Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "An Act of Hope for Sunday, 17 May 2015
Today's Reflection:
MANY CHRISTIANS RECITE A THREE-PART PRAYER that starts with an “act of faith,” affirming, “Lord, I believe in you.” It ends with an “act of love,” avowing devotion for God and charity toward neighbors. As a hostess I’ve latched on to the descriptive phrase that’s nestled in the middle of the prayer. It applies to every invitation I extend, but especially to one longtime friend.
Occasionally I invite her to come over for dinner — as part of a larger gathering that fills all the living room chairs and calls for extra leaves in the dining room table.
She always says, “Oh, you are such a good friend. Thank you for including me…” Then she pauses. I wait, hoping she’ll say, “Yes, I’d be happy to come. I’d like to join the party.”
Instead I often hear, “But no, I don’t think so. Not this time.” She’s given me reasons for her reluctance; I have a small living room, in which she — a large woman — feels as if she’s always “bumping into the furniture.” I have small-framed dining room chairs, which she ever so kindly refers to as belonging in a dollhouse.
Because I have faith in my friend’s goodwill toward me and faith in the integrity of our friendship, I don’t take offense when she declines. I keep including her — as an expression of love. And here’s where the title of the traditional prayer comes into play: for me, extending the invitation is an act of hope.[Evelyn Bence, Room at My Table]
From pages 28-29 of Room at My Table: Preparing Heart and Home for Christian Hospitality by Evelyn Bence. Copyright © 2014 by Evelyn Bence. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
How does hope factor into the invitation of hospitality?
Today’s Scripture:
They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.[John 17:16, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who struggle to forgive.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Where Strangers Enter and Become Friends" for Saturday, 16 May 2015
Today's Reflection:
HENRI J. M. NOUWEN defines hospitality as “the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy.” The world we live in is sometimes hostile, sometimes indifferent, often lonely and confusing. So many people feel isolated from friends, family, and God. As Christians, we have an incredible opportunity to offer open and welcoming emotional and physical space where strangers can become friends. When we open ourselves — specifically when we make space as God’s people for God’s people — we will find that God is our host!
When we share safe and friendly spaces, we create places and moments where everyone is free to search and to question and to seek God’s presence and healing. Hospitality does indeed create community and build unity on the shared confession of our mutual brokenness and on the affirmation of our shared hope.
People who practice hospitality are door-openers, conversation-starters, smile-givers. Disciples who practice hospitality live in an openhearted way at home and at work, in the church and in the community.[Rebecca Dwight Bruff, Loving the World with God]
From pages 78-79 of Loving the World with God by Rebecca Dwight Bruff. Copyright © 2014 by Rebecca Dwight Bruff. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
How can you share hospitality in the days to come?
Today’s Scripture:
I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one.[John 17:15, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who struggle to forgive.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Not Just a Onetime Thing" for Friday, 15 May 2015
Today's Reflection:
THE CALL TO LOVE GOD and to serve with enthusiasm comes in the midst of many other demands and priorities. When God began speaking to you – through situations, friends, parents, a Sunday school teacher, or a pastor – you may have heard the message of God’s love only faintly. God uses all sorts of ways to speak to you. Perhaps you have grown more aware of your pilgrimage, but other priorities such as rearing children, establishing a career, or seeking pleasure took precedence, shelving or crowding out your relationship with God. Any relationship that is not given priority soon becomes meaningless if not lost altogether.
Although our yes to God’s call is a sincere response to what we understand that call to be, it is not a once-and-for-all event. Because God’s will is revealed slowly or gradually, there are always new beginnings, new calls to a deeper level of commitment. Our spirits are challenged again and again to deepen the relationship with God and to find fuller expressions of that relationship in meaningful ministries through the local church.[Robert Wood, “Day Four”]
From pages 13-14 of Day Four: The Pilgrim’s Continued Journey, revised edition, by Robert Wood. Copyright © 2004 by Upper Room Ministries. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
What is God revealing to you that will increase your faith?
Today’s Scripture:
All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them.[John 17:10, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who struggle to forgive.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A Future with Hope" for Thursday, 14 May 2015
Today's Reflection:
I KEEP THE WORDS from Jeremiah 29:11 on a card in my office desk drawer where I will see them several times a day. I placed them there because I am traveling through a difficult place now. When my husband was 55, his job was eliminated.
After raising a family and reaching middle age, we were finally able to enjoy some financial freedom and the joys of independence. I was even trying on the idea of a new career and exciting changes.
