Remembering Christ!

Central to the Christian message is the cross of Calvary. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross provides the power to the Gospel message. The death and resurrection of Jesus distinguishes Christianity from all other religions and philosophies.

Just prior to the crucifixion, Jesus provided the symbols of his covenant, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.” At the last supper He shared bread and the fruit of the vine with His disciples and gave new significance to their meaning. “This is my body which was broken, my blood shed for you.” It was a pictorial illustration, a graphic demonstration of the substitutionary death of Christ. From that time forward each time the communion was observed there would be a visual reminder of His sacrifice.

When Paul instructed the Corinthians concerning the observance of the Lord’s Supper, he stated, “As often as you do it, you show the Lord’s death until He comes.” In this statement he indicated the need to continually be reminded of the Lord’s sacrifice until the advent of His second coming. Never forget it. Always remember His giving and His suffering.

Not only is communion a memorial of His death, but also a celebration of His resurrection and life. One cannot talk of His sacrifice and dying without acknowledging His resurrection and return. The Last Supper remembered is a prophetic reminder of the marriage supper in the future. “I will not drink until I join with you in the Kingdom.” Jesus himself will celebrate communion again with us in the millennial kingdom when we gather with Him. It will be the culmination of the covenant, the fulfillment of the symbolism, the completion of the communion.

Until He comes we will celebrate His covenant; we will remember His death and rejoice in the new life He brings!

The Sign of a Promise

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12).

From the words of the ancient prophets it seemed reasonable to conclude that the coming Messiah would be a warring champion, a military leader executing justice and ushering in a powerful kingdom. The underdog nation of Israel could rally around the idea of a conquering king bringing them to prominence and respectability after years of domination by foreign forces. Not since King David had they felt that they were a force to be reckoned with among their neighboring nations. Surely the Son of David would bring them back to power!

Modern zealots saw the promise of Messiah as the catalyst of political anarchy. Surely he would come and lead them to victory by overthrowing the Romans and again establishing the nation of Israel. They longed for the day!

When the prophetic star shone brightly over the transients in Bethlehem it was the sign for some that the time had come. Truly something of momentous importance was happening here in their time. Rather than the arrival of a powerful king, they witnessed the weakness of a newborn child. It was hardly the military leader they expected.

There was no gleaming armor, no great armies with pointed spears, no banners or fanfare, just hay and cattle and quiet peace surrounding the poor parents and infant newborn. Shepherds came and worshiped, still in awe over the heavenly visitation. “This will be the sign to you,” the angel had told them. “Look for a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” It was a sign of the promise. The deliverer is born. The power and prominence are yet to come.

He came in an out-of-the-way place and in a humble setting. Wise men came and adored the child and wondered at the prophecies. Herod feared the rumors of a new born king and plotted his destruction. Yet nothing could stop the promise. The sign was born, the promise had come, the King will be seen in His time!

We rejoice in the sign. We experience His peace. We believe in the hope!

Christ has Come!

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’” (Luke 2:13-14).

Secular society pretends to ignore the impact of Christ on time and history, but even the testament of our calendar recognizes the birth of Christ. For two millenniums we have marked time from Christ’s birth in the earth; 2,007 years according to our record keeping. We gauge time before the advent of his birth as B.C., before Christ, and after his coming as A.D. from the Latin anno Domini, which means the year of our Lord! More modern scholars have revised our marking of time as B.C.E., before the Common Era, and C.E. or the Common Era to eliminate the references to Christ. What they have been unable to change is the historical event that marked the difference in the two eras.

Christmas is a holiday season that brings the focus of the world on the event that occurred one starlit night in Bethlehem when Jesus was born. Through the clutter of commercialism that threatens to crowd out the true significance of the season, the real story of Christmas always seems to get through. Sometimes it is through the efforts of those who try to rid their towns of a nativity scene, or the use of the word Christmas, or even the Christmas star or angels on the tree. Somehow, through all the publicity, there are those who have to explain what is so offensive about the Christ, and the story is told again!

It seems that the more people try to marginalize the impact of the life of Jesus, the more mainstream it becomes. The more the agnostic attempts to suppress the truth, the more pronounced the truth is expressed. The reality of Christ, his birth, his life, his death, and his resurrection, all proclaim the significance of the Gospel. It is indeed good news to the world!

Let us rejoice in the telling of the miraculous birth of Jesus, the supernatural events that announced his arrival, and the good news of this blessed advent, “Christ is born! Peace on earth and good will to all mankind!”

Miracle Births!

Two women, one very young, the other very old, are both surprised with news of their impending motherhood. One was barren, advanced in years and had given up the hope of bearing children. The other was a virtuous young girl who was only recently engaged to be married. Within six months of each other both were found to be expecting a child.

Both infants were announced and named by the angel Gabriel. Both were given a prophetic destiny. The first, born to Elizabeth, would be named John. He would cause many in Israel to repent and prepare them for the coming of the Lord. The second child, born to a virgin named Mary, would be called Jesus. His destiny was to be the savior of all mankind, the Son of the Highest, and to reign over the house of Jacob without end.

When God moves to enact his purpose He does so with dramatic power and in surprising ways. He specializes in impossibilities. Elizabeth was barren and old, yet God caused her to be fertile in her late life. Mary was a virgin and knew conception was impossible, but the Spirit overshadowed her womb and she was pregnant with a child. Zacharias, the husband of Elizabeth, was left speechless until John was born and named by the writing of his hand. Joseph, the fiancé of Mary, was troubled by the apparent infidelity of his intended bride until he too was visited by an angel in a dream assuring him this was the work of God.

The miracles at the advent of Christ bring an awareness of destiny to the season. We are not left alone, adrift in time without reason. A divine plan is yet unfolding to fulfill God’s glorious purpose in mankind and prepare believers for its continuation in eternity. Jesus is still “God with us” and his plan is still to “save His people from their sins.”

The miracles of Christmas did not cease with Christ’s conception and birth. They continue today fulfilling God’s plan in you and me. Another miracle occurs every time another one is born again of the water and the Spirit!

Share the Good News!

“Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10-11).

In the next few weeks there will be countless children’s dramas and special Christmas presentations in churches and Christian schools around the globe. Among them will be darling kids (and a few mischievous ones!) who will be dressed like angels and animals to act out the story of Christmas and the events of the nativity. Among the menagerie there will be shepherds tending sheep who will stand amazed as angels appear with their glorious message, “I bring you good tidings of great joy. A Savior is born, Christ the Lord!”

While the truth of the message may be lost in the amusing presentation and the unpredictable elements of the youthful production, the power of the Gospel transcends the amateur efforts to tell the tale. The “good news” was not wasted on the shepherds and neither is it wasted in the retelling. Glad tidings continue to be spread from the night of nativity to the present day. You can’t keep it to yourself. When you hear good news you have to share it. That is the power of proclamation in this Gospel. What God has done is too good to keep to ourselves; it must be repeated again and again.

The curious shepherds were compelled to leave their flocks in the field while they pursued the subject of this announcement. They hurried to the place of birth and discovered Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. Note the sequence of events: they heard the good news, they came to see it for themselves, and then they shared it everywhere! Luke wrote, “Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child” (Luke 2:17).

Christmas is still about Christ and still about the sharing. Regardless of the abundance of commercial reinterpretation of the holiday, the inescapable reality is that the event is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Without Christ there would be no Christmas. Had he not come there would have been no hope for “peace on the earth and good will to men.”

Because he came we have cause for celebration and a reason to hope. The glad tidings proclaimed by angels at the advent is the core of the commission. Share the good news this season. Jesus has come!

Living Thanksgiving

“Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:3-4).

Thanks! Gracias! Mahalo! Danke! Merci! Obrigado! No matter how you say it, every language has a way to express thanks. It is considered polite speech to say thanks to one who serves you, shows kindness, or gives a gift. Proper conduct and good manners are taught to children to prepare them for life. Similarly, in a life of discipleship, thanksgiving is a learned discipline.

By nature we may not be thankful or inclined to show appreciation. As a child learns to say please and thank you, the scripture teaches us to become disciples who show appreciation in our expressions to God. In a Thanksgiving Psalm we are instructed, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4). In the New Testament Paul instructed believers in the gift of thanksgiving, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

Some think of God with an entitlement mentality. That thinking is if I’m a good person then God is required to do good things for me. If I go to church a few times a year then God owes me some answers to prayer and maybe a miracle or two. It is a vending machine relationship with God; I put in my church service, Bible reading, a few prayers and donations and God spits out whatever I need when I push the button. In truth, God owes us nothing and no amount of good works obligates Him to honor our desires.

