Understanding Purpose and Destiny

Scripture: Commit your work to the Lord, then it will succeed. The Lord has made everything for his own purposes—even the wicked for punishment. Proverbs 16:3-4

Observation: This very simple proverb - especially verse 4 - touches on a difficult topic, which is predestination. It seems to state that the Lord makes wicked people for the purpose of punishing them, and this would imply that some people are both a) wicked not by their choices, but by the choice of the Lord, and b) destined from birth to divine punishment.

Yet neither of these statements make sense, for we know that the Lord does not seek for anyone to be punished but that all be redeemed in Christ, and that the Lord detests sin and thus does not create people in order to perpetuate sinning. Therefore, this proverb must be read in a different structure where "purpose" is the main subject.

The Lord has his own purposes, and everything he has made aligns to those purposes. Yet one of those purposes is to define both holy goodness and evil wickedness, and to guide all people to selecting goodness. Wicked people are punished, to both correct them and to guide others toward holiness, in alignment with God's purposes.

Application: I look for God's purpose in my life, and I tend to look for it in the small details of ... everything, but most notably my work. However, the Lord also has grand designs and purposes, and orchestrates all creation toward that vision. This is so complex of a thing that even the idea of wicked people being punished fits within the design, not because God likes to punish, but because he values how correction guides us all.

I'm sure I have been wicked in my life, and I have been corrected ... punished. I am different than I was three, ten, or thirty years ago. I do desire different things in life, and most of them involve Jesus. I still make mistakes to be certain, yet more and more I desire to know God's purposes in general, and his purposes for my life specifically, and to align to them.

Prayer: Lord, you purposes are wonderful. May I find my place in your grand design for creation, and may I find the work that I can truly commit to you. In the mean time, I strive to walk humbly with you this day and every day. Amen.

Discerning When to Withdraw

Scripture: But some rejected his message and publicly spoke against Christ, so he [Paul] left, refusing to preach to them again. Pulling out the believers, he began a separate meeting at the lecture hall of Tyrannus and preached there daily. This went on for the next two years, so that everyone in the Turkish province of Asia Minor—both Jews and Greeks—heard the Lord’s message. Acts 19:9-10

Observation: Paul has been preaching about Jesus in the synagogue of Ephesus for three months. Many believe, yet others don't, and some in this latter group speak against Christ. In response, Paul stops speaking in the synagogue, establishes his own church meetings, and over the next two years many, many people - it says everyone in Asia Minor - hears the gospel.

Paul made a decision, which was that the resistance to the gospel within the synagogue had reached the point where it was no longer worthwhile to speak there. He had reached many, but others were digging in with their resistance, and Paul chose to withdraw rather than continue in debate. This was clearly the right decision, as it resulted in a strong church being established, and in a great reach of the gospel across modern Turkey. So how did Paul know it was time to take this action?

One possible answer is that the opponents were speaking not just against Jesus, but against the very concept of Messiah. The NIV says these people "became obstinate; refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way". This doesn't sound like a rejection of Jesus, but rather a rejection of the idea of any savior ... of the Christ ... and of the resulting faith of the believers. The discussion therefore is not about whether or not Jesus is Messiah, but resistance to the entire concept of faith in any Messiah.

Application: Our church does so much for the sake of reaching our community and effecting evangelism, but I have often thought about ... when is the right time to withdraw and not engage with a person or group? There is an answer here from Paul. He didn't withdraw when others questioned his message, but rather when they outright rejected the foundational concept that salvation - especially salvation through faith in God's promises - was even possible.

Where does that leave us today? The implications for a church that exists in a place where many people actively reject the existence of God are ... important. Certainly there is the obligation to provide the correct facts about the Lord, his promises, and the fulfillment of those promises through Jesus. But there are those who have heard all that yet "become obstinate" in their rejection of even the base principles. Perhaps this is a context where we - as mere human messengers - can no longer affect a person's heart without the Holy Spirit's intercession.

