Tag: Luke

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Prophets foretelling future.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.” Acts 11‬:‭27‬-‭30‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Like the Old Testament Prophets of old, Abagus tells the Church, there is famine coming. GotQuestions.org states, “Claudius Caesar had several unintended effects on Christian history. First, his scattering of the Jews in Rome led directly to Paul’s encounter with Priscilla and Aquila.” And, “God sovereignly used the reign of Claudius Caesar, as He did every other Roman emperor, to continue spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ across the world. Some of Paul’s earliest letters were written under the reign of Claudius Caesar.”

Luke uses this very public tragedy to highlight the prophet office, or the gift of prophecy. A prophet was one who received direct messages from God and communicated them to the people. The gift of prophecy is mainly active as a forth-telling, which is declaring of God’s truth, especially in encouraging one another in the Church. The less common is fore-telling, predicting future events.

Here in Acts 11, Agabus predicted (by the Holy Spirit) that a great famine was coming. Clearly this forecast allowed the Church to prepare ahead of the crisis on behalf of those who would suffer in Jerusalem. This massive mission push was a New Testament theme that not only addressed the speed, agility and ability of believers throughout the entire region. It also highlighted the unity of Christianity in sending money to Jerusalem. This allowed the Pastors to purchase food and get it distributed to those affected. Sending funds and distributing food was a powerful testimony to nonbelievers that the Church didn’t just care about folks spiritual needs but physical needs as well.

This thread of distribution in disasters is still relevant today! During Covid, hundreds of Churches were the distribution centers of food because of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program which began in May of 2020 and ended in May of 2021 having distributed more than 173 million food boxes. And, many people don’t know that ConvoyofHope.org, is oftentimes the first to arrive in national disasters around the country. It is amazing and challenging to know that God has used the Church then and does so still today. One of the marks of Christianity on our culture is how believers give time and money in a crisis – both local and globally. The beauty of this moment recorded in Acts is that God gave warning through the gift of Prophecy that allowed the Church to begin preparing before the famine even hit.

Prayer

​Dad,
It would be great if we (the Church) had more prophetically gifted individuals for just such reasons as Agabus had proven faithful. I have really longed for the Church leadership offices to get beyond just the two pastor/teacher flavors. Lacking our apostolic and prophetic seems to keep us wandering in circles, missing the urgency and the push of the Spirit which both these gifts give us. We have given into fears in our churches because these missing gifts were abused in the past and later shuffled off as insignificant. This one prophetic moment gave the early church more than just a head-start it gave it the edge for politicians and business leaders to follow. This kept the church relevant in resources, leading the charge to care and directing people and funds to where both were much needed. Could you give us another chance, a boost of confidence to follow the model of the early church?

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Who is at our table?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Later, Levi held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them. But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭29‬-‭32‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Luke writes about Jesus calling the first followers, his disciples. Luke says Jesus “horáō” – saw Simon, James and John (vs 2), he perceived them with inward spiritual perception. Then Jesus also saw “theáomai” (to observe intently) Levi (vs 27). When Jesus sees someone he really SEES them.

How did he know the men would follow? Did Jesus use his Son of God ways or his Son of man ways? Did God, the Holy Spirit, play a role in Jesus seeing people in a much deeper way rather than just looking at their outward appearance – their clothes, their footwear, their hair? We have a phrase about judging a book by its cover, because that’s all we’ve got to see! That’s what a book cover is for! Jesus was able to flip to page five and fifty-five to see the content of human hearts. He saw past their past! He saw beyond perceptions, first impressions and the “birds of a feather” effect we normally judge by. Jesus didn’t just see Simon or Levi, he saw their friend groups. Even knowing their past, Jesus saw their potential future – probably even their literal future.

Luke compares the way Jesus sees people to the way the religious leaders see people. When the religious critics spoke their own perceptions, of Jesus having dinner with very public sinners, it caused Jesus to also see Levi’s guest as well! Then he addressed the heart issues he saw in them. In general, healthy people have no need for constant doctor appointments! But, sick people do. New Living Translation inserts too much editorial content here. Jesus did not say “those who think they are righteous,” He said, He has not come to call the righteous! Why would Jesus need to call the righteous, they are just fine. Jesus calls those who are active and aware SINNERS to repent. The righteous have no need to repent.

