Advent Three - The Light of Joy Breaks Through

Week Three
December 15-21, 2024

The Light of Joy Breaks Through

We began this Advent Journey two weeks ago with the theme of the week -  The Light of Hope Shines in the Darkness. The key verse from Isaiah describes the darkness of human plight contrasted with the prophecy of hope that a great light will come. About 700 years later the Light of Joy Broke Through! That light is Jesus Christ. That first week we examined the darkness that came into the world through Adam and Eve's sin. Then we looked at the prophecies of the coming hope, a Son of promise and a Son to be a King - Jesus Christ. In the following week - The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggles, we looked into the lives of Zacharias and Mary. Each had an angelic visit with a seemingly impossible message to believe. Yes, they and their family around them, especially Joseph and Mary's parents must have struggled in their faith to believe that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. How could such a thing happen? And Mary, what a struggle for her! This is portrayed with excellence in the Nativity movie.

This week, ... we see the joy surrounding the coming of Jesus. We look at  Jesus in Matthew, Luke and John; as well as prophecies in Isaiah tied in with the Nativity Story. This week light three candles.

Sunday   
An Angel Visits Joseph 

Angel Visits Joseph - Tissot

Matt 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:14, Col. 1:15, John 1:1-3

Not only was Zacharias' and Mary's faith challenged; so was Joseph's. How could he believe that his fiance got pregnant by the Holy Spirit? So unlikely, until an angel appeared to him as well. Beyond that miracle though is prophecy of who Jesus is and His mission.
Read More

Monday 
Genealogy of Jesus 
Matt 1:18-25, Hebrews 2:17, 18 4:15

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

This about the people in Jesus' ancestral line. So many interesting people. There are fathers and sons listed in this genealogy record. Some of the names are a little difficult to pronounce; but each one represents a person and a life lived. More importantly, these were the people God chose to bring forth His son. They must have been pretty amazing people, right? Many of them were people of strong faith, devotion toward God and humility. But they were also people, like you and I... capable of mistakes and sin... lying and deceiving... and in some cases, really big sins... like adultery, prostitution, and murder. Why would God allow His Son to come from such sinful people? In speaking of God's Son, the author of Hebrews says:
Read More

Tuesday 
Joy to the World 
Luke 2:1-7

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive Her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room."

There was no room for them in the Inn. So He, the King of all heaven and earth was born in a stable to simple peasants. Through the ages since His Coming, millions have prepared room for Him in their hearts across the face of the earth.
Read More

Wednesday 
Simeon See’s God’s Salvation 

Simeons Moment

Luke 2:21-38

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation

Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples,

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,

And the glory of Your people Israel."

Luke 2:30-32

Enjoy your reading today in this rich passage. I hardly know what to emphasize, there are so many wonderful things here. Read More

Friday 
Light of the World 
Luke 2:30-32, John 1:4-13, 8:12, fulfills Isaiah 9:2

Simeon said as he blessed baby Jesus:  

"... my eyes have seen Your salvation 

Which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, 

A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, 

And the glory of Your people Israel."  

Luke 2:30-32

Today we will look at Jesus as a grown man and as the light prophesied by Simeon. The Apostle John says of Jesus: Read More


Saturday 
The Brightness of His Glory 

Luke 2:30-32, Heb 1:1-3, 2Cor 4:6,7, 3:18

"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and

the exact representation of His being,

sustaining all things by His powerful word.

Read More

This concludes Week 3 of our Advent Readings.

The Light of Joy Breaks Through. 

Now we move to the fourth and final week of Advent.

The Light of Peace, the Prince of Peace is Born 

Yes, The Light of Peace, because the Prince of Peace is Born!

Advent Two - The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle

Week Two
December 8-14, 2024

The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle

 This week we look into the book of Luke in the New Testament of the Bible and explore the challenges of faith brought about by announcements of an angel to Zacharias and Mary. Each of these people were average everyday people; who experienced something extraordinary! They became integral parts of the story of the Coming of Christ as a baby and foretelling His ministry as a man. Let's take a look into their lives. Light your second candle this week.  For these readings we will call it The Light of Faith.

