Where do they go?

 

Acts 16 tells of a slave Paul heals and a prison guard Paul saved from suicide. While the stories seem to have a conclusion, the two are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. We're left to wonder what happened to them. Maybe their absence invites to imagine what happens next, or just to consider the people in our lives we've lost track of. Can you think of anyone who's disappeared from your story?

The courage of faith

 Ananias demonstrated great faith and courage by ministering to Saul, the persecutor of the Church (Acts 9). Although Saul was certainly a threat to any follower of Christ, Ananias followed God's command to find Saul and teach him about the way of Christ. Saul was healed of his physical and spiritual blindness and became one of the most important figures of the New Testament.

My Damascus Road Experience

 

Many Christians look for a special sign from God to provide assurance of God's love and salvation. While some Christians, like the apostle Paul, did receive this kind of sign (Acts 9), most do not. We are often asked to simply trust in the work Christ has done (Eph 2) and expect a change of heart (James 2). Do you spend more time trying to be saved, than living as if you are saved? 

Death's wrappings left behind

 When the disciples examined the empty tomb, they found the wrappings that had covered the dead body of Jesus (Jn 20). In His resurrection, Jesus no longer needed death's attire. As Christians, we might consider if we are still attempting to wear the attributes of our old life which has been made 'dead' in Christ (Rm 6:6).

Using power over prayer

 

Jesus did not come to earth with an agenda to force His way or His teachings on others. His methods were in stark contrast to the religious leaders who enforced the law of Moses with political tools such as alliances with Roman leaders. One example is found in John 18, where the religious leaders used Pilate and the Roman law to have Jesus executed. Can you think of ways you might lean on politics over prayer?

What's your wakeup call?

 

When Peter denied Christ, he was given a reminder in the form of a rooster crowing (Jn 18), which caused Peter great sorrow (Matt 26). When we understand our sin it should break our heart, but we can take comfort that God still loves us and will forgive us. 

God seems to be moving slowly

Christians believe that God is actively involved in our daily struggles, but sometimes He seems very distant and uninterested. For example, when Lazarus was sick, Jesus did not immediately go to him with healing but waited until Lazarus was dead (Jn 11). Jesus was able to demonstrate his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. What pain are you suffering through now? Can God gain greater glory through it?

Where NOT to bring your problems

 When Jesus found a blind man, the religious leaders immediately asked whose sin had caused the man to be blind (Jn9). Jesus answered that sin did not cause the blindness, but the blindness was necessary as a way for Jesus to demonstrate his divinity. When you see someone suffering, do you blame them for some shortcoming, or do you see the miracles God is working through you to help ease the suffering?

The Lord's side

 

Although Christians are united in a unique equality through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26-29), we often create social structures as a way to either dominate others or to demonstrate our perceived importance. Can you think of any ways you may have leaned into pride and thought yourself better than those around you?

Healing the Nobleman's child

John 4 tells of a 'nobleman' who asks Jesus to come heal his sick child. The nobleman must have been surprised when Jesus asked for nothing in return, and declared the child was now healed. The nobleman demonstrated faith by taking Jesus at his word and not pressing for more details. The man returned to his home to find the child was healed as Jesus said. How can you demonstrate a similar faith?

Nicodemus seems reluctant

 

The Jewish teacher, Nicodemus, seemed to reject Christ's teaching on the need for a second birth (John 3). The quick dismissal of an obvious metaphor might lead us to believe that Nicodemus wasn't really open to new ideas like those Christ was presenting. Do you find some of Christ's hard to accept?

Angry Christians

It might be tempting to use Christ's cleansing of the temple (John 2) as an excuse to demonstrate anger inappropriately. While Christ did display anger at times, it was always directed toward those who were taking advantage of others and anger was not Christ's defining characteristic. Are you considered an "angry person? Does your display of "righteous indignation" seem consistent with the person of Christ?

 

Wedding Feast Miracle

 When Jesus asked the wedding servers to fill the guests cups from the pots used for ceremonial cleaning, it must have seemed like some kind of joke. However, the water had miraculously been transformed from a ceremonial and utilitarian use to an element of celebration and wonder (John 2). As Christians we try to listen for God's miraculous and celebratory changes in us.

While we might enjoy the Christmas season, we also know that there are other seasons of worship that we must be ready to embrace. John the Baptist exemplified this willingness to move on by embracing the popularity of Jesus (John 3:30). Can you move on to new seasons of living and worship? 

Look at me?

Christians often refer to themselves as "witnesses" of Christ. Like John the Baptist (John 1), we are not meant to call attention to ourselves, or assert our rights and privilege. We are called to "bear witness," or tell about the great things Jesus has done for us. In what ways are you bearing witness of what Jesus has done?

 

Heaven Must Sing

 

Although hidden to the kings and rulers, the birth of Christ could not be silent. A host of angels called out to the lower class shepherds to bear witness of this most significant event (Luke 2). In what ways do you find it impossible to keep quiet? Is it when you feel slighted or when you are filled with God's love and marvel at how wonderful He is?

No Room for Jesus

 Joseph and Mary were unable to find adequate lodging after they were forced to travel (Lk 2). This "No Room" story is often used to illustrate how Christians should respond differently by making room for Christ in their lives. This story might also remind us to make room for strangers and those in need. Another teaching is that this event foreshadowed Christ never having a home and always being a stranger in this world. 

Luke starts with a problem

 

Luke's gospel begins with a personal crisis of infertility. Like Sarah, Hannah and so many other women in the Bible, Elizabeth found herself greatly distressed because she was not able to conceive (Luke 1). Elizabeth's faith was rewarded with a special baby who would become John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. While we may not understand Elizabeth's distress, we can marvel that God came to her rescue.

The Original Witness

 

Mark's account of Christ's life (Mark 1) begins with the witness given by John the Baptist. While the other gospels provide credentials based on who Christ is, Mark shows us how others reacted to him. Christians should be confident and full of joy when speaking of our lord and savior. Are you able to tell others about the Christ who died, rose again, and lives on for you?

What's in your line?

 

Matthew's (Matt 1)  genealogy of Christ not only reminds that His earthly life was rooted in a community. As the adopted son of Joseph, Jesus could trace his lineage back to nobility like David and Abraham. However, many of the names seem to be unknown or of little consequence to the larger stories of their people. When you feel that your story is unimportant, can you reflect on these names to find your meaning in God's plan?