This Road: Recent Episodes
Jayson Evans
Life is a Journey.
Join us as we walk, week by week, through the Christian Year.
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Today is a day for declaring our intention to live a life that matters, a life of radical generosity that holds all our possessions and our very lives lightly. It is a life of taking the long view. A life of belonging to the truth, a truth that transcends individual limited perspective and allows the community to hear the voice of Christ as the guide and hope for living a life that matters.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Music:
Intimate Rise by Cody Martin
Recovery by Fantoms
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We often read Jesus' warnings, these apocalyptic texts, and tend to either have fear or bring fear on who hears them. But Jesus seems to be asking for something different from that. We know that he never has much time for fear as a tool. He is always chastising the fearful, even while he is gentle with the doubters.
While he sometimes seems to be saying "live in the moment," here, he argues that we need to take the long view. This isn't all that there is. There is more to come, a world you can barely imagine and can only glimpse from afar right now. Whatever this might be for you right now, this doesn't define who you are and who you will be.
NOTES: Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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MUSIC: Worth Waiting For by Adrian Walther
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Like many of Jesus’ statements, he again challenges us to a new way to live. You can imagine his disciples would have given an odd look when Jesus says the widow gave more. Their logical brains could not hear beyond the tiny clinks of the coins. But Jesus might have looked at them and said she put in more. More because the scribes gave out of their excess, whereas she put in her whole life.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Home Coming by Caleb Etheridge
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Today may be Halloween in our secular culture, but I would like to call us back to the traditional Christian observance of All Saints Day. This day is a call to remember those saints who have gone before us. Who have led us and drawn us into a relationship with Jesus. The Celtic Christians called a space like today a “thin place,” where this world and the next have moved so close together that it was as if one could go from one place to the other.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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In Quiet by The Culprit
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We have come to the end of this brief synopsis of Job’s story. We have discussed tragedy, pain, the unknown, and the mystery of who God is. Now, it is time to celebrate. This is the happy ending to Job’s story. We can continue to read this chapter and see God’s rewarding Job for his faithfulness. He received even more than he had before. This is the happy ending we have been waiting for!
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Life In Wonder by Moments
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Can you imagine how this scene must have sounded? The picture painted in this passage is stunning, but I just wish we could hear the actual audio. Since I first read this story, I have only read the LORD’s response as one of righteous anger. “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” God sounds angry, doesn’t he?
But will you allow me to speculate for a moment? What if God was speaking with authority but was not speaking with anger in his voice? Reread these words this week, and for that matter, read the rest of God’s response to Job. In many ways, it is some of the most beautiful poetry the Bible holds. The descriptive phrases used to personify the Creator are majestic and inspiring. Of course, this is the authority of God speaking to Job and reminding Job who He is. He is the Creator. He is the one who laid the foundations of existence in place. Again, I ask, what if God isn’t angry, but maybe, just maybe, God is actually trying to remind Job who is on his side.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Mansion On The Hill by Solitude
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Have you ever cried out to God and felt you were not heard? In this passage of scripture, we find Job crying out, only to feel as though no one is listening. Job gives voice to this pain. "Oh, that I knew where I might find him," he declared in bitterness.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Fractured Light by Stephen Keech
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Why do we study the book of Job? Is it still meaningful to us today?
Well, is there suffering in the world? Are there people who have lost everything? Of course, there is, and of course, there are. That’s what makes this book so compelling. It is real life; it asks real questions; it wrestles with the truth in humbling and transforming ways.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Nocturne In Eb Maj by Amanda Welch
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Do you believe your prayers are still answered? Can you read what James writes and nod your head in agreement? I remember hearing about the prayer services that would go all night. I have heard about the miraculous healings that came through fervent prayer. I have heard the term “prayed-through” time and again. But, I can’t help but wonder if we have forgotten the power of prayer. But James, the doer, the one who says our actions are an indicator of our faith, ends his letter reminding us of the power of prayer.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Where The Light Is (Stripped) by Emorie
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James places a great deal of importance on our actions. Not our actions as a way to salvation, but in a way that our efforts will show the world we follow King Jesus. If I can be honest, I sometimes wonder if we have found it too easy to allow our choosing to follow Jesus merely to be a statement and not a way of life. How often are the followers of Jesus the ones who have bitterness and jealousy in their hearts?