Sunday
John’s Birth Announced to Zacharias
Luke 1:1-25

Zacharias and Gabriel - Tissot

As you read Luke 1:1-25 consider the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth. They had no children because she was barren and now they were getting old. The dream of having a child had long faded away leaving traces of sorrow for what could have been. See through the eyes of Zacharias' as he walks into the temple, perhaps the air is heavy with the scent of frankincense and light is filtering through the haze. There is a sense of holiness and the glory of God is thick. Then something extraordinary happened, something that would rock his faith to the core.  Experience the awe of this amazing story. 

Read More

Monday
Gabriel Announces Christ to be Born of Mary 
Luke 1:26-38

Annunciation - Rosetti

Mary was a humble young woman, born to a peasant family who lived in difficult times. Imagine as you read, being Mary, just a teen and being visited by the angel Gabriel. She must have been frightened. When Gabriel see's her concern and says: "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God". 

 
But how confusing for her to hear she will give birth to a son. "How can this be since I do not know a man?" She must have wondered what Joseph and her parents would think. What would happen to her, to be pregnant without a husband during that time in Israel? Read More

 

Tuesday
God’s Answer to David 
Luke 1:31-33, 2Samuel 7:12-22

In Luke 1:31-33, Gabriel told Mary,

"... you will conceive... and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus. He will be Great and called Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His Father David... and of His Kingdom there will be no end."

These verses fulfill a promise made to King David in 2Samuel 7:11-14. How does this apply to Advent, the Promise of the Coming of Christ? Does it tell us who he is? Read More

 

 

 

Wednesday
Mary Visits Elizabeth 
Luke 1:39-45

Today's reading is a favorite for women every where, especially those who are moms and enjoyed the wonder of carrying a new life. My favorite verse is:

'At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her, 

and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary,

"God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 

Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? 

When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. 

You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said."' 

Luke 1:41

Read More

 

Thursday
Mary’s Song of Praise 
Luke 1:46-56

Yesterday we saw what Elizabeth spoke to Mary. Here is Mary's reply:

James Tissot - Brooklyn Museum

"Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.
How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!...
For He took notice of His lowly servant girl, and
from now on all generations will call me blessed.
For the Mighty One is Holy
and He has done great things for me.
He shows mercy from
generation to generation to all who fear Him.
His mighty arm has done tremendous things!
Luke 1:46-55

Read More

Friday
The Birth of John 
Luke 1:57-66

The Visitation- Tissot, Brooklyn Museum

Elizabeth delivered her son and they named him John, meaning, "The Lord has shown favor".  Her neighbors and relatives rejoiced at the great mercy the Lord had shown her!
Joy emanates from God's favor and grace.

The neighbors of Zacharias and Elizabeth witnessed the miraculous work of God and marveled. Zacharias could then speak again for the first time since the visit of Gabriel. Then fear came over the people. They kept these sayings in their hearts, acknowledging that the Lord is with John and wondered what kind of child he will be.

Fear (Phobeo):frightening fearful sight...to be in awe of, revere... reverence.

What does it mean to fear God? Read More

Saturday
Zacharias’ Prophecy for His Little Son 
Luke 1:67-80

Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit, praised God for His faithfulness to keep His promises to His people.  He spoke a prophecy over his John, and Messiah saying,

"And you, my little son,
will be called the prophet of the Most High,
because you will prepare the way for the Lord.
You will tell his people how to find salvation
through forgiveness of their sins.

Because of God's tender mercy,

  the morning light from heaven
is about to break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and
in the shadow of death,
and to guide us to the path of peace."
Luke 1:76-79 NLT

Read More

This concludes Week 2 of our Advent Readings. 

The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle. 

You can see it in all of the lives touched deeply in the Promise and Coming of the King, Jesus Christ. Tomorrow begins Week 3, titled:

The Light of Joy Breaks Through

Advent One - Light of Hope Shines in the Darkness

Week One: December 1, through December 7, 2024

The Light of Hope Shines in the Darkness

This week we will look at the Old Testament, beginning in Genesis. We will see Christ in creation, the creation of people and then evil and why it was necessary for Jesus to come.  We will also see Noah, the Tower of Babel, Abraham, Samuel and King David... amazingly it is all related to the coming of Christ.

First Candle Lit

Light the first candle in your Advent wreath: It is the candle of Expectation or Hope (prophecy). For thousands of years God spoke to His people through the prophets. (People who hear God speak) They spoke of a Chosen One, a just King, who would come and deliver His people from darkness and the misery caused by sin. Their prophecies are recorded in the Bible and gave God's children hope. They anticipated and longed for the coming of a Chosen one. These prophecies weave through Biblical history, like a gleaming golden thread in the great tapestry of time. A prophet named Isaiah wrote about the darkness and discouragement of the people and most importantly about a very special child who would come and be a righteous and just King. Look at the Sunday post below to see how Isaiah describes Him.