Instead of a vending machine model we should strive for a relationship of trust that acknowledges His blessings. In a proper thanksgiving relationship you can view every blessing as a gift, the bounty He provides as benevolent provision. God doesn’t owe us anything. No amount of giving or service requires God to grant the items on our wish list. He is a good God who showers us with His favor and endows us with His blessing. Whatever life brings our way, we can have confidence in God that He will work out all things for our good. Upon that premise we can thank God and give Him praise! “For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:5).

Leadership through Discipleship #22

Simon, the Zealot, The Power of Passion

Aggressive and passionate men were among the chosen disciples. Simon Peter was one. Another was also called Simon. Perhaps it was to distinguish between them that Luke identified the latter as Simon the Zealot. There was surely something in his character or behavior that caused the Luke to tag him with the moniker. The other synoptic gospel writers identify this Simon as “the Canaanite.” Literally, it is Cananean, probably a transliteration of the Aramaic word for “zealot.” John does not identify the disciples individually but refers to “the twelve” on several occasions.

Throughout this time of history, from the Maccabees until the destruction of Jerusalem, there were extreme individuals who joined together to plot the overthrow of the Roman oppressors. Some were so passionate in their zeal for nationalism that they resorted to violent actions against the occupying forces. Some became assassins, intent on destroying the leaders of their opposition (Acts 21:38). The Zealots were not identified as a political group until around AD 68. These were leaders in the defense of the temple in Jerusalem which was destroyed two years later.

The use of the word “Zealot” to identify this Simon probably indicates his zeal for God’s honor and not extreme nationalism. Simon would likely have been passionate before the call to be a disciple, but now the cause for his passion was redirected. As he heard the teaching of Jesus he learned the principles of loving the enemy, submitting to God’s authority, and showing mercy to others. He also learned that he could channel this fervent drive to share the Gospel with others and appropriately face the opposition to the “good news” of peace. No longer would he dream of overthrowing Roman dominion, but now he could set out to defeat the kingdom of darkness as he proclaimed the message of light.

Passion is a valuable quality and zeal is an admirable attribute, but misdirected passion can destroy a legitimate cause. Untempered zeal can endanger a righteous movement. Extreme anti-abortion activists, who slay doctors and deface clinics in their zest for justice, do more damage to the cause than they do to advance the pro-life agenda. Paul spoke of those in Israel who had “zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Teaching and understanding brings wisdom to our fervor and power to our passion.

If we can learn the lessons of the master teacher we may be able to focus our passion to His righteous cause and advance the Kingdom of God more effectively. Through discipleship we are not dismissing zeal and dissolving passion, but directing these God given talents to a positive expression. Paul wrote of Epaphras who had a “great zeal” for the Colossians. He said he is “always laboring fervently for you in prayers” (Colossians 4:12-13). May we be likewise passionate for the advancement of God’s kingdom in our day!

Leadership through Discipleship #21

Philip, The Power of Sufficiency

“Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us” (John 14:8).

Jesus sought and found Philip in the same town as the first four disciples. After the two sets of brothers, Peter and Andrew, and James and John, Philip is always listed next in the order of the disciples. John is the only gospel writer to give us detailed information about this disciple. Upon the call of Jesus, Philip shares the news with Nathanael who appears to be skeptical but comes to follow Jesus as well.

After this initial introduction to Philip we are given three more narratives where he is mentioned with Jesus. At the feeding of the 5,000 Jesus asked Philip how they would feed the great multitude coming out to hear Jesus. In a quick assessment Philip determined it would be much greater than what they could provide even if the supply was available. He said, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little” (John 6:7). A denarius was the equivalent of a day’s wage in the first century.

Philip appears to be a pragmatic rationalist. He sees things the way they are and determines the impossibility of the task. He judges things “sufficient” or “insufficient” and this time he says even if we had the day’s wages for 200 men it would not be enough to feed this multitude. Andrew is almost apologetic as he offers that a lad in the crowd had a lunch of five loaves and two fishes, and says, “but what are they among so many” (John 6:9). Jesus was testing their faith. He then took the lunch, blessed it, broke it and fed the multitude with many baskets of leftovers!

Philip is with the disciples another time when Jesus began speaking of His imminent death. He said, “You know the way.” It was Thomas who spoke up and said, “No, Lord, we don’t know the way.” Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Then Philip responded, “Show us the father and it is sufficient for us” (John 14:8). Again Philip is judging what is or is not sufficient! What he missed was the fact that Jesus was the Father among mankind. Jesus said, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?” (John 14:9).

While Philip was concerned with what was sufficient, Jesus was ready to reveal heaven’s secrets. In the mind of Philip, everything has a value and you either have enough or not. But, Jesus came to show him the abundance of His provision and the vastness of his person. This isn’t just a rabbi, a prophet, or a leader. This is God in flesh, the Creator come down to visit His creation. The Father has walked their roads and felt their pain. What Jesus came to perform was more than sufficient, it was abundant. He said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). The power of sufficiency is found in His abundance!

Serve the Lord without Distraction

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Can you read the length of this devotional without an interruption or a distraction? Our lives are full of them. Just when you sit down to talk to someone the doorbell sounds, or the phone rings, or the teapot sings. About the time you say “I think I’ll pray awhile,” someone drops by, or you hear a siren, or the newspaper headline catches your attention. You think to read your Bible online but an urgent email arrives, or you suddenly remember an overdue payment, or a popup ad appears enticing you to check out the latest offer before time runs out. Our lives are full of distractions.

How easy we think it would be to accomplish our tasks if we just had enough time free of distractions! Yet we find it impossible to be without our phone or away from the internet for any length of time. We place ourselves where a call or text message or an email can interrupt us at anytime. We know we’re being distracted but don’t have the will to ignore the phone, lock the door, set aside the urgent demands of the day and make time for the truly important things in life.

If only there were time to complete all we set out to do! In truth we all have the same twenty-four hour day. Why is it then that some seem to accomplish so much more in the same amount of time? Could it be in the way we deal with distractions? Some create a “to-do” list and check off the items completed in order of priority. We are not all so organized. Others delegate the tasks that others can do and then focus on the things that only they can do. Wouldn’t it be nice to have such qualified people around us ready to do our bidding! Some isolate themselves from people in order that they might perform their duties. That may not be an option for us.

I believe that we can do a better job of prioritizing our responsibilities and asking God to give us people that can help accomplish all we have set out to do. Whether the distractions are sins or just encumbrances, the writer of Hebrews encourages us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.” Put away the unproductive, unedifying, and unnecessary aspects of our lives and “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Serve the Lord without distraction! Allow me to join with the apostle Paul when he wrote, “And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction” (1 Corinthians 7:35).

Leadership through Discipleship #20

Paul, The Power of the Pen, “So I write”

“The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write” (2 Thessalonians 3:17).

Paul was a writer. I don’t know what his literary past had been but I wonder if some of his success in apprehending, persecuting, and executing Christians was the result of his skills with the written word and persuasive argument. Whichever talents were used for wicked intent in the past, with his conversion came the zeal to use them all for the defense of the Gospel and to spread the Good News as far as possible. As a Christian, Paul is credited with writing thirteen of the twenty-seven New Testament books. He stated in the text that he wrote every epistle in his own handwriting. He mentions writing his own correspondence in the letter to Philemon, “I, Paul, am writing with my own hand” (Philemon 1:19). To the Galatians he boasted of writing large letters, “See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!” (Galatians 6:11). Some surmise that Paul wrote with large letters due to failing eyesight. Others suggest it had more to do with the length of his writings. Whatever the reason, believers today are blessed because of Paul’s passion for writing.

As Paul traveled, established churches, and developed disciples he stayed in contact with them through the written word. He wrote to individuals (Titus, Timothy, and Philemon) and these letters became the Pastoral Epistles. He wrote to seven different churches, twice to two of them, that make up the rest of the body of his writing. He wrote because he could not be there in person, “I write these things being absent,” and sometimes because he was angry, “lest being present I should use sharpness” (2 Corinthians 13:10). On other occasions he warned of their error, entreating them like dear children (1 Corinthians 4:14).

