Day 14, Luke 24: Jesus' appearance after resurrection

TITLE: Day 14, Luke 24: Jesus' appearance after resurrection
THEME: Burning Hearts

Jesus is risen. He says it. He fulfills it. He demonstrates His truth in life, in death, and in resurrection from the dead. The road to Emmaus is striking for three reasons.

Firstly, the two men are unnamed. Apparently, they seem to know all the events that have happened that day, talking about the past, and history. Yet, when Jesus walks up with them, they hardly recognized Jesus. Are they too fixated on the past that they fail to recognize the presence of Christ? Are they too caught up with history that they forget that history is constantly in the making? Are the two unnamed persons reflective of modern believers nowadays, who talk about Jesus but fail to live out the Truth of Jesus' resurrection?

Secondly, they are able to relate all the teachings of Jesus, from the prophetic teachings and deeds, right up to the arrest and the promise of Jesus' resurrection on the third day. Yet, where is their faith? Why are they so knowledgeable in their heads, but still fail to sense the presence of Jesus in their midst?

Thirdly, why are they so slow to respond?

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

What about us? Do our hearts burn with the truths of God's Word when we read it? Perhaps, it is not realistic to expect the Word of God to pop out at us every time we open the Word. After all, we are are creatures affected by the Fall. What about keeping the Word in our hearts so much that the Holy Spirit can burn the Word when the time is ripe? This is another strong case for Scripture memorization.


What I Learn: The man of God will meditate and keep God's Word in his heart.

I hope you have enjoyed the short 14-days journey through Jesus' life and his teachings. There is more.

conrade

Day 13, John 20: Resurrection

TITLE: Day 13, John 20: Resurrection
THEME: The revelation of Jesus

This chapter is one of the most touching passages of Scripture. Instead of harbouring hatred or memories of what has happened to him, Jesus chooses to appear before his disciples. He appears everywhere not simply to boast about his rising from the dead, but to show compassion to the people he loves. It is interesting to read Jesus' first words to Mary, the disciples, and Thomas.

When Jesus appears before Mary, he calls out her name.

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:26)

When Jesus appears to the disciples, and to Thomas, he calls out: "Peace be with you!" (v19, v21, v26).

Why is there a difference in the way Jesus relates to Mary and the disciples? For Mary, he calls her out by name. For the disciples, Jesus addresses the condition of their hearts first. Jesus knows that the disciples are probably shell-shocked over what had happened. After denying Christ, and running away, obviously, their hearts are heavy and troubled. Getting forgiveness will probably be the last thing on their minds. Jesus sees through the condition of their hearts. He knows what is most needful for them. Peace.

Looking at the at the very sensitive way Jesus reveals himself is a powerful reminder of how much Jesus understands our human condition.

What I Learned: If we want to grow in intimacy with God, do not just do things for God. Desire to be present with God.

conrade

Day 12, Matthew 27: Jesus' execution on a cross

TITLE: Day 12, Matthew 27: Jesus' execution on a cross
THEME: Scandalous Exchange

In theory, we know that every kind of punishment ought to fit the nature of the crime. If the punishment is overly heavy-handed, it is not justice but bullying. If the punishment is not strong enough, it fails to act as a deterrent for future crimes of similar nature. Thus, in any law system, it is critical that the punishment fits the size of the crime.

Yet, in practice, things are often not fair. Innocent people are imprisoned. Crimes committed go unsolved. Victims are ignored. The guilty goes free. The state of injustice seems to be more prevalent than scenes of justice. Sometimes, I feel that for every piece of media information about justice being done, lies many more that is not only reported, but a lack of justice. If we think about it, if the media is controlled by the rich and powerful, and if the media can only be sustained by the resources of the rich and powerful, is it not natural to expect that the media, no matter how well-intentioned, will highlight matters that benefit the rich and powerful more? Is there anyone or any organization who will speak for those who cannot speak? Who fights for the hungry? Who speaks up for the marginalized?