Sunday  

A Great Light Will Shine
Isaiah 9:2-6

A Great Light will Shine

"The people who walk in darkness 

will see a great light. 

For those who live in a land of deep darkness, 

a light will shine... 

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. 

The government will rest on his shoulders. 

And he will be called: 

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

Isaiah 9:2-6 NLT

Blessings ~ Sheri

Read More:

Monday

God Created
Genesis 1

The story of the Advent is the story of the coming of Christ. The story of Jesus Christ actually begins in the very beginning of the Bible on the first page of the book of Genesis and extends to the very last page of the book of The Revelation of Jesus Christ. In fact, there are many places in the New Testament that speak of Jesus being right there in the beginning of creation with God. In the book of John he refers to Jesus as the Word and says,

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. 

He was in the beginning with God. 

All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made." 

John 1:1-3 NKJ

"In the beginning" is very reminiscent of in the first words in Genesis"
 Read More:

Tuesday

The Fall of Humanity

Genesis 2, 3 Isaiah 9:2, Romans 5:18, 12 -19

In yesterdays post, God Created, we learned about how God created the heavens and the earth. The first thing he did was to speak light, beautiful glorious light into existence. If you remember, in our first Advent post A Great Light will Shine Isaiah is quoted:

"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light." 

Isaiah 9:2 NLT

Adam and Eve Expelled from the Garden

 What did he mean by that? Where did this darkness come from? We will see in this post. Strangely, it is part, a very important part of the story of the Coming of Jesus Christ. It tells us why He came.

 

Read More:

Wednesday:

Evil Multiplies 

Genesis 4 - 12

This post is a summary of how sin multiplied as shown in Genesis chapters 4- 12: 1-3... 2 Chronicles 16:9, Hebrews 11: 8-10

When Adam and Eve decided to eat the fruit; it was a decision to not trust God and believe what He said. Once they ate the fruit, evil entered into their hearts and marred the goodness God created them to have, when He made them in His Own image. And when they had their first two sons evil was passed along to them as well, in the attitude of the heart. Every human being has a choice... will I trust and follow God or do things my own way? 

Along with evil came great tragedy and sorrow.  Then as this evil spread evil it resulted in the deep darkness that we saw in Isaiah in our first Advent post A Great Light will Shine. What does this have to do with Advent, the coming of Christ? Keep following and you will see.

In this post continues the spread of evil and darkness. Aw, but there is hope too found in two men whose hearts were loyal to God. Read more

Thursday:  

Abraham’s Son of the Promise

Reading: Genesis 15-22

Long ago, there was a man named Abram, who had a wife named Sarai. They were childless and were getting very old. Abram cried out to God:
'O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don't even have a son? Since You have given me no children;... a servant in my household will inherit all my wealth.'  And then the Lord said to him, 'No your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir. Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him,
Read More


Friday: 
Samuel and the King 

I Samuel 1, 16



As we saw yesterday, the Lord said to Sarah "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" With in the year, 90 year old Sarah miraculously had a son. Many years later there was a woman named Hannah who longed to have a son. She went with her husband to Shiloh for a sacrificial meal. During the meal, she got up to pray. She was in deep anguish and was crying bitterly. She made this vow to the Lord: "Oh Lord... if you will look upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you. He will be yours for his entire lifetime..." I Samuel 1:9-12 NLT  The priest Eli was watching her and assumed she was drunk.  But Hannah told him how she was praying out of great sorrow. Eli said to her..."May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of Him." vs 17  Read More

Saturday: 
David’s Question to God 

Psalm 8:1, 3 amplified; 4



Long ago, a shepherd boy, penned the following Psalm (song). I can imagine him on a hillside, bedded down with his sheep, looking up into the heavens, amazed with it's vastness and glory. By comparison he must have felt so small and insignificant. As he gazed in awe of this creation he asked God the following question: Read More

This concludes Week One of Advent - The Light of Hope Shines in the Darkness. Beginning tomorrow, the start of Week Two; The light of Faith Revealed in The Light of Faith Revealed in Struggle. In this week we fast forward to the time just before the coming of Christ. We will look at not only the Light of Hope seen in the prophesies of the Coming King; but also the struggles of faith in the people God chose to be part of the story to bring forth His Son.

