The Upper Room Daily Reflections in Nashville, Tennessee, United States from Monday, 1 May 2017 through Sunday, 7 May 2017
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"New Life and Healing" by Sunday, 7 May 2017
Today’s Reflection:
GOD DESIRES OUR HEALTH, our wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. This bold affirmation rests on the knowledge and experience of God in the life of Israel and the church. God was revealed to Israel as “the LORD, who heals you” (Exod. 15:26), whose deepest and most consistent desire was to redeem, bless, and restore God’s people . . . .In the here and now, we can count on this: that whenever we open ourselves to the activity of the Holy Spirit, some kind of healing takes place. Indeed, God invites us to ask for what we need just as a child would ask a parent.
Even when our lives are filled with suffering or wracked with agonizing questions, we can cling to the faith that God is with us, somehow always offering new life and healing.[Tilda Norberg and Robert D. Webber, Stretch Out Your Hand]
From pages 51-52 of Stretch Out Your Hand: Exploring Healing Prayer by Tilda Norberg and Robert D. Webber. Copyright © 1998 by Tilda Norberg and Robert D. Webber. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
When have you experienced God offering new life during a difficult time?
Today’s Scripture:
I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.[John 10:9, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless.-------
"Beloved" for Saturday, 6 May 2017
Today’s Reflection:
THE WORLD FINDS IT SURPRISING to learn that it is God’s beloved; this is particularly true for those of us who have survived trauma. For all the reasons we have named in this book, particularly the feelings of grief, anger, abandonment, fear, and shame, we have doubted our belovedness. Many of us have lost sight of it entirely, believing there’s no way God’s beloved would have to endure what we’ve been through. But that is when we have to remember we do not allow our condition to define us.We did not experience trauma because we lay beyond God’s love, nor does our trauma cancel out our belovedness. One of my favorite passages from Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen is this: “Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts that sacred voice that calls us the ‘Beloved.’ Being the Beloved expresses the core truth of our existence.”
Surviving a trauma is one thing that happened to you; it is not the core truth of your existence. Beloved is who you are, who you have always been, and who you will always be.[Kristen E. Vincent, Beads of Healing]
From page 92 of Beads of Healing: Prayer, Trauma, and Spiritual Wholeness by Kristen E. Vincent. Copyright © 2016 by Kristen E. Vincent. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Pray for someone who struggles with the fact that God loves him or her.
Today’s Scripture:
For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.[1 Peter 2:25, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless-------
"Exercise for Christian Spiritual Practice" for Friday, 5 May 2017
Today’s Reflection:
YOGA IS A PRACTICE that brings together mind, body, and spirit. With your intention set on God, yoga becomes a holy practice. As a Christian, my yoga practice and training combines the intention of focusing on God with the physical practice of yoga. For me, the mindfulness aspect of yoga is a spiritual discipline. When practiced as a spiritual discipline, yoga has the ability to transform your body and spirit.In the book Holy Yoga: Exercise for the Christian Body and Soul, Brooke Boon writes, “While yoga cannot be considered a ‘classical’ spiritual discipline, it nevertheless has the same goal and can have similar effects as other disciplines, provided it is practiced with the right intent. It can take us into the depths of a relationship with Christ.”
After over a decade of practicing yoga, I have found it to be an embodied prayer experience and a discipline that continues to yoke me to my Creator.
Yoga can spiritually transform you as you move with the intention of connecting with God. Stretching and breathing exercises can help you be less distracted during prayer and meditation, and they allow you to listen more deeply. Yoga as a spiritual discipline is less about exercise and more about giving your body and spirit the space to listen for and receive God’s word.[–Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit]
From page 24 of Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit by Whitney R. Simpson. Copyright © 2016 by Whitney R. Simpson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Would you consider practicing yoga as a Christian spiritual discipline?
Today’s Scripture:
He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.[1 Peter 2:24, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless.
