Faithful on Fridays Blog

Let’s talk about the forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and the ascension,

He presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3 

Jesus walked and talked with His disciples for 3½ years; wasn’t that enough time to make His points and drive home His teachings? What could He possibly be talking about that He hadn’t already said? They needed to be convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He was the long-awaited Messiah of the Old Testament.

These men were the future ministry leaders who’d all be martyred, only John survived, so they’d be staking their lives on His evidence. He took forty more days to expound on the Scriptures that pointed to Him as He made His final round. The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-27) is a fascinating story of two disciples encountering the risen Christ. Being ‘foolish ones’ and ‘slow of heart to believe’ He gave them, beginning with Moses and all the prophets, interpretation of the Old Testament: They all pointed to Him. Their hearts burned with passion as He opened their eyes to revelation and then repeated the experience with the Eleven. Jesus knew doubts would arise in their hearts, their faith would waver, but He took not a couple days, not a month, but forty days to prove that everything written about the Messiah was fulfilled in Him.

Forty isn’t some random number, 

• Noah and his family remained on the ark forty days before it was safe to begin a new life on renewed land (Gen. 7-8). That’s the lower story. After Jesus fulfilled the Scriptures it’s now safe for our families to begin a new life as well … in Him. That’s the upper story.

• Moses, a prefigure of Christ, spent forty days in the glorious presence of God when the people became stubborn, forgot about Him, and rebelled (Dt. 9:9-29). He interceded, became a mediator between them and God, pleading for mercy and not destruction (lower story). Jesus is our Mediator, paying for our sins so we receive God’s mercy and victorious life … in Him (upper story).

• Spies were sent on a mission into the Promised Land (Num. 13:25-30) lasting forty days and reported back that the land was wonderful, however, there were formidable enemies. Caleb spoke up declaring that they are ‘well-able’ to overcome them (lower story). Let’s be like Caleb declaring that we are also overcomers: Nike believers! (Upper story)

• The Spirit led Jesus into the temptation wilderness for forty days confronting Satan. He was the Overcomer showing us how to fight the enemy with the Word of God.

According to Luke 24:44-53 after Jesus opened their eyes to the Messianic Thread woven throughout the Old Testament, then He opened their minds to understand it. May you see Jesus in your forty day experience, a lifetime really, seeing and understanding Him in every book of the Bible.

Means of Grace-The Sacraments

The ways that God blesses the church are called the Means of Grace and we’ll see that each one is unique and indispensable to us. The sacraments are agreed upon by all Christian denominations as a means of grace and are another benefit to us. Some Christians have a longer list of what’s included in the sacraments (Roman Catholics have 7, Lutherans have 3, other Protestants have 2), however, they do agree the sacraments remind us of His promises and publicly declare His love, forgiveness, and grace with beautiful visuals to help us remember. 

Let’s take a quick view of two of them: baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Scripture tells us that baptism gives us an opportunity to identify with the death and resurrection of Christ (Rom. 6:1-11). Among other benefits, baptism allows us to experience in an outward way (the lower story), the inward transformation of our hearts (the upper story). 

Baptism is a moment in time when we experience personal communion with God and receive His forgiveness by allowing the water to ‘wash away our sins’: a perfect visual.  What a wonderful way or means for receiving God’s grace in the presence of other believers. Baptism strengthens our faith and allows the community of believers to witness God’s amazing grace as He transforms us. However, this one-time act of baptism isn’t the end, the church also comes together for another amazing time of communion with God: the Lord’s Supper. 

Conversely to baptism, the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or the Eucharist isn’t a one-time act, but a repeated experience that allows believers to celebrate God’s forgiveness and love in a different visible way. It’s a time when we enter into God’s presence, yet again, and remember the death and resurrection of Christ. It reaffirms His covenant to us and we confirm our commitment to Him; it’s like renewing your marriage vows. When you got married you told your spouse you love them, right? But is your attitude that you told them once and that’s enough? No, you reconfirm your love. Communion is another sacred act that we enjoy as a body of believers showing us, in a another supernatural way, that an inward grace is being imparted to us. We physically experience the outward act of eating the bread and drinking the wine (or juice), literally, the visible confirming the invisible. 