Paul didn't stop speaking. In fact, he continued for two years, creating a great church with a massively broad reach! It is very likely those obstinate rejecters continued to hear about Jesus, and perhaps re-engaged once their hearts were softened. However, Paul did change from direct evangelism to a more passive form of strengthening believers' understanding. There is a time for both.

Prayer: Lord, I ask for your strength as I look to engage others, inviting them to Alpha, but also just demonstrating your love in the world. We are in a place of active rejection of you and your love. May we all find ways to introduce Jesus to the world within this context, in a manner that loves others. Amen.

Both Proceeding and Waiting

Scripture: Next they traveled through Phrygia and Galatia because the Holy Spirit had told them not to go into the Turkish province of Asia Minor at that time. Then going along the borders of Mysia they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus said no. So instead they went on through Mysia province to the city of Troas. Acts 16:6-8

Observation: By this time, Paul's traveling party has grown, and they have a clear purpose. In addition to Paul and Silas, Timothy and Luke are now meaningful members of the team. Their primary mission is to evangelize to the Gentiles, but they also have a secondary charter, which is to tell existing churches the information about the implications of faith as they apply to Jewish laws. However, as they travel, the Holy Spirit is telling them ... no, don't go there.

The Spirit is about to tell them to go to Greek Macedonia, which will take them directly to Philippi. But for now, all they team knows is that God is saying ... no, don't go into Asia Minor or any other place due north of here. Not knowing yet where to go for evangelism, they still don't just sit still. Rather, they continue with their secondary goal, which is visiting existing churches and informing them of the decisions that have come out of Jerusalem.

The Lord is preparing for a specific time and place for the great work of evangelism to continue in Greece. However, the team doesn't just sit around and wait for that time. Instead, they continue to make themselves busy, visiting and encouraging believers, and even picking up a few more to join them in their work. Later, these two will become exceedingly important. For now, they are the harvest produced by faithfully waiting for what to do next.

Application: I am praying into understanding my mission in life. I have never, ever understood what I should be doing, why I am where I am, or how my life contributes to the Lord's purposes. I have felt aimless most of my life, not knowing what I should be doing.

The example of Paul and Silas here tells me two things. First is that ... this happens. Even apostles sometimes don't know what they should be doing, or are even just told "no, don't do that" without the corresponding "do this instead" information. This is normal. The second lesson is that, in the waiting, there is still very meaningful service to do. In fact, there is service that may produce equally great outcomes, even if it feels like a secondary priority.

So now ... I don't know what my direction should be in life, AND I don't know what I should be doing now while I await guidance on that direction. So I will do my best to live as the Lord would advise. I will improve how I love others. I will strive to live well within my church community. I will tell people where I am - at work and in my community - about Jesus. I will pray and strive to improve my relationship with the Lord.

Prayer: Abba, I desire to be closer to you. I know it is my nature to isolate myself, even from you, but that is not truly what I want. Please forgive my sins, and help me to resolve my heart to walk humbly with you daily. If that walk is just here, where I am, in and amongst my existing circumstances, that is great. I desire you alone. Amen.

Awaiting the Unknownable Solution

Scripture: Your road led by a pathway through the sea—a pathway no one knew was there! Psalm 77:19

Observation: As the psalmist writes about the old miracles and blessings of God, he recounts the parting of the Red Sea in this manner ... that the Lord led the people by a pathway that has previously been impossible to understand or perceive. It was a path through a parted ocean! No one could know such a thing was possible in advance.

Application: I have been thinking about the challenges we all walk through that are part of serving the Lord. There are so many attacks against our church leaders, all of which absorb time, attention, energy, and emotions. They take good people away from doing good work, and hurt them. Why the Lord allows this is a mystery, and I absolutely cannot understand it.

So it is good to know that there have always been great, glorious, awesome, wonderful outcomes produced by the Lord for his people, which cannot be in any way known or understood in advance. If we could understand them, it would diminish the wonder! Instead, it will remain a problem with no perceptible solution until - suddenly - God just takes care it.

