Vol. 18 No. 21 | May 30, 2016

By the time you reach the middle chapters of the book of Acts you understand why the book has that title: the Apostles are in full action mode. For example, read what happens in Thessalonica when Paul and Silas share the story of Jesus.

They took the road south through Amphipolis and Apollonia to Thessalonica, where there was a community of Jews. Paul went to their meeting place, as he usually did when he came to a town, and for three Sabbaths running he preached to them from the Scriptures. He opened up the texts so they understood what they’d been reading all their lives: that the Messiah absolutely had to be put to death and raised from the dead—there were no other options—and that “this Jesus I’m introducing you to is that Messiah.”

Some of them were won over and joined ranks with Paul and Silas, among them a great many God-fearing Greeks and a considerable number of women from the aristocracy. But the hard-line Jews became furious over the conversions. Mad with jealousy, they rounded up a bunch of brawlers off the streets and soon had an ugly mob terrorizing the city as they hunted down Paul and Silas. (Acts 17:1-5 The Message)

They preach Jesus. Some accept it. Some respond with violent opposition. If you read the next section of Acts 17 you see that the same thing happens in Berea.

The Spirit of the Lord has filled these men so they preach with courage, to preach with power, and to preach with energy as they tell the simple story of Jesus.

As I look at this story and other acts of the Apostles I see these lessons for us to consider as we share the story of Jesus.

First, they stayed in the Scriptures. Paul was in their meeting place. He was a guest. He did not have home court advantage. So, he started where they were. He could have presented his theories on what he thought they needed to do. He could have forced on some issue they were struggling with in their community. He could have begun with an argument that proved a point he wanted to make. He did not do any of those things. He started with and stayed in the Scriptures.

I hear a lot about churches where the focus is only about providing entertainment and having fun. Where instead of Scriptural teaching they present, at the very most, a water-down message that aims at being politically correct and socially acceptable. I hear this especially when talking about churches that attract large gatherings of the younger generations. I do not know where these churches are. I suppose there are church like that, but the church where I preach and most of the churches with whom I have interaction are deep into the Scripture. They start in the Word and stay in the Word. Although I try really hard to do that myself, some of the messages I hear from these “younger” preachers put me to shame. They know the Scriptures, they preach the Scripture, and their audiences who are hungry for the word appreciate their efforts and are thrilled to be spiritually fed on a regular basis.

My concern is to make sure I am doing that. Pouting about larger churches and bigger crowds down the street does me no good if it takes me away from the Scriptures. I do not have time for that. It is my responsibility and honor to stay in the Scriptures.

Second, they helped them understand what they had been reading. This community of Jews had been reading the Scriptures all their lives. By staying in the Scriptures Paul’s helped them understand that what they had been reading was pointing them to Jesus. And he helped them understand why Jesus had to be put to death, and why He had to be raised from the dead. He helped them to see that this was God’s plan for redemption.

Our goal should be to help our audiences understand that Jesus is the Messiah, that He came to earth, lived, died and rose to provide us a way of salvation. There is no other way for us, and that this is the plan and working of God.

There are many in our world who have a grasp of what the message of Scripture is. We hear a lot of God talk, but much of it talk without understanding. Many do not have a good grasp on the Scriptures. If put to the test some would not know the difference between the books of the law and the Lord’s prayer. If we have opportunity to explain the plan of God, we need to explain the plan the plan of God. We need to explain that it is God’s plan, and that it is the only plan.

Third, they focused on Jesus. Jesus was their theme. Jesus was their message. Jesus was their focus. Jesus was the story. Jesus was their passion. Jesus was their reason for existence.

Jesus needs to be our theme. Jesus needs to be our message. Jesus needs to be our focus. Jesus needs to be our passion. Jesus needs to be our reason for existence.

What good will it do us if we argue our point on controversial issues if we fail to share Jesus? What good will it do us if we shout our political views and demand that our rights be respected, if we fail to share Jesus? Let’s focus on Jesus. Our goal should be to tell people about Jesus.