Tomorrow is the First Day of Advent

 

Daily Christmas Advent Links to Posts

The Promise of the Coming King

What is Advent? Advent is the Celebration of the "coming" or "arrival" of Jesus Christ.  It is a 4 week season just before Christmas when people all around the world celebrate the First "Coming" or "Advent" of Jesus Christ. Even though He was the Son of God, He humbly entered into our world and became a little human baby. He was born in a stable to a young couple. As He grew, He showed us what God is like.

Advent is also expectantly looking toward the Second Advent when Christ will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will usher in a whole new Kingdom of Righteousness when there will be no more sorrow nor pain.
For more info on Advent see page What is Advent?  

 

Saturday: December 2, 2023

Tomorrow is the first day of Advent

Next you will find Advent readings each day this week for you to enjoy in your devotions or with your family. The theme of the first week is hope... the hope of all the ages.

 

Each week another weekly set of daily devotions. If you have time, a comment will be welcomed with joy.

You light the first candle tomorrow. 

Do you have your candles yet? I am going out today to buy some, put them in candle holders and arrange them around a simple Christmas wreath. I use red for the first four around the wreath and white in the center for the arrival of the Christ Child. This year I used four gold for the coming of our King and white for His pure holiness. Other traditions Use purple and pink.

Behold Your King!

James Tissot Brooklyn Museum

Today is Christ is King day, according to many church calendars. It is the last Sunday before Advent (Coming of Christ) starts to bring in the Christmas season. All of this week it is my hope to honor Jesus as Christ the King by posting verses speaking of who He is as our King... yours and mine.

Today's readings of Christ the King are: Matthew 21:5, Zechariah 9:9,

"Tell the daughter of Zion,
'Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey...'"
Matt. 21:5 NKJ

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday He rode on a little foal of a donkey. The crowds were cheering and waving palm branches. Many of them were wondering if this was the coming of God's chosen one. On that day, He fulfilled this prophecy of the coming Messiah:

Peter Forever Changed

Reading: Acts 2:13-

Today, we will see Peter speak to the crowds in the power of the Holy Spirit. But first a quick review for those of you who have not following. In the last two posts we looked at Peter's life with Christ before He received The Promise. In Peter Before the Out Pouring; we see him as very human, aware of his sin in light of the glory of Jesus. Later the Father revealed to Peter who Jesus really was... The Christ, the Son of the living God.  Peter was also there when Jesus was transfigured in amazing light and glory. In Peter Before the Out Pouring -2 we see Peter's human determination to follow Jesus no matter what. But that failed him when he denied that he even knew Jesus, three times. Then Jesus came to Peter after His resurrection to restore him and to charge him to lead His Church.

In God's Spirit Poured Out, we see:

"On the Day of Pentecost all the believers 
were meeting together in one place... 

And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, 

as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." 

Acts 2:1-4 NLT

"At that time there were devout Jews 
from every nation living in Jerusalem. 

When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running,

and they were bewildered to hear 
their own languages being spoken by the believers. 

They were amazed. "How can this be?" they exclaimed. 
"These people are all from Galilee, 

and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages... about what God has done!" 

They stood there amazed and perplexed. 

"What can this mean?" 

Acts 2:5-12

In this moment of awe and amazement, there were some in the crowd, the skeptics who ridiculed them saying, "They're just drunk, that's all!" Now we see Peter rise to the occasion to powerfully speak this amazing call to salvation in the power of the Holy Spirit. Here are some quotes and summary; but I highly recommend that you read the text yourself from your own Bible, so you don't miss a thing: 

"Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. These people are not drunk... Nine o'clock in the morning is much too early for that. No what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel." Peter continues by quoting the scriptures from Joel to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit:  

"'In the last days,' God says, 'I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. 

Your sons and daughters will prophesy. 

Your young men will see visions and your old men will dream dreams..." 