This revelation may not make the current situation better, but it provides the hope needed to sustain and anticipate the outcome. It also absolutely removes the burden to solve the problem ourselves, as we can trust that the Lord already know how he will take care of it if we let him.

Prayer: Lord, our hope is in you, not just for our salvation, but also for addressing the pains and burdens and persecutions that come from serving you. Please be with my wife, my pastor, my church family, and me, this day and every day. These problems aren't even as big as an onrushing army. Help all in their weariness, and may we all have strength and faith for this day. Amen.

Properly Perceiving Good Gifts

Scripture: Solomon gave twenty cities in the land of Galilee to King Hiram of Tyre as payment for all the cedar and cypress lumber and gold he had furnished for the construction of the palace and Temple. Hiram came from Tyre to see the cities, but he wasn’t at all pleased with them. “What sort of deal is this, my brother?” he asked. “These cities are a wasteland!” (And they are still known as “The Wasteland” today.) 1 Kings 9:11-13

Observation: Solomon gives Hiram 20 cities in northern Israel - one for every year of construction - but Hiram doesn't like the cities. He believes the are in a worthless wasteland.

The cities are not named, but curious about them I did some research. In 2 Chronicles 8, we learn that Hiram gave the cities back to Solomon, and Solomon in turn built them into good cities, lived in by the Israelites - who at this time were living in peace and prosperity - because Hiram refused the land on behalf of his people. The word for "Wasteland" is Cabul, and to this very day the city of Kabul (modern spelling) still exists in Israel.

What Hiram rejected for his people as a worthless wasteland, Solomon then used to bless his people. The wasteland still exists as a thriving community 3,000 years later.

Application: In this scenario, Hiram's story can be summarized as follows ... he participated in great work serving the Lord, was given an earthly gift as a reward, rejected the gift because he didn't perceive its value, so God used the same exact gift to bless others instead, who received that gift and used it to their long-term benefit.

Have I ever been Hiram? Have I ever done work serving the Lord, but then when I was 'rewarded' for that service I didn't understand the gift, or didn't perceive its value, or even flat-out rejected it?

This is a question and lesson to consider. I have before wondered about reward for service. Mostly, I have thought that, since I don't serve the Lord in order to receive a reward, I shouldn't look for such a direct connection between service and blessing. However, at the end of a particularly difficult time of blessing (working Christmas lights?), I have thought ... 'okay, God, I hope you saw that.'

Moreover, I should evaluate the gifts in my life. Many blessings I can easily identity. However, certainly there are elements of my life that I consider of lesser value - maybe even worthless - but they are actually gifts from God and perhaps I am not properly recognizing their value. Rightly considered, they could provide long-term blessing for me and my family. Wrongly considered, they may be taken away and given to others.

Prayer: Lord, may I have wisdom to perceive the value of gifts you give. I do not serve you for reward, but I also know you are a loving God who gives good gifts. Allow me to look about me with new eyes, and see everything you have done for me and my family with a thankful heart. Amen.

Loving Brothers and Sisters

Scripture: It is better to eat soup with someone you love than steak with someone you hate. Proverbs 15:17

Observation: This is a very simple proverb with easily understood truth ... it is better to have simple time and partake the most basic of meals with good company you love, than it is to participate in rich, luxurious meals surrounded by people you hate. The former is safer, more relaxing, and more enjoyable.

Application: I sincerely wish I could learn to love better - and thus hang out with - my brothers and sisters in Christ. My wife and I both struggle with trust in this regard, and keep ourselves at arms length from everyone. It is difficult for us to "love" anyone, and thus difficult for us to find more than just a very small number of people we would ever want to hang out with.

Just last week again, we were reminded that there are people in the church who are NOT brothers and sisters, but are instead influenced by darkness in order to undermine and tear apart the body of believers. It is times like this that make it so hard to understand and find those people I could enjoy time with, and truly relax around them.