Paul’s writing carries the weight of Scriptural authority. As he sets the church at Corinth in order concerning spiritual gifts he declares that the things he writes are the commandments of the Lord and that the truly spiritual will acknowledge it! While at first reading this may sound a bit arrogant perhaps we must consider the condition of the Corinthian church. (See 1 Corinthians 14:36-40.) Paul was sincere in his love for the churches and honest in his writing. He defended his truthfulness to one church, “Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie” (Galatians 1:20). Later Peter affirms the writing of Paul’s epistles and categorizes them as “Scripture” to be received as the word of the Lord, “the wisdom given to him” (2 Peter 3:14-16).

Thank God for Paul’s passion for writing. Much of the Scripture’s direction for discipleship in the church flowed through his letters. The writing of Paul should be received with rejoicing. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).

Leadership through Discipleship #19

Paul, The Power of Timing

“Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:8).

Our ways are vastly different than God’s. We seldom see things the way God does. Have you ever questioned God? Have you ever asked, “God, why did you let this happen now?” His timing is always right; His ways are perfect!

From Paul’s perspective he had come along late in the day. Pentecost was past, the church was established, believers were being attracted, and miracles were being performed. In fact the church grew so fast that the religious order of the day was desperate to stop it. They approved persecution of these new followers of Jesus and labeled them with a term of derision – “Christians!” Paul (originally, Saul) was caught up in the religious zeal of stomping out this new movement before it contaminated even more of the masses.

After Paul’s conversion to Christianity he realized how blinded he had been to the genuine move of God in the earth. He often regretted his past life as a persecutor of Christians and did not consider himself worthy to be called an apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9). From his writing it seemed that he felt he had come along late, “one born out of due time” (vs. 8). Perhaps he felt he was always playing “catch up” after his late, however spectacular, introduction to Jesus.

When he defended his apostleship to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 9), distinguished himself from the false apostles (2 Corinthians 11), or magnified his ministry (Romans 11), it seemed he was always trying to compensate for a late start. He continually spoke of his inadequacies. Paul saw himself as the “least of the apostles” (1 Corinthians 15:9). “God has displayed us, the apostles, last” (1 Corinthians 4:9). He spoke of other apostles who “were in Christ before me” (Romans 16:7).

Even when he had to defend his calling he quickly followed by acknowledging the grace of God working through him to perform the work of the Lord, “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10). Paul said, “For in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing” (2 Corinthians 12:11).

God’s purpose was fulfilled in Paul. A late arrival became an on-time blessing! He may have seemed to come on the scene late, but in God’s timing and purposes Paul was at the right place, at the right time. We must trust the master in our quest for discipleship. He will bring us where we need to be at the time we need to be there. There are no mistakes with God. He is never late. He is always right on time!

Leadership through Discipleship #18

Paul, The Power of Conversion

God seems to take pleasure in cracking the hard cases. Some of the most unlikely people to be converted in our view are challenged by the Gospel and changed by God’s grace. We are astounded when the impossible conversions take place before our eyes. Again, we are amazed by His grace!

Saul was one of the most unlikely to become a Christian. He was a well-trained Pharisee, a learned man of Scripture, and a zealous defender of the Jewish faith. In his view, the followers of Jesus were heretics, disciples of a rogue rabbi, a threat to long held beliefs of the Jewish people, and individuals who did not deserve to live. He saw his work as God’s work, his zeal as a godly passion and the performance of his duties as a religious cause.

Our introduction to Saul was at an execution. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was being stoned to death by the angry crowd who heard him speak before the council. Saul stood over the coats of those who were casting the stones and emotionally participated in the murder of an innocent preacher. The Saul who left the killing of Stephen was a more determined and callous man. It was almost like the scent of blood invigorated his passion like a shark in the water. He collected evidence against Christians, obtained warrants for their arrest and permission for their destruction. He planned to export his persecution to Damascus. Scripture said that he was “breathing threats and murder against the disciples” (Acts 9:1).

In the process of Saul’s journey to Damascus, he encountered something he had never before experienced. It was a spiritual confrontation, a dramatic vision of God. A blinding light struck him down on the road to Damascus. Words came to him, speaking truth to his heart, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” With amazement Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” Imagine the shock when he heard the surprising response, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:4-5).

Saul’s world was radically changed. From that moment he became one of the most passionate Christians ever. The passionate persecutor becomes the powerful preacher. The righteous Pharisee becomes a radical Pentecostal. Saul, the ambassador of persecution, becomes Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Having experienced such great grace, he writes to churches and individuals of the power of the Gospel to change lives. He boldly declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16). On several occasions he was able to share the story of his conversion. He believed what Jesus had done for him was available to anyone who would believe!

The testimony of conversion is one of the most powerful witnesses of the power of God. Eye witnesses and first hand experience is the best testimony of what God is able to do in a life filled with sin. A leader who has experienced grace in his conversion can lead others to experience it too.

Leadership through Discipleship #17

Silas, The Power of Praise

Silas was one of the “leading men” in the Jerusalem church. He was a prophet who was selected by the apostles and elders to travel to Antioch after the first council meeting in Jerusalem concerning the Gentiles in the church. After this initial assignment Silas felt the need to stay in Antioch and continue the work of ministry in that city. The scripture doesn’t say how long this was, but eventually Paul prepared to visit the various churches he had previously established. He planned to take Barnabas but they had a disagreement over John Mark and Paul asked Silas to accompany him on this missionary journey.

Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi in Macedonia where great conversions were taking place. In the midst of revival a demon-possessed woman began to proclaim “These are men of God, hear him!” She continued following them around for several days broadcasting their credentials. Finally, Paul wearied with the spirit’s annoyance and rebuked the spirit within her. Immediately she was delivered of the evil spirit that had previously enabled her to tell fortunes. Those who profited from her fortune-telling were incensed that she was no longer able to predict events and enable their profiteering. In anger they apprehended Paul and Silas, bringing charges against them and had them beaten with rods and imprisoned.

What is most ironic in this situation is that Paul and Silas were being persecuted for doing good. Instead of people rejoicing over demonic deliverance they were angered. Instead of being rewarded for helping others, the preachers were imprisoned. Rather than being applauded, they were beaten. Where they deserved to be rewarded for their good, they were bound and placed in stocks.

The response of Paul and Silas was most remarkable. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves and despairing in their situation, they began to sing songs of praise and magnify God. While they rejoiced in the midst of trouble God answered with a powerful presence. The earth quaked and the prisoners were released. When these disciples sang in prison they praised themselves into freedom. Not only were they released but all the prisoners who heard them were freed. The leader who learns to worship in times of trouble will experience personal freedom and witness deliverance in the lives of others.

The White Crane

Guest Editorial by Gayla M. Baughman

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. (Revelation 21:4-5a KJV).

The ride to work was getting depressing. The fields and meadows were brown, charred ugly stretches of colorless dirt. I was ready for spring and the planting to bring the green flourish of life back to the countryside. For now I guess I would just have to endure this ugly stretch.

Suddenly in the midst of my complaining, I saw it. It was standing majestically on the side of the road. It appeared to be waiting for me to pass. A lone, beautiful white crane stood stately on the shoulder of the road with his head held high as if listening to music. What a refreshing sight! I thought, as I passed in the midst of all this ugliness, there stands one of God’s beautiful creations. And a welcome sight it was to me. It lifted my spirits and gave me something positive to think about the rest of the journey.

Life gets ugly. Situations come into our lives that remind us of brown, charred colorless dirt. But just when we think we can’t take it anymore, God sends a little glimpse of heaven into our life. He reminds us that life is life and we must endure its hardships while we are here on earth. But oh, what a promise of tomorrow! Suddenly we see through His eyes, the beauty of life in Him. He makes all things new! My moment of truth had come. The country side became beautiful with a white crane to crown my thoughts and bring me back to real reality! He makes ALL things new. And today is going to be a wonderful day because I’ve had a glimpse of Heaven.

“Thank you Lord for another day to drink in your glory. With your help I will see the silver lining around each dark cloud that hovers overhead. Take me back to your word and your promises when I get bogged down with a complaining attitude. Put a white crane at the side of my dreary road to remind me that this is a glorious journey.”

Leadership through Discipleship #16

Barnabas, The Power of Encouragement

“And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet” (Acts 4:36-37).

A Levite from Cyprus named Joses, sold property and donated the proceeds to the apostles in the beginning of the church in Acts. He was well known by the apostles and his reputation for encouragement grew to the extent that they begin to call him Barnabas (meaning son of encouragement). He became a leader among the believers in Christ and is mentioned frequently as an active minister in the spreading of the Gospel.

