Tag: Acts

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All Roads Lead to Jerusalem

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Leviticus 25 Listen: (7:41) Read: Acts 21 Listen: (5:55)

Scripture Focus: Acts 21.12-15

12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” 15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem.

Luke 24.13-16, 27

13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him…27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Acts 20.22-24

22 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Reflection: All Roads Lead to Jerusalem

By John Tillman

Traveling to or from Jerusalem can mean many things, good or bad. Jesus often meets people on the road to or from Jerusalem.

On the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, Cleopas and another disciple encountered the resurrected Jesus. On their way home in disillusionment and discouragement, Jesus joined them. Through scripture, he restored their faith and reversed their journey’s direction.

On the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, Paul encountered the resurrected Jesus. On his way to persecute Jesus’ followers, Jesus confronted him. Through miracles and the ministry of the church, he reversed the direction of Paul’s pursuits. Paul returned to Jerusalem a follower of Jesus.

On Paul’s final road to Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit spoke to him. On his way to testify about Jesus, prayer and prophecies warned Paul of persecution and pain, not to turn him back, but to prepare him.

His arrest set Paul on the road away from Jerusalem to Rome. On this journey, an angel of the Lord stood beside him, promising to fulfill God’s purpose in Paul’s life. (Acts 27.22-24)

Jesus is with us on whatever road we walk. He knows what it is like to walk to and from Jerusalem that kills the prophets. (Matthew 23.37) Jesus knows what it is like to both love your city and nation and know the dangerous wickedness within them.

All roads for the Christian lead to Jerusalem and all of the potential glory, danger, sacrifice, and suffering that means. We must face our Jerusalem, our Judea, our Samaria, and our Rome. (Acts 1.8) Prison and hardship may await us. (Acts 20.23) We must prepare to be bound or to die for the name of Jesus. (Acts 21.13) What shall we say, “Deliver us from this hour?” No. We must say, as Jesus did, “Father, glorify your name!” (John 12.26-28)

Our road to or from Jerusalem can mean difficulty or danger or doubt or depression. Is your Jerusalem road one of mourning and defeat? Anger and retribution? Fear and ominous warnings? Slander and accusations? Persecution or prosecution?

Jesus will meet us, join us, confront us, comfort us, protect us, and prepare us. Let him open scripture to us, challenge us when we are wrong, warn us to prepare us for the future, and promise us that his purpose in us will be fulfilled.

The road through a Jerusalem of suffering, leads to the new Jerusalem of glory. This is the way and there is no other.

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading

Then they said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?” They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, “The Lord has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognized him at the breaking of bread. — Luke 24.32-35

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Following Through Jerusalem

The path leading to glory with Christ is the path leading through suffering to death.

Following Through Jerusalem
Read more: Now Jerusalem and Not-Yet Jerusalem

Nehemiah lived in Now-Jerusalem and pointed to Not-Yet-Jerusalm. So do we.

Now Jerusalem and Not-Yet Jerusalem

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Zoom Out, Zoom In

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Genesis 9-10 Listen: (7:19), Read: John 9 Listen: (4:56)

Scripture Focus: Genesis 10.32

32 These are the clans of Noah’s sons, according to their lines of descent, within their nations. From these the nations spread out over the earth after the flood.

Acts 2.7-12

7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, d 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

Reflection: Zoom Out, Zoom In

By John Tillman

One of the Bible’s consistent patterns is alternating broad and narrow views.

First, we see a broad cosmic view of creation. Then we see an earthy, up-close, face-to-face depiction of God, Adam, and Eve. Then, from a panoramic scene of the world’s wickedness, we zoom in on one man, Noah, being saved from the judgment of the flood along with his family. Next, we see a wide-angle picture of human pride and rejection of God at the tower of Babel, followed by a macro lens zooming in to follow one family, eventually stopping on an intimate image of Abram’s interactions with God.

The “Table of Nations” is one of the “wide-angle” moments. When I was younger, I envisioned the “Table of Nations” like a United Nations meeting table. However, the “Table of Nations” is not a meeting table where nations gather, it is a spreadsheet table recording where nations scattered. It is not uniting but dividing.