Nobody speaks up for Jesus then. Pontius Pilate cynically absolves himself from responsibility. The chief priests and the elders prefer to convict an innocent man, and to release a criminal instead. The crowd lets their emotions get worked up by the accusers, and they ask for Jesus' death. Even the soldiers mock Jesus.

The only person who truly understands Jesus is God the Father. Yet, at that moment, Jesus felt alone. Utterly alone. Love can sometimes be very lonely.

What I Learned: Love is like a marathon. It may speed up during good times. It may slow down in bad times. Love is always moving. Moving toward loving regardless of circumstances.

conrade

Day 11, Matthew 26: Betrayal and arrest

TITLE: Day 11, Matthew 26: Betrayal and arrest
THEME: Nothing is Ever Wasted

(Credit: myphilately.com)

It is one of the most amazing contrast of how people treat Jesus. At Bethany, one of the most beautiful things happened to Jesus. Mary Magdalene takes her most precious perfume in an alabaster jar, and pours it on Jesus. There is not a care in the world for Mary as she does that beautiful act. Even the disciples deem such an act wasteful when they say:

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” (Matt 26:8-9)

Sometimes, I feel that some of the people who justify non-action tends to be those who not only do not do good works, but counter good works. If anyone seeks to criticize, do it constructively not with words but with action.

Hot on the heels of the disciples' attitude is the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Instead of Mary Magdalene's generous act of giving expensive perfume, Judas does exactly the opposite. He takes on a businessman approach to exact maximum benefit for betraying Jesus.

• The price paid to Judas for betraying Jesus: Thirty silver coins.
• The price of the perfume in the Alabaster Jar: Priceless.

As I read the rest of the chapter, I cannot help but feel sad that Mary Magdalene's beautiful act of sacrificial giving is the only encouraging thing amid the many unfortunate events. Judas makes a business out of turning Jesus in. He pretends Jesus does not know about his schemes. The disciples sleep it off, while Jesus pray in agony. Peter denies Christ, thrice.

The very people who fails to appreciate Mary Magdalene's beautiful giving, are the very people who hurt Jesus the most.

What I Learned: When we serve the Lord with anything or everything we have, nothing is ever wasted.

conrade

Day 10, John 17: Jesus' prayer for his disciples

TITLE: Day 10, John 17: Jesus' prayer for his disciples
THEME: Blessed in order to Bless

Three prayers are significant here. Firstly, Jesus begins by praying for himself. He seeks God, and asks for help so that Jesus can glorify God. He is demonstrating that reliance on God. Jesus knows that if he tries to use his own strength, he is not being 100% human. We know that Jesus is divine, yet, when He is on earth, His primary focus is to be fully man, to point people to God, and to save the world.

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you." (John 17:1)

Secondly, Jesus prays for his disciples. He prays that God will protect and preserve all of them, for the sake of God's kingdom, and that the Scripture be fulfilled. He ends the prayer as follows:

"For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." (John 17:19)

Thirdly, Jesus prays for ALL believers. The pattern is remarkably similar. Jesus asks for God's glory so that God's glory can be made manifest to all.

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (John 17:25-26)

In all three prayers, the pattern is clear. Jesus asks to be blessed not to accumulate blessings for self, but to share and distribute the blessings to all, for the glory of God. When we serve, we learn to serve God out of a desire to make God's glory known. When we ask for blessings, our motive is to bless others. When we asks for God's gifts, we want to use the gifts to point people to God. in the ministry of God, there is no room for self-fulfilment or selfish accumulation of gifts. Everything is given by God, and is to be used for God's purpose.

What I Learned: The person of God asks God for anything in order to bless his neighbours, for the glory of God.

conrade

Day 9, John 14: Jesus' final instructions

TITLE: Day 9, John 14: Jesus' final instructions
THEME: Spiritual Recharge

Jesus is seen in this chapter as a discipler, one who points others to God, and one who reveals the Holy Spirit. In ministry work, it is only a matter of time before workers tire, get discouraged, and become dried and drained out. It is not a question of whether the person will experience burn-out. It is simply a statement of WHEN.