What a dilemma when one thinks they ARE righteous, but are told they are actually regular ol’ sinners like everyone else. No sin, no need for a savior! Ah, but what if they are wrong in their disordered self-awareness? Jesus looks over the sea of humanity and knows we are broken, sinners in need of forgiveness, grace and salvation. Religiously motivation looks at how far we’ve come, but cannot see how far we’ve yet to go! The gap, the void, between us and perfection is impossibly wide. The Law was supposed to teach the religious leaders that it would never be enough to allow them a face to face meeting with a Holy God. Isaiah told us that our righteous acts are like filthy rags! (64:6).

In this story, who is really the scum? Those who can see themselves in need of a doctor, or those who are really sick and just don’t recognize it? I think it’s amazing that many who find life and freedom in Jesus can’t wait to invite their friends to meet him!

Prayer

​Dad,
It’s interesting but sad to see the contrast between individuals in religious leadership and those who are just normal individuals, going through life. Understandably, Levi, being a public tax collector, would have rougher edges and more of a questionable reputation than most. However, it’s also true that his influence with those who need you is far greater as well. If we could only see the effects of our own relationship with you as well as our influence on others. Both the religious and irreligious have the opportunity for people to see You through their own life!

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The pair of paralytics.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, “Young man, your sins are forgiven.” But the Pharisees and teachers of religious law said to themselves, “Who does he think he is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!” Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The deep compassion of friends who risk so much to get their buddy to Jesus. The shocking response of Jesus to this man was to forgive first, then heal his body. There are lots of questions about Jesus’ behavior. The religious leaders spoke the truth, but didn’t recognize it – only God can forgive sins. Mike Borden writes, “When Jesus declared that the Son of Man “has authority on earth to forgive sins” he is not saying that he wields a power or holds an office that was conferred upon him. He is saying that he, himself, is forgiveness and, since only God can forgive sins, He is God’s forgiveness.”

There are a pair of paralytics in the gospels:

👨🏼‍🦽‍➡️Capernaum (Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26):
Friends carry a paralytic to Jesus, breaking through the roof to reach him. Jesus forgives the man’s sins and commands him to walk. This story highlights the connection between faith and forgiveness of sins, and the authority Jesus has to heal and forgive.

👨🏼‍🦽‍➡️Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9):
Jesus heals a man who has been sick for many years, who says he has no one to help him into the pool. Jesus commands him to get up and walk. Interestingly enough, John tells us that Jesus apparently desired to do more than just heal the man with paralysis in Bethesda. ”But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.” Then the man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.” John‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬. Here, Jesus healed him first and it seems that he wanted to deal with his sin second. Did this man accept the healing, but reject the rebuke? Why would I say that? Because, immediately after confronting the man’s sin, he went and ratted out Jesus to the Jewish authorities.

The religious leaders were equally outraged by both miracles. One, of blasphemy the other a Sabbath violation. One man, aided by friends, sought a life-changing miracle of soul and body. Jesus addressed this in proper sequence of what he needed. The other man sought an escape from torment he thought was his biggest problem, his identity of being less than others. I often hear folks tell me, “if I just had money,” or “if this friend hadn’t hurt me so deeply,” or “no one has ever helped me get into the ‘miracle’ water.” It’s always something. Jesus addressed this man’s excuses, removing any possible barriers of belief – He healed his paralysis!

But Jesus clearly wanted to do more, a deeper work in his soul. When Jesus probed that wound, the man reacted vengefully. This man would not allow Jesus to work where it really matters. Would he try to walk into heaven with a dark, unrepentant heart? When Jesus heals he does so thoroughly, completely, if we will cooperate with him as he heals our soul. Which do think is more important?

Prayer

Dad,
I see far more paralyzed souls than I do paralytic bodies. There are so many who walk around, fairly healthy in body, but so broken from their past, their pain, their stubbornness and sin. Which is easier? Forgiveness of sin, restoring a soul? Or healing a body that is not working? Your grace and power can heal us wholly, restoring and redeeming our life both now and also in eternity. Thank you!

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Valuing our next-gen.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

“Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Luke closes out the temptation of Jesus in chapter 3, writing, “When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came” (4‬:‭13‬). Satan later, visited again, returning in force through the chief priests and temple guards in the Gethsemane moments – “But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns” Luke 22:53.