Fourth, they accepted the results and moved on. All through the book of Acts we read stories of conversion and rejection, conversion and rejection, conversion and rejection. Some in Thessalonica and Berea heard and accepted the message. Others refused to hear and reacted at times with violent aggressiveness.

Paul and Silas accepted the results and moved on. Sometimes it was their choice to move on. Sometimes it was not. The results did not alter their plan. They kept their focus on what God had commissioned them to do.

These courageous men were able to do what they did because they were empowered by the Spirit of God. They did what they did because they knew that the message was not about them. Their message was about God. Acceptance or rejection did not hurt their feelings nor did it pad their ego. They loved God, surrendered themselves to spread the story of Jesus with everyone they could for as long as they could wherever they could. This is our task as well.

This week may we do our best to stay in the Scriptures, help any we can to understand God’s story and see Jesus more clearly, and accept the results and move on. May God bless us as we live for Him.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 20 | May 23, 2016

Let’s talk about prayer. Do you pray? If you do pray, what do you expect to happen when you pray? Do you expect anything to happen when you pray? Do you pray for specific results, or do you pray in generic terms and leave the results up to God to do whatever He chooses to do “according to His will?”

There is a story in Acts 12 about a group of people who were praying for a something very specific: Peter’s release from prison. James had already been put to death by King Herod, Herd’s plan was to do the same with Peter. Peter’s friends had gathered at Mary’s house to pray for Peter. One would assume they were praying for his safety and release. Under the circumstances it would surely take a miracle. To their amazement, it happened.

Peter knocks on the door of the house as the group is praying. The girl who answers the door get so excited to tell the group that Peter is at the door, she forgets to let him in. The people who had praying for him did not believe he was at the door and said she much be crazy. “But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.”

Has that ever happened to you? You pray for something and before you are finished praying, you have the answer. Like the group praying for Peter, you do not believe it. Like Peter you think you must be dreaming.

What did you expect? When you prayed did you think anything would happen? When you prayed specifically for something to happen and you wanted it to happen as soon as possible, were you astonished when it happened…even sooner than you expected?

You pray for direction from God concerning an important decision. Suddenly as you are praying you experience an unexplainable sense of peace. You know what you need to do. God loves to do that.

You need a new job. You have found the job you want and have had the interview but have not heard anything from them. You ask several of your friends to pray for specifically for a position that you are convinced is perfect for you. They agree to set aside a specific time to pray about your new job. The next day you get a phone call from the person in charge of hiring apologizing for not being able to reach you sooner and the job is yours if you want it and the salary and benefits package is even better than you had expected. God loves to do that.

You heard the words that everyone dreads to hear: “There is nothing we can do.”  The prayers that have already been prayed are increased and intensified. Friends and families offered fervent prayers for healing and restoration to the living God. Then you received the follow-up reports indicating an unexplainable absence of the disease. God loves to do that.

You have prayed and waited and prayed and waited and prayed and waited for the right person to come along. You have had your check list and marked off person after person who have failed to meet your criteria. You continue to pray and hope and wait. You have grown weary and just about given up when “out of the blue” you run into a friend you have known for years. Suddenly you see them differently. You realize, though you have never noticed it before, that this person meets all your requirements. In fact, exceeds them. God loves to do that.

God loves to do that. God loves to surprise. God loves to hear from us and loves to respond to us. God loves to amaze us.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV)

The next time you pray, pray expectantly. Get ready to see what God has been planning for you even before you began praying. Prepare to see what He does. God loves to do that.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 19 | May 16, 2016

“You Aways Resist the Holy Spirit!” Those were the stinging words of a man named Stephen spoken to the members of the Sanhedrin (the supreme council of the Jewish people in the time of Christ and earlier) who had ordered him to stand before them in response to his teaching “words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” (Acts 6:11) He was teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ as “a man full of Grace and power.” (Acts 6:8)

After being questioned Stephen delivered a power message telling the whole story of God with conviction and courage. Near the end of his speech, and his life, he said to them: “You Aways Resist the Holy Spirit!” That did it. They took him out and stoned him to death.