Acts 2: 17 NLT 

After explaining what just happened Peter powerfully speaks of Jesus "People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene, by doing powerful miracles, wonders and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip." Peter quotes King David "'... For you will not... allow your Holy One to rot in the grave...' God raised Jesus from the dead, and now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand. And the Father, as he promised, gave Him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today... So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah! Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, 'Brothers, what should we do?' Peter replied, 'Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles - all who have been called by the Lord our God... Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day - about 3,000 in all" Acts 2:22-41 NLT

Powerful, powerful message that he spoke to these people. Peter used prophecy from Joel to explain the out pouring of the Holy Spirit. He spoke of the endorsement God gave of Jesus through miracles. He wasn't afraid to confront their sin, what ever involvement they had in Jesus crucifixion... "you nailed him to a cross and killed him".  He spoke of His resurrection as prophesied by King David and His exaltation. Then he said : "God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah! Peter's words pierced their hearts", other versions say that "they were cut to the heart". Oh the anguish they must of felt to realize that as a people they crucified their long awaited Messiah, their longing and hearts desire! But through the power of the Spirit they were brought to repentance and everlasting salvation in Christ, their Messiah.

In the upcoming posts, we will follow Peter, the other disciples and the surprising transformation of Saul.

A Deep Sense of Awe

Reading: Acts 1: 12-15, 2:1, 42-47,

Going back a little to right after Jesus ascended into heaven. What did His apostles do right after He ascended? And what did they do after the out pouring of the Holy Spirit?

"Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives... When they arrived, they went to the upper room of the house they were staying... during this time... about 120 believers were meeting together in one place... On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place, (with one accord NKJ) Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven..." Acts 1: 12-15, 2:1,2 NLT

It was at this point that the Holy Spirit came upon them in power with the baptism of fire. What does this mean that they were with one accord? They were in agreement with each other, having a unity of one mind and purpose. They lived in a harmony that lead to action. * After the outpouring of the Spirit, Peter spoke with great anointing moving the hearts of 3,000 people to repent of their sins, turn to God and be baptized. After this the believers formed a community and a vital church grows through the power of the Spirit moving in hearts fully committed to Christ.

God's Spirit Poured Out

Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit coming, especially on His last night with his disciples before  He was crucified and also after He resurrected. A collection of many of these verses are found in the post The Promise to Come and Jesus Ascends to Heaven. After His resurrection, Jesus instructs His disciples:

"I am going to send you 
what my Father has promised; 

but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." 

Luke 24:49 NIV

"Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. 
John baptized with water, but in a just few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit... 
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.

And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me every where... 
in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 
Acts 1:7,8 NLT

Peter Before the Out Pouring - 2

 Reading: John 13:36-38, Luke 22: 52- 62, John21

In spending so much time with Jesus for a few years, Peter knew who Jesus was. And in the most noble place in his heart he just "knew" that no matter what, he would follow Jesus. But Jesus knew Peter, He knew Peter's heart better than even Peter did. The same is true of us today as well. God knows us better than we know own ourselves. He knows everything about us past, present and future; and He knows places in our heart that we don't even see.

Jesus had been predicting His death and that He would be leaving. But the disciples did not understand. One day "Simon Peter said to Him, 'Lord where are you going?' Jesus answered him, 'Where I am going you cannot not follow Me now, but you shall follow me afterward.' Peter said to Him, 'Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for your sake.' Jesus answered him, 'Will you lay down your life for My sake? Most assuredly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow till you have denied Me three times." John 13:36-38 NKJ  Peter must have been devastated, hurt that the Lord would think that he was not loyal. Yet at the same time, Peter knew that Jesus knew all things.

Peter Before the Out Pouring

Readings: Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 16:13-17, 17:1-9, 2 Corinthians 4:6,7

Peter, a disciple of Jesus was a guy that so many of us can relate to. He was very honest and sincere; but also very human. He embodied the best in us, and fell short as well. Let's look back to a day when Peter was first getting acquainted with Jesus. He working as a fisherman along the shore of the Sea of Galilee when Jesus came by. Peter was on the shore washing his nets. Jesus stepped into his empty boat and asked Peter to push the boat out a bit. From there Jesus taught the people. After ward He said to Peter,

The Miraculous Draught of Fishes James Tissot

"Now go out where it is deeper, 

and let down your nets to catch some fish." 

"Master," (Peter) replied, 

"we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. 

But if You say so, I'll let the nets down again." 

Luke 5:4, 5 NLT

Wow! Was Peter ever surprised! There were so many fish that the nets were beginning to tear! They had to get extra help. When Peter realized what had happened, he was awestruck and fell to his knees before Jesus, saying:

The Miraculous Draught of Fishes by Raphael

"Oh, Lord, please leave me... I am too much of a sinner to be around you." 