I would like to have brothers in Christ whom I can eat some soup with ... and yes, some steak too! I do avoid any activity around those I distrust, but having more people I love would be nice. Certainly, that begins with me opening my heart.

Prayer: Lord, if we are to love others more, we certainly need discernment of others as well, for protection of us, our family, and your body. Please guide us in meeting others. I would desire to trust more, and to love more. Amen.

Taking the Last Intellectual Step

Scripture: God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding, and a mind with broad interests. 1 Kings 4:29

Observation: Previous to this statement, we have seen Solomon's handling of internal affairs and rebellion, and his ability to exact justice. We have just been told of his organization of government and administrative structure. Immediately this statement, Solomon's wisdom and intellect is described. He studies deeply - nature is given as one example - and he writes both for the purposes of education (3,000 proverbs) and joy (1,005 psalms). He is wiser than 'the wise men of the East' and sought for guidance even from other kings.

It is this context that what happens next is documented ... Solomon begins building the Temple, declaring that it was God who instructed David that his son should do so, and in faith he now begins this massive project.

Solomon is wise beyond even eastern philosophers. Solomon is educated and expertly knowledgeable in matters of politics, governance, warfare, justice, nature, science, and psychology. And he absolutely and totally believes in Yahweh, the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

Application: I do not understand modern intellects who perceive through a logic an orderly structured universe, and use that same logic to dismiss the idea of an ... architect.

I refuse to debate anyone on such matters, because the Lord himself shows this is not the way to reach others with the good news of Jesus, and in the end that - and not "being right" - is the great point. But I just can't understand how an intelligent person can discover the mysteries of how life works, and refuse to explore the idea of ... why life should even exist at all, and why a universe that contains such existence even be.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for those today who think themselves too smart to believe in you. I understand their thinking, as I once thought that way, but I also knew I was stopping short of full discovery even then. The wisest man in history believed that faith in you was the natural next step to total wisdom and knowledge, and among the intellects of history he is not alone in that understanding. May others today, those who believe themselves intelligent beyond compare, take that one more step in their discovery of the universe, and discover that the creator is even more wonderous than all the mysterious workings of the creation. Amen.

Proper Classification of People

Scripture: However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene also gave their message about the Lord Jesus to some Greeks. And the Lord honored this effort so that large numbers of these Gentiles became believers. ... Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to hunt for Paul. When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch; and both of them stayed there for a full year teaching the many new converts. (It was there at Antioch that the believers were first called “Christians.”) Acts 11:20-21,25-26

Observation: The gospel was first to the Jews, for they had the context to fully understand the prophesies of Messiah as the son of Yahweh. However, Gentiles are now believing this good news as well, and this occurs for the first time in significant numbers in Antioch. Once the move begins, Barnabas - who then gets Paul for help - educate these Gentiles-turned-believers. And they are called ... Christians.

For many centuries of history, the scriptures have classified the world into two major groups. While there may be several nationalities identified, the important classification has been a person's relationship with the Lord, and if they are part of the chosen people - the Jews - or not - the Gentiles. We often see non-Jews who believe in Yahweh, but they are still Gentiles. However, in Antioch we finally see a new name given to a group of people.

And it is this reason that a third classification was needed ... these people are chosen by the Lord, through their faith in Jesus, however they are not descendants of Abraham. They are therefore not Jews - those people who received the old covenant as the chosen people of God - and they are not Gentiles - those people who have no covenant promise with the Lord. They have the promise, but without the lineage.

Application: In our day and age, people declare over and over how much they are against discrimination of people groups, yet they have SO many labels for people. In some cases, they have so many they just give up and add a + to the end of a list of initials. We label everyone based on ... skin color, birth heritage, living place, sexual practices, political leanings, financial status ... and more. What would it look like if I personally only considered people by three classifications?

Christians - My brothers and sisters in Christ

Jews - The chosen people of the Lord, who may or may not believe in Jesus as Messiah

Gentiles - Potential future Christians

There is no type of people on that list I could dislike! Of course, there are two types of people on that list that non-believers would hate ... but that is nothing new in the world.