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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The Coldest Part (Stripped) by Emorie
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This year, the American West has been ravaged by wildfires. These uncontained blazes start with a single spark and burn without regard to anything in their paths. Isn’t it odd that James would liken something so small and insignificant as the tongue to an out-of-control forest fire?
However, when we think about it, maybe what James says isn’t that much of a stretch. We have all been in situations where we were hurt by words, or our words have hurt someone else. The power of words is an uncanny power that James even says we are unable to control! No human can tame the tongue!
If that is the case, why do we even try?
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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The Water (Stripped) by Emorie
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Maybe we aren’t prone to prop someone up because of their wealth. But how do we treat people of a different race, gender, or orientation? Do we continually find ways to be partial toward some and not others? Listen, I get it. This is a considerable challenge, and I believe it has been an ongoing battle in the church since James wrote his letter. But can’t we read James’ words that echo the words of Christ? “ If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.”
It is a real challenge, but James is challenging our faith. Do we really believe that Jesus’ way is the best way? Or have we too often allowed our own preferences to dictate our faith?
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Alluvial by Wild Wonder
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The book of James is short but intense. Tradition holds that this James is the younger brother of Jesus, the same James who begins to lead the early Jerusalem church in Acts. With that in mind, it seems that he might know a thing or two about what it takes to follow Jesus.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Music:
Wonderland by DaMarcus VanBuren
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For many of us, reading through the armor of God might seem familiar. Some of us might even remember a song or two about this passage. No matter how many times we have read this passage or heard about the armor, I believe it is still meaningful to us today. The author of Ephesians wants us to realize that we are not left without resources as we seek to be made disciples and to make disciples.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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2 AM by Sons Of Anne Harky
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As we continue to walk through Ordinary Time in the church calendar, we have a special guest joining us. Kyle Lee and his family live in Oklahoma City, where he is an elementary school teacher. Kyle is a dear friend of mine, and in many ways, we have been learning about the church calendar and ancient church practices together. Today, we will hear how Kyle’s faith journey has shifted his landscape over the last few years, what daily practices and habits he has added to his life, and more.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
The Eternal Current
The Book of Common Prayer
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Garden City
Daily Lessons from the Saints
Every Moment Holy
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Pulse by OBOY
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According to the author of Ephesians, there is little doubt. We are to be like God. We are to be imitators of God. No pressure, huh? What does it mean to be an imitator of God? Well, it is to walk in love, as Christ loved us. Being a Christian is being Christ-Like. Being Christ-Like is walking in a manner that loves others just as Christ loves us. A love that will sacrifice life itself to serve.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Through The Valley by Andy Ellison
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Can we ever learn to live a life that is worthy of the calling of Christ? Even if this seems unattainable, Paul thought it at least something worth attempting. He urges Christ’s followers to live worthy of this calling. Live in humility and gentleness. Walk in patience and bear with one another in love.
Paul continues by telling us why we do this; to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Paul is urging us to live a life of unity with God and unity with one another.
How are you doing with this calling?
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Headspace by Reveille
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The only way we can know something as deep as the love of God is through the sharing of our life with Him. How do you understand anyone’s love? You know, by living it, by sharing it, by talking about it. Our prayers and our songs should be full of the experience of being loved into wholeness, being “rooted and grounded” in love, so that we can begin to see that all our actions, all our doing in the world is motivated or in response to the love that defines us. We can know the love of Christ by sharing our life with him and then, as an outflow, by sharing our life with others.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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First Light by Half Measure
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I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase, “us versus them.” A mentality that if you aren’t for me, then you are against me. This has been the way of humanity since Cain and Abel, hasn’t it? We immerse ourselves in competitions, real or imagined. In many ways, we do the exact things the church in Ephesus was doing when Paul sent his letter. They were building walls and creating division.
We have become a society that is excellent at building walls and embracing division. I mean, without trying to get political, wasn’t a “wall” a primary talking point in the 2016 election? The truth is, we love our walls.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Hard to Believe by Half Measure
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This good news is not to be celebrated and hidden; however, this good news is meant to be shared. We who have received will offer public praises for his works, and as a result, we are to share this news with others. As mentioned last week, living with Jesus is all about relationships, and what better way to share in the relationship-building than by offering the good news to those we meet and befriend?
