Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”
TO PONDER
A long time ago I went to a fast food restaurant on King Street, Newcastle, with some mates. After ordering and paying for the meal we made our way to a table and before taking my seat I checked to make sure I wasn’t sitting on anything unpleasant (after all it was Newcastle) when I glimpsed something quite unexpected, a large wad of cash!
Jealous exclamations, disguised as joy, were shared by my mates at how lucky I was to have found what amounted to a weeks pay, changed to shock and disbelief when I walked to the counter to hand the “windfall” in.
Fast forward six months to a year later a new guy started working with the company I was working for and after a few weeks working with this guy and getting to know each other he asked me what he called a strange question; if I had ever found a wad of cash at a fast food restaurant some time before and then told me a story.
He had just been paid one week earlier, so had decided to take his wife and five kids out for a special dinner and had lost his whole weeks pay packet somewhere. Expecting it to be lost for good he, out of desperation, decided to retrace his steps and went to the counter of the restaurant with no expectations, other than for disappointment, of finding his lost pay.
With tears forming in his eyes he asked if I was the one who had found that money as all he had been told was the name of the person who had handed it in.
Today’s verses are about a lady who wanted to show unreasonable hospitality to a rabbi who had shown kindness, respect and forgiveness to her, what she meant as an extravagant act of personal blessing became a prophetic act of preparation for an event that would change the history of the world.
We never know when our simple/extravagant act of blessing towards someone will be used to change the history of that individual or perhaps even the world.
PRAYER:
Almighty God, I thank you that an act of hospitality to a person I encounter today could be the blessing that changes their life and perhaps the world. Amen.
Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
TO PONDER
I wonder how many of us could name a famous 'faith healer'? I guess the biggest name in this area during my earlier years was Benny Hinn. Regardless of what name comes to mind, since the time of the early church right through until today, there have been stories of miraculous healings that have occurred in the name of Jesus.
Jesus himself performed many miraculous healings, and as the writer of the Gospel of John puts it, "these were done (and recorded) so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have faith in his name.
I have another book on my shelf, called "God's Generals". It is a collated record of some of the healing ministries of other well known and renowned 'faith healers' in more recent church history (the last 200-300 years or so). In each of these stories, what seems to happen is that what begins as a ministry of the Holy Spirit which testifies to the saving and restoring power of Jesus, ultimately gets corrupted and shifts into a ministry that becomes all about the human leader. No longer is it a 'Jesus' ministry but it becomes, for example, Benny Hinn ministries.
If you have ever witnessed or received a miracle of God in your life, think about how you might, like John, be able to share that story in a way that helps others to recognise Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Don't be afraid to share it with others, but remember to share it in order to point people to Jesus. We can often make these things all about us and while we can be thankful if, and when, we do experience miracles in our lives, they might not be just for us. They may also be the story he wants you to share to bring others to faith in him.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I know that at the very least you have worked the miracle of faith in my life, and for that I give you thanks and praise. Help me to see the other miraculous ways you are at work in me, through me, and around me so that I can share those stories and help others find faith in you. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.
But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
TO PONDER
I have to say, I have never found myself on the wrong side of the law and been arrested for anything. However, I remember as a young boy when my parents were the 'house parents' of a group foster home run by the church back in the 1980's and early 90's, two particular boys (brothers) who lived in the house, who were responsible for a number of visits to the house from the local police.
I was quite young at the time, but even I can recall the exasperation evident in my parents expressions when they answered the door, only to be greeted again by a couple of local officers. And despite these semi-regular visits, I don't ever remember my parents getting angry with either of these two boys. Sure there were serious discussions had, consequences and curfews put in place, but never any 'angry words'.
To make a long story short, the boys grew up and 'aged out' of the foster care system. Over the years mum and dad got a few updates in the mail from one or the other of these two boys letting them know where they were and what they were up to. We still don't know exactly where they are with faith in Jesus, but we do know that the kindness and love expressed in the words and actions of my parents as they shared the love and grace of Jesus with these boys made enough of a difference for one of them to name his own son after my dad.
