for the new gift of life.

Either way, the power of God is revealed. Jesus has power over the living and the dead. Jesus restores the hope and life of all people, and in him we have inherited the gifts that only God can give!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Sunday, November 10: John 13 – 15
Monday, November 11: John 16 – 18
Tuesday, November 12: John 19 – 21

Reading for:
Thursday, November 7: John 7 – 8
Friday, November 8: John 9 – 10

As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth.
(John 9:1)

With these words chapter nine begins, and with it a chapter long story on the man, blind from birth. You have to feel bad for this guy. When everyone should be rejoicing, there is skepticism, doubt, questions, and disbelief. How unfortunate. His parents, his friends, the priest at the Temple, everyone he encounters simply wants to distance themselves from him because he can now see. They each have the same continued questions, how did this happen, or who did this? To which he responses: “I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”

Again where there should be rejoicing, there is skepticism, doubt, questions, and disbelief. But isn’t that the way it is with faith? Where there should be rejoicing in the new life that Jesus offers to us, or in trying to share that faith with others we are met with skepticism, doubt, questions, and disbelief. No one wants to rejoice in the truth . . . that Jesus can and does open the eyes of faith to all who call upon his name. I know my eyes are open to that new and radiant vision, are yours?

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

PS:
Did you notice the brief encounter with Nicodemus in Chapter 7? Whose side is he on at this point?
Also pay attention to the “I am” statements in chapter 10. There are a few great ones to reflect on there!

Reading for the next few days:
Saturday, November 9: John 11 – 12
Sunday, November 10: John 13 – 15
Monday, November 11: John 16 – 18

Reading for:
Wednesday, November 6: John 5 – 6

These two chapters reveal several of the unique characteristics of John’s Gospel. Three come quickly to mind:

• “Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (5:1) This is the second time that we have read this phrase. The first happened late in chapter 2, and the third will happen in chapter 12. This is the only Gospel where Jesus is recorded as traveling to Jerusalem three different times. In all the other Gospels, he only makes one trip which leads to the cross. John is different, and each time he goes to Jerusalem it is for the Passover, a once a year festival. These words help to shape the idea that Jesus’ ministry lasted three years, one for each of his trips to Jerusalem. If it were solely up to Matthew, Mark, or Luke Jesus’ ministry would only have been a year long!
• Signs verse Miracles . . . As Jesus feeds the five thousand, they continue to follow him, and he states, “You are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.” (6:26) Notice with me that Jesus doesn’t perform miracles in John, instead they are “signs.” This is an important distinction for John. Miracles, could be equated to magic, and this is no hocus pocus trick that Jesus is performing. Not at all, instead Jesus is revealing the power and glory of God through the “signs” revealed in the healing of others, the water turned to wine, and in the feeding of the 5,000. John wants us to know this is not magic, it is a true sign of God.
• “I am . . .” Jesus will speak these words seven different times, (perhaps 8) depending on how you count them. Each time, these words recall God speaking to Moses through the burning bush as God is identified as “I am.” Here in chapter 6, we get one (or I’d say two) different statements, “I am the bread of life.” (6:35) and “I am the living bread.” Keep an eye out for the rest of these key identity statements that Jesus’ uses to reveal his presence in the world.

So there you go, a few unique characteristics of John that help us learn, grow and reflect today!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Thursday, November 7: John 7 – 8
Friday, November 8: John 9 – 10
Saturday, November 9: John 11 – 12

Reading for:
Monday, November 4: John 1 – 2
Tuesday, November 5: John 3 – 4

We are now four chapters into the Gospel of John. What a beautiful read! The flow, the elegance, the art of story telling, and all of the energy that comes in reading the Good News of Jesus Christ! As you can tell John is a bit different than the other three Gospels. I’ll get into some of those details in another post, for now I just want you to sit back and fall in love with the God of Love as you take John’s words . . . “In the beginning”

I won’t dwell there long, instead, I’d like to jump to the third chapter, where we encounter Nicodemus. Pay attention to this individual. Ask yourself, will I encounter Nicodemus again? As we do, or do not, will there be any progression in his faith story. While we have several more chapters to read before we have a complete character study, pay attention to the details. Details such as time, place, setting, and the wonderful foreshadowing that John places before us as Jesus speaks, “Those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen, that their deeds have been don in God.” (John 3:21) Also, if you are so eager, turn to chapter 19 to see what happens next.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Wednesday, November 6: John 5 – 6
Thursday, November 7: John 7 – 8
Friday, November 8: John 9 – 10

Reading for:
Saturday, November 2: Luke 21 – 22
Sunday, November 3: Luke 23 – 24

As the Gospel of Luke comes to a close there are two great conversations that take place that might be worth some additional reflection. One takes place on the cross. One takes place on the day of resurrection.