Like a marathon, the hardest part of the journey is in the middle. In the middle, one starts to harbour thoughts of regret about beginning the race in the first place. One can also question the benefit of finishing the race too. In the work of God, it is important to start well. It is equally important to finish strong. What about the middle?

The Christian worker needs to take time to rest when necessary. In rest, one need to seek the Comforter rather than the earthly comforts. In seeking the Comforter, we need that laserlike focus on the person of Christ. It is Christ who comes to our level to redeem us back to God. It is Christ who fully understands what we are going through. It is Christ who will power us through and through, to lead us to begin well, and to finish strong. We can persevere on because we have the Holy Spirit.

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26-27)

Have no fear. The Holy Spirit is near.


What I Learned: The Person of God will know when and how to recharge his spiritual batteries.

conrade

Day 8, John 3: A conversation with Jesus

TITLE: Day 8, John 3: A conversation with Jesus

THEME: Love Redeems

One of the marks of modern society is the desire to control everything. We want to control our lifestyles. We want to control the way we use our time. We do not like others to tell us what to do, especially the government or institutions. Jesus, in his conversation with Nicodemus tackles exactly that. Wanting to understand the science and knowledge of how God's Spirit works, the very learned lawyer in Nicodemus is stunned. He fails to understand what Jesus means by being born again. In other words, when Nicodemus puts on a worldly mindset, he simply cannot understand the work of the Spirit. 

Jesus has presented himself before Nicodemus when he says:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,f that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17)

When we cannot understand the work of the Spirit, see through the Person of Jesus. See through the eyes of God's love. 

What I Learned: A person of God seeks Jesus daily.

conrade

Day 7, Luke 15: Parables of Jesus

TITLE: Day 7, Luke 15: Parables of Jesus
THEME: Seeking the Lost

Three parables are seen in this chapter. In the first parable, Jesus tells of how the loss of 1 sheep out of 100, leads the great search for that one missing sheep. In the second parable, Jesus moves the ratio from 10:1, where a woman who has 10 coins but loses one, goes on an intense search for that 1 coin. In the third parable, the ratio reduces to 2:1. In the parable of the prodigal son, the man begins with 2, but longs to see his lost son come back to him.

In an amazing mathematical image, whether it is a 100:1 sheep, or 10:1 coin, or 2:1 persons, Jesus cares. Jesus will search high and low for anyone missing from the fray, regardless of numbers. The world tends to measure success in terms of numbers. The world sees numbers as a measure of competence. Not God. If God cares even for the least of us, we ought to care for the least as well.

What I Learned: The person of God cares for people. A lot.

conrade

Day 6, Matthew 6: The Sermon on the Mount

TITLE: Day 6, Matthew 6: The Sermon on the Mount
THEME: Pray Lots - Worry Not

This chapter contains one of the most common prayers in the Church: The Lord's Prayer. In many churches, the prayer is used wholesale in worship services. It is interesting how after the teaching of the Lord's prayer, three major applications are described.

Firstly, the discipline of fasting. Prayer and fasting often appears together, especially when one is praying for a very important situation. I have heard people praying and fasting when they are looking for a new leader, during a major operation, a crisis situation, or a major disaster. Even Jesus tells the disciples that certain kinds of healing and casting out of demons require fasting. This discipline is not often practiced now. Maybe the urgency is not there. Maybe people justifies the importance of keeping their stomachs full so that they can do more good works. Maybe. Yet, the discipline of fasting helps one to do one thing: Focus.

Secondly, the discipline of serving God, not Mammon. The word Mammon refers to that thing that one yields allegiance to. The choice is clear. The disciple must choose between God and Mammon. There is not both. God is God. Mammon is Mammon. We all need to decide upfront who we want to serve.