The sacraments are unique and specific ways God renews His love for us, they’re set apart by Him as special times of experience with Him. Let’s view baptism with renewed eyes and participate in the Lord’s Supper with a refreshed perspective of joining ourselves to Christ; they’re truly God’s means of showing His grace to His Church in unique and indispensable ways.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11 

Resurrection Sunday was a wonderful celebration of our Risen Christ, unfortunately, many preachers simply move on to another sermon series. Let’s slow down for a moment to ponder those 40 days Jesus walked around with His Eleven in His glorified body: He was alive.

His ministry on earth began in heaven when He accepted His assignment as the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of the world that hadn’t even been created yet (John 17:5)! This became a heaven to earth, earth to heaven connection that would benefit His followers in time. 

When we prepare our kids for an event that’s coming, whether good or bad, we usually begin by dropping little hints, describing what’ll happen, and let it sink in for a while. Jesus did the same thing. Early in His ministry He said,

No one has ascended into heaven except He who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. John 3:13 

Did they understand this the first time, no. 

Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? John 6:62

He’s dropping those hints to prepare them for ministry by faith and not by sight. He even told the religious leaders who eventually became furious,

Jesus then said, “I will be with you a little longer, and then I am going to Him who sent Me. John 7:33

Before going to the cross Jesus told His disciples He’d be returning to the Father, but would come back (read John 14 and 16), additionally, He told the High Priest at His trial,

“… I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The rage only increased against Him.

This concept of ascension, or being lifted and taken up, wasn’t foreign to the religious leaders or the disciples. They were undoubtedly familiar with the ascension of Enoch and Elijah of the Old Testament as foreshadows of earth and heaven connecting in a supernatural way. Jesus could’ve left earth immediately after His resurrection, however, He had more work convincing His future ministry leaders that earth to heaven is a reality called eternal life. 

The crucifixion wasn’t the completion of His ministry; when Jesus said, “It’s finished” it  was one phase He was required to walk … but there was more. His resurrection wasn’t even the end … there’s more to come. 

Giving infallible proof to His followers Jesus was truly alive. He ate and drank with them, allowing the touch of His glorified body which retained the scars, supernaturally appeared in a locked room, and continued His ministry in the Galilee for another 40 days. Paul wrote (1 Cor. 15:5) that Jesus appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, why? To give them first-hand testimony; He was alive. Jesus wasn’t finished with ministry at the resurrection, He had another stage to pass through which we’ll explore: the ascension, connecting earth to heaven.

Means of Grace- The Word of God

Even though there are differences in our Christian denominations regarding what should be included in the means of grace (the ways that God blesses the church), there are several that have always taken precedence. The preaching and teaching of God’s Word is paramount. As the Church has spread across the globe throughout the last 2,000 years the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the teaching of the Bible, and the reading aloud of scripture has not changed. It’s the life-breathing gift of the Spirit of God to the Body of Christ and it keeps us alive in Him.  

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. John 6:63

And now I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. Acts 20:32

The scriptures give us life and hope as we listen or read them for ourselves. They remind us of promises and truths that we tend to forget. This means of grace gives us the blessed assurance of His unfailing, covenantal love freely and undeservedly given to us. Even as we ponder on gifts for our loved ones, we do not, I hope, make our decisions based on their worthiness. If God responded to us with that kind of justice there would be no grace or mercy since we deserve His wrath. Thankfully God had a better plan:

For if, because of one man’s trespass (Adam), death reigned, through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Rom. 5:17

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Sometimes the preaching of God’s Word brings us to repentance, at other times it makes us feel confident and confirmed about our direction in life. Whatever place you find yourself today, remember that the Word of God keeps you. It keeps you hopeful, keeps you assured, keeps you humble, and keeps you in peace.

