Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Acts 1-11

Verses 1: 6-7

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel? He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. NRSV

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the disciples believed that the time had come for Israel to enjoy its former glory, as enjoyed under previous kings such as David and Solomon, however that was not Jesus’ mission. Instead he told them that that was not for them to know. However, he promised of striking changes that they themselves would be agents of through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. He told them that they would be witnesses not just in Jerusalem and Judea but throughout the whole world. If the disciples were ever knew the role they have played in history and how some two thousand years since their time they are being talked about they probably would be amazed. Perhaps they would not be-that is, if they took Jesus literally. You see, often the results we are seeking, are not necessarily the ones we will get. But if we obey God’s directives, it will all work for our good. All we need to do is to trust and obey because God ultimately has our good at heart.

Monday, May 14, 2012

John 15: 9

Vs. 9
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.

Now that Mothers’ Day is over and the hustle and bustle to do something out of the ordinary for Mom is over, what now? There is a lesson here. Jesus came to show us how we ought to live. We ought to live in a holistic manner and everything is all connected. We cannot show love today and then tomorrow we take a break. Love never takes a holiday and Jesus reminds us to abide in love-his love. Sigmund Freud says “love and work are the cornerstone of our humanness”. I imagine that must be why when we do other than, we feel uncomfortable. Today, let us be mindful of the things we do, paying close attention to the golden rule which is do unto to others as you would have them do unto you. Love may be work, but it works out good in the end.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

John 4: 7

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. NRSV

It seems that when God was giving out his communicable attribute love, mothers got a lions’ share of it. That is why when we hear of mean mothers- those who couldn’t care less what happens to their children we are taken aback. We cannot believe there could be such a freak. But my sister told me years ago when I was just a child that every rule has an exception. So there you have it! But today we are celebrating the norm- those mothers who show unconditional love. We celebrate too, all those fathers who are operating a dual rule. We also celebrate, grandmothers, aunts, foster mothers and all others who are caregivers of children. Truly, your reward in this life and in the life hereafter will be great! Jesus says as much as do to the least of these you do it unto me, so be encouraged and keep up the good work! It is a beautiful gift that God has given. It is not a burden nor is it a task. If your thoughts are along these lines, check out people who could not or do not have any children. Worse still, check out those who desperately wanted to have their own but couldn’t. So, those of us who are blessed ought to cherish it as a precious gift from Jehovah God himself! Have a happy Mothers’ Day!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

John 18

Vs. 10-11

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest’s slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave’s name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter “Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink of the cup that the Father has given me? NRSV

You must have heard that to every action there is a reaction and to every reaction there is a counteraction. How do we react when things happen? Do we act impulsively or do we think things out? The truth is, we do not always know how we will react. In one instance Peter was afraid and said he did not know Jesus, yet in another he got brave and struck out at those he felt were treating his Lord wrongly. However, there are times when our Lord will say, “Peace. Be still. This is not your battle.” Such was a case. Jesus had a mission and no amount of striking back could help or hinder. He knew he was duty bound to drink of the bitter cup. We are glad he did. The message today is, be still and let God do His job. Never get discombobulated. The battle is not yours but the Lord’s. God is God all by Himself.

Friday, May 11, 2012

John 17: 20

I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe me through their word. NRSV

Have you ever noticed the confidence that a small child has in his or her parent? When mother or father is around nothing matters and that child is reassured that all is well. Such is the confidence we have in the Father through Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus is the one who intercedes on our behalf; he is our barrister, if you will, arguing our case. As our intercessor, Jesus is well placed to get good results on our behalf and we thank God for him. Today, take some time out to thank God for our great and wonderful intercessor who went all the way to Calvary for our sake.