Jesus returned to Galilee filled with Holy Spirit power! And word got out. But then he went home, his roots, where he was raised. There it was a completely different challenge. Jesus had risen to be recognized as a Rabbi, so he went to his local synagogue (https://bit.ly/nazarethsynagogue), and led the people in the reading from the scriptures. For Jesus, going home was critical, but risky. He wanted to let his family and friends know what was coming, but they could not get past the fact that he was a son of their own carpenter, Joseph. The neighbors could only remember Jesus as a youth. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”‭‬ ‭(4‬:‭22‬).

Mathew tells us that Jesus addressed this, Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief” (Matthew‬ 13‬:‭57‬-‭58‬). And in Mark “And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people” (‭‭Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬-‭6‬).

Interestingly enough, these same passages are quoted by young, next-gen leaders who perceive that Church folks that knew them as a child or as youth, are not capable of letting them grow up and mature into adults, very much gifted by God, to lead Jesus’ Church. They often have to leave to find “belief” in their abilities. Is it true that we can’t value or find honor in those that grow up among us? Does this not add a sense of “unbelief” when the church continues to treat its own up and coming adults as children? Do we not want them to stay and use their talents and gifts among us? Do we not think that God can use our own to teach us and lead us? The Apostle Paul had to tell young twenty-something Timothy not let anyone “despise or disregard” his youth (Timothy 4:12). Why? Because the church folk were seeing him as too young! Timothy ended up pastoring the church in Ephesus for 60 years! And becoming the Bishop over several churches in the region.

In my own life, just a couple of years after coming to faith at fifteen, I was already teaching Junior High and High School classes on Sundays and served as an interim youth pastor as well. I knew I was young and still had a lot to learn. My wife, Robin, ended up becoming the children’s pastor at 20 years old! At 22 years old, Robin and I accepted a ministry position in Bakersfield, CA. Except, Robin was the one hired to direct the preschool at the church, I just went along for the ride. I was the unpaid, unofficial youth pastor, and the official sprinkler-repairer and janitor for our small church. The former Pastor had an affair with the church secretary and had left. Our friend was asked to come in to pastor the small, now brokenhearted people. The previous pastor’s wife, now abandoned, still attended the church! We were only there for 18 months when we were offered a position at a larger church in the Los Angeles area.

All through our 20’s we were pastoring children (Robin) and youth (Glenn), it was called “Christian Education” back then. Robin and I both knew we were still young, even though we were parents of three children. We didn’t mind folks thinking of us as young. Even so, we were kept out of more serious conversations and decisions concerning our own church, because those were for the real adults, the elders. In my late 30’s I initiated and started an elder’s team, but some of the church folks felt I was too young to lead it because of course, the word “elder” to them, meant old! The Bible definition for elder has nothing to do with age. Maturity yes, age – no.

All through my late 30’s I wondered when I would get my chance at being a lead pastor, it wasn’t going to happen. I went on to become a Vice President of a nonprofit that focused on children of foster care. I was out of the leadership of a local church for 17 years. Then in my late 50’s I was elected to return to the church in Los Angeles as their lead pastor. I tell our church, I am their CSO, Chief Servant Officer. My heart’s desire is to both pastor those who are our super-seniors as well as our next-gen. My hope is to find, support and release our young leaders into the big decisions now, as well as for our future.

Prayer

​Dad,
Clearly your Church is filled with all ages, from infants to senior adults. For married couples, single parents, singles, and widows. And for every group, every generation, there is a need for called, gifted pastors to love and lead the gathering of believers. It is Your Church, whose Chief Shepherd is Jesus. Help us Oh God, to look for your guidance and wisdom and be obedient to Your will. All of us should be following the voice of the Holy Spirit! Amen.

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So grownup for twelve.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

When they couldn’t find him, they went back to Jerusalem to search for him there. Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what he meant. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭45‬-‭50‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Luke tells us that Joseph & Mary continued doing everything according to the law – “When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee. There the child grew up healthy and strong. He was filled with wisdom, and God’s favor was on him” Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭39‬-‭40‬. This finishes Jesus summary of his childhood. The next stage would be the teenage years, but in Judaism, a Jewish boy is considered a man, or an adult, at the age of 13, when he becomes Bar Mitzvah.

Luke gives us a glimpse into Jesus life and mindset at 12 years old. At 12, Jewish boys were expected to participate fully in religious observances, including attending Passover in Jerusalem. This would be Jesus’ final year of preparation before he entered full participation in the religious life of the synagogue. But Jesus did far more than just attend the activities in the temple – he stayed there for three days!