Luke 5:8 NLT

Peter had very humble beginnings with the Lord. From early on, he began to see that Jesus was different from him. What kind of a person could do miracles like this? In the light of Jesus' glory, he recognized his own sin. His understanding would continue to grow as he witnessed more and more of the glory of Christ.

Later, Jesus asked His disciples "'Who do men say that I am?' So they said, 'Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?'"

At this point, "Simon Peter answered and said, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven..." Matthew 16:13- 17 NKJ

Wow! God, the Father Himself revealed who Jesus really was to Peter! Peter was seeing that Jesus was not an ordinary man, not even a prophet, but Christ... Messiah... the SON of the LIVING GOD!

Transfiguration by Carl Bloch

Six days later, "Jesus took Peter, James and John... led them up on a high mountain by themselves and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him... behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a  voice came out of the cloud, saying 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!' And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said, 'Arise, and do not be afraid.'" Matthew 17: 1-7 NKJ

After this day, not only Peter, but James and John knew beyond a shadow of a doubt who Jesus really was. In fact "as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them 'Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead'" Matthew 17: 9 NKJ

What a treasure they beheld that day with their eyes, ears, their whole being; lit up by such an amazing experience! And yet they could not tell anyone until later. They must have felt so full of the Glory of God and yet humbled in their own humanity. It reminds me of a verse that Paul (who also experienced the glory of Christ) wrote:

"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, 

who has shone in our hearts the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels (jars of clay), 

that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us." 

2 Corinthians 4: 6, 7 NKJ

As amazing as the transfiguration was, there was more, much more to come. The verse above was written after the out pouring of the Holy Spirit. A little side note... in the background of this blog is an antique amphora from Turkey that I have. It represents us, as human beings and the treasure of Christ that we hold in earthen vessels... simple jars of clay.

This is a three part message. Next, in part 2 we will cover more of Peter's humanness when Jesus predicts Peter's denial of Him, then Peter denies Christ and after Jesus' death, burial and resurrection He goes fishing. The third post we will look at Peter after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Baptize with the Holy Spirit and Fire

Matthew 3:11, Acts 1:5, 8 2:

After Jesus ascended into the heavens, I can't help but wonder what the disciples must have been thinking. They must have reminded one another of the things that He said.

"Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, 

"Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, 

as I told you before. John baptized with water, 

but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 

Acts 1:4, 5 NLT

He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father... that they be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Something new was going to take place. Imagine their anticipation of what that would be like. Why did Jesus reference John the Baptist?

John the Baptist by Harold Copping

Before Jesus began His ministry, John the Baptist came to

"Prepare the way for the LORD'S coming! 
Clear the road for him!" 

Matt. 3:3 NLT 

John preached the message of repentance to prepare the hearts of the people for the LORD. As the last Old Testament Prophet, He foretold about Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit:

"I baptize with water those who repent of their sins 
and turn to God. 

But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am - 

so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave 
and carry his sandals. 

He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." 

Matthew 3:11 NLT

John Baptized with water to those who repent of their sins. Jesus is the baptizer of the Holy Spirit. But he had to go away, so that the Holy Spirit could come. And a whole new age and covenant would begin. What did John mean when he prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire? In the coming posts we will look to the Word and ask the Lord to open our minds to understand the scriptures.

Jesus Ascends to Heaven

Acts 1: 1-11, I Corinthians 15,

For forty days after Jesus was crucified and resurrected from the dead, he appeared to his disciples. What does the word of God tell us about that time he remained with his followers? in previous posts we looked at that time he spent on earth, as the Risen Christ and attempted to answer this question.

The apostle Paul speaks eloquently about this time that Jesus walked the earth as the Risen Lord:

"Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 

He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. 

He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 

After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time... 

Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles." 

I Corinthians 15: 3-7 NLT

If the gospel message could be put in a nutshell these few verses above speak the message. It continues with the eyewitness evidence of the truth of the scriptures. He was seen by His 13 apostles and then by over 500 followers!!!

Christs Charge to Peter by Raphael

Lets look at his last day to walk on the earth among His disciples as a human being before he ascended to his Father. Luke writes in the book of Acts:

"In my first book (the Gospel of Luke) I told you, Theophilus, 

about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven 

after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. 