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Pray for Rain by Half Measure
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Jesus sends out the twelve to create a new community. He wants them to build relationships, care for those they meet. He wants them to trust them and make themselves at home with them. “Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you depart from there.” Jesus wants the disciples to build a new home with their new community! A new home.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Brick by Brick by Half Measure
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When asked what makes Christianity distinct from other world religions, C.S. Lewis responded, “That’s easy, it’s grace.” Grace is what makes us who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. Grace is what motivates us to respond with love and joy, and hope. It is what we have to offer the world, nothing of our own, but the gifts that come from grace.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Brushes by Pete Stewart
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When we consider the storms of life, they might always catch us unprepared. Like the disciples in the boat, we might find ourselves crying out in fear. It’s interesting that when Jesus calms the storm, the words Mark quotes are, “Peace! Be Still!” These words are the exact words Jesus used to cast out demons. It is translated as “Be Quiet! Come out of her!” So, it’s not a stretch to consider that this storm is implied to have an evil or demonic nature in need of the Savior’s touch. Today, we still need Jesus to help us eradicate the evil in our lives and this world. The hand of the Savior is the only thing that can truly calm the evil storms we encounter.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Mine by Emorie
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Jesus wants us to understand that by following him, we are growing into a new creation. Just as these seeds in the field or this tiny mustard seed become something of great use to the world, we become something of great service in the Kingdom of God. We see that all of these things work together to knit together a world that is entirely like the one we see but distinctly other. A distinctly better world.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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A Good One by Emorie
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I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “you can’t go home again.” Have you ever uttered it yourself? Sometimes it is true, going back home after some time leads to different remembrances. Sometimes it leads to terrible memories. Occasionally, the people who are still home can’t see the ways you’ve changed. Maybe you will always be the little kid running around the neighborhood. Jesus had tough times returning home as well.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Brighter, Deeper by VISITANTS
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Today is the first Sunday after Pentecost and the beginning of Ordinary Time in the church calendar. The term, Ordinary Time, might be misleading, as it is not a lesser time in our walk with Jesus. The word simply helps to explain how extraordinary the moments between Advent and Pentecost are.
Special days are still celebrated during Ordinary Time, with today being the first. This day is Trinity Sunday. One week after the coming of the Holy Spirit, Trinity Sunday serves to help the church recognize the triune Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is no accident that this week’s Gospel reading comes from John 3.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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We Can Begin Again by Joshua Spacht
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Today is Pentecost Sunday, a celebration full of joy and awe. Although sometimes overlooked or downplayed, Pentecost plays a crucial role in the story of salvation. Theologian, Robert Webber, says, “In order to bring God’s people into a full experience of the Good News, an emphasis on Pentecost is necessary.”
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Going Home by Emorie
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On the final Sunday of Easter, it is appropriate that we remember Jesus’ prayer over his disciples. In this short passage of scripture, there is so much to analyze, but maybe it is easiest to focus on verse 11: And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.
Unity is a common theme in scripture and the church. Still, when we look at the world today, it might be hard to find an authentic, unified community. It is Jesus’ prayer that we walk in unity, just as the Trinity works in unity. May his followers be one, as The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one.
Being in unity does not mean we have lost our individuality. It does not mean we can’t recognize and shouldn’t strive for diversity in the church. Instead, the differences make the whole. Being in unity acknowledges that we need each other. We cannot do this alone. Jesus understands our need for unity in this prayer, and it is something I desperately want to capture today.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Bloom In The Dark–Live by Emorie
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Jesus exemplifies the love of God like no other. He and the Father are one, and God is love; thus, Jesus is love. In this passage, Jesus is giving final instructions to the disciples before He is crucified. His commandment: Love one another.
As we celebrate the sixth Sunday of Easter, may we hear these words of Jesus. In my opinion, loving one another is counter-cultural to our current society. The word “love” is used in abundance, but the act of loving one another is few and far between. We can love ourselves, take care of ourselves and meet our needs, but what about expressing these actions toward others?
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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This Love by Emorie
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Abiding in Jesus. It seems so simple. Of course, if staying close to Jesus is so easy, why do we stray so far? Last week, we noted that Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who will lead us beside still waters. On the fifth Sunday of Easter, we see that Jesus is not only the one who cares for us, but he is the one who gives us life. Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” We can do nothing without Jesus, yet so many times, we try to go it alone.