God wanted humans to spread out, flourish, and cultivate growth. But as nations grew, so did suspicion and hatred. They spread over the Earth to isolate and protect themselves, hoarded what they produced, and either envied or feared their brothers and sisters.

When the world fills with chaos and disorder, God zooms in to start changing the world through one life, one family, one nation. But his intention is never to raise one people above all others. God has always wanted to gather all the nations as one people, his people. One family, his family. One flock, his flock. Acts 2 shows that beginning to happen but the rest of Acts and the New Testament shows that it wasn’t easy going.

Uniting people has always been more difficult than dividing them. We see that today. When we look at our world with a wide view, division and hatred are rampant. Anti-Semitic and other racially motivated attacks are growing. Politics is more bitterly fought than ever.

The pattern we see in scripture can comfort and challenge us. It comforts us to remember that most of the time when we look at the wide angle, the situation looks bad.

It challenges us to remember that God zooms in close to get involved on a personal level—our level. Under God’s lens, we are agents of change, inviting everyone to the banquet table of the gospel. He will magnify our efforts.

Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading

The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah—that is, Christ—is coming; and when he comes he will explain everything.” Jesus said, “That is who I am, I who speak to you” — John 4.25-26

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.

Read more: Life in the Blood

May we not carelessly “eat” blood by profiting from violence, supporting bloodshed, or indifferently shrugging off bloodshed that doesn’t affect us.

Life in the Blood

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Gods in Our Image — Readers’ Choice

Scripture Focus: Acts 14.11-17
11 When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 16 In the past, he let all nations go their own way. 17 Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Originally published on June 28, 2024, based on readings from Acts 14.11-17.

Readers’ Choice is here: There’s still time to tell us about your favorite, most meaningful posts of the year. If you shared it with someone, or it helped you, let us know via email, direct message, or filling out the linked form.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
Jason, TX — I find it interesting that our man-made “gods” are only more powerful and brutal, but never more moral or just.

Reflection: Gods in Our Image — Readers’ Choice
By John Tillman

When people say that humans create gods in our own image, I agree with them.

Human-created gods are easy to spot. They are like humans we know. There are strongman gods like Zeus, trickster gods like Hermes, and a host of other “types.” They mostly look like, think like, and act like us. They aren’t more holy, moral, or wise than humans. They are just more powerful. And with flaws and weaknesses like ours, they are more brutal. One slight brings destruction and curses. One slip-up brings unrelenting pain and suffering.

In Lystra, Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for Zeus and Hermes. Commentor, Conrad Gempf mentions a possible motivation for the crowd’s reaction. According to legend, a nearby town had failed to welcome Zeus and Hermes when they visited. Angered by this, the gods destroyed the offenders. With this story in the background, the cry, “The gods have come down to us in human form,” (Acts 14.11) seems less like a joyful announcement and more like a fearful warning. With gods like these, who needs monsters?

The best we can hope for from pagan gods is a balance of blessing and suffering—some light in the dark. “Perhaps good will hold evil at bay for a season. Perhaps, if we are vigilant, we can avoid offense or quickly make amends.”

Paul and Barnabas deny that they are gods and announce the true God, who is different than any the people know, yet has cared for them all this time. Jesus is a God-man unlike any in mythology. When sharing the gospel, beware of copying mythological ideas.

Jesus did not pretend to be human. He was. He was not a pseudo-human trickster god, conning the Father into loving humans. God does love humans. We are made in his image, not the other way around. The gospel reveals and resurrects this nature in us.

We need to share the gospel by emphasizing the “otherness” of Jesus. Our God is not like humans or easy to understand. He is merciful and gracious, yet punishes the guilty. Our best sacrifices do not appease. Our greatest arguments cannot overcome his wisdom. His gospel promises something completely different.

Jesus does not “restore balance,” or “hold evil at bay.” He completely destroys evil and, in the end, his light will banish all darkness. He will do this ultimately in the universe, but he will start in our hearts.