During the forty days after his Crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, 

and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. 

And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God." 

Acts 1:1-3 NLT

This is more proof that Jesus Christ raised from the dead. The whole Christian Gospel rests on this. There were hundreds of eyewitnesses and many went to their deaths, because they refused to recant their testimony of the risen Lord. Only for the truth are people willing to die. This is very strong proof of the TRUTH of the Christian Gospel.
 

"Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, 

"Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, 

as I told you before. John baptized with water, 

but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." 

Acts 1:4, 5 NLT

 In  The Promise to Come and the next three upcoming posts will speak of the promise of the baptism of the Holy Spirit.

The apostles kept asking Jesus about the timing of when he would free Israel from the Romans and restore the kingdom? Jesus answered them,

"The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, 

and they are not for you to know. 

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. 

And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me every where... in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 

Acts 1:7,8 NLT

Jesus tells them that when they receive the Holy Spirit that they would be his witnesses even to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit will make a huge impact in the lives of the disciples. We will look at that in future posts.

Watercolor Painting by James Tissot

"After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud 
while they were watching,

 and they could no longer see him. 

As they witnessed Him rising into heaven, 

two white robed men suddenly stood among them. 

'Men of Galilee', they said, 
'why are you standing here staring into heaven? 

Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, 

but someday he will return from heaven 
in the same way you saw him go.'" 

Acts 1:9-11 NLT

What an amazing site... Jesus taken into heaven. No wonder they just stood there staring into heaven. And it was the last time they would actually, physically see him. And then the hope... 

"He will return from heaven." 

And now here we are, on earth today still waiting for his return. A long time yes. Though, in God's Sovereignty He does not want anyone left behind.  Then God will reconcile everything to himself through Christ and peace will be complete in heaven and earth.  

"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross."  Colossians 1:20

Jesus Christ, "the Prince of Peace... will rule with fairness and justice... for all eternity." 

Isaiah 9:6, 7 NLT

 

Note: There is an excellent movie called "Risen" that covers the 40 days between Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension. It is well done and puts your imagination into the Bible times of Jesus and His disciples. We like to watch it after Resurrection Day, (Easter)

Clothed with Power

Luke 24:49, 2Kings 2:6-13,

Since Easter, Resurrection Sunday we have looked into the 40 days that Jesus spent with his disciples after he died and resurrected from the dead. He appeared to them in a physical, glorified body. He talked to them and gave them instructions. Then the day came that He ascended into the heavens. His last instructions for them before His Ascension are found at the end of Luke and the beginning of Acts. The account of  in Luke 24 is very tender and insightful. It says in verse 45 that "He opened their minds to understand the scriptures." Wow, the prayer of our hearts "Lord, open my mind to understand the scriptures."  In the last statement Luke records Jesus saying:

"I am going to send you what my Father has promised; 

but stay in the city until you have been  
clothed with power from on high." 

Luke 24:49 NIV

Recently, I read the story of Elijah leaving his mantle (cloak) to Elisha. It reminded me of this verse because it says "clothed with power from on high". But in checking other versions I was disappointed that the word clothed is not there. Both NKJ and KJV read like this:

"And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you:

but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem 
until ye be endued with power from on high." 

Luke 24:49 KJV

The King James uses beautiful meaningful words we don't often use anymore, let alone grasp the depth their meaning... behold, tarry and endued. For this reason, I often do word studies as they open up the scriptures and help bring us greater understanding. The word endued was really worth looking up! Check it out:

 

Endued #1746 enduo means to wrap, sink into a garment; to array with clothing; be clothed with. It is used metaphorically of power in Luke 24:49.

When Jesus was with them he spoke about everything written about him prophetically in the Old Testament and "He opened their minds to understand the scriptures." I wonder if He spoke of Elijah and Elisha? I say this because it is a perfect picture of what was about to happen to Jesus' disciples.

Jesus was at times compared to Elijah. He asked his disciples "Who do men say that I am, the Son of Man? They answered, "Some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah..." Matt. 16:16. They probably thought this because of the many miracles that both Elijah and Jesus did. But so did Elisha. What did that mean for the disciples? Let's get into the story of Elijah and Elisha:

"And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha to Gilgal. Then Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, please, for the LORD has sent me on to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the LORD lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!" So they went down to Bethel..." The LORD sent them also to Jericho and finally to Jordan.