Prayer: Lord, may our perception of others, and the way we treat others in the world, align to your thinking and love for everyone. And may that begin with me, as I desire to love others well. Our world will not eliminate labels, for the evil one has created them to divide us, but may I strive to eliminate such division in my heart. Amen.

Still Plenty Left to Show

Scripture: There is nothing left to show that we are your people. The prophets are gone, and who can say when it all will end? Psalm 74:9

Observation: As the psalmist laments the destruction of Israel, he declares that there is "nothing left" that proves they are the chosen people of God. He clarifies this by stating that the prophets, who might have been able to discern from the Lord when the hardships would end, are all gone.

As I consider this, I see two ways of interpreting the statement that there is "nothing left to show that we are your people." The first is that all the physical elements of worship have been destroyed. With structure and items removed, there are actually no items that exist to prove their selection by the Lord. The second is that the Lord himself has removed himself from the situation, as evidenced by the fact that his word is not present in the form of any prophet.

The first of these is an earthly matter, and is flawed if true. The Lord's blessing is not dependent on physical evidence, procedural structures, or any other material item in the world. The second of these is a true issue, for it indicates the Lord has departed from the people. It is the Lord's presence, and his Spirit, that is the very heart of his blessing, and if that is removed, then there is truly no evidence of a relationship between any people and the Lord.

Application: I take encouragement in this today for this fact ... I know people with clear gifts of prophesy and other gifts of the Spirit. I know and see how the Lord works in our community. By this I know ... there is still proof that we are the people of God.

Yes, I wish issues were resolved, conflicts were removed, individuals were corrected, groups were given peace, and all people knew the truth. However, I know the Lord is with those who love him, and those who place their faith in Jesus. This is all I ever need to know that the Lord is with us, and that I am a person chosen by him.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your truth and for your Holy Spirit. I sincerely wish to have more of your Spirit. May I live in you, walking humbly with you, this day and every day. Amen.

Peter in his First Capitol

Scripture: The news raced through the town, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed a long time in Joppa, living with Simon, the tanner. Acts 9:42-43

Observation: Peter has moved about from town to town in Israel, as has now raised Dorcas from death in the Joppa. He stays here for some time - a "long time" - and clearly establishes a strong center of Christian faith as many believed in the Gospel of Jesus.

Today, Joppa is spelled Jaffa. This town remained part of regional history, and when Israel was re-established it was at the center of the border discussion, as Jaffa was defined as the northernmost city of the Arab coastal lands. Israel didn't just move the border, but incorporated Jaffa into Tel Aviv, which is now its national capitol. Tel Aviv's full name is actually Tel Aviv-Yofa - again another spelling of Joppa - and the wikipedia history of Tel Aviv begins with a discussion of Joppa as the original city in this location.

So, as the apostles begin spreading their message and Peter's first journeys are documented, he performs one of his most famous acts ... the raising of Dorcas from death. Out of this, a significant body of believers is launched. And this location is now the capitol of Israel.

Application: The factual history of the bible is so intertwined with coincidence that it cannot be overstated. Peter would effectively be identified with two locations during his apostolic life, Joppa and Rome, and these two locations would both be established as national capitols.

Maybe this is a stretch, but the fact that the Lord's pronouncements are often fulfilled in many, many ways is stunning. No matter how someone interprets the declaration of "the rock" associated with Peter, it seems to come true ... whether he be the founder of the universal Church, buried under the largest church, or even associated with the operations of modern-day Israel.

Prayer: Lord, your word is surprising in its simple truth. May I continue to look for meaning from you every day. I desire your spirit this day and every day to guide my life. Amen.