At the same time that Joseph & Mary are discovering Jesus’ disappearance, the religious teachers are being quizzed by the Son of God. Every one of the religious leaders in the temple were amazed at his grasp of understanding God’s law AND the answers that the leaders were asking of him. It is always amazing when a student impresses the teacher with their understanding. For Jesus, it was hunger – driven by his relationship with God and grasping the mission set before him. How do we know that? Because of the answer Jesus gave his mother. When Jesus’ parents showed up looking for him, they asked him, “Why have you done this to us?” They were frantic and seemed to blame Jesus for wandering off and not telling them. Totally understandable from a parent’s perspective. Why three days? There has been a lot of discussion about this three days missing. One was the fact that families travelled together and often cared for each other’s children while on a trip. Three days seem excessive, but at twelve, the assumption is that he knows what he’s doing and whoever has him in their family unit also would assume that Jesus’ parents were completely aware of his absence – which they were not.

Think about this, even at 12, Jesus was gone for 3 days – 3 days is certainly reflected in Jesus time in the tomb! This “missing” time serves well as an early mission reminder of what will eventually take place 21 years later.

Jesus’ comments back to his parents may seem disrespectful, but actually he was letting Mary know that he has figured out a very important piece of understanding. Jesus understood his special purpose within the Temple. Listen to the depth of wonder and certainty in his words, “Didn’t you know – that I must be in my Father’s house?” Luke tells us they didn’t understand, but I’m pretty sure Mary had some chills go down her spine as she heard Jesus say, “my Father.” In the very next verse it says, “And his mother stored all these things in her heart.” Even though Jesus would be in Jerusalem several times, he was only in the temple a few of those times. It was critical, hopeful and endearing for Jesus to be in his Father’s house!

Prayer

​Dad,
What an amazing sense of determination and duty that Jesus felt. To be drawn, not just visit, but to stay for three days. It is in this passion that I am able to see my own drive and duty not to be in a building, but to gather together with Your Church, the body of Christ. It feels right to be among the same mission driven folks that love and serve you. Since the pandemic, I have seen the awful results of people’s decisions to stop gathering with fellow believers. They seem to be weaker in their faith and stronger in their odd beliefs and conspiracy theories! And for those who are parents, it feels irresponsible to not have their children present where believers gather. I believe it is critical to their children’s faith. I also know as things come to the end, that people’s passion to gather, to be the church, grows cold. I wish it weren’t so, but it’s now a reality. Thank you for Your Church, where together, we still hunger and thirst for You!

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Parents doing things right.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

”Eight days later, when the baby was circumcised, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived. Then it was time for their purification offering, as required by the law of Moses after the birth of a child; so his parents took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. The law of the Lord says, “If a woman’s first child is a boy, he must be dedicated to the Lord.” So they offered the sacrifice required in the law of the Lord—“either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Jesus was the firstborn in more than one way – Paul said that Jesus is the “firstborn of all creation” in Colossians 1:15 . There is so much information out there about birth order. There are studies, stats, science and lots of controversy. I often wonder if it always comes back to the old B.F. Skinner theories – is it nature or nurture. Are we born with specific traits and characteristics? Or are these personality quirks brought about by our family of origin and the influence of siblings.

Luke, the doctor, is very specific about Jesus’ beginnings. Here in this passage Luke makes sure we know that Joseph and Mary followed the law perfectly. “It was time for their purification offering.” God instructed Moses about the firstborn, “The Lord said to Moses, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether human or animal” Exodus‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬. The New International Version correctly translates “firstborn,” as firstborn male. “Bakar,” meaning “to be born first” or “to bear early fruit,” is “prototokos,” in New Testament Greek. As mentioned, in the New Testament it refers to Jesus as the “firstborn” over all creation (Colossians 1:15) and the “firstborn from the dead” (Revelation 1:5). Not only is this firstborn son theme an echo of of the death of every firstborn male in Egypt, it is also seen in the entire sacrifice/offering system that God set up to teach humanity all about both the penalty, but also the consequences of sin.