Then my husband lost his job, and my dreams and plans no longer seemed possible. I was plunged into anger and despair. Why did this have to happen now? Why, just as I was looking forward to working less, do I have to work more at a stressful job that does not match my dreams? What about all the plans I had? I wondered.
Then God’s words came into my life, “I know the plans I have for you … to give you a future with hope.” As I meet each day and its challenges and as I travel through shock, anger, loss, and fear of the unknown, it helps me to remind myself that whatever happens, God’s future for me is one filled with hope.[Linda Parsons, Prayers for Hard Times]
“God’s Plans” by Linda Parsons, page 24 in Prayers for Hard Times: Words of Faith in a Financial Crisis. Copyright © 2008 by Upper Room Ministries. This devotion was originally published in The Upper Room daily devotional guide, © 2004 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
What plans does God have for you? How do those plans affect the present?
Today’s Scripture:
And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.[1 John 5:11, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who struggle to forgive.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "Take My Hand" for Wednesday, 13 May 2015
Today's Reflection:
In my life, God’s grace shows up unexpectedly. I began volunteering for a local church’s program that provides lunch on weekdays for anyone who wants to eat. Agnes, a tall, dark woman with a sullen face, came daily. I tried to reach her with a smile and a touch but didn’t get a response.
One morning I pulled into the church parking lot and started to turn off the car radio. Just then a gospel singer started singing “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.” At that same moment Agnes walked in front of the car, on her way to the food line. Impulsively I called, “Agnes, come here!”
Agnes walked to the driver’s side of the car and looked at me questioningly. “Listen,” I said. Agnes leaned down to the window. Her face was close to mine. The music engulfed us both, and Agnes listened intently – “through the storm, through the night … take my hand, precious Lord.”
As the song continued, I could see Agnes’s expression softening. When the final note died away, I turned off the engine and climbed out of the car. Agnes, still standing by the car door, looked at me and said, “I love you.”
I replied, “I love you too.” God’s grace had touched us.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, for unexpected moments of grace. Amen.[Fran Presley,
Fourth Day Forward]
This devotion, written by Fran Presley, is from page 28 of Fourth Day Forward: 60 Daily Meditations Copyright © 2010 by Upper Room Books. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
When have you experienced an unexpected moment of God’s grace?
Today’s Scripture:
…for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.[Psalm 1:6, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who struggle to forgive.
Upper Room Daily Reflections from The Upper Room Ministries of Nashville, Tennessee, United States "A Song of Hope" for Tuesday, 12 May 2015
Today's Reflection:
SPRINGTIME SINGS a song of hope
that whispers everywhere.
It’s heard by every tiny seed
carried in the air.
It’s sung by every butterfly
in chrysalis as they sleep.
It’s heard by every tulip bulb
buried in earth’s deep.
It’s sung by every acorn
that will one day be a tree.
It’s heard in every tiny egg
by birds who will be free.
The song of hope is whispered
as Jesus lives anew.
Easter is a song of hope
sung for me and you![Glenys Nellist, Pockets, April 2015]
This poem is from page 27 of Pockets, April 2015, a daily devotional magazine for children. Copyright © 2014 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Write your own poem about resurrection joy.
Today’s Scripture:
While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”[Acts 1:4-5, NRSV]
This Week: pray for those who struggle to forgive.
Did You Know?
In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers, call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center web site.
Saints, Inc.:
St. John was born in AD 454, to a wealthy Armenian family. When he was only eighteen years old, he built a monastery for himself and ten friends, so that they might spend their lives in devotion and prayer. When he was twenty-eight, he was made Bishop of Colonia, though he preferred quiet and solitude to a life of administration. When locals around him were being persecuted in 490, he went to Constantinople to seek the emperor's intervention. With this successfully done, John decided to move out to the desert, rather than go home to Armenia, in order to seek the quiet and solitude he longed for.
John found his way to the monastery of St. Sabas, and was allowed in 494 to graduate from his novice status and live alone as a hermit. This lasted for nine years, but in 503, when St. Sabas was evicted from the monastery due to the displeasure of some of the monks, John also ceased contact with the monastery. When St. Sabas was welcomed back in 509, John renewed his ties to the monastery. John died in 558, when he was 104 years old.