What Stephen said about the members of the Sanhedrin was true. They refused to accept the full story that Stephen was sharing. They listened, but when it came time for them to hear the Holy Spirit speak truth to them about Jesus. They obviously would not, or could not, accept that the Spirit of God was speaking to them through Stephen. They silenced him.

As we read the story we might think how could they miss it? How could they not believe all the messengers that had been sent through the ages? How could they be so blind?

Before we go too far with our criticism, maybe we should consider whether Stephen’s indictment could be waged at us. How many times have we resisted the Holy Spirit?

You know your co-worker is having a difficult time. She comes in every day tired, sad and by her own admission struggling to keep going. You sense the Holy Spirit nudging you to speak to you her about their and offer to help, but you resist the nudge.

You listen to the preacher as he seems to be speaking directly into your world, your circumstances. You are convinced he has been peaking through your window at home. You know God is leading you into a new direction for your life, but you resist Him. You ignore what you hear.

You know that God is prompting you to stop an unhealthy habit. You have no doubt that the prompting is the right thing to do. You resist the prompting. You ignore the prompting. You continue the unhealthy habit.

You hear the Lord calling you to step out in faith and follow Him on a new and exciting adventure. Your heart races when you consider the possibilities and the opportunities. You have trouble sleeping because you sense you are on the verge of finally fulfilling your purpose. Even with all that you resist the Holy Spirit. You decide to stay put.

You know from your study that forgiveness is best route. You know from spending time with Jesus that you cannot continue to hold on to the grudge. You know you should, but you can’t. You know it is the best thing, but won’t. You resist the Holy Spirit.

I am not worried that you will stone me for suggesting that you may be resisting the Holy Spirit, because I assume you understand that I am no more critical of you than I am myself. I cannot count the number of times I sensed the prompting of the Spirit and failed to respond. I saw something that did not seem right, but resisted the Holy Spirit’s prompting to say something. I knew the Lord was empowering me to do something for Him, but I ignored His prompting.

The alternative is to listen to Holy Spirit and when we hear the Word speak to us do not resist. Follow His lead. Do what He prompts you to do. Then, be amazed with the results.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 18 | May 9, 2016 

When we last saw Peter he was walking on the beach talking with Jesus. Jesus’ final words to Him in that setting were, “You, follow me.” He did. In Acts 2 we hear the new revised version of Peter as he speaks to the crowd on the day of Pentecost. The scene begins with, “Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd” (2:14) It ends with 3000 people being added to the Kingdom. 

If that is not enough, look what happens next. 

“Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.”

“They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.” (Acts 2:43-47, The Message)

There is so much excitement and energy in this chapter. There are so many things for seekers of and followers of Jesus to consider and reflect upon. But one phrase in very 44 stood out to me as I tried to read it with fresh eyes:  “And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common.”

Wouldn’t it be nice to be part of a group or movement that is described the phrase all the people lived in a wonderful harmony. You hear things like that said about some sports teams, some families, and maybe some businesses, but not as often about churches. 

Get a group of church people together and before long the conversation turns from a wonderful harmony to gripe fest about everything we dislike about the church. The service was too long. Do we have to have so many announcements? They are always talking about money. We sang too many songs. The sermon was too long! That was really boring. We didn’t sing any songs I like. Can you believe the elders made the decision to…? I wish we did more… I wish we did less of… 

What was it about this brand new group of believers that made it possible for them to live in wonderful harmony?

Maybe it had something to do with the fact that the good news was still good news to them. They had just been reminded that the One was the One. That Jesus really was the Son of God. He was alive. He really died and did rise again. He did it because He loved them. Hearing good news brings us together in harmony. A baby is born. A storm has passed. A life has been saved. Good news brings us into harmony. 

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they allowed themselves to be awed by the works of God. For many of us awesome may refer to a meal, a hairdo, a new pair of jeans, a test score, a movie, or a new song. In our world of over-exposure to the spectacular Jesus dying and coming back to life may not be so spectacular. 