The teaching of His Word has also maintained it’s historical, elevated place in the Church because it’s indispensable. If you can’t understand what the scriptures mean and how to apply them they will do you little, practical good. You’ll not experience the fullness of God, eternally ruling and reigning with Him (Gen. 1:28; Eph. 2:6-7; Rev. 5:9-10) if you don’t know how to walk in His ways. 

Meditate on the means of grace this week, specifically, the peaching and teaching of the Word of God; go to church or watch a podcast allowing the Word and Spirit to permeate your soul and lead you into a victorious life.

As Jesus took His seat at the table of the Last Supper it was a foreshadow of the coming Table in the Kingdom of God.

And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 8:11

And just as my Father has granted me a Kingdom, I now grant you the right to eat and drink at My table in My Kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29-30 

I’m convinced that table is pointing us to the feast known as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:9) where all those who are invited will join our Savior, the crucified and risen Christ, the Lamb of God, and the One who the centurion at the cross  declared, “Truly this was the Son of God.” Mark 15:39 

Those who receive the coveted invitation are those who are ready for His return; the natural question arises, “How does one get ready?” 

“Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to Him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and His bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people. Revelation 19:7-8

Jesus is serious about His followers doing good deeds as they represent Him to the world. He expects us to care for the poor and needy, bring hope and encouragement to those who are experiencing trials in life, and ‘do justice’ by righting some wrongs people are enduring: that’s doing justice. He told a parable right before going to the cross where a king threw a wedding feast for his son and invited many guests who cared nothing about it and were too busy to attend. He declared those who spurned him to be unworthy and for the servants to go out to the main roads and gather many more guests, good and bad, so the feast would go on. Interestingly, a man snuck in who had no wedding garment. That would be a white linen robe worn over his clothing that was a custom in those days. The man was thrown out of the celebration feast (Mat. 22:1-13). 

Do you see the foreshadow of that parable? Rev. 19:7-8 declares that the fine linen worn by the bride to the Wedding Feast of the Lamb signified her good deeds. That’s a strong statement. As we all wait for the Return of Christ and the marriage feast let’s be sure we’re ready by being Jesus’ hands and feet when we see a need. He’s watching and pleased when He’s represented well, however, we don’t do good deeds because we want that invitation, but because we follow Christ.

Means of Grace- Part One

There’s a phrase that’s been used by the Church for centuries that’s familiar to some and unfamiliar to others: the means of grace. For starters, let’s define grace. In the Old Testament the Hebrew word chesed is translated unfailing love, steadfast love, kindness, or mercy. In the New Testament we have the Greek word charis which is commonly translated grace: God’s unmerited or undeserved favor. This merciful, kind, unfailing, undeserved love that God has for His Church is freely given and impossible to earn. We don’t have to be good enough, attend church enough times, spend enough  time reading the Bible or praying; who decides what’s enough? Do see where I’m going? Grace is a free gift from our heavenly Father and soon coming-King, our Bridegroom Jesus. He desires to bless us in as many ways as a godly husband desires to bless his wife. For those of us who are married, remember those early days; you couldn’t do enough for each other. Even though we may have strayed from those early days, God has not. Grace is poured out on His Church because His love never fails, it’s unchangeable, so unlike us.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 

How does God accomplish this pouring out of His love; how do we recognize grace?Individually it’s easy to see: peace in our hearts, answered prayer, a joyful spirit in the midst of turmoil, to name a few. But what about the Church, the universal, corporate Body of Christ that has existed for over two thousand years? How does the Head of the Body, Jesus, bless the rest of the Body, the Church? It’s called the means of grace. 

This phrase is defined differently by different church denominations, but we all have several ways or means in common. In the Catholic, Orthodox, and Lutheran Churches we have the Word of God and the Sacraments as central to this working definition, therefore, we’ll look at the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, the Lord’s Supper, and Baptism as ways that God blesses and favors His Church. I will also take a Reformed look adding some other ways we receive His grace. 