If St. John had taken the Spiritual Types Test, he probably would have been a Mystic. May 13 is the feast day for John the Silent
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53
Lectionary Scriptures:
Acts 1:1 Dear Theophilos:
In the first book, I wrote about everything Yeshua set out to do and teach, 2 until the day when, after giving instructions through the Ruach HaKodesh to the emissaries whom he had chosen, he was taken up into heaven.
3 After his death he showed himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. During a period of forty days they saw him, and he spoke with them about the Kingdom of God.
4 At one of these gatherings, he instructed them not to leave Yerushalayim but to wait for “what the Father promised, which you heard about from me. 5 For Yochanan used to immerse people in water; but in a few days, you will be immersed in the Ruach HaKodesh!”
6 When they were together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore self-rule to Isra’el?” 7 He answered, “You don’t need to know the dates or the times; the Father has kept these under his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Ruach HaKodesh comes upon you; you will be my witnesses both in Yerushalayim and in all Y’hudah and Shomron, indeed to the ends of the earth!”
9 After saying this, he was taken up before their eyes; and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 As they were staring into the sky after him, suddenly they saw two men dressed in white standing next to them. 11 The men said, “You Galileans! Why are you standing, staring into space? This Yeshua, who has been taken away from you into heaven, will come back to you in just the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Psalm 47: (0) For the leader. A psalm of the descendants of Korach:
2 (1) Clap your hands, all you peoples!
Shout to God with cries of joy!
3 (2) For Adonai ‘Elyon is awesome,
a great king over all the earth.
4 (3) He makes peoples subject to us,
puts nations under our feet.
5 (4) He chooses our heritage for us,
the pride of Ya‘akov, whom he loves. (Selah)
6 (5) God goes up to shouts of acclaim,
Adonai to a blast on the shofar.
7 (6) Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our king, sing praises!
8 (7) For God is king of all the earth;
sing praises in a maskil.
9 (8) God rules the nations;
God sits on his holy throne.
10 (9) The leaders of the people gather together,
the people of the God of Avraham;
for the rulers of the earth belong to God,
who is exalted on high.
Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your trust in the Lord Yeshua and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you. In my prayers I keep asking 17 the God of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the glorious Father, to give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you will have full knowledge of him. 18 I pray that he will give light to the eyes of your hearts, so that you will understand the hope to which he has called you, what rich glories there are in the inheritance he has promised his people, 19 and how surpassingly great is his power working in us who trust him. It works with the same mighty strength he used 20 when he worked in the Messiah to raise him from the dead and seat him at his right hand in heaven, 21 far above every ruler, authority, power, dominion or any other name that can be named either in the ‘olam hazeh or in the ‘olam haba. 22 Also, he has put all things under his feet[a] and made him head over everything for the Messianic Community, 23 which is his body, the full expression of him who fills all creation.[Footnotes:
Ephesians 1:22 Psalm 8:7(6)]
Luke 24:44 Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, 46 telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; 47 and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Now I am sending forth upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been equipped with power from above.”
50 He led them out toward Beit-Anyah; then, raising his hands, he said a b’rakhah over them; 51 and as he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 They bowed in worship to him, then returned to Yerushalayim, overflowing with joy. 53 And they spent all their time in the Temple courts, praising God.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for
Acts 1:1-11
Verse 2
[2] Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
After having given commandment — In the 3d verse Acts 1:3 St. Luke expresses in general terms what Christ said to his apostles during those forty days. But in the 4th Acts 1:4 and following verses he declares what he said on the day of his ascension. He had brought his former account down to that day; and from that day begins the Acts of the Apostles.
Verse 3
[3] To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Being seen by them forty days — That is, many times during that space.
And speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God — Which was the sum of all his discourses with them before his passion also.
Verse 4
[4] And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Wait for the promise of the Father, which ye have heard from me — When he was with them a little before, as it is recorded, Luke 24:49.
Verse 5
[5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost — And so are all true believers to the end of the world. But the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost also are here promised.
Verse 6
[6] When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
Dost thou at this time — At the time thou now speakest of? not many days hence? restore the kingdom to Israel? - They still seemed to dream of an outward, temporal kingdom, in which the Jews should have dominion over all nations. It seems they came in a body, having before concerted the design, to ask when this kingdom would come.
Verse 7
[7] And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
The times or the seasons — Times, in the language of the Scriptures, denote a longer; seasons, a shorter space.
Which the Father hath put in his own power — To be revealed when and to whom it pleaseth him.
Verse 8
[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
But ye shall receive power — and shall be witnesses to me - That is, ye shall be empowered to witness my Gospel, both by your preaching and suffering.