Considering Motivations

Scripture: Meanwhile, Ahithophel—publicly disgraced when Absalom refused his advice—saddled his donkey, went to his hometown, set his affairs in order, and hanged himself; so he died and was buried beside his father. 2 Samuel 17:23

Observation: Ahithophel had been David's top advisor, but aided and then quickly joined Absalom in his coup. It is he who give Absalom the idea to sleep with David's concubines as a means for solidify the no-going-back nature of the revolt. And he gives Absalom advice about how to pursue and kill David ... but that advice is rejected through the workings of God himself, using David's friend Hushai.

For this one issue - having his good plan of pursuit rejected - Ahithophel kills himself. It is possible he knew the outcome of the coming conflict, which was that with Absalom leading the fight against David the result was a likely loss and thus restoration of David, and in turn his execution as a traitor.  However, this was far from guaranteed. It wasn't even certain there would be a battle given the large army going out against David's smaller band of followers ... the last time David ran from a king he hid for years. There was also a real chance of victory given the size of the army.

Instead, it is possible Ahithophel understands that the Lord himself has turned against him. Verse 16:23 highlights that everyone listened to Ahithophel because his wisdom sounded like it came directly from the Lord, and now suddenly his good advice is rejected by absolutely everyone. If he understand this, then he also would consider why God had turned against him, and thus examined his motivations for rebelling against David. His motivations couldn't even be just earthly, for he was already rich and powerful under David. Instead, Ahithophel's motivations had to be something even more sinister - more than just sins of greed that produced more sins of lying and murderous intent - but rather were anchored in this: The decision to opposed Yahweh himself.

Application: Jesus himself says that the "unforgivable sin" is blaspheme of the Holy Spirit. This is a way of describing a direct attack against the Lord.

I can commit many sins, like lying and hating, and I can fail to uphold many other teachings, like caring for others, being patient, and having a quick temper. However, we see that true evil is not when someone commits sins regardless how terrible. True evil is performing certain actions because it those actions are designed to actually oppose God. This I will never do.

There are those doing this in society today. I am not talking about those who take actions to advance an idea that is opposed to the Lord's laws and teachings, even when those people know their actions are in such conflict. I am talking about groups who have, as their agenda, opposing the Lord, and/or opposing Jesus.

Ahithophel did this, and knew it sentenced him to death. Judas did this, and knew it sentenced him to death. I do not know the motivations of modern people who actively and intentionally oppose the Lord, but I do worry about their future sentence.

Prayer: Lord, you are the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth, my father, and by Jesus also my savior, and by the Holy Spirit also my counselor and guide. May those who do not know you learn of you, discover your love and mercy, and turn to you. However, may those who in their knowledge and understanding of you actively oppose you, learn of your judgment and authority. Amen.

We Know the Lies and Methods

Scripture: The lying witnesses testified again that Stephen was constantly speaking against the Temple and against the laws of Moses. They declared, "We have heard him say that this fellow Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and throw out all of Moses’ laws." Acts 6:13-14

Observation: If Stephen was preaching a message completely consistent with Jesus, he in fact very likely said ... the temple will be destroyed, and Jesus has fulfilled Mosaic law providing sanctification by faith.

In other words, Stephen - and all the apostles and most educated disciples - would have been teaching a message that said there was a new means to worship the Lord. That new means was not based on even the existence of the temple, nor upon legal compliance, nor upon the merging of the two through ritual sacrifice, but rather was based on faith in Jesus as Messiah. If Stephen said that sanctification was not dependent on Mosaic law, then someone looking to twist the words would say Stephen was "throwing out" the law. If Stephen said that the temple doesn't even need to exist since Jesus is the source of salvation, then someone looking to twist the words would say Stephen was declaring that Jesus destroys the temple.

We see this as yet another example of how those who attacked the faithful - and Jesus himself - twist truth. They don't invent fact, they reinterpret truth by presenting it with a different context. Stephen never said to throw out the laws of Moses for he knew they still taught well about sins to be avoided. Stephen never said Jesus would destroy the temple though he knew the temple would soon be destroyed and that's its loss no longer greatly mattered. Yet in a flawed context, presented with malice, good truth becomes the lie to attack the faithful.

