So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
TO PONDER:
It's a common source of joking in our family. Everyone in our family knows who it is. The one who is always in the passenger seat when heading to the shop. The one who always remains behind when the rest of the siblings are doing their own thing. She is known as the ‘favourite child’. But as she constantly says ‘You are all my favourite. I love everyone just the same.’
That’s precisely the truth that Peter declares in our passage today. As he meets Cornelius, he declares that there is no room for favouritism or partiality in the kingdom of God. God's love for all is the same. The result of the gospel at work in our lives is a changed outlook that no longer uses people to get what we want, or as a means to get where we want to go. It no longer makes judgments about others because of background or appearance. The grace of God gives us a new perspective. It sees all people simply as people that Jesus loves enough to die for. Now there’s a radical thought that can transform a community! As a meme going around on social media says, "You will not look into the eyes of someone today that God does not love.'
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, help me to love others today with the same inclusive grace that you have shown to me. Amen.
Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
TO PONDER:
"The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.' It's not just an oath that is sworn in a court of law, it's a desire that lies deep within each of our lives. We want to know the facts. We want to possess the truth. We want to take our experiences in life, what we know, what we have been told, what we believed or what we wanted to believe and define what is true. For when we know the truth, we have some power, predictability, stability and security in our lives.
That's what Pilate wants. That's what we want.
Jesus doesn't give Pilate the straight answer he is looking for. Truth is not something that can be possessed but it is a life that is to be lived. That's why Jesus came. That was the purpose of his life. Not to give us part of the truth. But to tell us the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; to demonstrate what truth looks like in a human life and teach us how to belong to that truth. Jesus comes from out of this world into this world, to speak a truth not to possess, but to speak a truth that we are to live as we listen to his voice. It speaks to us in the midst of voices that proclaim the world is falling apart, and tells us, 'I am making all things new.' It speaks to us that in a world that is divided and increasingly intolerant 'to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'. In a world of uncertainty, instability and fear, it speaks truthfully, "...do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.' In a world that says death is the end, so grab what you can now, truth speaks, "I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die will live.'
That's a truth that I want to belong to and listen to today. What about you?
PRAYER:
Jesus, you are the way, the truth and the life. Help me listen to your voice and live by the truth you reveal to me in every circumstance I face day by day. Amen.
And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
TO PONDER:
It was sad to witness. A grown man striving, searching for his father's approval and affirmation. It was the goal of all he undertook, the focus of all his endeavours. He was an incredibly talented man, successful in so many ways, a blessing to the community and his Church. Yet what he craved was for his dad to say "I am proud of you." His dad was...he told everyone else...yet not the one who most needed to hear it. All the achievements, all the accolades were bitter sweet because what he most wanted to hear was his father's affirmation.
What a contrast we have in our text today. Before Jesus does anything, before Jesus achieves anything, the Father affirms his identity and delights in who he is. His value is not in what he achieves or accomplishes or does, but in who he is - the beloved of God. If you struggle with self-worth. If you are constantly seeking the approval or affirmation of others, your Father in heaven wants you to know that he is so proud of you. Proud to call you his son or daughter. He loves nothing more than being with you. In the waters of baptism, he announced that truth, that reality, to heaven and earth! Nothing you do can change that. When the Father in heaven looks at you, he cannot but help smile and his heart bursts with pride. Let that love put a spring in your step today.
PRAYER
Gracious Father, I am who you say I am - your beloved child that you delight in. Remind me of that every day because I cannot hear it enough. Amen.
'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
TO PONDER:
Have you ever been accused of 'selective' hearing? We tend to use it in reference to people only hearing what they want to hear. But selective hearing is actually the ability to focus on and listen to a single speaker in a crowded or loud environment; to have selective auditory attention as it is sometimes called. Researchers have shown that our brain chooses what to listen to on the basis on what we are trying to do. So if someone talks to me while I am watching the football, I am probably not going to hear much of what is said because my brain prioritised the football commentary on the tv over the voices speaking to me because my goal was to watch the football!
Which makes our verse today very interesting. This is the seventh time that John is told, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." The Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, speaking to us as a Church together and also as members of Christ's church. He is, as Luther says, "calling us through the Gospel, enlightening us with his gifts and sanctifying and keeping us in true faith." The Holy Spirit is the one who helps us live and walk the way of Jesus. So are we hearing and understanding what the Spirit says to us because our goal is to live by the Spirit (selective auditory attention)? Or have we selectively tuned out the voice of the Spirit because other voices - success, peer respect, achievements, comfort, __________ (you fill in the blank) are actually our priority and goal? Are you cold, hot or lukewarm when it comes to your relationship with Jesus? Have you become complacent or apathetic when it comes to your faith? Are you intentional and focussed on living, sharing and growing in the life and way of Jesus? Spend some time this morning, as we start this work week, in self-examination. Let the Spirit guide you as you listen, understand and live what he says to you.
PRAYER:
Come Holy Spirit, give me ears that prioritise listening, understanding and obeying what you are saying to me today, that I may experience the joy and peace that your presence gives. Amen.
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.
TO PONDER:
Can you imagine what it was like to be there? Don’t you wish you had been there? That you could have seen what happened to have caused such a reaction, that transformed fearful disciples in the moment and filled them with power and courage and boldness to go. The sound of rushing wind. The tongues of fire. The speaking in tongues.