Barnabas is mentioned as a traveling companion with Paul in the book of Acts and on several occasions in Paul’s letters. It is no wonder that a close affinity developed between them for it was Barnabas who first accepted Paul in Jerusalem, believing that he was indeed converted to Christianity and called of God. Because of Paul’s reputation as Saul of Taurus most Christians were fearful of him. Previously, it had been his ambition to destroy as many Christians as possible. He viewed them as heretics to the faith and enemies of the Lord God. It took a dynamic vision on the road to Damascus and being blinded for three days for Saul to indeed believe that Jesus was the Lord God of the Scripture. (See Acts 9.)

After Paul’s conversion in Damascus, where he was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized, he immediately began to preach Jesus publicly. Still some disciples were fearful that it was just a trick to take them captive and deliver them to the chief priests for persecution and death. The Jews, on the other hand, were seeking to kill Paul to silence this bold new advocate for Christianity. When the plot was learned, some disciples helped Paul escape over the wall of the city at night and he returned to Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, Paul tried to join up with the disciples but again they did not believe that he had truly become one of them. This is when Barnabas stepped in, heard his testimony, and learned of his bold preaching in the name of Jesus while in Damascus. Barnabas shared Paul’s testimony with the other disciples so that they might come to accept him and trust in the ministry to which God was leading him.

Barnabas believed in Paul. He stood with him and encouraged him during the time when he had to prove his loyalty and sincerity to other believers. Perhaps if there had not been a Barnabas to come alongside Paul with encouragement, believing in him, Paul may not have ever been accepted by the believing community. Without Paul we would not have had the incredible revival among the Gentiles recorded in the Book of Acts. Without Paul we would have a very small New Testament; he contributed thirteen epistles to the canon! Without Paul we would have a very limited view of God’s grace to change lives and give hope. One never knows the potential of one convert. All they need is a little encouragement!

Leadership through Discipleship #15

Mark, The Power of Restoration

The Gospel of Mark is given a prominent place in the New Testament canon, second only to Matthew in the four gospels. Here, there is little indication of any weakness of character or faith in this early follower of Christ. But it was not always so.

John Mark was apparently raised in a wealthy Jewish Christian home. While we know nothing of his father, his mother, named Mary, was host to the apostles and believers in Jerusalem. It was to their home, “where many were gathered together praying,” that Peter came when he was miraculously released from prison by an angel (Acts 12:12). Rhoda, the servant-girl of the home, was shocked with disbelief when she saw Peter standing at the gate.

There is at least a suggestion that John Mark’s father was absent in that Barnabas, his cousin, mentored him and asked him to accompany Paul on his first missionary journey. Whether John Mark was homesick or unaccustomed to hard work or for some other unknown reason, he left for home early in the trip. Paul was disappointed in his early departure and later determined that John Mark would not accompany them on another missionary journey. So great was the contention between Barnabas, who felt he should be given another chance, and Paul that they changed their travel plans. John Mark traveled with Barnabas while Paul took Silas as his companion. (See Acts 15:35-40.)

There is no information in Scripture about the reconciliation between John Mark and the Apostle Paul. However, at some point John Mark was given another chance by the apostle and apparently was accepted by him and allowed to travel with him again. He was commended to the church in Colosse by letter, “with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him)” (Colossians 4:10). He was specifically asked for in Paul’s letter to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). He was also mentioned in the letter to Philemon.

Past failure need not be the end of an effort to become a disciple. While faults may be remembered for a long time, our failures are not final. God forgives and is willing to restore. His disciples are commanded to do the same. It may take others a lot longer to forgive and they may never forget, but restoration is possible and a second chance at discipleship is available. Paul demonstrated Christ’s compassion in eventually allowing Mark to be useful to him in ministry. Mark made the commitment and lived to prove you can overcome past mistakes and be accepted again in the ministry.

Peter developed a close relationship with John Mark as evidenced in his epistle, “She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son” (1 Peter 5:13). He spoke of John Mark as a son and welcomed his company in traveling to Rome where he would suffer martyrdom. According to early church tradition, John Mark wrote his gospel through the first-hand account of the apostle Peter. If John Mark had given up after his first failed effort at leadership we would not have the Gospel of Mark today. Thankfully, he was restored to discipleship and accepted in leadership. A leader learned to try again!

Leadership through Discipleship #14

Luke, The Power of Applied Talents

The third Gospel writer hides behind his historical account saying nothing about himself in the telling. His formal training and occupation is revealed in Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Luke is identified as the “beloved physician.” Three times Paul refers to Luke (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11; and Philemon 1:24). It is obvious that he was a traveling companion to the apostle Paul, and an eyewitness historian from his writing in the book of Acts.

Luke states his purpose in writing in the first verses of each of his books. In the Gospel of Luke he addresses his narration to an unknown man named Theophilus, “It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed” (Luke 1:3-4). In the introduction to Acts he continues his narrative, “The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen” (Acts 1:1-3).

Luke was not one of the twelve apostles. Nevertheless, he was a faithful disciple, a traveling missionary, a diligent scholar, and a faithful historian. We know nothing about his conversion or call. We don’t know the circumstances that led him to leave his medical practice to become the roving journalist, the devoted companion to accompany Paul on his missionary trips. He wrote in the first person as he told of sailing journeys from Troas to Philippi and numerous other ports between Italy and Israel.

Somewhere Luke was challenged by the message of Jesus. Somewhere he came to a passionate faith and developed devoted discipleship. He applied his training and scholarship to his new found faith. The physician became a writer. The doctor became the first church historian. Forsaking his comfortable career, Luke documented a first hand account of the early days of the church. He applied his talents to what he saw as the greatest need that he could fill.

In our pursuit of Christ we are often given gifts beyond our training, abilities greater than our education. It is the principle of diversified talents, applying an aptitude for another vocation to the present opportunity. You can become more than you planned to be. You can use the giftedness God has blessed you with to expand your ministry and embrace new opportunities.

Leadership through Discipleship #13

Judas, The Power of a Negative Model

What does the name Benedict Arnold mean to you? How about the name Adolph Hitler? How about Saddam Hussein? Now, how about Judas Iscariot? Names of history carry meaning. We associate the deeds of a life with their reputation and character long after they are gone. The negative actions of the evil doer overshadow any positive characteristics of a life when it is past. Arnold is the traitor, Hitler is a dictator, Hussein is a brutal murderer, and Judas betrayed Jesus.

Judas was once a chosen disciple, a trusted accomplice, and the secretary of the apostles. Listed among the twelve he was chosen from among all his peers to become a disciple of the Messiah. But in the eternal record of the Gospel writers he is identified as Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Jesus (Mat. 10:4; Mk. 3:19; Luk. 6:16). Whatever good he accomplished in life would be forever diminished in the shadows of his transgression. He joined the ranks of the negative role models – this is what not to be like.

Judas carried the money box, tended the finances and distributed to the needs of others. What was intended to be a blessing became a curse. His own greed was illustrated in the rebuke to Mary who bathed the feet of Jesus with a precious ointment. "Why was this fragrant oil not sold … and given to the poor?" he exploded. John revealed his spirit for what it was with an explanation, “This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it” (John 12:5-6).

The leader became a loser. He lost his ministry. He lost his place among the apostles (Acts 1:25). His name is forever removed from the foundations of the Holy City and ranks among high on the litany of the most infamous names of history. The disciple became a devil, “Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve” (Luke 22:3). Even Jesus said, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?" (John 6:70).

Every leader has a choice. Become a disciple and submit to the leadership of the Lord or pursue your own passion and betray your calling and ministry. God called leaders can only lead as they follow. Leadership is only possible through continued discipleship.

Learn from the loser. Don’t lose your leadership by following the example of Judas!

Leadership through Discipleship #12

Matthew, The Power of an Altered Occupation

“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, "Follow Me." So he arose and followed Him. Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples” (Matthew 9:9).

From the prominent office along the main thoroughfare Matthew conducted business in Capernaum. All merchants entering this town from the sea were required to pay a toll to transport their goods along the way. Matthew was about as popular in his city as the local IRS agent. Following the customs of the day, tax collectors contracted with the Roman government to be their agents collecting tribute. Any amount they could collect in excess of the required tax went into the deep pockets of the tax collector. It was a system rift with abuse and provoked the intense hatred of their fellow citizens.

When Jesus came by the tax office as He journeyed, He simply called Matthew to “follow me.” In the brief reference of Scripture it appears that Matthew immediately responded, leaving behind his secure position in the city to follow the bidding of this itinerant Rabbi. The radical change in Matthew’s life produced curious interest among his network of unscrupulous colleagues. When Matthew threw a party to announce his new direction in life the house filled. Jesus was there dining with an unlikely guest list. According to the Pharisees they were all “tax collectors and sinners.”