We were not there. We did not see what they saw. We did not hear what they heard. We did not experience what they experienced. I get that. I understand that. But, Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is still good news. It still is awesome! It can help us live in a wonderful harmony, if we will allow. 

Focus on Jesus and what He has done for you and I’ll focus on Jesus and what He has done for me and maybe, just maybe then we can live in a wonderful harmony. 

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 18 | May 2, 2016

John 18 gives the account of Jesus being arrested and put on trial. Even as we read it today, knowing what happens next, it is still a very sad part of the story. As sad as the story itself is, there’s even a sadder story included in John’s version. Simon Peter, and his denial of Jesus is specifically mentioned. Here’s this way it is spelled-out in the New International Version.

Peter’s First Denial

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”

18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

Peter’s Second and Third Denials

25 Meanwhile, Simon Peter was still standing there warming himself. So they asked him, “You aren’t one of his disciples too, are you?”

He denied it, saying, “I am not.”

26 One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with him in the garden?” 27 Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.

How would like to have our name printed in every Bible that has ever been printed?

Tom’s First, Second, and Third Denial

Everyone who ever reads the gospel reads Peter’s name in bold print. Everyone who ever shares the gospel story speaks Peter’s name specifically. It’s a good news bad news scenario: Good News: My name’s in the Bible. Bad News: It’s in there because I denied Jesus three times.

It is sad, but it was would be worse if that was the end of the story, but it is not the end of the story.

John 21 includes the account of the conversation between Jesus and Peter (15-23). The heading for that section in the New International Version is: Jesus Reinstates Peter. It could be: Peter Confesses His Love For Jesus Three Times.

When you follow Peter into the book of Acts you see a courageous, confident, Spirit-filled leader of the new Kingdom movement. He still makes bold statements and is not afraid of going public with the story of Jesus. The heading for the section of Scripture that begins in the middle of Acts 2 is: Peter Addresses the Crowd. It could also read: Peter Leads the Revolution. Or it could read: The Transformed Peter Helps Transform the World.

It does not need to be the end of your story either. Maybe you have denied Jesus one, two, three times, or more. Maybe you are trying to find your way home, but guilt and shame is paralyzing your movements. If that describes you maybe you should do what Peter did. Confess your love and devotion to Jesus. Then, listen to Him as He reminds you that you still have a job to do. He told Peter, “Feed my sheep.” A bit later He said, “You follow me.”

Maybe your task is not to feed the sheep, but you can tell the story. As you follow Him share His story, share your story, make His Kingdom real in your life. Then, follow Him and celebrate God’s good ending.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 17 | April 25, 2016 

Google Image

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35, NIV) 

“Love one another.” Sounds easy enough. Just love each other. That is how people will know that we are Jesus’ disciples. Just love each other. 

You do not need any title. You do not need to pay a membership fee. There are no hoops to jump through. You do not need any special marking or identification badge. You do not need to make a loud public announcement about being a follower of Jesus. Just love one another. 

Churches who bear the name of Jesus Christ: Love one another. Churches who disagree on some doctrinal beliefs: Love one another. Churches who almost nothing in common except your love for Jesus: Love one another. Churches that disagree on the specifics what should be preached from your pulpits, the specifics of how you should worship, but agree on who you worship: Love one another. 

As you live within your churches you really need to love one another. Your roles are different so love one another. Your gifts are different so love one another. You may differ on the exact way ministry should be carried out  so, love one another. There are going to be times some people really get on your nerves so, love one another.  

Love one another. That is how everyone will know that you are my disciples. Sounds easy. It easy as long as everyone stays in their designated places doing what they are supposed to do. It is easy as long as no body tries to do anything that goes against what I am comfortable with. It is easy until I am not getting my way, or it appears that I am not getting my way. It is easy one another as long as we think alike, dress alike, and talk alike.