Jesus, was circumcised and dedicated, completely fulfilling Old Testament requirements. In this purification offering, there is fulfillment of prophecy and the future picture of completion for all of us. GotQuestions.org writes, “In the Old Testament, purification was associated with ceremonial cleanliness. The Law of Moses included numerous rituals and sacrifices to achieve purification from physical and spiritual impurities. It [symbolizes] both the cleansing and liberation from impurity.

What effect do you think Jesus’ parents, Joseph and Mary, doing everything right, had on Jesus? It was critical for Jesus’ life and mission. Being the Son of Man and Son of God meant that Jesus’ parents played an important role in his early formation. God trusting Mary to carry, deliver and care for His only Son is pretty crazy! Then relying on Joseph to father Jesus as a foster dad, following every detail of what is required in the Jewish Old Testament Law. That’s a lot of pressure to get it right. There are only a few glimpses into the young life of Christ. But what we do see is Joseph and Mary doing everything humanly possible to give Jesus a wonderfully, normal, orthodox Jewish upbringing. What a difference it makes when parents do things right in raising their children! I have seen the difference in the way my wife, Robin, was raised and the way I was raised. Her parents raised her in a Godly environment and followed God, mine did not.

Prayer

​Dad,
Even though I did not have the benefit of having godly parents or even an attempt at giving me an understanding of who you are, you watched over me. Even as I heard your voice at fifteen, I had a vague sense that I recognized it. There was a strange recollection of familiarity. That gave me comfort and definitely increased the odds of me listening and saying “yes” to you. Robin had a completely different experience with her parents raising her in Godly ways. So we were quite the mixed-marriage when it came to raising our own children. Thank you so much for her parents and her upbringing! I am grateful that you have fathered me all along. And, gave me the opportunity to be a father to our own children. Your grace was more than sufficient!

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So BIG it leaves us confused and disturbed.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There were promises and there were warnings. Clearly ancient words were spoken and recorded, prophesying, predicting what was to come – but few in the future believed. Time ebbed and flowed, dynasties and massive people groups shifted over hundreds of years, burying the truth alive in plain site. Yet one day, perfectly timed with precision, God sent Gabriel to announce the day of all days had come! Did the other angels know? Was heaven notified ahead of time? The news was never a secret, but the moment must have been highly guarded – maybe just God and Gabriel!

All history and all future would be extraordinarily changed by this annunciation – Mary, “you will.”

You will conceive.
You will give birth.
You will name him.

Then, He will be great.
He will be called.
The Lord God will give him.
And He will reign – over Israel forever and His Kingdom will never end.

All of this spoken to a humble, virtually unknown, young woman. Understandably Luke tells us Mary was “diatarassó,” thoroughly disturbed and “dialogizomai,” debated within herself – what does this all mean? Mary was completely knocked off center simply by Gabriel visiting her and complimenting her as being “highly favored with grace.”

After hearing what would take place within her young womb and who would yet to be conceived, and who that yet to be born person would become, she asked, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” Gabriel simply explained this one time supernatural event that would take place within her. The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.” Mary’s famous words, “I am a female servant, a “doulé,” of the Lord. May it come into being, exactly as you have said.” From disturbed and debating to resolute with the will of Almighty God!

Even though this was a one-time, never to be repeated event, God is still fulfilling promises today. There are hundreds of yet to be announced prophecies that are scheduled to happen – maybe within our lifetime! For sure, we can give ourselves permission to question how or when, but being a believer or not – what God has said will become reality. Each one of the BIG, bizarre predictions and promises found in Revelation, will happen! Through who, or by when, or how it will all come to pass – we don’t know. But like Mary, anyone who is as wise and humble as this once young virgin, will say, “I am your “doulos,” your servant, may it come to be exactly as God has said.” Be aware. Believe and be ready! We may not have regular angelic visitors, but God is still dropping earth-shaking moves around the world. And, there some really BIG events yet to come.

Prayer

Dad,
I know you are still at work, still fulfilling prophetic promises all around us. It should not surprise us nor catch us unaware. Your word tells us that when the BIG events of wrapping up this life and the creation of a new earth, people will be having “normal” days when the events of Revelation take place. I don’t want to be confused or disturbed, I want to be excited to see the return of Jesus! Come quickly Lord Jesus, Amen.

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When coincidence is really providence.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Dr. Luke’s gospel gives us the backstory to John the Baptist’s birth, and it reads like it was a random event on some normal day. It was not random and it was anything but normal. What the temple team of priests believed to be just another appointment from an order of qualified priests to fulfill this rare and honorable service, turned out to be the beginning of a global and eternal event.