Thirdly, the discipline of NOT worrying. Prayer in faith will lead to a DECREASE in worry. Those who do not pray tends to worry more. Perhaps, the best antidote against worry is to do what Jesus has prescribed:

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matt 6:26)

What I Learn: The person of God will let the three things flow out of his prayerfulness: Discipline of fasting; the discipline of serving God; the discipline of NOT worrying.

conrade

Day 5, Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount

TITLE: Day 5, Matthew 5: The Sermon on the Mount
THEME: Counter Culture

In this amazing chapter, we read about the beatitudes. We read about the call for Christians to be the salt and light of the world. Following that, the chapter moves toward several counter-cultural, counter-beliefs.

With regards to the Law, Jesus in demonstrating his grace, shows that the Pharisees and adherents of the law, are nowhere to be compared with Jesus's keeping of the Law. For the fulfilment of the Law is not in terms of following the rules and regulations of each word of the law, but in following the Person of Jesus.

With regards to murder, it is not the physical hurt inflicted, but both external AND internal hurts that need to be addressed.

With regards to adultery, it is not simply to external act of unfaithfulness, but includes the internal temptations of sinning against one's spouse that is crucial.

With regards to divorce, it is not the act per se, but how the act causes others to stumble.

With regards to the keeping of oaths, do not let the keeping of oaths be the rod. Let truth be the guiding light with or without oaths.

With regards to retaliation, do a double-double. Over give. Over deliver. Thoroughly love.

With regards to enemies, do not killing. Love them.

All of these counter cultural actions show us that the God that we follow is not from this world. Jesus is from heaven.

What I learn: The person of God fears not the world, but lets the fear of the Lord guide him to counter the world when necessary.

conrade

Day 4, Mark 9: A day in the life of Jesus

Title: Day 4, Mark 9: A Day in the Life of Jesus
Theme: A Servant of God has a servant heart

This chapter highlights three wrong ways to be a servant. The first is missing the forest for the trees. When Peter, James, and John see how Elijah and Moses appear with Jesus, their immediate reaction is to put up three shelters. Obviously, they recognize the dignitaries when they see them. One may not see anything wrong with such an action. Yet, this verse gives us a clue that all is not well in the minds of the disciple. Their action is one that is of fear. Mark records:

"(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)" (Mark 9:6)

When one does not know what to say, say nothing! Yet, Peter in his usual clumsy self, does the silly thing. As Peter and Jesus continue on the conversation, note how Jesus points Peter back to the Scriptures:

Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.” (Mark 9:12-13)

If Peter had known the Word, he will have conversed with Jesus out of knowledge of the Scriptures, instead of being led by fear.

The second is the healing of the boy, in which Jesus reminds the disciples that it is faith in God that is the key to healing. When asked why the disciples fail to drive out the demon, Jesus says:

"This kind can come out only by prayer." (Mark 9:29)

If the special cases can only come out by prayer, non-special cases are obviously possible in prayer. That means in prayer, all things are possible. Shall any one of us pray any less? One with a servant heart will have a heart of prayer.

The third is the notion of who is the greatest. It is not serving the highest or the greatest person in the community, but willing to serve even the least. The servant of God serves God by serving even the least.

What I Learn: The servant of God knows God's Word, prays often, and willingly serves the least of the least.

conrade

Day 3, Mark 1: The beginning of Jesus' ministry

Title: Day 3, Mark 1: The beginning of Jesus' ministry
Theme: Spirit-Led Life Means to Listen First to Obey

Runners on a 100 metre dash will wait for the sound of the starting gun. The start of some Church services will begin at the sound of the church bell. The start of a computer begins with the pressing of the POWER button. Life is not simply about starting. It is about starting well. Jesus starts his ministry by getting ready to receive the starting signal. He humbly goes out to John, and asks to be baptized. The result is spectacular, not in the world's eyes, but in the sight of God.