From John: The Divine Hours prayers will return in October. This month we will pray one scripture passage or verse each week.

Prayer:
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.  — Nehemiah 1.11

​Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 47 (Listen 1:21)
2 Corinthians 6 (Listen 2:31)

This Weekend’s Readings
Jeremiah 48 (Listen 7:31), 2 Corinthians 7 (Listen 2:58)
Jeremiah 49 (Listen 7:15), 2 Corinthians 8 (Listen 3:25)

Read more about Praising Christ’s Righteousness
Imagine hanging our hopes on a great leader, only to watch him or her fall…Most of us don’t have to imagine it. It has happened.

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Read more about Gods of Ruin and Ridicule
Our greatest temptation today is to worship the false gods of power, wealth, pleasure, and narcissism.

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Calluses Aren’t Forever — Readers’ Choice

Scripture Focus: Acts 28.23-28
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 
26 “ ‘Go to this people and say, 
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; 
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; 
they hardly hear with their ears, 
and they have closed their eyes. 
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, 
hear with their ears, 
understand with their hearts 
and turn, and I would heal them.’  
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

Originally published on July 12, 2024, based on readings from Acts 28.23-28.

Readers’ Choice is here: There’s still time to tell us about your favorite, most meaningful posts of the year. If you shared it with someone, or it helped you, let us know via email, direct message, or filling out the linked form.

Readers’ Choice posts are selected by our readers:
GT, TX — We all know someone with a callus or two.

Barbara, TN — Thank you for this graphic word!

Brian, DC — Thanks for sharing about calluses of the hand and calluses of the ears, heart, mind and souls…such beautiful truth!

Reflection: Calluses Aren’t Forever — Readers’ Choice
By John Tillman

Calluses develop. We aren’t born with them.

Frequent friction forms calluses that are intended to protect us and, in some cases, help us. I have not played guitar in a long time, but my left hand used to have callus-tipped fingers. Even without a guitar in my hand, calluses marked me as an instrumentalist. If I nervously drummed my fingers on a table or desk, the tell-tale percussive taps of my calloused left hand were louder and sharper than the muted taps from my right.

Before the calluses formed, my tender fingertips could not stand to practice long without severe pain from the pressure and friction of the tiny metal strings. Once formed, the calluses, helped me play longer. (But not much better, unfortunately.)

The calloused hands of manual laborers testify to the hard work they regularly do. You don’t get calloused hands doing yard work once a week. You get them changing tires, or replacing roofs, or landscaping for long hours daily.

Physical calluses are badges of honor for hard work, frequently done. They indicate, in most cases, dedication and strength. The Bible speaks of calluses that are non-physical. We can have calloused ears that don’t hear, calloused hearts that don’t feel, calloused minds that refuse gospel arguments, and calloused souls that reject God.

Calluses of ears, hearts, minds, and souls don’t develop, as physical ones do, from hard work and frequent use. They develop from avoiding hard things and refusing to listen. When Paul addressed the Jewish community in Rome, “some were convinced…but others would not believe.” Paul quoted a warning from Isaiah to these individuals that they would become calloused. (Isaiah 6.9-10) Jesus also referred to this warning. (Matthew 13.13-16) 

After his warning, Isaiah asked, “How long, Lord?” (Isaiah 6.11) The Lord’s answer included suffering and destruction, but also hope. God told Isaiah that the calloused hearts, ears, and eyes were temporary. Jesus and Paul knew this too. Calluses aren’t forever.Do you know people with gospel-resistant calluses? Do they stop their ears? Do they refuse to listen? (Acts 7.51-52) Don’t give up on them. Pray that they will stop resisting.

I no longer play guitar and today my left hand is as soft and sensitive as my right. Stay sensitive to those with calloused hearts. Reducing friction allows calluses to soften. Paul spoke “all day long” and some believed. Have patience and don’t be ashamed to share the gospel with the calloused.