The name “Zechariah” means “Yahweh remembers.” Zech was at least in his sixties. He and his wife, Elizabeth were without children. God not only “remembered” his promise to Israel, he remembered it through the gift of a son through this childless couple! Zechariah was “chosen by lot” to go inside the temple and burn incense on the Altar of Incense in the Holy Place. It is considered a great honor. Since there were a large number of priests, no priest was allowed to serve as the officiating priest more than once in his lifetime. Sometimes the high priest himself officiated. The priests were divided into 24 groups or divisions (1 Chronicles 24:7-18), of which Zechariah’s “division of Abijah” is eighth in the rotation. Priests and their families would live in Jerusalem or in various nearby villages, but when their division was called up for duty for a week, twice each year, the priests would come to Jerusalem to work in the Temple. Each day about 50 priests would have been on duty, with perhaps 300 on duty during a given week. As the officiating priest, it was Zechariah’s job to place incense on the heated altar and then prostrate himself in prayer. The incense represented the prayers of the people. Outside, the people were reciting this prayer during the incense offering: “May the merciful God enter the Holy Place and accept with favor the offering of his people.” (*)

From the temple team, to the priests and all involved that day appeared to be just another day, but it wasn’t. And, what appeared to be a rare and random honor for Zechariah, was planned by God before time and the foundations of the earth existed.

The amount of incidents and activities happening at the same time around the globe are completely unknown and incalculable to us. Our perception is that these events seemingly come out of nowhere – especially when we are personally experiencing them. Yet, God in his wisdom, is not only outside of time itself, but he mysteriously experiences the past, present and future simultaneously! God has a plan and a purpose for everything. And God’s purposes are not random, not coincidence.

When we know Jesus, trust Jesus, listen to and obey Jesus – we are living IN God’s providential, purposeful life. God directs our path. When we see impossibilities, God creates new paths where none existed before. In Zechariah’s story, God interrupted Zach’s honorable, but very normal day. All of this was so overwhelming for Zechariah, that he found it easier to doubt than to believe. How many angels ever showed up before or after, in the temple, on any of their high and holy days? Answer: NONE. It was over Zach’s head, it was beyond his understanding and completely and miraculously outside of anything he had ever experienced. When God shows up, are we going to believe him and obey, or like Zechariah, question him and inform him of what he can’t do?

Prayer

Dad,
To believe in you, to trust you, to walk with you – we must embrace the supernatural. Miracles are an every moment, everyday experience with you. I am surprised that there is so much resistance to the mystery and wonder of how you work in us and through us. Is it fear that holds us back? Is it our concern of being disappointed? Or is it just a general lack of faith that comes with our fallen state? I know there is a world above and beyond the physical and spiritual boundaries we experience in this life. But more than that, I know there is the life you promised us – a life full, abundant and spectacularly more than the humdrum moments that we call normal. I have learned that you are always at work, always creating new and always engaging with humanity to reveal your grace in our brokenness. I can relate to Zechariah’s question, “How can this be?” But I am learning and leaning into the answer. It CAN BE because you are our miraculous God! Amen.

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Unexpected stories from extraordinary people.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Many people have set out to write accounts about the events that have been fulfilled among us. They used the eyewitness reports circulating among us from the early disciples. Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Luke was not one of Jesus’s original 12 Apostles. So he wasn’t an apostle, but he sure acts like one. It is believed that Luke was most likely one “of the seventy,”. History tells us that Luke was a really smart guy! He was a physician, a theologian and a historian. If you see the trifecta of those skill sets you know why Luke starts his gospel, his account of the life of Jesus with such bravado. “Many people have attempted…” but I also have investigated and decided to write an accurately ordered, successively, one after another account!

According to history, Luke had not been a follower of Jesus before he died. Being biologically Jewish but culturally Greek, he had to have followed the controversial stories of Jesus admitting that He was THE Messiah. Luke became a believer, then a follower of THE WAY (a common phrase used to describe Jesus people). Luke not only journaled, he also journeyed with Paul, eventually writing the book of Acts. Luke was the best of biographers, writing one about the life of Jesus, the other the life of the early Church. It is believed that Luke wrote Acts in such a way that Paul would present the “book” to Caesar himself in Rome. Acts is a full testament of truth about the power of Jesus to transform a religious terrorist into an evangelist while watching the fulfillment of a promise of bringing salvation to the Gentiles as well.