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"Spirituality Through the Body" for Thursday, 4 May 2017
Today’s Reflection:
CHRISTIANITY HAS A LONG, conflicted history with the body. We confess that Jesus is God in the flesh and that he died and was raised bodily from the grave. We also confess that we believe in the resurrection of the body.Officially, Christianity teaches that our bodies are crucial to our lives with God and salvation. But in practice, we have often shunned the body, believing faith only concerns itself with the soul. Recovering and practicing faith through our bodies can be anxiety-producing and fear-inducing, but it’s worth it as we learn to offer our whole selves to God and our neighbors in love. As you begin to deepen your practice of spirituality through your body, remember the following:
Pay attention to your body throughout your day. Stop ignoring your body; let it speak to you. Notice when it’s fatigued, for instance, and consider what God is trying to tell you through that tiredness. How do you experience fear, joy, and love through your body?
Fear not – nobody is watching! You can take steps to practice body prayer, shaping a prayer that is right for you without worrying how it looks. Don’t be afraid of looking silly – God is the only one watching, and God delights in these new steps you are taking in faith.[L. Roger Owens, What We Need Is Here]
From pages 82-83 of What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality by L. Roger Owens. Copyright © 2015 by L. Roger Owens. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Take time to ask, “What is God telling me through my body?” during your prayer time today.
Today’s Scripture:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.[Psalm 23:6, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless.
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"Journey into Silence" for Wednesday, MAY 3, 2017
Today’s Reflection:
FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS, I have been on a serious journey into silence. I have committed to a daily period of quiet and personal retreats where I engage the silence. Wandering thoughts still distract me; ideas stimulate my mind and draw me away from the silence; my imagination can also be an enemy on the journey into silence. Sometimes when least expected, my soul is touched by the silence. The still, placid lake nestled in the mountains depicts this silence. Like the lake, the silence lies still – no wind, no wave, nothing to mar its mirror-like reflection. The silence lets me ease into the water, give myself to its warmth and buoyancy; it will hold me, sustain me, and refresh me. I relax, not fighting the water. Instead, I go with it, give myself to it, and let it hold me. I permit the silence to take me farther and farther out of myself.[Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang, Time Away]From pages 78-79 of Time Away: A Guide for Personal Retreat by Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang. Copyright © 2010 by Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Is silence a part of your daily spiritual practice?
Today’s Scripture:
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.[Psalm 23:1, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless.
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"Rest in God’s Presence" for Tuesday, 2 May 2017
I HAVE A FRIEND who was first introduced to praying with these mandalas at a spiritual renewal retreat. After the first day’s events, she took colored pencils and a mandala design back to her room so she could give contemplative coloring a try. The next morning, she approached me and said, “I just don’t get this mandala coloring thing. I think I did it all wrong.”
“How so?” I asked gently, doubting that anyone could do contemplative coloring wrong.
“I sat down at the desk in my room to color after dinner last night. It was only about 7 p.m. I colored for five whole minutes but got so incredibly tired that I wanted desperately to crawl into bed and go to sleep. I had brought books back to my room as well, and I didn’t want to fall asleep so early! But the feeling of drowsiness was so strong that I finally gave in and went to sleep. I have never gone to bed that early!
“This morning, however, I woke up refreshed. I opened my book of daily devotions and read the scripture for today. It was, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV). Hmm, now that I think about it, maybe I needed to sleep after all.”
My friend hadn’t failed with regards to contemplative coloring. In fact, by sitting in sacred stillness, she was able to understand that her soul really needed a good night’s sleep. Coloring the mandala – even if only for five minutes – gave her clarity about her need to let go of distractions and simply rest in God’s presence.[Sharon Seyfarth Garner, Praying with Mandalas]
From pages 14-15 of Praying with Mandalas: A Colorful, Contemplative Practice by Sharon Seyfarth Garner. Copyright © 2016 by Sharon Seyfarth Garner. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Is there an activity that helps you rest in God’s presence?
Today’s Scripture:
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.[Acts 2:46-47, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless.
OVER 18 CENTURIES ago, Saint Irenaeus penned this provocative sentence: “The glory of God is a human being who is fully alive.” Whatever else these words may mean, his insight is all about aliveness – coming alive to the intimacy possible between God and each one of us, entering into a life of transforming discipleship with Jesus, experiencing the profound renewal that comes from being alone with God, sharing God’s mission of healing with the world, and entering into that sacred mystery of death and resurrection with Christ.[Trevor Hudson, Invitations of Jesus]
From page 15 of Invitations of Jesus by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2014 by Trevor Hudson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
What does fully alive mean to you?
Today’s Scripture:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.[Acts 2:42, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless.