Those times when life gets stressful are the times Jesus probably had in mind when He said, “Love one another.” He knew His disciples were about to experience stress, distress, danger, and confusion unlike anything they had ever known. He knew they were going to tested in their faith and devotion and would be tempted to turn against and away from each other. He knew that the world would be watching them as they endured the images fo Jesus on the cross and in the tomb. He knew they would need one another more in the future than they had in the previous three years. So, He tells them, “Love one another.” 

Jesus knew the challenges disciples of His day would be facing as the cross loomed closer. He also knows the challenges disciples in our day are facing as we attempt to live faithfully in our times of stress, distress, danger, and confusion. He knew our faith would be tested and that we will be tempted to turn against and away from each other. He knew that our world would be watching us as we endure difficult times. He knew we would need one another more and more as we wait for the Lord’s return. He knew so He still tells us, “Love one another.” 

Sound like it should be easy. Whether it is easy or not, He wants us to love one another so that everyone will know we are His disciples because of the love we have for one another. He still wants us to be known by our love.  

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 16 | April 18, 2016

John 8 begins with the story (questioned whether it was actually included in the original text) of a trap set by “the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees” that involved a woman caught in the act of adultery being brought into the courtyard to stand judgment for her sin. Apparently not totally out of the ordinary, one has to wonder how often this was done since this was an opportune time for these religious leaders to put pressure on Jesus.  (John 8:1-11)

Although it does not say it the text, surely at that moment when Jesus bent down and wrote on the ground for the second time, the only sounds in the temple courts area was that of stones dropping to the ground, the sniffling of the woman standing in front of Jesus, and shuffling of feet as those who moments earlier were ready to stone her leave the courtyard.

Can you imagine how deafening that must have been? One moment she was humiliated and feared for her life. Then, as the stones dropped she received another chance at life. Or, since we do not know her whole story, maybe this was really her first chance for a real life.

Expecting to feel the pain of the stones, instead she heard them drop to the ground, the silence, then the gentle loving voice of Jesus, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “Then, neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”   

Maybe as Jesus spoke to her, she opened her eyes and looked around to discover that the sound she heard really was that of stones dropping to the ground. As she wiped the tears from her eyes, or perhaps Jesus did, she began to see like she had never seen before. Instead of seeing a life of condemnation and shame, for the first time in a long time she saw a life of hope. For the first time she felt the power of forgiveness. For the first time instead of dreading the events of another day of being used, she began to think in terms of newness, refreshment, and kindness.

Jesus’ stories give us the opportunity to ask, “Where I am I in this story?”

Like most of His stories this one is aimed at those who held the stones in their hands. They have already passed judgment on this woman. She is yet again only an object to be use…this time by religion. They had no concern for her; only how she could be useful in catching Jesus in a misapplication of the Law. If you find yourself identifying with this group, maybe it is time you heard what that stone sounds like when your hand releases it and it drops to the ground. 

Maybe you identify with the woman. You are guilty. The judgment waged against you is true and right. Whatever punishment the law demands is justified. Any feelings of value or self-worth left you long ago. The humiliation you feel as you stand there in the middle of the courtyard is only unique because you now stand there alone with Jesus. As you await His sentencing you are stunned when instead of glaring eyes and painful stones you hear His gentle voice ask about your accusers. When you acknowledge that they have departed, you are further stunned as you hear Him say, “Neither do I condemn you. God and leave your life of sin.” 

Could this be happening? Could He possibly be forgiving me? Could this One they call Jesus actually be this loving, this gentle, this kind, this merciful?

Some will identify with the judgmental crowd, some will identify with the judged. It is my hope that we will strive to identify with and develop a spirit more like that of Jesus. Not as a judge; though He certainly could have judged her. Not as one who condemns; though He could have condemned her. May we strive to be one who loves gently, judges rightly, and forgives completely!

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 15 | April 11, 2016

When the news reported that Merle Haggard had died, not only was it a big story for the Nashville community, but for country music fans everywhere. Merle was truly a legend in country music.