Application: I know how this feels. My wife knows how this feels. My children know how this feels. My pastor knows how this feels. Many of my brothers and sisters at our church know how this feels. Some of my friends know how this feels. And Christians throughout our nation and world know how this feels.

We know the lies that exist when non-believers choose to twist good truth into an attack. And we know the source of that attack, because we know the singular source of all lies against the Lord and against Jesus.

Satan, your future is known. We see your evil lies at work, and we know your methods. We will not be shaken in our faith, nor in our knowledge of the truth.

Prayer: Lord, when Stephen was attacked through the lies of the enemy, the result was an explosion of the truth throughout the world. As we live in this time that is almost completely defined by the lies of the enemy, may your truth now explode and be known all the more in the world. Amen.

Being Honest with God

Scripture: But Peter said, "Ananias, Satan has filled your heart. When you claimed this was the full price, you were lying to the Holy Spirit. The property was yours to sell or not, as you wished. And after selling it, it was yours to decide how much to give. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us, but to God." Acts 5:3-4

Observation: When Ananias present only part of their money to the Church, their sin is not that it was only part. The sin was lying about it. There was no sin in only presenting part of the money, and there was no sin in even not selling the property in the first place. However, Ananias and Sapphira lied to God about the value.

Application: God knows my deeds, so ... do I lie to him about them? My deeds are mostly evil, and I act in sinful and foolish ways for certain. But God absolutely knows the truth about me and my ways. Nothing I do or say is secret to him. My only comfort is that he somehow loves me anyway, and this is a truth I can reconcile in my mind, but cannot truly understand.

Prayer: Lord, I am a sinful person. Please do forgive my sins, for they are many and you know them all. I would desire to be better, but good behavior does not come easy. May I first start by being honest with you, recognizing you already know all about me anyway. Amen.

Wondering About the Others

Scripture: A group of us were there—Simon Peter, Thomas, “The Twin,” Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, my brother James and I and two other disciples. John 21:2

Observation: John lists the people on the beach, who will go fishing a thus meet Jesus the next morning. They include four of the 11 apostles - Peter, Thomas, Nathanael (Bartholomew), James, and John ... and "two other disciples." This occurs on a repeated basis in the gospels, where some people just aren't named. This is often juxtaposed against very specific details (in this chapter, the fact the fish catch was exactly 153 fish).

There is a general assumption that these disciples are part of the 70 or so who were at Pentecost. The church creates traditions around who unnamed disciples are, from these two, to all ~70, to others who may be traveling with the group. It is easy to dismiss this by stating that who they specifically were didn't matter. However, these others clearly did matter ... perhaps they did not become great leaders of the church, but they were there, they were faithful, they participated and did the work, and they were friends with the likes of Peter, James, and John.

Application: I often wonder who these people may be. I will Google the information, and sometimes I find out ... and sometimes I don't. Again, there may be church traditions about it, but just as often there is some explanation about how they just aren't part of the narrative and thus went unnamed by the writer. For example, many speculate these two are Philip and Andrews, while others say that cannot be correct for then why not name them, and they are likely just two other disciples in the area. In some cases - as in this - I will read about the some logical explanation ... like Peter was first, John in his humility listed he and James last of the 5-of-11 apostles, and therefore the other two certainly weren't part of that group.

There are always explanations and theories about unnamed disciples. However, they mattered enough to show up in the text, and they cared and believed enough to be there. This is like those at church who show up every week, yet whose names I struggle to remember. I need to fix that. I need to improve my memory and care about those who show up. Yes, ideally they begin to serve, they join in groups and studies, and they give. However, just as important, they are here, they believe, and they love Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, I know you are calling me to a heart of mercy and love of others. May I work on the practical side of this, becoming better with names. It has always been a challenge for me. Please may the Holy Spirit aid me in this. Amen.

A Little Less Like Me

A little more like mercy.

A little more like grace.

A little more like kindness, goodness, love and faith.

A little more like patience.

A little more like peace.

A little more like Jesus.