July 5, Monday Devotion

June 28, Monday Devotion

Matthew 28:16-2016 Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted!
    18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Quick Notes/Questions

Today we end the book of Matthew with a passage that is probably a little familiar, the name usually called, 'The Great Commission'.  I actually want to look at verse 17, though.  Some of Jesus' 11 disciples worshiped him despite doubting.  We usually look down at those who doubt, but maybe it is helpful to know that even those closest to Jesus doubt at times.  The only thing that I know of that cures doubt is being actively involved in a worshiping community.  Legend has it that all of the remaining 11 overcame their doubts and led great lives for Christ.  What do you think?

Quick Prayer

Lord Almighty, may the doubts that I sometimes have help me form me into a creature of worship.  Amen.

July 3, Saturday Devotion

July 3, Saturday Devotion

Matthew 28:1-15

1 Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint. 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and he is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there. Remember what I have told you.”
    8 The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. 9 And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they ran to him, grasped his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.”
    11 As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus’ disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.’ 14 If the governor hears about it, we’ll stand up for you so you won’t get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today.

Quick Notes/Questions

The least powerful of 1st Century Palestinian society - women - are the ones who show devotion even after presumed death.  The most powerful group feel the need to not only cover their tracks but to do it in ways that go against the kind of behavior they promote.  They are bribing someone to bear false witness against their neighbor.  Which of the two groups do you want to be a part of and why?

Quick Prayer

Almighty God, may my devotion to you supersede anything that will only makes others look upon me kindly.  Amen.

July 2, Friday Devotion

July 2, Friday Devotion

Matthew 27:57-66

57 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, 58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. 59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. 60 He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. 61 Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching.
    62 The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. 63 They told him, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.”
    65 Pilate replied, “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.

Quick Notes/Questions

Two different groups of people are taking special care about the same man.  One group is preparing the body of one they loved while the other... well, frankly, is covering their own tracks.  The second group are concerned that perhaps they are wrong about Jesus, and their words ring true.  What kind of things have you tried to cover up making things worse?

Quick Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, may my faith stand whatever scrutiny that comes my way.  Amen.