I feel the challenge to stay close to Jesus. Honestly, every day, it is a challenge. The world throws so many things our way, it is easy to place our focus on the day-to-day misgivings of life, but Jesus would call us to cast aside what the world sends us and merely stay close to him.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Ice and Snow by Acreage
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The fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally focused on Christ as the Good Shepherd. In this passage, Jesus describes himself as the good shepherd. One who would lay his life down for his sheep. A shepherd lives with his sheep. Not only does he know each of them, but the sheep know his voice. They know the shepherd's scent and the touch of his hand. The sheep will only follow one shepherd. This is so poignantly stated in Psalm 23, when the Psalmist writes, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." The sheep will follow the shepherd's lead because they know his voice, and they know he will do anything to provide for them. A true shepherd will protect the sheep at all costs, and as a result, the sheep will follow the shepherd's guiding voice.
Notes:
Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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On the Third Sunday of Easter, I want to ask the question, is any of this real? Last week, we discussed believing without seeing. How our faith must be such that we can trust Jesus is the son of God, even if we can’t see him as Thomas and the disciples did. But, in our scripture passage today, we see a slightly different side of Jesus. “Touch me, and see For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is encouraging his followers to touch him and look upon him. He even ate real food in front of them! This is slightly different than John’s emphasis on believing without seeing. Why now is he so concerned with them seeing and believing?
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Today is the Second Sunday of Easter. Yes, much like Christmas in the church tradition is more than one day. Easter is a celebration that carries us into Pentecost. Robert Webber says, “Easter is a time to call the church back to its roots,” and I believe this call is just as relevant today.
Traditionally, the Second Sunday of Easter focuses on the story of Thomas and his unbelief. We might know this as the story of “Doubting Thomas,” but that might not be a proper name for this follower of Jesus. In my opinion, he probably wasn’t any less inclined to believe Jesus had risen as the rest of the disciples; he just happened to not be in the room when Jesus appeared.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Today is Easter Sunday. It is the culmination of the Christian story. Easter is the recognition that Christ is truly the Son of God and Savior of the world. He has shown power over death and the grave. Today is a day of celebration for all followers of Jesus.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Today marks the beginning of Holy Week, which commemorates the final week of Jesus’ life before being crucified. Traditionally, this week is the most challenging week of Lent, as it asks us to walk prayerfully with Christ toward certain death. But, as mentioned when we began the observance of Lent, death is not the end, but it is, in fact, a glorious new beginning with our Creator.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Have you ever lost something that you can’t live without? Car keys, money, the TV remote? Have you ever lost something that is very near to you? An heirloom? Someone who is close to you? Throughout the course of life, we will encounter loss, and it is never fun. It hurts to lose something or someone that truly matters to us. Yet, in this passage, we hear Jesus say that it is by losing something that we really gain.
“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”
What is Jesus asking of us?
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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The fourth Sunday of Lent is commonly known as “Rose Sunday.” As opposed to the previous weeks, it is a Sunday that strikes a more joyous note. It begins to shift our focus ever so slightly from an emphasis on our repentance to that of Christ’s healing power. Today, we recognize the joy that comes from salvation.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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As we walk steadily toward the cross, we come across an interesting portion of scripture. We commonly refer to this moment as "Jesus cleansing the temple," we might be more accurate in saying this is Jesus' protest against the temple system. Quoting the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, Jesus calls into question the heart behind the religious elite. At this moment, he prophecies of a new temple being built, one that Christ will make.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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As we enter into the second Sunday of Lent, we face the challenge of denial. In this passage, Jesus asks any who would follow to deny themselves of anything that would hinder them from following him. On the surface, this is a tall task. Deep in our souls, it is even more difficult than our flesh can imagine!
If we are not careful, the power of evil has a strong pull on our lives. It’s interesting how evil can even hide inside seemingly good things? Chocolate, anyone?
In my opinion, one of the modern evils we are facing is that of self-centeredness. I promise I am not trying to go on a rant here, but it stuns me how self-centered our world has become. There are many things to blame, including social media, but I would instead focus on the solution than the problem.
When I read the words of Jesus, I see that the solution is to deny our desires. The desire to build a platform. The desires of being unable to look beyond ourselves. The desire of gratifying our wants with instantaneous, if not short-lived, gratification. All of these desires are the things Jesus is asking us to give up.
