Have You Caught Any Fish?

  To be blunt, friends, may the reason we aren't seeing a revival in the church, aren't seeing new people coming to Jesus in droves, is because we aren't listening and responding as the Church. This past Sunday, exploring John 21, we saw how John recognized the voice of Jesus and Peter responded. We talked about how we need all sorts of people with different gifts in the church, both those who hear and those who respond, in order to be the church together. The problem sometimes though, is that we do hear but we act like we don't, and we are called to act, but refuse to go.
     The church is not going backwards. We aren't going back to any other period of time, we can only go forward. In the community where I live, eighty percent of people do not go to church. Eighty percent. We can no longer just open up our doors and think that is good enough evangelism. We need to cast our nets to the other side of the boat and be willing to try new things to reach new people.
    What are we willing to risk, friends, for the sake of the Kingdom? What steps are we willing to take to proclaim the Good News, anew?

“The Seven Next Words of Christ: Have You Caught Any Fish?” Devo

May 28th, 2017  

Devotional

“The Seven Next Words of Christ: Have You Caught Any Fish?” -John 21: 1-23

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Gone Fishing” - John 21: 1-3

The disciples have had an emotional and physically overwhelming week. Jesus has predicted his death. He was captured while some of them were praying with him in the garden. He stood unfair trial after unfair trial with the religious leaders, Herod, and then Pilate. He was beaten, hung on a cross, and then killed. Then some of the women came to them saying that Jesus had been raised from the dead. The disciples could not handle anything else this week, so they returned to what they knew best, fishing. 

I have to wonder what was running through the disciples minds as they entered the boat that day, Peter at the lead. Did they think about how Jesus had said that he would make them fishers of men? Did they ponder all the meals of fish that they had shared together? Did their minds drift back to the time that Jesus walked on the water and calmed the waves of the storm?

We all run the risk of overwhelm in our lives. We live in a society that seems to be on the go all the time. We run from one place to the next, trying to keep our schedules in order. Bad news seems to be coming at us all the time - on the TV and in newspapers. When we are overwhelmed, we run the risk of being like the disciples and going back to what is familiar and comfortable, even if that is not where we should be. 

What circumstances in your life support or deter you from following Jesus?

What do you find yourself doing/ where do you find yourself going when you are overwhelmed?

Prayer: Jesus, we live in a world that seems to demand so much of our time and energy. We confess that when we become overwhelmed, we sometimes return right to the situations and circumstances you first rescued us from. Help us, O Lord, during times of turbulence to turn to you and to seek your face, anew. Amen. 

Tuesday: “It is the Lord” - John 21:4-8

There were times that the disciples, the original followers of Jesus, let themselves get in the way of Jesus’s ministry to others, Jesus’s ministry to them, as well. But there were also beautiful moments where they set themselves aside in order to trust God. In the gospel reading today we find the disciples after Jesus’s death. They aren’t quite sure what to do with themselves so they go back to the one thing they do know - fishing. They were trained fishermen, yet despite years of being on the sea they have not caught a single fish all night. Then a stranger appears on the shoreline and tells them to go against all of their training, to go against all of their years of knowledge and cast their nets on the other side of the boat. They could have let themselves get in their way - they could have deferred to their pride and said that would never work, that they had tried that earlier, but instead they so badly wanted to catch some fish that they were willing to be humble and try this suggestion. The results? Their nets were so full that they couldn’t even begin to drag them up. And the disciples recognized that it was the Lord who had instructed them.

Sometimes, we too, get in the way of the Gospel. We try to make it about sharing the Good News on our own terms or only with people like us or who we love. But we need to hear Jesus’s call to cast our nets to the other side - to go out of our way to try new ways to share the Good News with new people.

What prevents us from hearing the call of Jesus to try to share the Gospel in a different way?

Prayer: Lord, help us to listen more closely to your call upon our lives and the life of our church. Encourage us to try new things, to follow you more closely, and to reach out beyond our comfort zones for the sake of the Gospel Message. Use us, we pray. Amen. 

Wednesday: “ They Knew” - John 21: 9-14

I love imagining this scene around the breakfast campfire that morning. The disciple, elated by their hull of fish and more importantly, being in the presence of their Lord and Savior. Can you imagine the stories they were sharing? The joy being expressed? The laughter rising around the fire ring?

The disciples in that moment, knew that they were in the presence of the Lord. Just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognized Jesus in the blessing and breaking of the bread and Mary had her eyes opened at the empty tomb when Jesus spoke her name. They didn’t have to ask if it was Jesus or to see his nail pierced hands and side - they knew by the miracle of the fish, just like the miracles they had witnessed so long ago on the hill side of the two small fish and five loaves feeding thoughts.

When are those times in our life when we know without a shadow of a doubt that we are in the presence of our Savior? They will be different for each of us, because we are different people who have our hearts touched in a variety of ways. But we all have those moments, to cherish, with our Lord. 

Why do you think the Gospel of John thought the number of fish caught was important?

What do you think the phrase “and no one dare ask him if he really was the Lord because they were sure of it” means? 

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for those precious moments when we know that we are in your presence. Those moments when we are so sure of your grace and love that we cannot help but worship you. Help us to treasure those moments in our hearts. Amen. 

Thursday: “Feed My Lambs” - John 21: 15-19

Today’s piece of scripture is one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful encounters between Jesus and his disciples. You can almost feel Peter’s anxiety and pain. Is Jesus calling him out about the three times he betrayed Jesus, just as was predicted during their final meal together before his death? Does Jesus really doubt the love that he has for him?

There are times when we all stray from the love of God. We even acknowledge this fact every time when we hear the communion liturgy, “when we turned away and our love failed, your love remained steadfast.” What Peter took to be as a moment of scolding was actually a moment of grace. It was a reminder to Peter that when his love failed, Jesus’s love for him remained steadfast.

Further, by telling Peter to feed his lambs and tend his sheep, Jesus was offering Peter a moment of redemption. We all need such moments. From time to time we may find ourselves thinking that Jesus could not use someone like us in ministry, but if he could use Peter, he can use us. It is not for us to judge the love Jesus has for us or the call he has upon our lives - we are simply offered the opportunity to start again. 

Why is Jesus’s interaction with Peter important? Why did Jesus ask Peter the same question three times? 

Tell of a time that you did not think that you were good enough. What message of love did Jesus speak into your life?

Prayer: Lord, we cannot thank you enough for your redeeming moments in our lives. We fail, and our love can lean towards unfaithfulness at times, but you, Precious Lord, remain faithful to us. Thank you, Lord, for calling each of us to follow you and giving us a ministry for the sake of your Kingdom. Amen. 

Friday: “What About Him?” - John 21: 20-23

Peter has just had a beautiful moment with Jesus, only to miss the point by starting to worry about another disciple, John. Peter, hoping to catch Jesus saying that John was going to betray him, asked Jesus, what about him. What about him? Is he the one, Lord, who will betray you even worse then I did by denying you? What about him? Is he going to be important than me, Lord?

To which Jesus replied that it isn’t Peter’s business. Sometimes we get so caught up in worrying about other people that we cannot be effective for the Kingdom. Or we get so blind sided by jealously that we stop being the church. When people tell me about churches that are doing amazing things, my first response is “Praise God!”. Praise God for churches and believers that are being faithful to the call upon their lives. We are not in competition with each other - we all have the same Kingdom goal. 

Churches are not places of competition and jealously, but rather are places where the story of God is made known so it can be lived out. We don’t need to worry about the gifts of other believers; we need to be concerned with whether we are using our gifts to the best of our ability. Let us remember what is our corner and what is Christ’s. 

Tell of a time when envy or jealousy prevented you from doing or living out God’s will in your life?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that sometimes a streak of jealously runs through us. We speak ill of other churches and other believers because we cannot admit to ourselves that we are not being as fruitful as you are calling us to be in our own lives. Forgive us, O Lord, and set us back on the path that glorifies you. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “The Seven Next Words of Christ: Wait for the Gift” - Acts 1: 1-11

Family Activity: We all need to be encouraged - to be told that we are doing a good job, to be told that we are appreciated, that we are cared about. Who are some people who are in need of encouragement and how can you build them up?

"The Seven Next Words of Christ: Go"

    Recently, I was at camp with a group of teenagers for a retreat, during which the speaker was trying to impress upon the students that they each have a gift, a purpose, that is God given and God blessed.
   I think sometimes that truth has a hard path making its way from our head to our heart. We read in scripture about spiritual gifts, but then somewhere between our head and our chest we get confused and start to let doubt speak into our lives saying "well, everyone has a gift but you." This simply isn't true. All believers are given gifts for the sake of those both inside and outside of the church. Inside of the church, our spiritual gifts are used to encourage and build up the body of Christ. Outside of the church, they are used to bring God glory and to witness to God.
   What have you been put on earth to do, friends? And how does your spiritual gift and calling help you to spread the message of Christ? For we are all called to "go" - to go and spread the good news. May you take time this week to pray about what spiritual gift God has granted you and to ask God to help you use that gift to bring God glory and to lead folks to Jesus Christ.

“The Seven Next Words of Christ: Go Into the World” - Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24: 45-49, Mark 16: 15-18 Dev

May 21st, 2017  

Devotional

“The Seven Next Words of Christ: Go Into the World” - Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 24: 45-49, Mark 16: 15-18

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Go” - Matthew 28: 18-19

Jesus is alive. Jesus conquered the grave and walked amongst his disciples for a period of time before ascending back into Heaven. While others had risen from the grave before, like Lazarus, they would once again be confined to the grave, but Jesus would not. During the short time he walked in this world following his resurrection, he had a message that he greatly wanted to impart to his disciples - to go. 

This command to go and make disciples of all the world, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is not just contained to the early disciples. It is our mission as well. But sometimes we can get tied up in the bigness of what Jesus is commanding to the point where we are afraid to share the gospel at all. We need to take baby steps to share the gospel - or to use a sports metaphor you need to be able to walk before you can run. 

What do you think Jesus means by “all the world”?

What small steps are you being called to take in order to share the Gospel?

Prayer: Jesus, we confess that at times we have heard the words of your great commission and we have ignored them. We have thought they aren’t for us or that we aren’t up to the task. We have been paralyzed by the enormity of what you are calling us to do as your followers. Forgive us, we pray. Amen. 

Tuesday: “I Am With You Always” - Matthew 28:20

Jesus is essentially handing his ministry, the ministry that he has been modeling for his disciples for three years, off into their hands now. People will either hear, or fail to hear, the Good News of the Gospel because of their actions or inactions. Note that I am not saying that the acceptance of the Gospel by others is their responsibility, for that lies with the Holy Spirit, but they are tasked to go and share about Jesus.

But Jesus is not sending them out alone. Previously, the disciples had been sent out two by two for a period of time - now they are being sent out with Jesus at their side. While Christ may not be physically with them, the Holy Spirit is within them as believers, and they are accompanied by the strength, wisdom, and power of Jesus Christ.

When we share the Gospel, Christ and the Holy Spirit are with us as well. Sharing the Gospel is not optional as a believer of Jesus Christ, but when we do share about the Good News, we know that we are not alone. 

What are we invited to share in order to make disciples?

What prevents you from sharing the good news?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for not calling us to the task of sharing your Good News alone. We believe that your peace and presence go with us when we testify to your power in our lives. Thank you, Lord! May your Spirit prime hearts and minds to accept your Word as we share, so that lives may be transformed. Amen. 

Wednesday: “ You are Witnesses” - Luke 24: 45-49

When Jesus walked on the earth after his resurrection, he continued to teach the disciples about the scriptures. Even though they had heard Jesus speak about his death and resurrection, and he was now standing before them, they still didn’t fully understand. 

We can study scripture our whole lives and there will still be things that we don’t fully understand - things that we need repeated to us and places where Jesus needs to continue to speak in our lives. We cannot use a lack of understanding about everything as an excuse to not speak about what we do know. Do we know that Jesus loves us? Do we know that we can confess our sins and Jesus will forgive us? Do we know that Jesus has changed out lives? These are things that we can witness about to others. We don’t need to have the answer to everything to share about anything. We are simply called to speak from our hearts and to testify to God’s goodness in our lives through Christ. 

Think about your testimony. How can you share the story of how Jesus touched your life with others. 

Prayer: God, in the powerful name of Jesus Christ we rebuke the Devil trying to tell us that we are not good enough or smart enough to share Good News. We see now that these messages are used by the Devil to distract us from the work you call us to. Empower us, anew, precious Lord, and send us out to testify to your love, mercy, and grace. Amen. 

Thursday: “Go and Proclaim” - Mark 16: 15

When Jesus tells us to go and proclaim he does not do so with a road map in most instances. I recently read a book about a young girl who was greatly impacted by sport missionaries in Africa. As the book shared the background on the different missionaries, one thing that struck me was that going to Africa was just about the last thing on any of their minds, but when God called, they responded.

We aren’t all called to go overseas, but we are all called to go into the world to proclaim the Good News. This may mean proclaiming it at the places we shop by how we interact with folks in the store or sales clerks. It may mean rethinking our vacation time to go on a trip with Volunteers in Mission. It may mean being intentional about offering to pray with people we talk to on the phone. The list is endless. How is Jesus calling you to go and how will you respond?

What are some of the ways you can “go” into the world today?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for calling each of us to go different places to share your good news. Thank you Lord, that together as the body of Christ, with our different gifts and talents, you can use us to reach the whole world. Strengthen us, O Lord, to go in your name. Amen. 

Friday: “Great Things” - Mark 16: 16-18

Recently, at a youth camp, I head the preacher describe this passage as great things. As followers of Jesus we are called to do great things in his name. While some would bulk at what Mark is saying, I would explain it this way - Mark is not saying that we all need to go and pick up snakes with our hands, drink poison, or speak in tongues. But he is giving this list as the an example of the incredible things that people will be able to do in the name of Jesus Christ.

Which begs the question, what amazing things can we each do in the name of Jesus Christ. We don’t need to be perfect in order to serve Christ. The disciples were broken individual with flaws, just like us. But the Gospel reminds us that Jesus wants his followers to remember that because of God’s saving love as seen in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, we now have power. We have power to do great things if only we go forth in Jesus’s name. 

What great things do you feel Jesus calling you to?

Prayer: Lord, it is hard for us to grasp at times that you call us, as flawed as we are, to serve you. We have an even harder time grasping what great things we can do in the world by the power of your name. Embolden us, O Lord. Use us. And make your name known. Amen!

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “The Seven Next Words of Christ: Have You Caught Any Fish?” - John 21:1-23

Family Activity: What are some ways that you can serve Jesus as a family right where you are?

"The Seven Next Words of Christ: Peace be with You”

   God's peace can be hard to describe. It can be even harder to locate, especially when we feel like we have doubts blocking our path. But doubts are not actually the most deterring thing to finding God's peace - our own self-reliance is. God would rather have us come before the throne of grace with questions and doubts, instead of coming bragging that we made it there on our own. Doubts show a level of humility - that we don't have it all together. That we don't have all the answers.
    Let us come before God, not in an attitude of self-sufficient, but instead confessing that we do not have it all together and hear God's response of "Peace be with you."

"The Seven Next Words of Christ: Peace be with You” - John 20: 19-29 Devo

May 14th, 2017

Devotional

“The Seven Next Words of Christ: Peace be with You” - John 20: 19-29

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “Doubting Thomas” - John 20: 24-25

I never really understood why Thomas got a bad reputation or why he was singled out for the nickname “doubter.” Ten of the disciples were locked inside of a house, hiding together out of fear what might happen to them at the hands of those who had killed their Lord. Yet, Thomas was brave enough to not be hiding with them. He was brave enough to venture beyond the locked door. Yet we never mention that each year when this passage is preached. Or what about the fact that everyone but Thomas had an encounter with the risen Christ that lead them to believe - Mary Magdeline did. The other ten disciples did. They believed after seeing and talking with Christ and receiving their orders in mission for the Kingdom of God. Thomas was simply left out and demanded what everyone else had received. Yet we do not talk about that either.

Each year a sermon is usually preached belittling Thomas for not believing what he did not see. As if Thomas sinned by wanting the same opportunity as everyone else. But Thomas’ biggest problem is not that he doubted Jesus because he did not see. Rather, what truly gets him labeled a doubter is that he does not believe ten men whom he lived with for three years, ministered with, ate with, and loved as close friends. He did not trust the people whom he was closest with to speak the truth in his life. Thomas will not believe that what they say is true unless he sees it for himself.

What has caused you to doubt? How does doubt affect your walk with God?

Prayer: Jesus, we come before you today and say that we all struggle with doubts. Even after we have walked with you. Even after you have shown yourself to us time and time again. Use our doubts, O Lord, to draw us even closer to you. Help us believe what is true. Amen. 

Tuesday: “Jesus Came” - John 20: 19-23

The Disciples told Thomas about what they had witnessed, and he did not believe them. I think many of us do not share what we witness in other’s lives because we are afraid we will suffer the same rebuke as the disciples, with people wanting to see for themselves. We live in a time when everything is suspect, and things are rarely believed without first hand experiences. And we easily doubt anything that makes us uncomfortable. Yet our faith asks us to trust the word of others. To trust what faithful people tell us about God working in and through us.

But the rest of the Disciples were doubters just as much as Thomas, just in a different way. They didn’t trust what their Lord had told them throughout their time together. That Jesus would be persecuted, put to death, but that he would return after he had gone away. That his peace would come and dwell with them and the Spirit would be gifted to them. They might have heard Jesus say these things, many of which were said time and time again, yet they didn’t expect them to happen. They didn’t expect them to be true. They didn’t trust the one who speaks the ultimate truth, the Word made Flesh.

Why does Jesus ask his disciples to look at his hands and feet to counter their unbelief?

Prayer: Lord, help us to respond as you stand amongst us, both as individuals and as your church, and hear your words of peace. Help us to find comfort in your presence and may your voice change our very hearts, hearts that sometimes doubt, and worry, and have mis-placed priorities. Help us to trust you more fully. Amen. 

Wednesday: “ Doubting Disciples” - John 20: 19-23

Perhaps the true message of this gospel text cannot be summed up neatly in the nickname “doubting Thomas”, but rather the doubting disciples. Are we not all part of the doubting group at one time or another? Don’t we doubt when we receive a word spoken over us that we do not want to hear. Or when we don’t quite believe that Jesus will respond to our prayers. Don’t we all doubt when we don’t know if our faith is quite worth sharing with others or anticipate a negative reaction?

Perhaps the true lesson for us is that while we doubt, Jesus remains faithful. While we doubt, we are still given the Holy Spirit  and the Peace of Christ. Even when we test Christ, as Thomas did, saying if this happens then I will believe, Christ remains faithful. Even when we cannot feel Christ with us or see him with our eyes, it is still the breathe of God that breathed into dust and brought it to life, and it is still the breath of the risen Christ who bestows the Holy Spirit. Even when we disbelieve it is still the life breath of the Spirit moving in and through us. 

And it is that same breath when we emerge from our doubts that enables us  to cry out “My Lord and my God!”

What blocks us from having a peace filled life?

Prayer: Lord, we have doubts, help our unbelief. At times, O Lord, we feel like we are blind leading the blind. We, in our own doubts, don’t know how to lead others to you. Strengthen and use us, we pray. Amen. 

Thursday: “But Thomas” - John 20: 24-25

That’s the beauty of this story is - we can understand it. We can place ourselves in it. At a Lenten Bible study once a conversation ensued about how people could disbelieve Christ when he walked among them in the flesh and they could directly see what he did. But if they doubted, can’t we admit that we do from time to time as well? And can’t it make us better understand and minister to a world that doubts as well? Does not the experience of doubting allow us to tell the story of how we emerged from our doubt and how we were finally able to believe Christ and to believe the words of the faithful followers who spoke truth into our lives? And do we truly walk by faith at all times, or are their instances, when just like Thomas, we want the signs that so many others have received?

How does God get your attention?

What do you need from God to help you believe? 

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for never giving up on us, never giving up on getting our attention. Thank you, Lord, for meeting us where we are at and showing us your never-failing love. Amen. 

Friday: “My Lord and My God” - John 20: 26-29

Even when we have unbelief, God provides for us and meets us in our moments of need, just as he did with Thomas. Do we not trust that God will reach out to us with the same love and provision? The risen Christ was kind enough to come to the disciples gathered in the rom after they disbelieved Mary’s word. And he was kind enough to return when Thomas needed more proof then the word of his friends. Even when all doubted, Jesus remained faithful. Yes blessed are those who do not need to see or hear directly from the Lord, but we all fall into both categories. Sometimes we want something more and sometimes we so willingly trust and follow Jesus, even when it seems unclear. But this passage reminds us that the risen Lord is just as faithful to us as he was to the disciples, no matter if we easily believe or want something more. So I ask you, what do you need from him to be able to cry out “My Lord and my God”? Oh Lord, help us to believe.

How does God speak in our world today?

How do you hear God speak to you and how do you respond? 

Prayer: Lord, help us to cry with Thomas, “My Lord and My God.” Help us to respond not just to your nail pierced hands and side, demanding to see, but to your gentle voice, leading us each day. Help us to trust you, even int eh midst of our doubts and unbelief. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “The Seven Next Words of Christ: Go into the World” - Matthew 28: 18-20, Mark 16: 15-18, and Luke 24: 45-40

Family Activity: Have each member of your family close their eyes as someone else whispers something to them. Now have them open their eyes and have you say the same thing to them. Is it easier to believe the whisper or what we see other people saying. How does this relate to God speaking to us? 

“The Seven Next Words of Christ: What Are You So Concerned About”

       One of the thing I appreciate about the story of the Walk to Emmaus is how many ways we can be blind to the movement of Jesus in our lives. Until we recognize our own blinders and repent, it is hard to change our ways. But what can be even harder for us to recognize is how our blinders can effect other people. 

        When I explain my job as pastor to people I often say that part of my vocation is helping people see the whole picture, how what they see fits in with what others see. Often in life we are only concerned with our own lives, what is right in front of us. We can be quick to dismiss other people's concerns or experiences, which can lead them to lose faith in us as followers of Jesus. 

       Let us pray this week that our blinders about Christ will not only be removed so we can see Christ more clearly, but also so we can be better follower of Christ, sharing his love with the world around us in a tangible way. 

“The Seven Next Words of Christ: What Are You So Concerned About” - Luke 24: 13-34 Devo

May 7th, 2017

Devotional

“The Seven Next Words of Christ: What Are You So Concerned About” - Luke 24: 13-34

Keep the sermon topic and Biblical text preaching all week by following Pastor Michelle on twitter @tinypastor and reading her sermon blog www.revmichelle.blogspot.com

Monday: “What are You Discussing?” - Luke 24: 13-17

On the same day as Jesus’s resurrection was proclaimed by the women who went and found the empty tomb, some of the other followers of Jesus were making the seven mile journey to Emmaus. It was a long way to walk and they had a lot on their mind - chiefly the death of Jesus and what the women had to say about Jesus’s body now missing. They were so caught up in their own grief, shock, and conversation that they failed to notice that someone else was walking along with them until he spoke up - asking them what they were discussing. 

One of the words I would use to describe Jesus’s followers at this point was hopeless. They didn’t know what was going to happen next to them. They were sacred and grief-stricken and probably felt helpless. At times we probably feel like these disciples to, which is fine, until it blocks us from recognizing Jesus amongst us. 

What do you think the men talked about on their way to Emmaus?

Tell of a time that you failed to recognize Jesus. What blocked you from recognizing God at that time. 

Prayer: Jesus, we know that sometimes we fail to recognize your presence amongst us. We get so caught up in our own circumstances that we are blind to your movement in our lives. Remove the blinders from our eyes and spirits we pray. Amen. 

Tuesday: “But We Had Hoped” - Luke 24:18-21

The men responded to Jesus’s question (since they didn’t recognize that it was Jesus) by telling him what had taken place - how Jesus, the mighty prophet had been crucified. They shared how they hoped that this wasn’t how it would end. How they hoped that Jesus would have been the Messiah. 

Of course, Jesus was the Messiah, or Savior, just not in the terms they were expecting. They wanted someone to ride in on a horse and use his might to overthrow the Roman occupation - instead they got the Savior of the world who conquered sin.

Sometimes our expectations of how we want Jesus to act can get in the way of seeing Jesus’s hand in our life. We want Jesus to do something very specific and when the answer to our prayer is “no” or “not yet” we feel that Jesus has failed us, instead of seeing that our expectations are not meant to limit Jesus’s saving power in our lives. 

What do you think “we thought he was the Messiah” means?

Tell of a time that your expectations of Jesus tried to limit him. How were God’s plans in that moment better than yours? 

Prayer: Lord, help us to set aside our expectations so we can see you as you truly are. Set us free from placing limits on your power and love. May we truly pray “your will be done”. Amen. 