Pandita Ramabai
[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Lie down — To repose myself at noon, as the manner was in those hot countries.
Green — Where there is both delight and plenty of provisions.
Verse 3
[3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Restoreth — Heb. He bringeth it back; from its errors and wandering.
For — Not for any worth in me, but for the glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.
Verse 4
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thy rod and thy staff — Two words denoting the same thing, and both designing God's pastoral care over him.
Verse 5
[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
A table — Thou furnishest me with plenty of provisions and comforts.
Oil — With aromatic ointments, which were then used at great feasts; thy comforts delight my soul.
Runneth over — Thou hast given me a plentiful portions, signified by the cup, given to the guests by the master of the feast.
[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
For conscience toward God — From a pure desire of pleasing him.
Grief — Severe treatment.
Verse 21
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Hereunto are ye — Christians.
Called — To suffer wrongfully.
Leaving you an example — When he went to God.
That ye might follow his steps — Of innocence and patience.
Verses 22-23
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
In all these instances the example of Christ is peculiarly adapted to the state of servants, who easily slide either into sin or guile, reviling their fellowservants, or threatening them, the natural result of anger without power.
He committed himself to him that judgeth righteously — The only solid ground of patience in affliction. Isaiah 53:4,6,7,9.
Verse 24
[24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Who himself bore our sins — That is, the punishment due to them. In his afflicted, torn, dying body on the tree - The cross, whereon chiefly slaves or servants were wont to suffer.
That we being dead to sin — Wholly delivered both from the guilt and power of it: indeed, without an atonement first made for the guilt, we could never have been delivered from the power.
Might live to righteousness — Which is one only. The sins we had committed, and he bore, were manifold.
Verse 25
[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The bishop — The kind observer, inspector, or overseer of your souls.
[3] To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
To him the door keeper openeth — Christ is considered as the shepherd, John 10:11. As the door in the first and following verses. And as it is not unworthy of Christ to be styled the door, by which both the sheep and the true pastor enter, so neither is it unworthy of God the Father to be styled the door keeper. See Acts 14:27; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8; Acts 16:14.
And the sheep hear his voice — The circumstances that follow, exactly agree with the customs of the ancient eastern shepherds. They called their sheep by name, went before them and the sheep followed them. So real Christians hear, listen to, understand, and obey the voice of the shepherd whom Christ hath sent. And he counteth them his own, dearer than any friend or brother: calleth, advises, directs each by name, and leadeth them out, in the paths of righteousness, beside the waters of comfort.
Verse 4
[4] And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
He goeth before them — In all the ways of God, teaching them in every point, by example as well as by precept; and the sheep follow him - They tread in his steps: for they know his voice - Having the witness in themselves that his words are the wisdom and the power of God. Reader, art thou a shepherd of souls? Then answer to God. Is it thus with thee and thy flock?
Verse 5
[5] And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
They will not follow a stranger — One whom Christ hath not sent, who doth not answer the preceding description. Him they will not follow - And who can constrain them to it? But will flee from him - As from the plague.
For they know not the voice of strangers — They cannot relish it; it is harsh and grating to them. They find nothing of God therein.
Verse 6
[6] This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
They — The Pharisees, to whom our Lord more immediately spake, as appears from the close of the foregoing chapter.
Verse 7
[7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
I am the door — Christ is both the Door and the Shepherd, and all things.
Verse 8
[8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
Whosoever are come — Independently of me, assuming any part of my character, pretending, like your elders and rabbis, to a power over the consciences of men, attempting to make laws in the Church, and to teach their own traditions as the way of salvation: all those prophets and expounders of God's word, that enter not by the door of the sheepfold, but run before I have sent them by my Spirit. Our Lord seems in particular to speak of those that had undertaken this office since he began his ministry, are thieves - Stealing temporal profit to themselves, and robbers - Plundering and murdering the sheep.
Verse 9
[9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
If any one — As a sheep, enter in by me - Through faith, he shall be safe - From the wolf, and from those murdering shepherds.
And shall go in and out — Shall continually attend on the shepherds whom I have sent; and shall find pasture - Food for his soul in all circumstances.
Verse 10
[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy — That is, nothing else can be the consequence of a shepherd's coming, who does not enter in by me.