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove." (Mark 1:9-10)

What is particularly intriguing is this one act of Jesus straightaway results in an applause from heaven. Note how the gospel writer describes:

And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)

In this world, we have the tendency of wanting to seek human approval. Subordinates want their boss to see their work. Children longs to have their parents approve of their school grades. Even leaders and pastors of churches seek approval for their work in church or religious organizations. In serving the people of God, one is often tempted to seek the approval of men and women, MORE than God. It comes in a very insidious manner. This is a dangerous trap for any Christian leader. When we seek approval from people, we are bounded to their conditions, their expectations, and their written or unwritten requirements. It may be for a good cause. It may even be for an altruistic purpose. Yet, without the leading of the Spirit, and the final approval of God, it will fall flat with a dull thud. God's work done in God's way will never lack supply. As much as we want to begin our journey well, our first task is not to do things fast. Our first task is to listen in order to obey.

What I Learn: The person of God who is led by the Spirit, seeks God's approval first.

conrade

Day 2, Luke 2: The story of Jesus' birth

Title: Day 2, Luke 2: The story of Jesus' birth
Theme: Do not be afraid

For the third time in the gospel of Luke, there is a specific command: "Do not be afraid." Mary a baby inside her. Nervous about her being pregnant outside of marriage, of being ridiculed by her family and friends, and not knowing what lies ahead, the angel appears not just to Mary, but to Joseph as well.

"And an angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)

It seems almost naturally, that God knows our human weaknesses. He knows that we are prone to fear. He knows that fear prevents one from moving forward, not because of danger or uncertainty ahead, but fear itself. In fact, the biggest problem infecting society is that instead of living a life of faith, we are frequently being driven by fear. The fear of being slapped with a heavy fine keeps us mindful of the speed limit when driving. The fear of our cars being towed away makes us mindful of where and how long we park our cars. The fear of our boss's disapproval makes us come to work punctually, and to do our jobs diligently. The laws of the land are usually for people who break the law and to prevent others from even trying to mess with the law. Fear reigns. In a fallen world, fear runs havoc to disrupt our hopes, our joys, and our true creative ability to seek God.

Perhaps, rather than going on a witch hunt to drive our fear in our lives, let us place faith in front. The opposite of fear is faith. In faith, we stop fear on its tracks. In faith, we shine the brightness of Christ to dispel the darkness of fear. In faith, we walk. the story of Jesus' birth begins not in fear, but in faith.

What I learn: The person of God will not be afraid.

conrade

Day 1, Luke 1: Preparing for Jesus' arrival

DAY 1 - Preparing for Jesus' Arrival
Date: 25 Oct 2011

Two questions. Two responses. Different results.

I am very intrigued as I read about the way Luke begins the gospel. Unlike John which begins with a reflection to Genesis 1, or Matthew which starts with a detailed genealogy of the Jewishness of Jesus, and Mark which starts abruptly with a quote from Isaiah, Luke begins with an eyewitness account of two angels appearing to two persons, prior to the birth of John and Jesus. The first appearance is to Zacharias, where the angel of the Lord says:

"Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John." (Luke 1:13)

Zacharias then asks: "How shall I know this for certain? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." (Lk 1:18)

As a result of that question, the angel strikes dumb the lips of Zacharias because he 'did not believe.'

In contrast, when the angel appears to Mary, and says:

"Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus." (Luke 1: 30-31)

When Mary responds with: "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" she is spared.

Why are there seemingly similar questions posed back to the angel, but different results? Why is Zacharais struck dumb, and not Mary?

On closer look, it is about faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Zacharias in his reply to the angel, wants signs and proofs that the angel will do what is promised. Zacharias is more concerned with 'what is the proof?' Mary on the other hand, is simply concerned about the 'how.' One is looking for evidence, while the other is looking for illumination. Zacharias questions in such a way that it smirks of  skeptical doubts. Mary asks humbly as one that is honestly curious and accepts the word in faith.

How about us? When we read the word of God, do we question the word skeptically? Or do we accept the Word in faith, and let this be demonstrated in obedience?

Thought: The person of God is a person of faith.

conrade