His death prompted me to spent parts of the next couple of days listening to Merle’s music. I listened in my car, in my office, and some while walking the Greenway. I was reminded of years long ago when as a college student a friend and I would sit around with your guitars in “pickin’ and a grinnin’” sessions which often included some of Merle’s tunes. Our playlist often included: “Mama Tried,” “White Line Fever,” “Holding Things Together,” “If We Make To December,” and “Sing Me Back Home.” As I listened to Merle’s simple and easy tunes I relived some of times that also seemed, in retrospect, pretty simple and easy.

The more I listened the more I began to see a connection between Jesus and Merle Haggard that I had never noticed.

The members of the church where I preach are reading through the New Testament together this year. Five chapters a week (Monday-Friday). Each Sunday we are using one of those texts for sermons, classes and small group discussions. The reading for today is John 3. Reading ahead in preparation for this article I saw a connection between this well-known passage and the music of Merle Haggard.

John 3:16-17 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Merle sang songs about life. Many of his songs described a side of life that many followers of Jesus not only try to avoid, but spend considerable time condemning. For instance: “Working Man Blues,” “The Fighting Side of Me,” “I’m a Lonesome Fugitive,” “Branded Man,” “Ramblin Fever,” and “I Threw Away the Rose.” No doubt one of the reasons for Haggard’s impact on the music world is that so many could relate to what he was singing.

Maybe you have felt, “If we make to December (or to the end of the month, or next year, or through the holidays, or until we get paid) we’ll be fine.” Surely there have been days when you felt like you’re just “Holding Things Together.”

We, Jesus’ people, sometimes like to put those kinds of stories in the category of what “those” people go through. “Good Godly people don’t live like that.” “Church goers don’t have such hard times.” “If they’d only get their life right and change their priorities they wouldn’t have so much trouble and heartache.”

Jesus’ words reminds me that I’m missing the point when that is my attitude toward people. Jesus said, “For God so loved the WORLD that he gave his one and only Son,…” Not only the good people. Not only the people who have life all together. Not only the good Christian people. God so loved the WORLD. People who don’t have it all together, those never seem to be able to get it all together, and those who at one time had it all together but failed miserably at keeping it together.

Jesus’ words further convict my too often quick-to-judge attitude when He said, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Where did we get the idea that it is our job to condemn? Where did we get the impression that God could not handle His creation and needs us to step in and set things straight.

Merle Haggard sang from the heart about life. Sometimes life is hard, and then it gets worse. Sometimes we mess up; sometimes we get things right. Sometimes we feel like we are down and out, but we keep trying.

Jesus lived, died, and rose again to teach us to love the world like He loved the world. What if we loved the people Merle sang about like Jesus did? Maybe it is time we started.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 14 | April 4, 2016

Google Images

Just before the last leg of His journey to the cross, Jesus spent time praying in the garden. He asked His friends to stay near and pray with him. They stayed but they fell asleep. When He finds them sleeping He expresses both frustration and concern for them, when He says, “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. ‘Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.’” (Luke 22:46, NIV)

Maybe you have heard those words yourself. I have. It is the middle of the night, or maybe very early in the morning. What sleep you have gotten has been restless and really pretty unrestful. You had a lot on your mind when you laid down, but knew you needed to rest. So you tried. You tossed. You turned. You wrestled with your pillow, the covers, and looked at the clock dozens of times. Finally, you hear the Lord say, “Get up and pray.”

So you do. You go to your spot. Your study. Your living room. The closet. Maybe the bathroom. You go there and you pray. You open your journal, or you get on your knees. You lay it all out before the Lord. “Lord, this is what is own my mind. I don’t don’t know how to say it, so I’ll just lay it out.”

You tell Him what you are worried about. You tell Him why you are sad. You tell Him about the conversation you had the day before that you cannot put to rest. You talk to Him about your marriage, your children, your job, your frustrations, your dreams, your desires, and your needs. You get it all out. Then, you say, “So there it is Lord. All of it. I don’t know what to do with it so I’m giving it to you.”

You take a few deep breaths, go back to  your bed, put your head on your pillow and fall back to sleep for another hour to two. Or, you get ready and go out to face the day. Now, you feel like you can face the day.