"Rest in God’s Presence" for Tuesday, 2 May 2017
Today’s Reflection:
I HAVE A FRIEND who was first introduced to praying with these mandalas at a spiritual renewal retreat. After the first day’s events, she took colored pencils and a mandala design back to her room so she could give contemplative coloring a try. The next morning, she approached me and said, “I just don’t get this mandala coloring thing. I think I did it all wrong.”“How so?” I asked gently, doubting that anyone could do contemplative coloring wrong.
“I sat down at the desk in my room to color after dinner last night. It was only about 7 p.m. I colored for five whole minutes but got so incredibly tired that I wanted desperately to crawl into bed and go to sleep. I had brought books back to my room as well, and I didn’t want to fall asleep so early! But the feeling of drowsiness was so strong that I finally gave in and went to sleep. I have never gone to bed that early!
“This morning, however, I woke up refreshed. I opened my book of daily devotions and read the scripture for today. It was, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV). Hmm, now that I think about it, maybe I needed to sleep after all.”
My friend hadn’t failed with regards to contemplative coloring. In fact, by sitting in sacred stillness, she was able to understand that her soul really needed a good night’s sleep. Coloring the mandala – even if only for five minutes – gave her clarity about her need to let go of distractions and simply rest in God’s presence.[Sharon Seyfarth Garner, Praying with Mandalas]
From pages 14-15 of Praying with Mandalas: A Colorful, Contemplative Practice by Sharon Seyfarth Garner. Copyright © 2016 by Sharon Seyfarth Garner. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
Is there an activity that helps you rest in God’s presence?
Today’s Scripture:
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.[Acts 2:46-47, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless.
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"Fully Alive" for Monday, 1 May 2017
Today’s Reflection:
"Fully Alive" for Monday, 1 May 2017
Today’s Reflection:
OVER 18 CENTURIES ago, Saint Irenaeus penned this provocative sentence: “The glory of God is a human being who is fully alive.” Whatever else these words may mean, his insight is all about aliveness – coming alive to the intimacy possible between God and each one of us, entering into a life of transforming discipleship with Jesus, experiencing the profound renewal that comes from being alone with God, sharing God’s mission of healing with the world, and entering into that sacred mystery of death and resurrection with Christ.[Trevor Hudson, Invitations of Jesus]From page 15 of Invitations of Jesus by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2014 by Trevor Hudson. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question:
What does fully alive mean to you?
Today’s Scripture:
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.[Acts 2:42, NRSV]
This Week: pray for someone feeling hopeless.
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 website.
This week we remember: James the Less (May 3).
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 website.
This week we remember: James the Less (May 3).
Pandita Ramabai
April 05
Pandita Ramabai (1856-1922) was born in India and raised Hindu. Pandita received a thorough education at a time when females were no>t encouraged to go to school. She traveled around India crusading for women's rights and published two books; High Caste Indian Women was a call to feminism for Indian women. Pandita married in 1880 but was soon a widow with a small child.
In 1878 Pandita began to read the Bible in Sanskrit. When she traveled to England, the way a group of Anglican nuns cared for unwed mothers inspired her and Pandita was baptized Christian in 1883. She returned to India and in 1889 founded Mukti Mission, a home for Indian widows of all castes. Mukti later expanded to include orphan boys and unwed mothers. She made a national name for herself as she continued to advocate for child widows and for the full emancipation of women.
Pandita Ramabai studied Hebrew and Greek so she could translate the Bible into Marathi. She began to preach in 1905. King George V conferred on her an award for distinguished public service in 1919, Pandita died on April 5, 1922.
If Pandita Ramabai had taken the Spiritual Types Test, she probably would have been a Sage. Pandita Ramabai is remembered on April 5.
Pandita Ramabai (1856-1922) was born in India and raised Hindu. Pandita received a thorough education at a time when females were no>t encouraged to go to school. She traveled around India crusading for women's rights and published two books; High Caste Indian Women was a call to feminism for Indian women. Pandita married in 1880 but was soon a widow with a small child.
In 1878 Pandita began to read the Bible in Sanskrit. When she traveled to England, the way a group of Anglican nuns cared for unwed mothers inspired her and Pandita was baptized Christian in 1883. She returned to India and in 1889 founded Mukti Mission, a home for Indian widows of all castes. Mukti later expanded to include orphan boys and unwed mothers. She made a national name for herself as she continued to advocate for child widows and for the full emancipation of women.