Denying ourselves is a big ask, but I think Jesus follows up his big ask by reassuring us that in the end, it will be worth it. Jesus repeatedly mentions how anything we build on earth is pointless once our life is over. But our soul? Our soul can live on.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Retreat by Chelsea McGough
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Today marks the first Sunday of Lent, a time when we journey with Christ into death and are reborn through his resurrection. In Mark’s Gospel, one line tells us a dramatic story. “And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.” The early church fathers often used this scripture to compare Adam and his temptation in the garden, with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Paul often uses the terms first Adam and second Adam to describe their purpose in this story of redemption.
According to Robert Webber, “the first Adam did something to us. He brought sin, death, and condemnation and triggered the chain of events that brought ruin to the human family. But the second Adam did something for us. He reversed what the first Adam did, bringing life, righteousness, and justification and setting into motion a new chain of events that will eventually bring redemption to the whole world.”
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Today is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. If you grew up in a protestant background similar to mine, Lent might be an unfamiliar season for you. It was only eight years ago that I began to look into what the season of Lent really means. In short, Lent is a time for repentance. As the theologian, Robert Webber puts it, “Lent calls us back to God, back to basics, back to the spiritual realities of life. It calls us to put to death the sin and the indifference we have in our hearts toward God and our fellow persons. And it beckons us to enter once again into the joy of the Lord–the joy of a new life born out of death to the old life.”
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Today is Transfiguration Sunday. A time when we embrace the mysterious moment when Jesus was changed before the eyes of Peter, James, and John. Changed into what exactly? We don’t know, but something about Jesus changed so dramatically that the church has been trying to properly explain it ever since.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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How often do you actively think about servanthood? Is it something you actively pursue?
As we continue reading through Mark’s Gospel, we come across a brief encounter that Jesus has with Simon’s Mother-in-Law. Upon entering Simon’s house, we find that his mother-in-law is sick and in bed. Without mentioning much to anyone, Mark tells us that Jesus walked to her side, took her by the hand, lifted her up, and immediately she was healed.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Today, each of us has the opportunity to follow this Messiah. The one who speaks with authority and acts with love and justice. When I read the man's story with the unclean spirit, I can't help but imagine myself in his shoes. Just as Christ changed his life and purified it of this evil, he is doing the same in my life. Since the day I decided to become a disciple of Jesus, my life has been renewing and eliminating evil in my soul.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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How do we use our words today? Only a few words can make a difference. The frightening thing to me is how I may be completely unaware of what kind of difference my words might make to someone. It is a consequential responsibility, especially for anyone who would claim to be a follower of Jesus.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Azure by Alice in Winter
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In the first chapter of John’s Gospel, we find the calling of Nathanael. In John 1:43-46, we read, “The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael has an opinion of where Jesus grew up. “How could anything good come from Nazareth?” Why did Nathanael respond to Phillip this way? Truthfully, we don’t know. For me, though, it is hard to read his response without putting it into the context of our current world. When I read Nathanael’s reaction to Phillip, I cannot help but wonder how often I have looked down on someone because of where they came from or what their education or social status might be. Truthfully, it is way too easy to judge a book by its cover.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Mondays by Simple Thieves
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For many of the Christian faith, today marks the observance of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. In Mark, chapter one, “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.”
Place yourself in the river with John the Baptist and Jesus. The river is flowing downstream, time passing from here to eternity. As John dunks Jesus below the surface, suddenly the divide between heaven and earth is eliminated. God anoints his son as just that: the Son of God. As John and the other witnesses observed, this was not only a man born under unique circumstances; he was truly divine.
Why was Jesus baptized? He was baptized to fulfill the prophecies of the Lamb, who would come to take away the sins of the world. From the waters of the Jordan to the cross, Jesus' path is now set in motion.
But, this story is not only about Jesus. It is also about us.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Today is the Second Sunday After Christmas, but I would like to observe a day that will happen later this week, on January 6. Traditionally, January 6 marks the end of Christmas and the beginning of Epiphany. This is a Christian holiday commemorating the first manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, represented by the Magi, and his divinity.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Full Show Notes
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Merry Christmas, everyone. That’s right; it is still Christmas according to the church calendar. Today is the first Sunday after Christmas and the third day of Christmastide. Christmastide is the celebration set aside for the church, beginning on Christmas Day and ending with Epiphany.