From the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” As many congregations gathered to celebrate All Saints’ Day this past weekend, these words provide hope and a promise for all of us. Here, we find reassurance that in the midst of death something greater is coming. I can’t tell you how many families I have consoled in my 17 years of ministry, but many ask the question, “what happens next?” Is there darkness? Do we wait for the coming of Christ? When do we get there? How? All of these are great questions that I can’t answer fully, because I’ve not yet made that journey. At the same time, I hope that once I do, I’m not coming back to give you a full answer or description. Yet, here is what I do know, Jesus makes a promise to the one crucified with him. “You will be with me in paradise.” When? “TODAY” What a blessing to know that as we close our dying eyes, TODAY we find PARADISE!

On the day of Resurrection , “Weren’t our hearts burning within us!” As two ‘disciples’ leave the 11 and head to Emmaus, they meet a stranger who reveals the glory of Jesus through the story of the prophets. What these two don’t realize is that this stranger in their midst is the crucified and risen Lord! It takes until they gather for a meal, where bread is broken, before their eyes are opened. Can you imagine the awe that must have filled them in that very moment. As they quickly return to Jerusalem, full of Good News, their proclaim, “weren’t our hearts burning within us!” What a joy to know that they had been in the presence of Christ. Then to remember that the same joy comes to us. Christ is present through the Holy Spirit in each of us, and is sometimes revealed at unexpected moments. Therefore listen to your heart. When you feel it burn within you, know that Christ could very well be about to reveal himself to you!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Monday, November 4: John 1 – 2
Tuesday, November 5: John 3 – 4
Wednesday, November 6: John 5 – 6

Reading for:
Thursday, October 31: Luke 17 – 18
Friday, November 1: Luke 19 – 20

As we finished this section of Luke, where our author has combined together many of Jesus’ parables, we find the teaching of the Mustard Seed and the Servant in the Field. (Luke 17:5-10) Both of these need to be read together, and are all prompted by the Disciples statement/question/demand “increase our faith.”

In response to their statement/question/demand Jesus gives us the familiar image, “if you had faith the size of a mustard seed.” My friends this is not meant to be a put down to all of us who cannot to amazing things through faith. This is not to be a measuring tool for you and I to rank our faith. We shouldn’t think, “if only I was faithful enough . . . then” Unfortunately this parable has been used all too often in these ways. What it is meant it to be a reminder that with faith, great things can be accomplished. In the same way, it is a reminder that faith is never finished in its work. Hence the connection to the Servant in the Field. Called as we are to discipleship, our faith should always be at work. Our faith should always be serving. Our faith should never be caught idle, and when put to action can accomplish the seemingly impossible. So don’t give up your faith, thinking “if only it was the size of a mustard seed.” Remember your faith is enough just as it is!

Then we move into chapter 19 and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. If we have been reading along, this is the third time we’ve heard the same story of Jesus on Palm Sunday. While we may have read this three different times, have you picked up on the details that make each Gospel unique? Ponder this:

• In Matthew 21 Jesus rides two donkeys! How did that work? Actually it says a donkey and it’s colt, but still it seems a bit awkward! Also, the crowds cheer: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” 
• In Mark 11, we find a pretty traditional Palm Sunday Story. One donkey, palm branches, cloaks on the road and the people cheering: “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
• In Luke 20, there are no palm branches. Don’t believe me, look it up for yourselves! I always wondered how you could celebrate “Palm Sunday” if we only had Luke’s Gospel? Here the people cheer:  “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!” and Jesus gives the reminder that if the people were silent, even the stones would sing.

That is the image I love . . . the stones singing. Talk about a real rock concert! Ok bad joke I know, but what a reminder which ties all of today’s reflection together! We are called to serve an awesome God who is recognize for greatness so much so that all of heaven and earth, including the rocks and dust of the earth, are able to proclaim God’s praise. Remember this, we put our faith to work to do great things on God’s behalf!

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Reading for the next few days:
Saturday, November 2: Luke 21 – 22
Sunday, November 3: Luke 23 – 24
Monday, November 4: John 1 – 2