Pandita Ramabai studied Hebrew and Greek so she could translate the Bible into Marathi. She began to preach in 1905. King George V conferred on her an award for distinguished public service in 1919, Pandita died on April 5, 1922.
If Pandita Ramabai had taken the Spiritual Types Test, she probably would have been a Sage. Pandita Ramabai is remembered on April 5.
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Lectionary Readings
Sunday, 7 May 2017
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10Scripture Text for Acts 2:42 They continued faithfully in the teaching of the emissaries, in fellowship, in breaking bread and in the prayers. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many miracles and signs took place through the emissaries. 44 All those trusting in Yeshua stayed together and had everything in common; 45 in fact, they sold their property and possessions and distributed the proceeds to all who were in need. 46 Continuing faithfully and with singleness of purpose to meet in the Temple courts daily, and breaking bread in their several homes, they shared their food in joy and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having the respect of all the people. And day after day the Lord kept adding to them those who were being saved.
Psalm 23:(0) A psalm of David:
(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.
5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.
6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.
1 Peter 2:19 For it is a grace when someone, because he is mindful of God, bears up under the pain of undeserved punishment. 20 For what credit is there in bearing up under a beating you deserve for doing something wrong? But if you bear up under punishment, even though you have done what is right, God looks on it with favor. 21 Indeed, this is what you were called to; because the Messiah too suffered, on your behalf, leaving an example so that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
nor was any deceit found on his lips.”[1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9]
23 When he was insulted, he didn’t retaliate with insults; when he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but handed them over to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins[1 Peter 2:24 Isaiah 53:4, 12] in his body on the stake,[1 Peter 2:24 Deuteronomy 21:22–23] so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness — by his wounds you were healed.[1 Peter 2:24 Isaiah 53:5] 25 For you used to be like sheep gone astray, but now you have turned to[1 Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:6] the Shepherd, who watches over you.
John 10:1 “Yes, indeed! I tell you, the person who doesn’t enter the sheep-pen through the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s own shepherd. 3 This is the one the gate-keeper admits, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep, each one by name, and leads them out. 4 After taking out all that are his own, he goes on ahead of them; and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. 5 They never follow a stranger but will run away from him, because strangers’ voices are unfamiliar to them.”
6 Yeshua used this indirect manner of speaking with them, but they didn’t understand what he was talking to them about. 7 So Yeshua said to them again, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All those who have come before me have been thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the gate; if someone enters through me, he will be safe and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Acts 2:42-47
Sunday, 7 May 2017
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 2:42-47
Psalm 23
1 Peter 2:19-25
John 10:1-10Scripture Text for Acts 2:42 They continued faithfully in the teaching of the emissaries, in fellowship, in breaking bread and in the prayers. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many miracles and signs took place through the emissaries. 44 All those trusting in Yeshua stayed together and had everything in common; 45 in fact, they sold their property and possessions and distributed the proceeds to all who were in need. 46 Continuing faithfully and with singleness of purpose to meet in the Temple courts daily, and breaking bread in their several homes, they shared their food in joy and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having the respect of all the people. And day after day the Lord kept adding to them those who were being saved.
Psalm 23:(0) A psalm of David:
(1) Adonai is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
2 He has me lie down in grassy pastures,
he leads me by quiet water,
3 he restores my inner person.
He guides me in right paths
for the sake of his own name.
4 Even if I pass through death-dark ravines,
I will fear no disaster; for you are with me;
your rod and staff reassure me.
5 You prepare a table for me,
even as my enemies watch;
you anoint my head with oil
from an overflowing cup.
6 Goodness and grace will pursue me
every day of my life;
and I will live in the house of Adonai
for years and years to come.
1 Peter 2:19 For it is a grace when someone, because he is mindful of God, bears up under the pain of undeserved punishment. 20 For what credit is there in bearing up under a beating you deserve for doing something wrong? But if you bear up under punishment, even though you have done what is right, God looks on it with favor. 21 Indeed, this is what you were called to; because the Messiah too suffered, on your behalf, leaving an example so that you should follow in his steps.
