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?

Jesus loved a doubter

 Christians know both the power and importance of faith. However, God seems willing to engage with honest skeptics. Like many of us, Thomas declared he would not believe Jesus rose from the dead unless he could tangibly verify it (Jn 20).  Jesus demonstrated unique love by allowing Thomas a thorough inspection of the crucifixion wounds. Are you honest with God about your doubts?

Embrace the open tomb

 

The cross has long been the symbol of Christianity, but the empty tomb might be more appropriate. The empty tomb reminds us that Christ shares His victory over death with us (I Cor 15). While we might not need to abandon the importance of the cross, where Christ took our punishment for sin, we should also embrace the message of life that over death represented by the empty tomb.

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. 

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?

BePoorNoMore campaign

Christians argue about ministering to those in need of food or other physical assistance. It might be tempting to abdicate caring for either the physical or spiritual needs by focusing on one or the other. Jesus managed to feed over 5000 people and still deliver spiritual teaching (Jn 6). Do you focus on either of the spiritual or physical needs to the exclusion of other needs?

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?

Rebuild this temple

Christ told a group of temple officials that He would rebuild the temple that they would knock down, but the temple He was referring to was His own body  (John 2). This statement marked a huge change in how we consider access to God. Christ, as our sacrifice, is now our advocate and the person who provides us an audience with God. How do you approach God? Are you able to find a sacred space in the love of Christ?

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?

 

Are you ashamed?

 Jesus's first sign was to turn water into wine (John 2). This miracle pointed not only to the abundance that Christ would bring to the world, but also reminded us of His consideration for a family facing the shame of poor planning. When feeling the overwhelming weight of shame, we can take comfort that God still loves us and that Jesus died to take our shame and sin.

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.

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?

God gives hope

 During their Persian exile, the Israelites seemed to have lost hope that they would ever return to their own land and their old way of life. Their way of worship and all that they understood seemed to change overnight. During this time God sent Ezekiel with words of hope letting the people know that they might not live to see it, but God would return Israel to their land and to their faith practices (Ez 37).

Valley of Dry Bones

Ezekiel's famous vision of the valley of dry bones (Ez 37) reminds us that God can resurrect bodies, nations, and a person's hope. The vision was given during a time when Israel was unable to participate in the rituals that defined them, but God gave them hope that their identity as God's chosen would be resurrected. What hopes or dreams have you given up? Can you trust God to resurrect them?