Jesus was not put off by the publicans. He welcomed them and spoke kindly to them in the face of criticism. This was the type of people He had come to affect. He explained to the Pharisees, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Mark 2:17).

The call changed Matthew (Levi) to become a disciple; the publican became a preacher. What an incredible impact the change in his life must have had to others of similar occupations. If Matthew could change, others could change. Perhaps this was the encouragement needed for Zacchaeus, another tax collector that became a believer, to make the pledge to restore all that he had wrongfully taken (Luke 19:8).

Matthew wasn’t the only one who changed occupations. Several of the disciples were fishermen; Jesus made them evangelists, fishers of men! Andrew was John the Baptist’s disciple when he converted to follow Jesus. John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the “Lamb of God” and immediately lost two disciples! Luke was a physician that became an itinerant evangelist, traveling journalist, and the first church historian. Paul was an activist opposing the spread of Christianity. God changed him into the biggest activist for Christ!

When Christ calls, change is on the way!

Leadership through Discipleship #11

Thomas, The Power of Faith

It might seem odd to associate “doubting Thomas” with the subject of the power of faith. We tend to examine his lack of belief and use him as a negative example when it comes to the subject of faith. However, Thomas is a chosen disciple, one of the Twelve Apostles. If he struggled with faith and was still a chosen disciple then there is hope for us when we are less than perfect in our belief.

Thomas seems naturally to have a negative temperament. When Jesus received news of the terminal condition of Lazarus, it was Thomas who lamented, “Let’s go die with him.” Perhaps Thomas spoke what some of the other disciples were feeling. Maybe in this way he was like Peter. He spoke out loud what others were thinking but were afraid to say.

On another occasion Jesus was talking about His departure. He suggested that the disciples knew where he was going. Thomas plainly stated, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:5-6). If Thomas had not asked the question perhaps we would not have had much of the following discourse of where Jesus was going and His identity of being one with the Father. Sometimes a confession of our doubts or lack of understanding results in greater understanding!

The most famous passages of Thomas contain his confessed unbelief concerning Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. While the other disciples joyously shared their faith after seeing Jesus alive from the grave, Thomas simply could not believe it. He has missed the meeting when Jesus appeared to the disciples and Thomas was unable to accept another’s witness to this miracle. He was emphatic, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

It was another eight days of restless quandary before Thomas had the opportunity to resolve his questions of faith. Again, the disciples were gathered in a closed room. This time Thomas was present when Jesus appeared. It seemed He came just for Thomas’ benefit. He offered His hands and the scar in His side for inspection that Thomas might believe. It sounds like Thomas did not require such a thorough inspection. Just seeing the Lord and hearing His voice brought full faith to this faltering disciple. He boldly exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). The doubter became a believer.

Without condemnation Jesus accepted the worship of Thomas but stated, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). The power of faith allows those of us who have not seen Him still believe that He is alive and well!

Leadership through Discipleship #10

Andrew – The Power of Deference

“One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ” (John 1:40-41).

According to the Gospel of John it appears that Andrew could have been one of the first disciples to follow Jesus. Two disciples of John the Baptist were watching as Jesus passed close by. John proclaimed Him to be “the Lamb of God.” From that moment the two disciples left John to follow after Jesus. One of them was identified in Scripture as being Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter (John 1:40). Andrew was not content just to have found a Rabbi, he sought out his brother saying, “We found the Messiah!” and he brought him to Jesus.

From the moment of this introduction Simon, whom Jesus named Peter, would be more prolific, more noticed, and more quoted throughout the Biblical text. We never see Andrew in a negative light. In the brief exposure in the Scripture he is seen as a faithful follower and a passionate disciple. Apparently he was happy to defer to his brother and see the success of the one he had introduced to Jesus.

His gift was as an enabler, one who was happy to help others find fulfillment. It was Andrew who saw the need when Jesus taught the massive crowd in the mountain across the Sea of Galilee. There was no place to send them to eat, no place to even purchase food if they had the resources, yet Jesus asked “Where can we buy bread for them to eat?” Andrew, the enabler, came to the Lord and suggested that one lad had a lunch with him of five barley loaves and two small fish. Then, almost apologetically asked, “But what are they among so many?” (John 6:9). However, Jesus took the meager offering and multiplied it to feed the massive multitude.

On another occasion some Greeks had come to celebrate on one of the feast days. They heard of Jesus and sought him out. They found Philip and asked to see Jesus. Philip came to Andrew and Andrew brought him to Jesus. Andrew was always the enabler, helping others to succeed, assisting others to find their place. He was not one who sought the limelight or desired preeminence. Through this disciple we can learn the power of deference, the strength that comes through helping others succeed.

Leadership through Discipleship #9

James – The Power of Secondary Leadership

“Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him” (Matthew 4:21-22).

The priority of James is seen throughout the Gospels. James is always mentioned first in relationship to his brother John. Initially, John is only known as the brother of James. When the inner circle of disciples is specified it is always, “Peter, James, and John.” If the order of arrangement is significant it at least suggests that James was the older of the brothers and recognized by the synoptic Gospel writers as one having precedence.

Perhaps as youths James would have defended his rights that came with being the eldest. They were both called “sons of thunder” by Jesus. They seemed in agreement when they made a request of the Lord that they be given special seating in the new kingdom on each side of the throne of Jesus. (See Mark 10:35-45.) The other disciples hearing the request were indignant. Jesus used the occasion to teach them a lesson about leadership and striving for position. Among the rulers in the world there is jockeying for advancement with the intention of flaunting their authority, but Jesus taught that his disciples should not be that way.

Jesus taught that disciple leaders would be greatest when they learned to serve. “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” Apparently, James learns the lesson in leadership. Never again is there a request for position or any evidence of selfish promotion. If anything James becomes less known as Peter and John assume leadership roles in the emerging church. Peter becomes the spokesman for the entire group, the preacher at Pentecost. John leaves an enduring legacy through his writing: the Gospel, the epistles, and the Revelation of Jesus Christ. There is nothing unique to James. But he teaches us something about leadership through his discipleship. He was in the big three but was contend to let others shine.

James learned that leadership is not always who is “first” or “eldest” or “positions of authority” but to serve from a secondary place, to prefer others, to prefer his brother. John will become one of the better known disciples. In Acts, for the first time James is referred to as the brother of John. It is in the context of his final epitaph, “Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword” (Acts 12:1-2). James paid the ultimate price for his faith, martyrdom at the hand of King Herod but his example in secondary leadership lives on.

James followed the example of the master, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT).

Leadership through Discipleship #8

John – The Power of a Relationship
A relationship that trusts

“And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).

The testimony of the Beloved Disciple was a thorough accounting of many of the signs verifying the deity of Jesus Christ. His Gospel is set apart from the others by his focus on who Jesus is rather than the things He had done. The close relationship of Jesus and John affords us an in depth eyewitness narrative of many details in the final week of Christ’s life. Only John is close enough to Jesus at the last supper to hear Jesus point out who it was that would betray Him. Only John stood at the foot of the cross and provided assurance that His mother would be cared for after Jesus was gone. Through this unique relationship John gained the trust and confidence of Jesus. John was the recipient of many insights and revelations because of this special relationship.

Trust only comes through time in a proven relationship. Friends may want to trust one another, but only when experience proves them worthy of trust can this rapport be enjoyed. Trust is not something we just decide to do but an affinity to be earned through the practice of life. When you have earned trust you can share the secrets of the soul with confidence in confidentiality.

No wonder John writes with such clarity of purpose in His Gospel. No wonder that he survives to become an elder to the churches and writes to them as little children in his epistles. No wonder he survives the exile on Patmos and records visionary insights of the apocalypse in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. John is a man who earned the confidence of Jesus and received an abundance of revelation for his writing.

A disciple who learns to trust and earns the trust of the master can expect to receive insights to share through this relationship. The conclusion of the Gospel speaks of John testimony, “This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true” (John 21:24).

Leadership through Discipleship #7

John – The Power of a Relationship
A relationship that cares

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home” (John 19:26-27).

Who would you trust to care for family members if you were no longer able to look to their interest? Naturally we would look first to other family members, but occasionally there is no one else able to be a caregiver. What do you do then? Close friends can be counted on to come to your aid when you need help, but which of your friends would you ask to care for an aging parent? This is a real test of a relationship … when a friend asks you to care for his mother!