A traditional reading for the first Sunday after Christmas is Simeon and Anna encountering the baby Jesus at the temple. In Luke 2, verses 22-40, we read that Simeon was a devout man who received word from the Holy Spirit that he would see the prophesied Messiah with his own eyes. Anna was a widow who spent night and day in the temple, praying and fasting. Her commitment was unceasing.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Auld Lang Syne by The Seasons
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Today, on Christmas, may I encourage you to take heart. Salvation has come. A light shines in the darkness, and the world will not overcome it.
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Daily Readings
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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In Your Eyes by Great Oaks
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Why did Jesus come to earth? Because of God’s love for His creation.
In a world that often falls short of giving love to others, God found the perfect moment to fulfill his love to the earth. Through Jesus’ advent, not only can we know the love of God, but we can share the love of God with others.
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Daily Readings
Advent Spotify Playlist
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Silent Night by Moments and Emorie
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The theologian, Karl Barth, says, "Joy is the rarest and most infrequent thing in the world." It's true, isn't it? We love it when people make us happy. We will watch TV shows for a laugh, so much so that the actors will make millions of dollars, bringing a smile to our faces. But that isn't joy, is it? Happiness is a fleeting feeling, but joy is so much more. For people of the Christian faith, the season of Advent is when we can find joy through a baby in a manger. Just as hope and peace come through Christ, we find joy in the Savior.
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Daily Readings
Advent Spotify Playlist
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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A Beginning by Hill
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As we continue to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ into our world and lives, may we realize that he came to bring us peace. Although the world is in turmoil, we can know that the Kingdom of God is one that is built upon a foundation of peace. As we realize that peace has come through a baby, we should also look ahead to the final peace that will come with Jesus’ return. As this hope builds inside of us, may we be like John the Baptist and prepare the way for the peace that is to come.
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- Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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A reading from Jeremiah 33:14-16 (ESV):
"Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time, I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely. And this is the name by which it will be called: 'The Lord is our righteousness.'
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Daily Readings
Advent Spotify Playlist
Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Heart Eyesby Marie
O Come O Come Emmanuel by Markus Huber
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Hey everyone, it’s Jayson, and I wanted to take a minute to let you know that This Road is returning next week! That’s right, after a few months away, the show is returning with a new episode every week.
After long consideration of the direction I wanted the podcast to move in, I am continually drawn to the Christian calendar. This ancient understanding of walking through the life of Christ in our daily devotional life is something that I have been learning and using in my own formation for the last few years. As we approach Advent's season, I felt it was an opportunity to share my own understandings of how the Christian calendar can shape us spiritually and draw us into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Theologian Robert Webber says, “The Christian year orders our formation with Christ incarnate in his ministry, death, burial, resurrection, and coming again through Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost.”
So, for at least the next year, we will try to walk down this road together. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of the Christian year, don’t worry, we will take a look at its meaning each week. Through short devotionals, prayers, and readings, we will understand how walking with Christ can truly transform our lives.
It all begins next week as we begin the expectation of Advent.
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Ancient-Future Time, by Robert E. Webber
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Can you tell it’s an election year in America? As if a world pandemic and racial tensions weren’t enough, we also have to hear the clamoring of the political elite. I was talking to my mother a few days ago and mentioned how frustrated I am that every statement tends to somehow become a political statement. It’s exhausting for me to deal with.
As I read the Daily Lectionary this morning, Paul’s words of encouragement to the believers in Rome caught my attention. Truly, I feel like it was a subtle reminder from the Lord that even in seasons like this, believers are expected to live in a way that is different from the rest of society. In Romans chapter 12, Paul, states:
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
– Romans 12:9-18 (ESV)
Maybe, just maybe, we can learn to love our fellow believers and strangers in the same way that Jesus Christ loves us.
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Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been trying to address the habits I have formed. Truthfully, in the past four months, I have drastically changed my daily routine, beginning with how I spend my mornings. My mornings were hectic. They focused on trying to wake up, eat, workout, and hopefully, I’ll remember to read my Bible and pray a little.
Since March, I have done my best to alter my routine to one where I am not in a hurry. I spend time reading scripture. I have a set prayer I pray each morning, along with supplications and meditation. I eat a balanced breakfast, and I go for a thirty-minute walk. It’s not much, but it has become my new routine, and I like it. It keeps me emotionally balanced and allows me to focus my heart and mind at the beginning of each day.