What I know is this. If I had been the one responsible for the police visits, I'm sure there would have been hell to pay. I believe that whatever my mum and dad said in those moments it was not them speaking but the words and patience granted them by the Holy Spirit that had a positive impact on these young boys and I hope and pray, along with my parents, that God is still working in their lives drawing them to himself.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I may never know which interactions you use to bring about a transformation in the life of someone whom I meet. Help me to always be aware that you are at work in me and that every interaction could be one that brings someone into your kingdom. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth."
TO PONDER
I think one of the biggest issues for many Christians when it comes to bearing witness to Jesus is fear. Fear that we might not know what to say, fear that we might put our relationships at risk, fear that we might mess things up and turn people away from God forever. Any of that sound familiar?
Jeremiah was also somewhat of a reluctant prophet, he thought that the message God gave him to speak to the people was not going to be a popular one. In many ways, he was right. And yet what he had to say was the word that God needed to have spoken to his people.
It is true that the gospel message of Jesus is often not a popular message in our particular culture today. People have often created their own little narratives in which they are their own saviour and don't much like being told that they need someone else to fill that role. But, just like Jeremiah, whatever excuse we might come up with to avoid delivering the message, God has an answer to it.
He puts each of us right where he knows that we are the right people to do the job. None of us are too young or too old to speak to the people God places in our lives. We may not all have years of theological training, but we have all received the gift of the Holy Spirit, who is our helper and will give us the words to speak if only we would ask and listen. We have all had at least some time (some longer than others) being exposed to God's word both at church and in our own devotional and Bible reading times - God has put his word in your heart and on your lips. So do not be afraid to be a witness to Jesus wherever God sends you, for God is with you and will help and rescue you.
PRAYER: Lord, forgive me when I have failed to bear witness to you because of fear of what others might do, say, or think about me. Please help me to be more focussed on and more aware of what you say about me; that you love me, and are with me and will never leave me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
TO PONDER
There is a little audio clip that plays on the Christian radio in Newcastle which is an advertisement for a regular program on the station. The preacher on the clip says something like the following and I can't help think it was based on today's verse. He says, "Stop worrying about if, when, or how Jesus is going to come back, and start worrying about what you're doing while you're waiting!"
I think this is a problem for many of us in the affluent society in which we live. On the one hand our wealth often affords us too much 'free time' to contemplate abstract existential questions which actually distract us from the task of living the new life we have in Christ - a life which is supposed to be marked by our witness to Jesus, not our 'supposed' internal wisdom or understanding, but our external expression of what it looks like to be a follower or disciple of Jesus.
On the other hand, our pursuit of wealth and financial security can make us so busy chasing the next promotion or pay rise, that we are too exhausted, or too short of time and energy to be much of a useful witness to Jesus because our only thoughts and efforts are in pursuit of the almighty dollar, not the almighty God of all creation.
The good news is that it is the Holy Spirit at work in us who draws us back into line with God's will and intent for us. We can't effectively witness to Jesus on our own, but it is by the equipping and empowering of the Holy Spirit of God that we can be effective witnesses to Christ wherever we are.
So whatever you find yourself doing today, take some time to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guid you throughout the day and help you to bear witness to Jesus in all that you do.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to your people to equip and empower us to bear witness to you to the ends of the earth. Holy Spirit lead and guide me today so that in all I say and do, I might bear witness to Christ Jesus my saviour. Amen.
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
TO PONDER
I was in my first year at seminary before I ever stopped to read these opening words from Luke's gospel. They are often overlooked as they serve as a kind of preface to the 'real story' which comes in the following verses. Two things stuck out to me when I was first asked to consider it carefully.
- Theophilus is a Greek name which translated means basically 'Friend of God' (Theo=God, Philoi=friend), there is much debate as to whether this 'Theophilus' was an actual person, or whether it is the assumed title of anyone who reads Luke's gospel as a 'friend of God'. I chose the latter interpretation because that means Luke wrote this gospel account so that I would know the truth of what had been taught.
- When I read the gospel of Luke, I have a document researched and compiled by an educated man (Luke was a doctor) and an amateur historian. He assures us, his readers, that he has gone to great lengths to ensure, as much as possible, the accuracy of what he is reporting. It is not just here-say and conjecture.