Psalm 47
Verse 3
[3] He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet.
Subdue — He speaks this in the name of the whole church, to which all particular believers were to submit themselves in the Lord.
Verse 4
[4] He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. /*Selah*/.
Chuse — He will appoint and bestow upon us.
Inheritance — The presence and worship, and blessing of God. This God had chosen for the Israelites and resolved to chuse or set apart for the Gentiles.
Of Jacob — Of the people of Jacob or Israel, who are frequently called Jacob, for these did actually enjoy the presence of God in his sanctuary.
Loved — Not for any peculiar worth in them, but for his free love to them, as he declareth, Deuteronomy 7:7,8.
Verse 5
[5] God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
God — This is meant literally of the ark: but mystically of Christ's ascension into heaven, as may be gathered by comparing this with Ephesians 4:8, where the like words uttered concerning the ark upon the same occasion, Psalms 68:18, are directly applied to Christ's ascension.
Verse 7
[7] For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
The king — Not only ours, but of all the nations of the world.
Sing — Not formally and carelessly, but seriously, considering the greatness of this king whom you praise, and what abundant cause you have to praise him.
Verse 8
[8] God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.
The throne — Heaven is often called God's throne, whence God is said to behold and to rule all nations; of which general dominion of God, he here speaks. And Christ sits at his father's right-hand, for that purpose.
Verse 9
[9] The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.
The princes — The Gentiles, who were divided in their principles, and interests, and religions, are now united and gathered together to Christ, laying their scepters at his feet, and jointly owning his worship and service. And altho' he mentions their conversion only, yet the conversion of their people might reasonably be supposed.
Of the God — He doth not say the people of Abraham, lest this should be appropriated to the Israelites; but the people of the God of Abraham who worship the God of Abraham, whether they be Jews or Gentiles.
The Shields — The princes or rulers, who are called shields, Hosea 4:18, because by their office they are the common prosecutors of all their people. These are the Lord's, at his disposal, or subject to his dominion, both as to their hearts and kingdoms.
Exalted — By this means God shall be greatly glorified.
Ephesians 1:15-23
Verse 15
[15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Since I heard of your faith and love — That is, of their perseverance and increase therein.
Verse 16
[16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
I cease not — In all my solemn addresses to God.
To give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers — So he did of all the churches, Colossians 1:9.
Verse 17
[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
That the Father of that infinite glory which shines in the face of Christ, from whom also we receive the glorious inheritance, Ephesians 1:18, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation - The same who is the Spirit of promise is also, in the progress of the faithful, the Spirit of wisdom and revelation; making them wise unto salvation, and revealing to them the deep things of God. He is here speaking of that wisdom and revelation which are common to all real Christians.
Verse 18
[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
The eyes of your understanding — It is with these alone that we discern the things of God. Being first opened, and then enlightened - - By his Spirit.
That ye may know what is the hope of his calling — That ye may experimentally and delightfully know what are the blessings which God has called you to hope for by his word and his Spirit.
And what is the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints — What an immense treasure of blessedness he hath provided as an inheritance for holy souls.
Verse 19
[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
And what the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe — Both in quickening our dead souls, and preserving them in spiritual life.
According to the power which he exerted in Christ, raising him from the dead — By the very same almighty power whereby he raised Christ; for no less would suffice.
Verse 20
[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
And he hath seated him at his own right hand — That is, he hath exalted him in his human nature, as a recompence for his sufferings, to a quiet, everlasting possession of all possible blessedness, majesty, and glory.
Verse 21
[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion — That is, God hath invested him with uncontrollable authority over all demons in hell, all angels in heaven, and all the princes and potentates on earth.
And every name that is named — We know the king is above all, though we cannot name all the officers of his court. So we know that Christ is above all, though we are not able to name all his subjects.
Not only in this world, but also in that which is to come — The world to come is so styled, not because it does not yet exist, but because it is not yet visible. Principalities and powers are named now; but those also who are not even named in this world, but shall be revealed in the world to come, are all subject to Christ.
Verse 22
[22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
And he hath given him to be head over all things to the church — An head both of guidance and government, and likewise of life and influence, to the whole and every member of it. All these stand in the nearest union with him, and have as continual and effectual a communication of activity, growth, and strength from him, as the natural body from its head.
Verse 23
[23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
The fulness of him that filleth all in all — It is hard to say in what sense this can be spoken of the church; but the sense is easy and natural, if we refer it to Christ, who is the fulness of the Father.