Let’s get to know our Church Fathers who were sinners, just like us, who came to experience God’s grace personally, became leaders in the Church, and wrote good theology that has existed for two millennium. We’ll take a look, over the next 10 weeks, at these divine ways or methods that God works through the Holy Spirit to benefit the Church showing us repeatedly how much He loves us. The times and culture may have changed, but God continues to show His unfailing love, chesed, throughout the world, in to believers from every nation that honors Him through these means of grace.

… and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33b ESV

Today is Good Friday when we remember Jesus making that final trek to His execution, suffering in our place. He had dinner with His closest followers on the night before: Maundy Thursday. Judas was the betrayer, but what about the other apostles? Among them were a denier, a doubter, power-hungry brothers, all seated at the table. It was His final Passover and Jesus desired it, knowing Judas would instigate His suffering.

A nice meal with family and friends sitting around your table is a great time for discussion, everyone is relaxed and more open to share. That’s true for this table as well. After sharing the Last Supper, Jesus rather nonchalantly declared that one sitting with them will betray Him, it’s been determined by God, but only sorrow will come to that man. I’m thinking the atmosphere around the table shifted, but it didn’t stop the rest of the disciples; they began to argue about who’s the greatest. Ahhhh … the family meal. Guards are down and hearts are revealed. Jesus takes this opportunity to teach about servanthood (Luke 22:24-30). He said the greater position of leadership will flip and become the servant in the Kingdom of God. That’s upside down; He’s turned the tables!

Later, only recorded in John 13, the Lord rose from the table, put on a type of apron, and washed His disciples’ feet as a servant would do. When He finished, returned to the table, and asked them if they understood the whole foot-washing experience? Additionally He said that if they knew Him not only as Teacher, but also Lord, then they would follow His example ‘washing people’s feet’, not the lower story, but the upper story. Jesus’ point was driven home: servanthood. We not only serve others in the lower story when we find a need, but also serve others by the upper story: forgiveness. Jesus told Peter he was clean, he believed Jesus was the Messiah, but he still needed his feet to be washed (John 12:6-10). The upper story of foot-washing is really about our daily forgiveness and the command to love by forgiving.

 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” John 13:34-35

Take some time today to reflect on your sin, His washing, and whose ‘feet’ you may need to wash with forgiveness. Walk that Road of Golgotha (Calvary) alongside Him today as you listen or read what He endured for your sake and in your place. Make Good Friday really good as you experience a co-crucifixion with Him,

I’m crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 

Clean, by Natalie Grant

Jesus’ Last Week: Part Seven

As we arrive at the closing of Jesus’ teachings let’s remember His last instructions before the Cross: be faithful, be wise, and be accountable. Matt. 24:45-51 is the first of three parables given to stress those points. This parable (also found in Luke 12) describes a servant/manager, with position and authority, whose responsibility is to take every opportunity to bless those around him. When his master comes to check on him he’ll determine if he was faithful or irresponsible with his possessions. There are always consequences to behavior, therefore, when we evaluate ourselves will we hear these words …

Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matt. 25:31

Secondly, the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) highlights the value of intimacy with God which leads to wisdom. Based on having enough oil for light, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the five wise virgins were separated from the foolish when the Bridegroom finally arrived. Time spent with God always brings wisdom and the strength you need for any circumstance. You begin to know Him and He knows you. When He returns at the midnight hour will your light be shining?

Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning. Luke 12:35

Will you be ready to enter into the marriage feast?

Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His Bride has made herself ready. Rev. 19:7

Thirdly, Jesus desired us to seriously use the spiritual gifts He’s given us. Matt. 25:14-30 tells the story of three servants who were entrusted with specific abilities, dunamis power, to use in the absence of the Master. Keep in mind, the three servants had varying degrees of ability in their positions, but the Master still expected results. What did they do with what they were given?

As believers we’re all given positions in the Kingdom of God with His authority to be used in the here-and-now. 

What is man, that You are mindful of him, or the son of man, that You care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet. Heb. 2:7 

We identify with the three parables as we evaluate our spiritual lives and ways we’re serving the King until He returns.