The request that Jesus made on the cross is telling of the relationship that had developed between Him and the Beloved Disciple. In the painful last minutes of life Jesus felt that there was a sufficient quality to His relationship with John that He could ask this huge favor, “Take care of my mother. Treat her like your own.” John’s response appears to be immediate, “From that hour that disciple took her to his own home.”

What a change has taken place in the life of the disciple John. Here one of the “sons of thunder” has become so close to Jesus that he is willing to be a caregiver to His mother. A “hot-head” becomes a caring friend. The man who once wanted to call fire down from heaven to consume Samaritans who refused to welcome Jesus now risks his own life among those who crucified Him as he stands with Mary near the cross. While other disciples fled in fear and Peter denied knowing Him, John apparently was the only one to stay near through the trial and became the only eyewitness to write of the crucifixion.

John truly cared about Jesus. A caring relationship develops over time and demonstrates genuine love. Anyone can say they love, but it is only proven by caring actions. This same disciple wrote of the true essence of love, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

We can say we love, but do we care? We can say we care, but do our actions demonstrate our devotion? All the disciples would have confessed their love for Jesus, but only one had the kind of relationship that caused him to stay near the Lord until the end.

What kind of relationship do you have with Jesus? How much do you care?

Leadership through Discipleship #6

John – The Power of a Relationship
A relationship that costs

They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory." But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" (Mark 10:37-38).

The excitement of the call of Jesus left James and John with the feeling of amazement and pride. This Rabbi from Galilee had walked along the shore where they were occupied with their fishing trade working with their father and asked them to follow Him and become “fishers of men.”

From that initial introduction to the stranger from Galilee these brothers grew in their admiration and loyalty to their teacher. They became associates, then friends, and then inseparable companions. Along with the other fisherman, Peter, they formed the inner circle of three in the close-knit dozen disciples who left all to follow Jesus and learn His teaching.

Perhaps that accessibility and familiarity gave them the confidence to ask a favor of the Master. They asked for places of prominence in the coming kingdom of which they were sure Jesus had come to initiate. His response gave the first indication that this developing relationship would require a commitment beyond filling an office or finding a place of privilege. This relationship would exact a cost and there would be a price for the position they sought. James and John would soon learn what every disciple comes to understand, real relationship requires sacrifice. Jesus used this occasion to teach the value of service, “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44).

The closer they got to Jesus the more they learned of the cost of discipleship. Jesus unfolded great revelation and also revealed the price of understanding. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).

It was great to be associated with Jesus as long as the crowds were seeking Him and the miracles were sensational. When He began to teach them the cost associated with discipleship many begin to leave Him. A leader that loves the Lord must learn of the cost of relationship and remember His word, “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20).

Leadership through Discipleship #5

John – The Power of a Relationship
A Relationship that Loves

“James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of Thunder’” (Mark 3:17).

Ever know someone who gave their friends a nickname? Some people enjoy giving others a name that describes some attribute or similarity. I knew of one college student whose middle name was Chevon. She became known in her college years as “Chevy.” Often names given in fun become lifetime handles.

Jesus gave a few monikers to some of His disciples. Simon was renamed Peter while James and John were nicknamed “Boanerges” or “Sons of Thunder.” John is often viewed as the peaceful loving disciple that wrote of love and always sought to stay close to Jesus. Apparently, he was not always such a loving individual. Much of our opinion of John is shaped by his later writing and his devotion to the Lord. What we often do not see is the man Jesus called from the fishing boat to “come, follow me.”

There was much more to learn. These men called from various vocations would change much over the three years of mentorship, shaped by shared experiences with Jesus, the Messiah. Relationships take time. John had to learn to love. He made the transition from tough to tenderness. John’s temperament changed from one who would “call down fire from heaven” (Luke 9:51-56) to an inseparable friend staying close to Jesus, even “leaning on Jesus’ bosom” (John 13:23).

Jesus does not call us just to be robotic followers. He does not mass produce disciples with mindless allegiance; rather He calls us into a dynamic relationship. He treats us all as special individuals. Each of us is a unique design. His plan for your life is “one of a kind.” He is not interested in blind followers but intelligent, passionate, and devoted disciples, developing and deciding day by day to grow in our relationship with Him.

A leader-disciple must learn to love. We often forget what we were before the Lord found us in our sin, saved us, and called us to be disciples. Or we excuse our lack of maturity and failure to change saying,

John is the disciple that repeatedly reminds us to love one another to demonstrate our discipleship! The other disciples may have heard it but only John records it in his Gospel. John had a relationship that learned to love!

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35).

Leadership through Discipleship #4

Peter – The Power of Submission
Authority and Submission

The teenager rebels against parental authority and longs for the day when he is no longer told what to do. As soon as he is of age he goes to the local Army recruiting office and signs up for a tour of duty. Finally, he is on his own, doing his own thing!

The irony of that situation is humorous. Everyone knows that when you join the military your life is not your own. You will be told when to get up, when to go to bed, and what you will do with every waking moment, at least through basic training. Authority is never to be questioned. You learn to take orders without hesitation. If in the military one doesn’t learn how to be under authority there are other lessons in life that will teach you the technique!

We seldom seek employment just for the fun of it. There are usually financial requirements that drive one to take a job. House rent or mortgage, car payments, food, clothing, and everything else we want to acquire requires money. In employment there is always someone who is the “boss.” Someone gives the orders and holds you accountable to accomplish your tasks. We either learn to submit to those in authority or constantly find ourselves seeking other employment!

The Apostle Peter learned so much about authority and submission through the mentoring of Jesus that he seems like a different man in the book of Acts. He speaks with authority for all the disciples on the Day of Pentecost. He speaks with power to the lame man at the Beautiful Gate and commands him to rise and walk, healed of his life-long handicap. Peter’s shadow is sufficient to inspire faith and produce healing of sick people in Acts chapter five. Such authority and power were only possible through the lessons of submission that he had learned.

Peter is not above correction or making mistakes even after he is used in powerful ministry in the book of Acts. He shows his weakness in prejudice against the Gentiles (Acts 10) and his preference for Jewish fellowship in Antioch (Galatians 2). So even then he must learn the act of submission to continue to exercise power through authority. He acknowledges that he must not consider the Gentiles unclean if God has cleansed them and obeys the call to preach to the Gentiles of Cornelius’ household. He apparently received the rebuke from Paul concerning his hypocrisy in refusing to eat with the Gentiles when his Jewish friends came to town. One of the things that made Peter great was his ability to accept correction and submit to God’s authority. (See 1 Peter 2:13-16.)

The more authority we are given, the more we find the need to submit to other authorities. You will never outgrow the need for submission. True power in leadership only comes through submission to authority.

Leadership through Discipleship #3

Peter – The Power of Submission
Leading by Loving, Shepherding by Feeding

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).

In one of the last times Jesus was with the disciples before His ascension he prepared a breakfast of fish and bread by the lake. After they had dined, Jesus asked Peter a question three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter responded positively and Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Many sermons and speculations have tried to address the importance of the questions and the answers provided in this setting. The overarching theme of the scene is, “If you love the Master, you will take care of His sheep.”

Through these repeated questions and instructions Peter got the message. If you love Jesus you will transfer that love to those God places you in authority over. Peter will gain a high profile position in the beginning of the church. He will be the spokesman at Pentecost and have great influence in the early church meetings. The emphasis that Jesus made in that last meeting stayed with him throughout the rest of his ministry. When it came time for Peter to write to the church elders, he addressed them with the same admonition, “Shepherd the flock. Take care of the sheep.” He advised them to serve as overseers, to do so willingly and not be motivated by greed. He cautioned them not to lord over those entrusted to them, but to be examples to the flock.

Peter had learned submission and he taught it to those he mentored, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble’” (1 Peter 5:5). To be a leader, an elder, a father, one must learn the act of submission. When we learn to love God, we will love one another, and care for those in our charge.

True authority in leadership does not come with the exercise of power, or with the fearful obedience of the subjects, but through loving others, caring for their needs, and making sure they are well fed. Paul understood the principle and gave similar instructions to the elders in Ephesus, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).

Christ loves the church. They are His sheep and they belong to Him. Whatever our leadership roles, may we never forget that the people we lead are highly loved and valued by God. Someday we will answer to Him concerning how we have taken care of what belongs to Him!

Leadership through Discipleship #2

Peter – The Power of Submission
When the Rooster Crows

Peter answered and said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble." Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times" (Matthew 26:33-34).