22 “He committed no sin,
nor was any deceit found on his lips.”[1 Peter 2:22 Isaiah 53:9]
23 When he was insulted, he didn’t retaliate with insults; when he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but handed them over to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins[1 Peter 2:24 Isaiah 53:4, 12] in his body on the stake,[1 Peter 2:24 Deuteronomy 21:22–23] so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness — by his wounds you were healed.[1 Peter 2:24 Isaiah 53:5] 25 For you used to be like sheep gone astray, but now you have turned to[1 Peter 2:25 Isaiah 53:6] the Shepherd, who watches over you.
John 10:1 “Yes, indeed! I tell you, the person who doesn’t enter the sheep-pen through the door, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 But the one who goes in through the gate is the sheep’s own shepherd. 3 This is the one the gate-keeper admits, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep, each one by name, and leads them out. 4 After taking out all that are his own, he goes on ahead of them; and the sheep follow him because they recognize his voice. 5 They never follow a stranger but will run away from him, because strangers’ voices are unfamiliar to them.”
6 Yeshua used this indirect manner of speaking with them, but they didn’t understand what he was talking to them about. 7 So Yeshua said to them again, “Yes, indeed! I tell you that I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All those who have come before me have been thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. 9 I am the gate; if someone enters through me, he will be safe and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, life in its fullest measure.John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Acts 2:42-47
Verse 42
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And they continued steadfast — So their daily Church communion consisted in these four particulars: 1. Hearing the word; 2. Having all things common; 3. Receiving the Lord's Supper; 4. Prayer. Ye diff'rent sects, who all declare, Lo here is Christ, and Christ is there; Your stronger proofs divinely give, And show me where the Christians live!
Verse 43
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And fear came upon every soul — Of those who did not join with them: whereby persecution was prevented, till it was needful for them.
Verse 45
[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And sold their possessions — Their lands and houses; and goods - Their movables.
And parted them to all as any one had need — To say the Christians did this only till the destruction of Jerusalem, is not true; for many did it long after. Not that there was any positive command for so doing: it needed not; for love constrained them. It was a natural fruit of that love wherewith each member of the community loved every other as his own soul. And if the whole Christian Church had continued in this spirit, this usage must have continued through all ages. To affirm therefore that Christ did not design it should continue, is neither more nor less than to affirm, that Christ did not design this measure of love should continue. I see no proof of this.
Verse 46
[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Continuing daily — breaking the bread - in the Lord's Supper, as did many Churches for some ages.
They partook of their food with gladness and singleness of heart — They carried the same happy and holy temper through all their common actions: eating and working with the same spirit wherewith they prayed and received the Lord's Supper.
Verse 47
[47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The Lord added daily such as were saved — From their sins: from the guilt and power of them.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
And they continued steadfast — So their daily Church communion consisted in these four particulars: 1. Hearing the word; 2. Having all things common; 3. Receiving the Lord's Supper; 4. Prayer. Ye diff'rent sects, who all declare, Lo here is Christ, and Christ is there; Your stronger proofs divinely give, And show me where the Christians live!
Verse 43
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
And fear came upon every soul — Of those who did not join with them: whereby persecution was prevented, till it was needful for them.
Verse 45
[45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
And sold their possessions — Their lands and houses; and goods - Their movables.
And parted them to all as any one had need — To say the Christians did this only till the destruction of Jerusalem, is not true; for many did it long after. Not that there was any positive command for so doing: it needed not; for love constrained them. It was a natural fruit of that love wherewith each member of the community loved every other as his own soul. And if the whole Christian Church had continued in this spirit, this usage must have continued through all ages. To affirm therefore that Christ did not design it should continue, is neither more nor less than to affirm, that Christ did not design this measure of love should continue. I see no proof of this.
Verse 46
[46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Continuing daily — breaking the bread - in the Lord's Supper, as did many Churches for some ages.
They partook of their food with gladness and singleness of heart — They carried the same happy and holy temper through all their common actions: eating and working with the same spirit wherewith they prayed and received the Lord's Supper.
Verse 47
[47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
The Lord added daily such as were saved — From their sins: from the guilt and power of them.
Psalm 23
Verse 2[2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Lie down — To repose myself at noon, as the manner was in those hot countries.
Green — Where there is both delight and plenty of provisions.