From John: The Divine Hours prayers will return in October. This month we will pray one scripture passage or verse each week.

Prayer:
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.  — Nehemiah 1.11

​Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 45-46 (Listen 5:51)
2 Corinthians 5 (Listen 3:14)

Read more about Types of Blindness
Even those who already believe can be blinded…There are many types of blindness. Jesus heals them all.

Types of Blindness

Readers’ Choice is here!
This month, we are thankful to share your favorite posts from the past year. There’s still time to tell us your faves via email, direct message, or the linked form, so we can repost them.

#ReadersChoice #YearsBest

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Calluses Aren’t Forever

Scripture Focus: Acts 28.23-28
23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe. 25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet: 
26 “ ‘Go to this people and say, 
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; 
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” 
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused; 
they hardly hear with their ears, 
and they have closed their eyes. 
Otherwise they might see with their eyes, 
hear with their ears, 
understand with their hearts 
and turn, and I would heal them.’  
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

Reflection: Calluses Aren’t Forever
By John Tillman

Calluses develop. We aren’t born with them.

Frequent friction forms calluses that are intended to protect us and, in some cases, help us. I have not played guitar in a long time, but my left hand used to have callus-tipped fingers. Even without a guitar in my hand, calluses marked me as an instrumentalist. If I nervously drummed my fingers on a table or desk, the tell-tale percussive taps of my calloused left hand were louder and sharper than the muted taps from my right.

Before the calluses formed, my tender fingertips could not stand to practice long without severe pain from the pressure and friction of the tiny metal strings. Once formed, the calluses, helped me play longer. (But not much better, unfortunately.)

The calloused hands of manual laborers testify to the hard work they regularly do. You don’t get calloused hands doing yard work once a week. You get them changing tires, or replacing roofs, or landscaping for long hours daily.

Physical calluses are badges of honor for hard work, frequently done. They indicate, in most cases, dedication and strength. The Bible speaks of calluses that are non-physical. We can have calloused ears that don’t hear, calloused hearts that don’t feel, calloused minds that refuse gospel arguments, and calloused souls that reject God.

Calluses of ears, hearts, minds, and souls don’t develop, as physical ones do, from hard work and frequent use. They develop from avoiding hard things and refusing to listen. When Paul addressed the Jewish community in Rome, “some were convinced…but others would not believe.” Paul quoted a warning from Isaiah to these individuals that they would become calloused. (Isaiah 6.9-10) Jesus also referred to this warning. (Matthew 13.13-16) 

After his warning, Isaiah asked, “How long, Lord?” (Isaiah 6.11) The Lord’s answer included suffering and destruction, but also hope. God told Isaiah that the calloused hearts, ears, and eyes were temporary. Jesus and Paul knew this too. Calluses aren’t forever.

Do you know people with gospel-resistant calluses? Do they stop their ears? Do they refuse to listen? (Acts 7.51-52) Don’t give up on them. Pray that they will stop resisting.

I no longer play guitar and today my left hand is as soft and sensitive as my right. Stay sensitive to those with calloused hearts. Reducing friction allows calluses to soften. Paul spoke “all day long” and some believed. Have patience and don’t be ashamed to share the gospel with the calloused.


Divine Hours Prayer: A Reading
Jesus taught us, saying: “Enter by the narrow gate, since the road that leads to destruction is wide and spacious, and many take it; but it is a narrow gate and a hard road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” — Matthew 7.13-14

– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.

​Today’s Readings
Isaiah 41 (Listen 5:00)
Acts 28 (Listen 4:56)

​This Weekend’s Readings
Isaiah 42 (Listen 4:11), Psalm 107 (Listen 4:12)
Isaiah 43 (Listen 4:06), Psalms 108-109 (Listen 4:28)

Read more about Types of Blindness
Even those who already believe can be blinded…There are many types of blindness. Jesus heals them all.

Types of Blindness

Read more about Student Writers Month
Support our 2024 student writers. Donations from July 15 through August 9th will go to scholarship stipends. Read student bios and donate through our website.

Student Writers Month