In the company of believing peers and in the safety of common faith it is easy to stand for convictions and swear allegiance. When faith is in the majority and no one is present to confront your testimony you can be as emphatic as you want to be about your steadfastness and determination to stand in the face of adversity. It is when you stand alone in the den of wolves you may cower in fear. When the majority takes a position that leaves you isolated it is more difficult to remain resolute.

When in the presence of Jesus and in the company of fellow disciples Peter emphatically bragged that he would never stumble. Even if all the rest failed Peter was determined that he alone would remain firm in his loyalty and unswerving in his faith. Jesus cautioned him and predicted that indeed he would deny the Lord that very night. Not just once would he deny, but three times he would declare himself to be a stranger to the man from Galilee. Additionally, Jesus gave him a sign that would take place after this denial, the rooster would crow after Peter denied the Lord the third time.

Little did the disciples realize the fear and trepidation that would fill their hearts this night as soldiers bearing torches and swords would converge on the garden prayer meeting to arrest Jesus and take Him to a late night trial. Before this event they were strong in faith. When Jesus was with them it was easy to pledge their loyalty. But when He was taken and all hope seemed lost the disciples fled in fear.

There’s no cause to brag of our steadfast devotion if we have never faced persecution. We truly do not know how we would respond given the same set of circumstances others faced. But even in our own witness there may have been times when it was easier to remain quiet than to speak up for our convictions and stand up for our faith. When someone is criticizing Christians or making fun of the Pentecostal experience it is easier to remain in the background and ignore them than to confront them and declare your convictions.

As we seek to blend in to the crowd and bend with the wind and wave of opposition, keep one ear tuned in for uncommon sounds. Maybe it won’t be a rooster, but something will call out your failure and reveal your lack of conviction. When our failures are crowed from the rooftops how will we respond? Will we, like Peter, find a place of repentance and restoration? Or will we, like Judas, be defeated by our defeat and fail to learn from our failures?

When the rooster crows just remember; He didn’t call us to leave us. He didn’t tell us we would fail to forsake us in our pain. He didn’t predict our defeat to leave us without hope. He loves us even when we fail and cares for us even if we curse Him. There is restoration and redemption and a new day of promise after the rooster crows!

Leadership through Discipleship #1

Peter – The Power of Submission

Among the disciples, Peter is probably the most outstanding and outspoken of the disciples. He appears to be impetuous in his actions and quick to offer his opinions. From the Biblical record he appears to have a classic leadership temperament. However, before he can be a powerful leader he must learn the act of submission.

Jesus sees his natural abilities. He also sees his innate weaknesses. Jesus calls Peter based not on who he is but who he can become. The Lord sees the pent up potential in prospective disciples and challenges the followers to realize and release the power within through the process of change. From the first meeting of Jesus and Simon there was an intentional training program prepared for this would-be disciple. “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas,” was the challenge Jesus presented. Until this encounter he was Simon. Jesus implied that he would become a rock, a solid leader in the emerging church.

There is evidence of both growth and failures throughout the life of Peter after this occasion. He was commended and corrected. He was congratulated and cautioned. When Jesus questioned His disciples concerning His true identity it was Peter who suddenly confessed, “You are the Christ!” Jesus commended him and gave him the keys of authority in a newly defined community of believers saying, “On this rock I will build my church!” (Matthew 16:15-19).

Perhaps Peter was feeling arrogant or overconfident in his newly granted position of leadership. In just a few verses Jesus revealed His plan to suffer and die in Jerusalem and to rise again in three days, Peter rebuked Jesus and said, “This shall not happen to You!” The responding condemnation was quick and pointed. Jesus said, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to me, for you are not mindful of the things of God.” Peter had to learn that true authority is always subject to direction from God.

You can never be your own authority. In order to lead you must continue to follow. You must always be submitted to another. The principle of leadership Jesus taught Peter was submission. He learned it and he taught it. (See 2 Peter 5:1-6.) This is the fulfillment of the commission, disciples go and teach and make disciples. That is the secret to effective leadership and the secret to the irresistible growth of the Gospel of Christ.

After Easter – Pentecost Sunday

The promise delivered, the resurrection realized

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1, 4).

Fifty days! That was the exact count of days from the Passover to the Day of Pentecost. In the course of busy lives fifty days seem like ages. That’s seven weeks on our calendar. A lot can happen in that amount of time. Fifty days ago we were in the celebrating Easter. I’ve been writing about it ever since. I’m sure for some it seems like we have run the subject in the ground. Isn’t it time to move on!

And so it was in the first century. I’m sure there were those in that day who were ready to get on with life and move the news of the resurrection into an archived file of past history. But the resurrection was never intended to be just history!

It was Jesus’ purpose to keep the resurrection as a current event. Returning from the grave and being seen of so many people after His resurrection kept the news alive. Then just a week before Pentecost He suddenly left, but not without leaving instructions for them all to wait for the promise!

The only way to make the resurrection real and keep the event current is to experience the resurrection continually. The promise of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers served that purpose. Not only would they experience the initial fulfillment of that promise but they would continue to experience the impact of a changed life by the continued presence of Christ living in them. This was current and real evidence of the resurrection refreshed daily in their lives.

After two thousand years the resurrection is still fresh news to believers around the world. The weekly worship celebration on the first day of the week commemorates the anniversary of the resurrection. It is no accident that we meet on Sunday for worship. The tradition must never replace the reality of new experience.

It is more than a tradition that we gather for worship, sing our songs, and recite our verses. Let every worship session be a celebration of current experience. The resurrected Lord is here among us and fills our lives with His power. On Pentecost Sunday and every other day of the year be filled with His Spirit and be a witness that He lives!

After Easter – The Ascension

Just you wait and see!

After the thrill of seeing the risen Jesus for five weeks there was a sense of impeding change coming. It was evident He would not always be with them. Many references during His ministry and in the days following the resurrection prepared them for the fact that He would be going away. However, it was urgent that He gave them instructions before His departure.

On a hillside outside of Jerusalem, Jesus met His disciples and instructed them to return to the city and wait to receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. Luke said, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (24:49). In his account in the book of Acts he gives more detail, "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

One of the most significant events in history would soon take place. All the planning and preparation of the ages brought Christ to the world to fulfill His purpose. Now it was His intention to leave so that He may return in the form of the Spirit to dwell in His believers, enabling them to do the work He had called them to do.

The clarion call of the commission rang in the ears of the disciples. The divine imperative was to send them into the entire world declaring the good news of Jesus Christ. However, first things first, they were instructed to wait! Before launching an international evangelistic effort they were to tarry in an upper room in Jerusalem, waiting on a promise. It wasn’t just a moment or even a matter of hours. It was days, an entire week of waiting for the promised event.

Over five hundred witnesses watched Jesus ascend into the clouds. Their mouths agape, their eyes were bright. They had never seen such a sight. While they stood there staring into the heavens, two angelic messengers appeared to them and gave the final promise of Jesus’ life on earth. “Just like He went away, He’ll be returning someday.” The disciples made their way back to Jerusalem in obedience to the Lord’s command. It was time to wait. However, not all obeyed. Out of five hundred witnesses, there were only one hundred twenty in the upper room waiting when the Spirit visited a week later. But, those who waited were the first to receive this miraculous promise, the baptism of the Holy Spirit! Now they were equipped to go!

In all of our efforts to do the work of the ministry we must not forget the Apostolic pattern. Wait until you are empowered by the Spirit, then go! It is essential that we are baptized with the Holy Spirit power before we can be effective in any kind of ministry.

After Easter –A Mother’s Pain, A Mother’s Joy

A mother blessed like none before
with a child of promise to be born
A lowly servant, a man, a king,
Who’d rule the world but own nothing,
To her was born a son so brave
He’d give His life the world to save
And in the process she’d know pain
because he’d give all earthly gain
To win, to run, complete the task
of giving all the Father asked,
And while still young he felt the sting,
The scourge, the nails, the thorny ring
And vines of pain around his head,
To cause to fear and fill with dread,
The dark of death, the sting of woe
He’d drink the cup and here below,
He’d give His life, the price of sin,
And give us hope to live again,
The women stayed there near the cross,
To grieve and comfort those who lost,
Her son, their brother, companion, friend
The one they’d followed to the end
There in the dark and lonely grave,
He lay alone, await the day,
When he would rise, up from the tomb,
Like Spring’s new field of flowers bloom,
Announcing hope and filled with life,
New hope begin and day of light
His mother clung to him in fear,
That she had dreamed it all and here
There was no living, breathing form,
Clutched in her grasp, and all forlorn,
Could it be that he’d come back
To live again and just like that,
He’d leave again from the rocky mount,
To dwell in Heaven there was no doubt,
She saw him go, her heart grew weak
And answers vain she had to seek,
If only she could have him stay
And be with her throughout the day
She waited in an upper room
Trying to suppress the gloom
And dread that she would never see
His face again in history,
But wait she did as he had asked
Until the numbered days had past,
The Spirit came like wind in Spring
And brought new joy and everything
The Spirit wind, it came in tongues
Of fire and sat on every one
His mother there, just like he said
Was also comforted and led
To know the King of Glory here
Her Savior, Lord, her son so dear!