Luke 24:44-53
Verse 44
[44] And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
And he said — On the day of his ascension.
In the law, and the prophets, and the psalms — The prophecies as well as types, relating to the Messiah, are contained either in the books of Moses (usually called the law) in the Psalms, or in the writings of the prophets; little being said directly concerning him in the historical books.
Verse 45
[45] Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Then opened he their understanding, to understand the Scriptures — He had explained them before to the two as they went to Emmaus. But still they Understood them not, till he took off the veil from their hearts, by the illumination of his Spirit.
Verse 47
[47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Beginning at Jerusalem — This was appointed most graciously and wisely: graciously, as it encouraged the, greatest sinners to repent, when they saw that even the murderers of Christ were not excepted from mercy: and wisely, as hereby Christianity was more abundantly attested; the facts being published first on the very spot where they happened.
Verse 49
[49] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Behold I send the promise — Emphatically so called; the Holy Ghost.
Verse 50
[50] And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
He led them out as far as Bethany — Not the town, but the district: to the mount of Olives, Acts 1:12, which stood within the boundaries of Bethany.
Verse 51
[51] And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
And while he was blessing them, he was parted from them — It was much more proper that our Lord should ascend into heaven, than that he should rise from the dead, in the sight of the apostles. For his resurrection was proved when they saw him alive after his passion: but they could not see him in heaven while they continued on earth.
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Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries
PO Box 340004
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Sermon Story "Jesus Teaches From the Hebrew Scriptures" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 17 May 2015 with Scripture: Luke 24:44 Yeshua said to them, “This is what I meant when I was still with you and told you that everything written about me in the Torah of Moshe, the Prophets and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds, so that they could understand the Tanakh, 46 telling them, “Here is what it says: the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day; 47 and in his name repentance leading to forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed to people from all nations, starting with Yerushalayim. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Now I am sending forth upon you what my Father promised, so stay here in the city until you have been equipped with power from above.”
50 He led them out toward Beit-Anyah; then, raising his hands, he said a b’rakhah over them; 51 and as he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 They bowed in worship to him, then returned to Yerushalayim, overflowing with joy. 53 And they spent all their time in the Temple courts, praising God.
I remember it well. We have heard from the women that Jesus who was truly dead from crucifixion was alive to walk and talk. We heard it from the two disciples who met him on the road to Emmaus and Jesus was teaching them the correct interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures which talked about Jesus. Yet, now Jesus walked towards the Mount of Olives in the District of Bethany. As we walked alon with Jesus leading us, He was teaching from our Scriptures that talked about Him and His life, suffering, death, resurrection, and even ascension back to the Father. We in our stupidity asked Him when He would re-establish the Kingdom of Israel. Jesus responded that not too many days ahead, The Father will send His Promised Holy Spirit to empower us to spread His good news to all the nations starting from Jerusalem to all the nations of the world. As we arrived at the Mount of Olives, Jesus was lifted into the sky until we could not see Him any more. As we stood gazing and wondering there were two men in white arou nd the clouds saying to us do not keep gaing for this same Jesus will return as He left. Then, they will say that we were are to return to Jerusalem and wait patiently for the Promise that Jesus said the Father would send to us. so, we returned to the Upper Room in Jerusalem. How do you understand the teaching of Scriptures by Jesus? How do you understand the Scriptures teaching about Jesus life, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, and return? Will you live your lives as He taught us? We come to receive His Promised Power to be His witness to all nations and people as we come to eat the Body of Jesus and Drink His Blood through the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist as we sing the Hymn "Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word" by Author: Fanny Crosby (1880)
1. Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
Tell how the angels in chorus,
Sang as they welcomed His birth,
"Glory to God in the highest!
Peace and good tidings to earth."
Chorus:
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
2. Fasting alone in the desert,
Tell of the days that are past;
How for our sins He was tempted
Yet was triumphant at last.
Tell of the years of His labor,
Tell of the sorrow He bore;
He was despised and afflicted,
Homeless, rejected, and poor.
Chorus:
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
3. Tell of the cross where they nailed Him,
Writhing in anguish and pain;
Tell of the grave where they laid Him,
Tell how He liveth again.
Love in that story so tender,
Clearer than ever I see:
Stay, let me weep while you whisper,
Love paid the ransom for me.
Chorus:
Tell me the story of Jesus,
Write on my heart every word;
Tell me the story most precious,
Sweetest that ever was heard.
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4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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