APRIL 24 | ACTS 1:6-11

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DAILY READING

ACTS 1:6-11

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REFLECTION

And So It Begins

by Judy Webb

"Why do you stand there looking into the sky?" (Acts 1:11)

Why indeed? Jesus taught his followers for 3 years, he prepared them for this day, and yet they stand there staring, probably with sad and forlorn burning in their eyes. Longing coupled with tears took over the expression on their faces. Everything Jesus had been telling them was happening; unbelievable as it may have been. I wonder, would we also be standing there with a slack-jawed look watching Jesus climb to the heavens?

This was a confusing time for the Apostles. Their emotions were running hot and high. Jesus, their beloved leader dead. They still didn’t understand things, but then would we? Could we put two and two together and come up with a Risen Savior? A man, and a dearly loved companion, murdered. They were in shock; they were stunned and so very fearful. How could they make sense of these things?

They did the next best thing: they came together and hid out for a bit. They needed to talk things over, perhaps review the words Jesus had shared with them to see if they could make sense of their world. Scripture tells us they went back to the place where they had been staying and began praying. “They all met together, united in prayer.” (Acts 1:14 NLT) This is just what Jesus had taught. Pray and stick together and it will all make sense.

Isn’t this just what we do when a loved one dies? Don’t we come together, share a meal, and review their life? We bring up those memorable times, those personal conversations and even share laughs as we review their friendship and family ties. It is not only healing, but this type of grieving gives their life purpose and meaning and helps us to know how to move forward.

Jesus had taught his followers all they needed to know. It was now up to them to “Go, and make disciples!” 

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

As we move forward now, with our clear orders to "Be and Make Disciples", show us just how to do this. Make our testimony obvious and prepare us to give the "reason for our hope," Thank you for Jesus, thank you for Easter. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.

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April 23| Luke 24:50-53

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DAILY READING

Luke 24:50-53

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REFLECTION

With Great Joy

By Beth Voltmann

“When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany...”

(Luke 24:50) 

Have you ever noticed the location Jesus chose for his ascension to heaven? I can’t say that I have! He appeared to the disciples over a period of forty days after his resurrection in various places, but just prior to returning to the Father to prepare a place for his believers, he chose to lead them back to a familiar place – a familial place.

Bethany, located at the base of the Mount of Olives was home to Mary, Martha and Lazarus. This was the place of:

·      Great gatherings

·      Teachings about the Kingdom at the feet of Jesus

·      Deep sorrow as Lazarus died and great joy as Jesus raised him to life again

·      Mary’s gift of anointing to Jesus before his death

·      And the location from which Jesus began his triumphal entry to fulfill his mission

Faith had been instilled, challenged and strengthened at Bethany, but Christ’s suffering and death had robbed his followers of their hope - it had shaken their faith. Knowing they would lose their way, Jesus shared this promise shortly before his crucifixion:

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again

and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

(John 16:22)

Jesus was true to his word. The grave could not hold him, and upon his return, he sought them out to comfort and reassure their hearts, to remind them of the kingdom of God, and to guide them back to a familiar place where they had been in deep relationship with him. From there, he departed, knowing that, this time, they would not mourn but rejoice as they headed back to Jerusalem to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

(Luke 24:51-52)

Have you lost your way? Is your faith shaken? Do you struggle to trust in God’s promises? Ask the Lord Jesus to come. May he guide you back to that place where you once knew him intimately and trusted in his Word. He is faithful and he will do it. We have reason for great joy!

PRAYER

Come Lord Jesus, we welcome you. Lead us, guide us, teach us, fill us!

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.” (Rev. 19:1b)

We worship you and are filled with great joy!

Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.

April 22 | Luke 24:36-49

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DAILY READING

Luke 24:36-49

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REFLECTION

For All Nations

By Pam Mann

The disciples are stunned. The two, just in from Emmaus, have now explained their encounter with Jesus. He’s alive! This report is a repeat of what the women said coming back from the tomb. Even Peter and John insist the tomb is empty.

Can it be? After the horrific agony of his cross, can Jesus be alive? Is there still hope, against all odds, that Jesus is the Messiah, their hope to redeem the nation?

“Peace be with you,” says the familiar voice in the midst of their sleep-deprived angst. Sweet Jesus. He’s here. A ghost? No. At his urging, they touch his wounded limbs. He is solid flesh. They see him eat. He is alive.

At first, they think all hope for the nation is not lost. Then, they finally hear and comprehend something bigger than a single nation’s political security. At last, they consider the vastness of Christ’s mission because he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Jesus explains to them what is written about him in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.

The law of Moses requires a lamb without defect. Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God. Only the blood of the lamb can protect God’s people from death’s visitation. Perhaps Jesus mentions Isaiah 53 or Psalm 22. There are many Scriptures that tell of his life and death.

As Jesus speaks, clearly explaining, the light dawns on them. From this moment, they will know what we know: Christ has come for all nations.

What the disciples have experienced for the past three years is not a Jewish revival movement. Christ has come for all nations. He is the Savior of the world.

This changes everything.

Jesus opens their minds so that they can understand the Scriptures which told of this watershed event in human history. He says to them the words that pull us into the drama. Jesus says that repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations.

They can let go of all ideas about a Messiah who will usher in a new golden age of power for his birth nation. Forget defeating Rome and being free of its clutches. Jesus has defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil. Forget national pride. This is the Savior of the world. All nations are included in his plan. You and I are in his plan.

Do we stay huddled together in fear, or do we go with Jesus to the nations?

PRAYER

Thank You, Jesus, for Your obedience to the Scriptures in every detail that we might be saved. We worship You, the precious Lamb of God, the covering for our sin, the Victor over death, the Hope for all nations. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PAM MANN

I first joined UALC when my husband (then my fiancé) and I were college students involved in youth ministry. God has used UALC to nurture our family’s faith, even in our years outside the U.S. I’ve participated in UALC ministries with kids, art, prayer, exercise, ESL, and Bible teaching. I do all the fun church things.

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