What stories do you have, what eye witness accounts have you heard of the work that God is still doing in the world today? Do you reflect on them and analyse them in the light of scripture to test their voracity and share them with others? This is part of the role of a disciple who bears witness to Jesus. Our lives should be a curated display of what God has done, available for all to see. On our lips should always be ready a response for those others who could be called 'Friends of God', those who are looking for him and have question or need some answers.
How might you undertake to draw up an ordered account of the things that Jesus has fulfilled in your life and amongst us, his church?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to be aware of the way you move in the world and the part you invite me to play in your work of transforming the world and bringing new life to it. Help me, like Mary, to treasure up in my heart the things I see you doing and help me to be bold in sharing them with others. Amen
Today's devotion by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.
TO PONDER
I've been interacting with a number of older people lately how have been asking a similar question, "What is God's plan for me at this stage of my life?"
Many of these people are confused or frustrated because their aging bodies no longer allow them to participate or contribute to the life of the church in the ways that they used to. Many are sad or concerned that their own children have moved away from the church and often from faith in Jesus.
This was something that was lamented at our recent district synod, the fact that across Lutheran churches of the ACT and NSW, many of our congregations are empty of young people. While that is undoubtedly a sad situation, one of the things I love seeing at Newcastle is the way our older people take seriously the task of passing on the faith to the next generation. It doesn't really take much. In fact, it is precisely what the psalmist is talking about that has kept our kids engaged. When we adults take the time to get to know the children and share with them what God has done in our lives and create space for them to share with us what God is doing in their lives, then we can be mutually encouraged and help each other to see the might acts of God - even if we are old and grey
PRAYER: young people in our churches andthey in our wider communities. Help me to be an encourager and supporter of people younger than myself. Help me to proclaim your might deed to all those who come behind me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
TO PONDER
We don't use the word 'zeal' much any more these days. I guess we tend to have 'passion' for certain things or we become 'fans' of particular people or things. But I wanted to ask, when was the last time you felt a real 'zeal' for something; a deep passion for a particular thing or cause?
Recently we have, like every other family with teenage daughters, been experiencing a 'Taylor Swift' obsession in our household. Strangely, before she came and toured Australia we rarely heard her music or anything about her around the house. Now it's all 'Taylor this and Taylor that'. Zeal for Taylor seems to have gripped our daughter.
Likewise, the AFL has started again and zeal for the Adelaide Crows has returned to our house with a vengeance.
To an extent, these 'zeals' or 'passions' are relatively harmless. However they prompt the question, 'when was the last time you felt zeal or passion for the things of God?'
God has given us the things of this life to enjoy and to take pleasure in, but He is still to be our first love, the thing/person for which we hold the greatest zeal and passion. So if you are really into football (whichever code you prefer), or if you have some other passion that you just can't help tell others about, perhaps take a moment from time to time to check which passion your talk about the most. If it's not God and what he has done for you through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, then maybe you want to ask him to help shift your priorities.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gifts of this life, the things in which we find pleasure and delight. Please help me to always find my greatest delight in you and be prepared to show my zeal for you at every opportunity. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.
TO PONDER
In my humble opinion, the verse for today is the best finishing line of any of the gospel accounts of scripture. What it does is it almost allows us to become part of those 'other things' that Jesus did as well. I mean let's be honest, it is the life, death and resurrection of Jesus that makes us Christians who we are today. Our faith in him is something he has given, something he has called us to, by His Spirit and by His Word. And what's even more incredible is that Jesus is still at work in and through us doing things in the world today.
Despite our lack of training or preparedness, despite our tendency toward sin and rebellion, despite our own fears and concerns Jesus is at work in and through us still doing tings that we can notice. Still giving us encounters and stories of him which we carshare with others. They may not be written down in the canon of scripture, but that doesn't mean Jesus is not the one behind them. It doesn't mean we should not share them.
So what are some of the things you have seen Jesus do in your life or in the lives of others? Who have you told, How have you shared and proclaimed the might deeds of the Lord our God?!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please help me to remember you are still doing things. Not only do you work via your Spirit in the hearts and lives of your people but you intercede for us before the Father as our great high priest. May I never cease to be amazed at all you do and all you have done for me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle