Showing posts with label apostles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apostles. Show all posts

Saturday, April 29, 2023

Seek His Truth

Luke 24:45-49
Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

I’m a little late to the game.

A couple of months ago, my daughter and grandson asked me if I had watched The Chosen, a television series depicting the life of Jesus and the disciples. They told me how much they enjoyed it, so I tuned in. I soon discovered I’d been missing out on one of the best portrayals of the Bible I’d seen. The show closely follows scripture and reveals the lives of the men and women who followed Jesus as well as the ones who denied him as the Messiah.

To see them and relate to them left me wanting more of Jesus and His experience with people. Although I read about them in the Bible, seeing the actors portray the disciples and give credence to their faith, and yes, their confusion at times, makes the stories I’ve heard for sixty years more believable. Matthew, the tax collector, portrayed as anxious and intelligent, writes everything Jesus says down on parchment. Peter is emotional and ready to fight for Jesus, while Thomas questions everything, and John keeps a cool head. Mary Magdalene’s heart shines after Jesus heals her and forgives her.

I don’t usually enjoy television that tries to portray the Bible, but The Chosen, so far, has captured the scripture and portrayed the men and women as believable.

I’m sharing this because in my heart, Jesus is as real as you and me. To see Him portrayed on the screen as a kind, caring man who bears the ultimate burden has increased my faith. We all know God moves in mysterious ways, and for me it has been through diving into my Bible as I watch The Chosen, checking references and moments against scripture. Because I long to grow in my faith every day, I’m open to opportunities for the Holy Spirit to fill me. Did I mention the grandson who loves this show is thirteen? A teenager. And that makes my heart sing. I’m so glad I can share this with him.

This isn’t an endorsement for the show, but rather one more way I’ve found to connect to scripture. Maybe it’s for you, maybe it’s not, but I urge you to continue to find what does make you want to read God’s word and talk to Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you delve into His word and seek His truth.


Saturday, January 21, 2023

I Am Not Alone

Matthew 10:16-20

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 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.”

God is with me.

A crowd gathered for the varsity boys’ game. On the opposite side of the gym from us, the opposing team’s fans came together. A sea of blue filled the bleachers, except for one lone soul dressed in gold and black (our team colors.) When I noticed the fellow dressed in different colors, my first thought was sympathy. A fan for our team sat amidst the opposing fans, but then I wondered if he wore those colors without thinking about what everyone else was wearing.

I’ll never know the answer, but the visual reminded me of folks who stand alone in their faith or are on their own in their circumstances. Missionaries go to places where they may be the only ones who believe in Jesus, and they are responsible for living a life of faith. Teachers stand before classes and work so hard to instill a love of learning in their students. Ministers sometimes feel alone, even surrounded by many.

I’m sure the apostles felt singled out and on their own many times. Jesus sent them out without earthly possessions and asked them to go to towns less than welcoming. They traveled and taught about Jesus, even though they could be flogged or end up in jail. What did the apostles know that kept them going? God was with them. They were not alone. The Holy Spirit dwelled in their hearts.

Writing is a solitary activity, but I know beyond a doubt, God is beside me as I write. He’s with me when I’m tired, disappointed, excited, happy, broken, or weary. No matter what my circumstances may be, God stands with me, picks me up, heals my heart, and keeps me going. For that, I am so thankful.

God is with His people, even when we feel alone.