You don't have to imagine. For Pentecost is happening in our midst. The people were not amazed and astonished at the sound of the wind, the flaming tongues of fire, or the foreign languages that were spoken. They were amazed because they heard the mighty acts of God in their own native language. They heard the story of God connecting with and becoming one with their own story.
Every time we have a moment where we experience grace, or love or hope touch our life in a real way, Pentecost happens. Every moment we experience courage, gentleness or peace, the Spirit is speaking to us in our native language. Every occurrence of mercy, forgiveness or reconciliation that touches our lives is when we 'hear' the Spirit in our own tongue. It's a Word that one current worshipper heard that has him coming back again and again wanting to hear more. It's what prompted one online person to write an email and say, "I so enjoyed this morning's service. It really touched my heart and it all sank in.' It's what prompted an elderly woman in her 90's to reach out and say, "Today I experienced peace for the first time in over 20 years.' That's Pentecost. That's the power of the Word to speak in a way that will amaze and astonish you as you hear the deeds of God's power in your "native' language, the language that transforms your heart. How is the Spirit speaking to you today? What are you hearing that amazes and astonishes you?
PRAYER:
Holy Spirit, rain down, Come and speak in words that I can hear that my heart may overflow with joy. Amen.
The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
TO PONDER
Im struggling with this verse, but sinking into it, and second day in I’m honing in on “These words are trustworthy and true.” So that is what I will go with. Might be on the wrong track, but…. God will redeem it for your heart.
Im thinking about how we read the Bible. God is calling us to trust the truth of his word when we read it, to trust the word we hear from the Spirit on meditating on that word, to participate in and trust the word we hear from God in prayer, to accept the word we hear in quiet silence and solitude before God.
God is also calling us to trust in his Word, the living Word Jesus, who was born like us, who lived and loved like us, who cried and suffered like us, who laughed and sang like us, and who stepped into death as we will.
The word is relational, it’s a living breathing part of God’s way of connecting with us. It’s a tangible way to connect with the intangible. A stepping stone into the waters of the Holy Spirit. A way home.
PRAYER
Father, continue to draw us deeper into relationship with you, pull us into your word and your son Jesus, our Saviour. Amen
Today's devotion written by Barb Niczynski, LifeWay Illawarra
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see gain and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
TO PONDER
All people need a starting place, a point in the right direction, a revelation, gradual or intense, a beginning. Even great men like Saul, the Pharisee who was intent on rounding up Christian’s and punishing them, whose name was changed to Paul as he became intent instead on loving and sharing Jesus with a passion that inspires us 2000 years later.
Our starting point is often our Baptism, but at some point as we grow up, we examine our faith, accept and claim it as our own, develop and continue to grow in the Holy Spirit. I think this step is important, otherwise our faith remains the faith of our childhood, the faith undeveloped and unprepared for life’s challenges and God’s adventures, the faith easily given up to busyness, peer pressure and laziness.
When we are in that attitude of trust and expectancy, no matter how small or fledgling our faith is, God enables us to step out and go to those people Jesus places in our path, and say “see, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
PRAYER
Jesus, Bless my family members and friends who have chosen to walk away from you, remain in their presence and bring them home to you. Use me in any way you need to reach out and say “see, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Amen
Today's devotion written by Barb Niczynski, LifeWay Illawarra
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
TO PONDER
The days of being in one or two jobs for your whole working life are pretty much gone these days. Jesus changes the job description of the fishermen with three words. “Come, follow me”.
“Come”. Come closer, be curious, willing, exploring. You are invited. I want you. Come into my inner circle. Be one of my closest friends.
“Follow”. For a time you will not be a leader, but a follower, a learner, an apprentice, watching, testing your abilities, putting your toe in the water. Follow and become familiar, for your time is coming.
“Me”. Not yourself, others, religion, ego, the ways of the past. Me. The Messiah. The Son of God. The chosen one. The servant to others. The healer of bodies. The forgiver of sins. The mender of minds.
“And I will send you out to fish for people.” Now is our time. Sent by Jesus, not our own ego. Fishing where directed, throwing out nets, sometimes all night long, not knowing the outcome but trusting that Jesus knows. For people, not our own rewards or pride, but hurting, needy, desperate people meeting Jesus.
PRAYER
Jesus, help me not to worry about not being ready or good enough, you send me out always prepared in you, even when I don’t know it. In your power, Amen
Today's devotion written by Barb Niczynski, LifeWay Illawarra
Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The Lord has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.”
TO PONDER
Do we give up too soon? Do we settle for second best, choose any one of the options available, knowing deep down none of them are the correct answer? Do we ask God “Are there more options coming?” Do we wait and sometimes, wait and wait some more, for the right answer to come and be fully recognised with finality and certainty? Do we wait, standing up, on guard, watching quietly, patiently, ignoring the sore feet and aching back? Do we sit down, get comfortable, doze off, daydreaming of what might be, and miss the answer when it comes?
And when the answer comes, metaphorically the young lad, dirty, runt of the litter, doing the menial tasks the older boys have outgrown, awkward and unprepared, do we see beyond that with trust, courage, integrity and faith in a God who is looking for something in us to put a kingly crown on. Something we feel unprepared for, but with our identity intact in Jesus, we are fully prepared.
PRAYER
Help us Jesus, to see not what we offer up, or choose, but what you choose in us, or send to us, that is beyond our expectations! Give us patience as we wait, trust in what we receive, and courage as we go out. Amen
Today's devotion written by Barb Niczynski, LifeWay Illawarra