Wednesday: “ But They Did Not See” - Luke 24: 22-24

Not only do w sometimes let our emotions and expectations get in the way of recognizing Jesus in our lives, but sometimes we want what other people have. The disciples told Jesus (who they still didn’t recognize) about some of the women’s experience at the empty tomb. They told of the vision and the angels and their message to proclaim that Jesus was alive. But some of the men wanted that experience for themselves, only when they arrived at the tomb they didn’t see the angels or Jesus.

God gives different people different gifts in the body of Christ to build up the body and to aid us in the message that we all share in proclaiming, that Christ has conquered the grave. We start to stumble when we want the same gifts and visions of other people, instead of celebrating with them how God has gifted them for the mission. 

I was recently at an event where spiritual gifts were being discussed and the speaker said one of her pet peeves was when people would come up to ask her about certain spiritual gifts to which she would always ask “do you have that gift?” If the answer was no, then she would tell them that they really need to find what their gift is and invest in learning about that particular gift instead of dwelling on the gifts of others. 

When have you missed seeing God at work in your midst?

What is your spiritual gift or vision? How is God working through that gift?

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the variety of gifts and visions that you give us as the body of Christ. Allow us to celebrate the gifts of your spirit in each of us as well as building up the giftedness of others. Forgive us for the times when we have been jealous of other people’s gifts instead of celebrating how you are using them. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Thursday: “How Slow of Heart” - Luke 24: 25-27

Jesus then rebuked the disciples, pointing out their foolishness and that they are slow of heart. He tells them the stories of the scriptures, pointing out how what the prophets proclaimed aligned with the life of Christ as well as what had just happened with the death on the cross. He interpreted the things about himself in scriptures.

One of the most common reasons that we are blind to the movement and presence of Christ in our lives is because we don’t know the word of God. We know what other people have told us are in the word of God. We know what other people have said about the word of God, but we haven’t read it for ourselves and allowed God to speak to us through it. We need to allow the word of God to dwell in us so we can use it to recognize the mighty ways of God here and now.

How do you see God more clearly when you read the word of God?

Prayer: Lord, we confess that sometimes we aren’t people of your word. We don’t know your word or let it dwell in us. We allow other people to tell us what they think is in your word instead of truly studying it for ourselves. Open up our eyes and ears so we can understand what you have to say to us today. Amen.  

Friday: “Their Eyes Were Opened” - Luke 24: 28-34

The disciples offered to the stranger walking along the road with them the ancient gift of hospitality. They invited him in for a meal and to stay the night, as it was getting dark. As Jesus blessed and broke the bread for their meal, their eyes were opened and they saw Jesus for who he was the entire time he was with them. The bread acted as a bridge between their recognition and understanding and their propelled them out, like the women, to share in acts and words and evangelism. 

We too are called to share the good news of Christ though our hospitality, actions, and words, which is sometimes easier said than done. Yet we are all to share the good news that “the Lord is Risen Indeed” and how that message has changed our lives.

How does communion help us recognize and respond to God?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of the blind being able to see, especially when the blindness of our hearts is removed, O precious Lord. Now, in our sight, send us out to help remove the blindness of other hearts so your name can be made known. Amen. 

Saturday: Preparing for the Word

You are invited to read and pray this week’s text and topic: “The Seven Next Words of Christ: Peace be with You” - Luke 24: 35-43 and John 20: 

Family Activity: Make a poster of pictures and words that remind you of how Jesus is moving in the world today. Then hang the poster somewhere you can see it as a reminder of Jesus’s presence with you every day!

The Seven Next Words of Christ - Greetings… Do Not be Afraid

    Do not be afraid. Words that can speak to the deepest parts of our being offering comfort, or words that can make us feel as if our very feelings are not valid. When Jesus tells the disciples, tells us, to not be afraid, he is not telling us that there is nothing to fear in life, for we know that there is much to fear. We fear dangers in this world. We fear diseases that claim too many lives. We fear wars and famine. But we also have fears wrapped up in moments of new adventure - going off to college, buying a new house, having a baby. Fear is not necessarily a bad thing - it can also speak to the excitement we feel. The real question is how are we going to respond to our fears.
    Jesus invites us to bring our cares, concerns, and yes, even our fears to him. May we look to Christ, this day and always, to walk with us, even through our times of fear, in order to bring glory to the Kingdom of God!