Luke writes to Theophilus, a title given to a person of great wealth and influence. It is not clear whether this man was a High Priest in Jerusalem just after Jesus’ day, or that Theophilus was a high-ranking, influential Gentile official. Most likely the latter. Either way, Luke tells Theophilus, “you can be secure in the truth” of what you have been taught.

Secure in the truth – oh how I wish this generation would anchor themselves to the faith they were raised in, knowing that it is not a truth, it is THE truth. These facts about Jesus aren’t “my” truth nor “our” truth – it is God’s truth. These two books (Luke and Acts), written by Luke, were used to bring many people to faith in Jesus Christ, and to believe in His death and resurrection! Then help guide them to follow Jesus, obeying what he taught, doing what he did for the rest of their lives. Luke’s book are more than just stories about Jesus, they are also systems of how to live our life being a disciple and making disciples. Thank God for His living Word inspired, directed and recorded by men like Dr. Luke!

Prayer

​Dad,
The consistency and wonder of your Word just continually amazes me. Most of the men and women recorded in the Bible were just normal, if not ordinary people. However, then comes these really unique and driven people like Doctor Luke and the Apostle Paul. Thank you for working in and through all of us, making wise the simple and using the weak to speak to powerful rulers. Amen.

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Is it really you?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’” At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

After 400 years of silence, 700 years since Isaiah made his bold proclamations about the ONE, THE Messiah, expectation had almost disappeared. Think of that! In our modern times, what stories, predictions or promises have made it further than fifty years or even a hundred years? None. Our social, generational structures aren’t strong enough to even pass down events or stories from our great grandparents!

The Jewish people had an amazing ability to teach and pass down their stories – much of it because of the way they stored their ancient scrolls, the writings of God’s laws. It is a spectacular miracle that 100% of the copies of the original Old Testament parchments has remained intact for thousands of years! The first book of the Bible was written some three thousand five hundred years ago, while the last one was completed nearly two thousand years ago. The text of the Bible not only has survived throughout the centuries, it has survived virtually unchanged.

John the Baptist as well as every religious leader during the time Jesus walked this earth had patiently waited for the messiah. Jesus coming as a baby, born in Bethlehem and preaching in the area of Galilee, had fulfilled anywhere from 300 to 570 Old Testament prophecies. Although there were a few who proclaimed to be THE Messiah before or during the time of Christ, there have been hundreds of false messiahs since! Jesus did not just align and fulfill every single prophetic promise, he also performed about forty miracles, ranging from turning water into wine to raising Lazarus (and others) from the dead. For John and his disciples to ask Jesus if he indeed was the one and only Messiah was more of a desire of an announcement than proof. They wanted Jesus to clearly articulate the proclamation the he is the messiah and would ascend to the throne of David, defeating Rome and restoring Israel to its previous glory.

Listen to Jesus’ response – he gives God’s plan of healing and saving people not kingdoms! The good news, the gospel, was given to all who are suffering, poor and needy. The more I learn about the facts, the truth of what the Bible declared and fulfilled, plus the life of Jesus himself, I realize this – for people who want proof of the existence of God, the reality of Jesus living among us to bring salvation to all human kind, there is more than enough. Most do not need proof, they need faith. The answers are all written and have been proven to be trustworthy and consistent throughout all human history. Yet, folks, bent on denying God, desiring their own way, their own will, pick at popular lies and stories “disproving” God’s Word. It is by faith that one comes to Christ. The same reports that John’s guys brought back to him still are true today – the miracles of Jesus still exist today. Jesus still heals, saves and preaches good news to the poor and those who know they are in need of a savior!

Prayer

​Dad,

My generation, my cultural existence, has no sense of connected history beyond my grandparents! Our stories, our history, is nowhere as beautiful and significant of those who are Jewish. Even our own “God stories” and testimonies of your greatness rarely make it past our children. So the idea of waiting for hundreds of years for the fulfillment of a promise has no real understanding today. We can mentally imagine waiting for the promised Messiah, but have no way to emotionally bear that weight of time and patience of faith. I can see how your faithfulness extends far beyond what I can comprehend! Thank you for keeping Your promises. Amen.