If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. John 12:26

I join you as we eagerly wait and anticipate Jesus’ return (1 Cor. 1:7) all the while passionate for good works (Titus 2:13). As we serve Him now, faithful to use our gifts (1 Cor. 12), gaining His wisdom in time spent with Him, we can rest in blessed assurance that He is pleased.

The English language is full of idioms, phrases that use lower stories pointing to an upper story, that only English speaking listeners understand. Sayings or expressions using metaphors cause you to think a little deeper, take a table, for example. Do I want you to literally ‘take’ a table somewhere … or think about the characteristics of a table? The Hebrew language takes these idioms to a new level as we study the upper story meaning in Biblical passages. Stay with me; this is gonna be fun.

The Hebrew word for table is ‘shulkan’ whose root meaning is to spread or stretch out, send away or extend, let loose or free something. That’s quite a variety of meaning, but as we gather around the table, I lay all my cards on the table, and you have a seat at the table more understanding will come.

In Proverbs 6:12-19 we find seven things the Lord actually hates; that should peak your interest. Last on the list is ‘one who sows discord among the brothers’. The lower story causes you to think about planting seeds (sowing), however, the upper story or spiritual meaning is that God hates spreading or letting loose of words that cause conflict. It’s like setting a table of lies, causing trouble. 

Jacob’s son, Joseph, became a ruler in Egypt, therefore, had a privileged table where he met face to face with his brothers revealing his true identity. Later, when God spoke to Moses in the book of Exodus His repeated instructions were to tell Pharaoh, “Let My people go!” letting loose, freeing, and sending them away; their bondage is ‘off the table’ so to speak. Finally, God gave Moses the pattern for the Tabernacle (Ex. 25) including a golden Table of Showbread prepared with plates, dishes, pitchers, and bowls arranged alongside 12 loaves of bread. God wanted a beautiful, organized table set and replenished every week on the Sabbath, reminding them of His Presence among them. The Table of His Presence was the upper story seen in this shulkan from which we can benefit. How? 

God gives us a seat at His Table when we take the time to sit with Him in prayer. We comfortably stretch out, let loose of our troubles, with nothing off the table since He’s trustworthy and promises freedom at His Table. There’s more to come about the table, but let’s table it for now, and think about what needs to be discussed with Him in order for us to be free. Trouble with anger? Depression? Lies? Family conflict? Work? Lay all your cards on the table with God, be honest since He already knows your heart. Let this last week of Lent be a time of spiritual renewal as you think about Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and finally Resurrection Sunday! 

I want to set a beautiful table with my best dishes, silverware, glassware, and fresh bread because it reminds me of God’s Presence and freedom that’s always available at His Table. 

Jesus’ Last Week: Part Six

Jesus was clear, He didn’t know when He was coming back but that didn’t stop Him from emphasizing how important it was to be ready. Matthew alone records the similarities of Noah and the world living a life of pleasure; they were unaware of the sweeping flood; only Noah and his family were prepared. Jesus’ return will be a parallel, another separation: one will be taken and received into His care (like the ark) and one left to judgment (24:40-41). 

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:3 

Jesus warned us four times to stay awake (Mark 13:33-37), be alert, and on guard; Luke adds an admonishment to watch yourselves (21:34-36) and the way you live. Why was it crucial during His last few days on earth to emphasize watchfulness? Maybe because we become so enmeshed in life we forget the important things, consequently, we allow the world to lull us to sleep. 

Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. Luke 21:34-36a 

THAT DAY is His return viewed by the whole earth, believers and unbelievers; we should walk in that expectation every day.

For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2-7 

Jesus emphatically instructed us to pray for prevailing strength to escape the tribulation that’s coming on the earth: to be overcomers (Luke 21:36). All will literally stand before Him, the Son of Man, to receive reward or judgment based on our spiritual standing. For believers, His righteousness was charged to our account,  justification, that clears us of all offenses: we are in right standing with God waiting to receive reward. 

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28