After Easter – Power to Witness

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

Jesus offered many assurances to the believers concerning the time following His departure at the end of the forty days after the resurrection. The Gospel writers tell of these events and promises in their own words. Matthew recalled Jesus’ promise, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Powerful signs and miracles were promised in Mark’s record of Jesus’ last days. (See Mark 16:17-18.) Through the writing of John we are assured that the One who was with them is in us. Jesus said, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:17-18).

It is in Luke’s writing that we have assurance of the enduing power of God. Jesus declared, “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Luke continues the story in the Book of Acts recalling that the believers were instructed to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father. One of Jesus’ last promises was recorded here, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” This power wasn’t something to revel in or to simply enjoy. This Spirit was given as a specific enablement to perform the commission. “You shall be witnesses both here and around the world!” Jesus stated; literally, to the end of the earth.

Timid disciples became powerful preachers after the infilling of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Peter, who denied the Lord before His trial, now boldly proclaims Christ’s resurrection and confronts those who crucified Him with the Gospel message. (See Acts 2:32-40.) The observers even remarked at the boldness of these disciples to speak with authority concerning the Scriptures and their fulfillment in Jesus.

Men who fled in fear before the crucifixion became strong in faith and public in their witness of their identity with Christ. Even in the face of death themselves they were able to speak boldly of their faith in Jesus. The only explanation of their changed behavior is the enablement of the gift of the Holy Spirit that filled them.

The greatest promises for living life as a powerful witness come from the forty days after the resurrection. There was power in Jesus’ words and assurance in His provision. If God is for us, who can be against us! The power within us is greater than the task before us. When Jesus said, “Go,” He didn’t leave us powerless. He has equipped and enabled us to fulfill His purpose. The power of the Holy Spirit in our lives still provides the power to be His witnesses!

After Easter – Witnesses of the resurrected Christ

“He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once …. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time” (1 Corinthians 15:5-8).

“If Christ is not risen, your faith is empty!” The apostle Paul grabs our attention with this statement in his first letter to the Corinthians (15:14). When Paul set out to give evidence of the validity of the resurrection he established a list of witnesses, an actual count of observers who saw Jesus, those who talked with Jesus, even ate with Jesus, following His resurrection from the dead. (See 1 Corinthians 15:3-9.)

Prior to the first witness on Paul’s list, the Gospels record that Mary Magdalene and the other women with her came before daybreak only to find the tomb vacant. She delivered the news of the vacancy to the disciples. Peter and John came to investigate and then returned home. Fresh from the opened grave Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene as she lingered behind mourning the death and absence of her Lord. His appearance and words turned her sorrow into amazement and joy.

Luke tells the story of two believers journeying to Emmaus, their hearts filled with grief and sorrow for the tragic events of the recent Passover in Jerusalem. While they walked, a stranger joined them and soon heard the sad story of their sorrow. He began to encourage them with words of Scripture and passages from the prophets concerning Messiah and events that would surround his life and death. Upon arrival at their home they invited this stranger to eat with them. As He took the bread and broke it suddenly their eyes were opened that this was the risen Christ!

Later that day, Jesus appeared in a closed room gathering of fearful disciples who were unable to believe that Jesus was indeed living again. They refused to believe the report of the women, perhaps attributing their testimony as the result of overwrought emotions. However, their faith was soon validated and the report verified as Jesus stood in their midst displaying fresh scars from the wounds in His hands, feet, and side.

On another occasion Paul said there were more than five hundred at one time who saw Jesus alive after His resurrection. This could have been His last meeting with the believers on the Mount of Olives, the place of His ascension. There He gave His final instructions, challenging them to return to Jerusalem to receive the Promise of the Father. He told them they would be witnesses in all the world after they received the power of the Holy Spirit. In one final dramatic moment He was received up into heaven leaving the crowd with open-mouthed amazement.

The witnesses of faith include more than this brief list. The book of Hebrews documents a long list of faithful men and women through time that attest to the validity of faith and the assurance of the presence of our God working in us. “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Our faith is valid because of an empty tomb and a living Savior!

After Easter – Forty days of Wonder

“He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3).

Can you imagine the discussions and excitement that took place after the resurrection of Jesus? After the initial shock of seeing him alive after such a brutal death, it must have left the witnesses with a sense of wonder each time they saw Him living and breathing. After the ecstasy of seeing His victory over the grave there must have been an amazed euphoria with every visitation Jesus made.

In our minds we often place the ascension very close to the resurrection. It was like there was an appearance or two, and then away He went into the clouds never to be seen again. Actually, there were forty days and multiple occasions when Jesus met with His followers. That’s over a month of wonder and awe – He lives! He really lives!

He showed himself alive by “many infallible proofs,” as Luke says it. There was to be no doubt in the minds of His apostles and other believers that this was indeed the same one that suffered, died and now stood before them alive!

“I can’t believe you are here!” one might have said. “Can I see your hand again?” another may have asked. It took a few days for the reality of resurrection to really be grasped. Jesus spent that time with the believers so it would be firmly established in their own minds, in their teaching, and in their writings for future generations of believers.

Lest they should believe He was only a Spirit, a ghost that had returned to visit them, He showed them His wounds and ate fish with them. Jesus said, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Handle me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have. When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, "Have you any food here?" So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And He took it and ate in their presence” (Luke 24:39-43).

Before the disciples could believe, Jesus had to open their understanding of the Scriptures so that they could see how He was indeed the fulfillment of the prophecies, the psalms and the writings. Revelation often dawns slowly rather than suddenly with the blinding flash of illumination in a moment’s understanding. As believers met together and talked of all that Jesus had done and said, a fuller understanding of His purpose began to be revealed. It was forty days of wonder, forty days of revelation, forty days of instruction that would forever shape the foundation of the church.

Jesus still gives us time. Time to know Him. Time to receive His revelation. Time to revel in His wonder. As we spend time in His presence He is revealed in our lives and the confirmation of His resurrection is made known to us also!

After Easter – The Time of Realization

The gloom of the tomb is past, the Lord of life lives

The pain of birth is very real during labor and delivery. Thankfully, there are medications and procedures that help new mothers cope with the trauma of birth. Rash statements are sometimes made when the pain is severe. Some have said, “I’ll never have another child!” While at the moment she is very sincere, with the passage of time the memory of the pain fades and the joy of a new birth causes one to forget those rash promises. The joy of life overshadows the pain of suffering.

The same was true for the triumph of resurrection. As horrible and gruesome as the affliction of the cross was, it could not be compared with the jubilation experienced on Easter morning. In no way do we minimize the cost of Calvary or the intensity of Gethsemane’s intercession. It takes nothing away from the significant suffering and the supreme sacrifice of the Savior to magnify the joy of resurrection. The pain had passed, the task completed, and the resurrected savior was reunited with His disciples. There was ample cause for celebration and abundant reason to rejoice!

It was said of Jesus by the writer of Hebrews, “who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Nothing about the cross itself could be considered joyous, but the end result brought satisfaction. The accomplishment of redemption and the triumph of life over death was the cause for His joy.

Timorous disciples were emboldened by the realization of Christ’s victory over death. No longer did they have to fear what others could do to them. After all that Christ had suffered, here He stood before them restored to life, radiant in power, and resplendent in glory. No wonder these disciples seemed like changed men in the book of Acts. They had witnessed the worst that the world could dish out and had seen Jesus return to them with only healing scars marking the wounds of His suffering. They must have been thinking of these events when they were “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41). They continued teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ publicly in the temple and from house to house. While they were threatened, and then beaten, and some eventually killed, there was a confidence in the knowledge that death is not the end. The grave is not forever.

He lives, He’s here, He’s alive forevermore. This gives us cause to proclaim His message to the world. There’s a whole lot of living beyond the present and the future joy will surpass the suffering we may endure. Paul said, “if indeed we suffer with Him, … we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17-18).