Verse 3
[3] He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Restoreth — Heb. He bringeth it back; from its errors and wandering.
For — Not for any worth in me, but for the glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.
Verse 4
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thy rod and thy staff — Two words denoting the same thing, and both designing God's pastoral care over him.
Verse 5
[5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
A table — Thou furnishest me with plenty of provisions and comforts.
Oil — With aromatic ointments, which were then used at great feasts; thy comforts delight my soul.
Runneth over — Thou hast given me a plentiful portions, signified by the cup, given to the guests by the master of the feast.
1 Peter 2:19-25
Verse 19[19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.
For conscience toward God — From a pure desire of pleasing him.
Grief — Severe treatment.
Verse 21
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Hereunto are ye — Christians.
Called — To suffer wrongfully.
Leaving you an example — When he went to God.
That ye might follow his steps — Of innocence and patience.
Verses 22-23
[22] Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [23] Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
In all these instances the example of Christ is peculiarly adapted to the state of servants, who easily slide either into sin or guile, reviling their fellowservants, or threatening them, the natural result of anger without power.
He committed himself to him that judgeth righteously — The only solid ground of patience in affliction. Isaiah 53:4,6,7,9.
Verse 24
[24] Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
Who himself bore our sins — That is, the punishment due to them. In his afflicted, torn, dying body on the tree - The cross, whereon chiefly slaves or servants were wont to suffer.
That we being dead to sin — Wholly delivered both from the guilt and power of it: indeed, without an atonement first made for the guilt, we could never have been delivered from the power.
Might live to righteousness — Which is one only. The sins we had committed, and he bore, were manifold.
Verse 25
[25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
The bishop — The kind observer, inspector, or overseer of your souls.
John 10:1-10
Verse 3[3] To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
To him the door keeper openeth — Christ is considered as the shepherd, John 10:11. As the door in the first and following verses. And as it is not unworthy of Christ to be styled the door, by which both the sheep and the true pastor enter, so neither is it unworthy of God the Father to be styled the door keeper. See Acts 14:27; Colossians 4:3; Revelation 3:8; Acts 16:14.
And the sheep hear his voice — The circumstances that follow, exactly agree with the customs of the ancient eastern shepherds. They called their sheep by name, went before them and the sheep followed them. So real Christians hear, listen to, understand, and obey the voice of the shepherd whom Christ hath sent. And he counteth them his own, dearer than any friend or brother: calleth, advises, directs each by name, and leadeth them out, in the paths of righteousness, beside the waters of comfort.
Verse 4
[4] And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
He goeth before them — In all the ways of God, teaching them in every point, by example as well as by precept; and the sheep follow him - They tread in his steps: for they know his voice - Having the witness in themselves that his words are the wisdom and the power of God. Reader, art thou a shepherd of souls? Then answer to God. Is it thus with thee and thy flock?
Verse 5
[5] And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
They will not follow a stranger — One whom Christ hath not sent, who doth not answer the preceding description. Him they will not follow - And who can constrain them to it? But will flee from him - As from the plague.
For they know not the voice of strangers — They cannot relish it; it is harsh and grating to them. They find nothing of God therein.
Verse 6
[6] This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
They — The Pharisees, to whom our Lord more immediately spake, as appears from the close of the foregoing chapter.
Verse 7
[7] Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
I am the door — Christ is both the Door and the Shepherd, and all things.
Verse 8
[8] All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
Whosoever are come — Independently of me, assuming any part of my character, pretending, like your elders and rabbis, to a power over the consciences of men, attempting to make laws in the Church, and to teach their own traditions as the way of salvation: all those prophets and expounders of God's word, that enter not by the door of the sheepfold, but run before I have sent them by my Spirit. Our Lord seems in particular to speak of those that had undertaken this office since he began his ministry, are thieves - Stealing temporal profit to themselves, and robbers - Plundering and murdering the sheep.
Verse 9
[9] I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
If any one — As a sheep, enter in by me - Through faith, he shall be safe - From the wolf, and from those murdering shepherds.
And shall go in and out — Shall continually attend on the shepherds whom I have sent; and shall find pasture - Food for his soul in all circumstances.
Verse 10
[10] The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The thief cometh not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy — That is, nothing else can be the consequence of a shepherd's coming, who does not enter in by me.
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