"... the two of them stood by the Jordan. Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. And so it was, when they has crossed over that Elijah said to Elisha 'Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?' Elisha said, 'Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me...' ' You have asked a difficult thing,' Elijah replied. 'If you see me when I am taken from you, then you will get your request. But if not, then you won't." 2 Kings 2:1-11 NKJ, NLT

Elijah apparently would not promise what God alone could give. Would God reveal to Elisha and give him "eyes to see" what was about to happen to Elijah? That would have meant that the anointing of God would rest upon him.

"As they were walking along and talking, suddenly a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and Elijah was carried by a whirlwind into heaven. Elisha saw it and cried out, 'My father! My father! I see the chariot and the charioteers of Israel! And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress. 

As Elijah ascended into Heaven, his cloak drifted down.  Elisha picked up Elijah's cloak (mantel). He returned to the bank of the Jordan River and struck the water with Elijah's cloak and cried out, "Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah? Then the river divided, and Elisha went across. When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, 

'Elijah's spirit rests upon Elisha!'" 

2 Kings 2:11-15 NLT

Wow! Elijah was taken up into heaven and his mantel fell to Elisha; who would now walk in the same power of the Spirit of God working miracles as Elijah had done. 

Jesus Christ was taken up into heaven as his disciples watched in amazement. "Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives... they went into the upper room where they were staying... these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication... " Acts 1:12, 14 NLT, NKJ
They prayed as they waited for the promise of the Father to receive power from on high. What would happen in the days to follow? Would the Spirit and power of Jesus Christ rest upon them as the spirit of Elijah rested upon Elisha? Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit. What did Jesus say about the works his disciples would do?

"I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, 

even greater works, because I am going to the Father. 

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, 

so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 

Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." 

John 14:12-14 NLT 

As I type this, I feel inadequate to speak of the power of the Spirit of God. I am not walking in the power of Elijah, Elisha, Jesus Christ and the early apostles. But neither are many other Christians in the world today. Miracles are rare and most perhaps are in areas of the persecuted church. I asked a dear friend about this and I posted her comment on this blog. It is called Words from a Friend.

Here is her sensitive reply:

"As I have sought the Lord, I have seen this time we are in as one of purging and testing, a time of reckoning--He is drawing those that will to Himself in a way that will bring sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.  A time that will bring understanding of His Word and the ability to KNOW God.  This awakening, if you will, is a work of His Spirit in the willing heart, a quiet work between God and His Beloved... the passionate, persistent, pursuer of God through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior by His Holy Spirit which brings His transformation in the inner man.

Do you see the church His Body transformed like Peter was?  He has called us to new birth in Him.   Jesus Christ is the author of a faith which purifies and gives victory over sin.

His timing is perfect, who can hold the Glory of the Lord that brings forth the anointing which will bring His signs and wonders that will follow His Word (truth)...  We see in Acts, as they all waited in one accorded seeking the Lord, having relinquished all to Him, the Lord brought to them the baptism of fire that brought forth the power of God through them.

With all my heart, I believe that we shall see the powerful, anointed move of God through His Body, His Church, the question is to all of us is... what or who has your heart?"

This is not only for you today, dear reader; it is for me as well.

Next post... "On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together..." Acts 2:1 NLT 
 

Some additional thoughts:
I see more parallels in the story of Elijah/Elisha and Jesus/His disciples:

1) Elijah taken up to heaven is similar to Jesus being taken up to heaven:

"Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind... And Elisha saw him no more." 

2Kings 2: 11, 12 NIV

"Jesus... was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him." 

Acts 1: 6, 9 NLT

2) Wind and fire, both types of the Holy Spirit are seen in each account:

"...suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, 

and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind." 

2Kings 2: 11 NIV

"Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house... They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each one of them. 

Acts 2: 2, 3

3a) After Elisha picked up Elijah's mantel and parted the Jordan river, the prophets said,

"The spirit of Elijah is resting upon Elisha." 

2 Kings 2:15 

3b) After the wind and fire in the upper room, it says, 

"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit." 

Acts 2:4

Yes, similar to the spirit of Elijah resting upon Elisha, 

the Holy Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ rested upon those gathered in the upper room.
 It is my hope and prayer that the Holy Spirit of God 

will rest in power on those who passionately, persistently, pursue Him 

in our day and age that we live in, 

that His Word will go out in power and might, 

bringing many sons and daughters into the kingdom.