Before you go out to fact the day there is one more thing that Jesus mentions that we should not overlook. He said, “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” No doubt His instruction reminded them of the prayer He had shared with them earlier when He prayed: “And lead us not into temptation,” (Matthew 6:13).

Jesus knew what was ahead for His friends. He knew that within a short time they would be confronted with the reality of His arrest, trial, and crucifixion. He knew that as things digressed confusion and fear would seize them. He knew they would be tempted, that most would desert Him, and that others be filled with confusion.

Jesus also knew that eventually, after His Resurrection, they would be reunited, restored, and commissioned to spread His story throughout the world. As messengers of the Way they would face severe opposition and persecution. Not only had He promised that He would always be with them, but now instructs them to pray for themselves that they would not fall into temptation.

If it was important for Jesus to remind His disciples to avoid temptation, maybe we should consider doing the same. Maybe as we express our gratitude for all God does for us asking Him to supply our needs, we should also ask Him to help us not fall into temptation.

On any given day we can be faced the temptation of compromising our ethics in business, tempted to lose control of our anger, give in to sexual temptation, or give up on our faith. On any given day we can be tempted pass judgment on a co-worker, cheat on our taxes, take advantage of the vulnerable, or abuse alcohol or drugs. Temptations are all around us.

Remember the words from Paul, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:8-9, NIV)

Temptation is real. It is possible to resist it. The ability to resist may begin when we “Get up and pray so that we will not fall into temptation.” You have read these words, now, maybe you need to “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.

Vol. 18 No. 13 | March 28, 2016

Luke ends his account of the life of Jesus like this:

44 Then he said, “Everything I told you while I was with you comes to this: All the things written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets, and in the Psalms have to be fulfilled.”

45-49 He went on to open their understanding of the Word of God, showing them how to read their Bibles this way. He said, “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it. You’re the witnesses (Italics mine). What comes next is very important: I am sending what my Father promised to you, so stay here in the city until he arrives, until you’re equipped with power from on high.”

50-51 He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them, took his leave, being carried up to heaven.

52-53 And they were on their knees, worshiping him. They returned to Jerusalem bursting with joy. They spent all their time in the Temple praising God. Yes. (Luke 24:44-53, The Message)

I hope your Easter Sunday included a time of genuine fellowship, energized and God focused worship, and a message from the Word that challenged you, encouraged you, and inspired you to greater service in the Kingdom of God.

I hope as you spent time over the last week reflecting on the last days of the life of Jesus, you also reflected on how you are living your life, how you would want to spend the last week of your life. I hope, now that we have passed through another Easter season, you and I will accept the same role as that of those who were with Jesus after His Resurrection. In verse 48 of the text above Jesus explains their new identity in the Kingdom: “You are the witnesses.”

A witness is one who sees an event. Jesus told them that they have seen the fulfillment of things He had told them would happen. “You can see now how it is written that the Messiah suffers, rises from the dead on the third day, and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations—starting from here, from Jerusalem! You’re the first to hear and see it.” (46-47)

When you are witness you can testify as to what you have seen. If you see an accident or a crime you may be called into a court of law to serve as a witness, to give a testimony, to confirm or deny what is being said. If you witness something exciting—a great game, a beautiful sunset, or an act of inspirational courage—you cannot wait to share that with others. Given an opening into any conversation, you’ll seize it and share what you have seen.

When Jesus tells them, “You’re the witnesses” He is challenging them, and giving them an open door to share what they have seen and experienced. He basically tells them to wait until the Spirit comes to them, but be ready to be the witnesses. If you read farther in Luke’s writings (the book of Acts), you will see they accept and excel in being His witnesses.

You and I witnessed something yesterday. Because we are witnesses, it is now time for us to share what we saw, what we experienced, how we were impacted, and why it was so significant to us. That is what a witness does. That is what we are.

The only question that remains is, will we accept our role as His witnesses?

It is the day after Easter. Will you be His witness?

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2016. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.