I don’t say all this to brag. I hate that it has taken me so long to realize how unfruitful my previous morning routine had been. No, I say all this to challenge you to analyze the kinds of habits you have developed.
Are they helpful? Are they mentally and physically healthy?
The habits we breed will lead us to live lives we are in control of or lives that control us. I know this sounds self-help like, but please understand, God wants us to live with healthy habits as well. You know that whole “out of the heart the mouth speaks” thing? Jesus is trying to help us understand that the habits we have will ultimately dictate what kind of life we live.
May we take care of ourselves emotionally and physically. May we spend time allowing God to nurture us spiritually. May we choose to live lives with healthy habits.
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In Matthew 14, we read of the encounter the Disciples have with Jesus while he was walking on water.
It reads: And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
This has always been an interesting teaching moment for me. The part that still sticks in my mind is when Jesus admonished Peter for having little faith. I mean, the man did have enough faith to step out of the boat, right? The other disciples lacked that courage. When I was younger, I always felt bad for Peter. I felt like maybe Jesus was a little hard on him.
But as I’ve read this passage over time, I realize a couple of things. First of all, Jesus didn’t rebuke Peter until he had rescued him. It was after Jesus took hold of Peter’s hand. This should bring us a sense of courage in and of itself. Jesus won’t let us drown, even if our faith falters.
The second thing I have come to learn is that Jesus wasn’t admonishing Peter’s lack of faith, it was actually the fact that Peter’s faith was so fleeting. Remember last week when we discussed Jesus’ miracle of feeding the multitudes? Peter was there for that. This encounter on the sea is mere hours after this incredible miracle that they were a part of!
Perhaps Jesus wasn’t admonishing Peter for needing more faith. He was just reminding Peter that the same faith that allows us to see Jesus perform one miracle is all we need to see him perform the next.
We don’t need to read this passage and ask for more faith. No, I believe we can read this passage and ask Jesus to allow us to remember how he has proven our faith again and again. Then, in moments of doubt, amidst the crashing waves, we know that our faith is strong enough to stand.
After all, Peter did walk with Jesus back to the boat.
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Do you ever feel insignificant?
In times like this, it might be easy for us to feel like nothing we do matters. How could we make a difference? In these moments, I tend to think about the way Jesus led his disciples. In Matthew 14, we see where Jesus feeds the five thousand. In the encounter, the disciples ask Jesus to send the crowd home so they may eat. Jesus simply replies by telling the disciples to feed the crowd.
“We only have five loaves and two fish,” they exclaimed. How insignificant the amount of food must have felt.
But Jesus, as he often does, had a different perspective. He asked them to bring the sack lunch, he prayed over the meal and had the disciples distributed the portions.
You probably know the rest; there was more than enough food for everyone in attendance.
When we feel like we have little to offer, Jesus reminds us that he can turn a little into a lot. All we have to do is bring what little, insignificant things we have to the feet of Jesus. Then, we can see how Jesus can make a difference.
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Matthew 13:31-32 states, “He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
This parable is one of my favorite teachings of Jesus when it comes to the unstoppable force that is the Church. To any first-century Jewish farmer, they realize the picture Jesus is painting when talking about the mustard seed. Indeed, it is one of the smaller seeds to be planted, but the fruit it yields is powerful.
As Jesus discusses the seed growing into a great tree, or shrub, in which the birds can make nests, he is showing us how the Kingdom of God truly works. The Kingdom of God is a small seed planted in each of us, but as our relationship with Jesus grows, the inward work of the Kingdom will become an outward expression for all to see.
It is no accident that Jesus mentions the birds making nests in the Mustard tree. We can probably recognize that mustard is often a spice. Yet, it is when the seed is bruised, that the vigor and flavor of the mustard seed is found. So, when a bird is perched on a branch, it is not only finding rest, but it is also finding food and nourishment.
Oh, that we might recognize that as the Kingdom of God grows in our lives, we are in the perfect place to bring rest and nourishment to our neighbor. Then, perhaps they would see the Kingdom of God as well.
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In 1967, the Beatles released their song, “All You Need is Love.” A simple, catchy tune that is still in the modern vernacular today. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a Beatles fan through and through. The lyrics, the melodies, the remarkable story of four young chaps from Liverpool. It really is astounding.
That song, though...All You Need is Love.
The thought is not dissimilar to the words of Jesus when a scribe asked him what the most important commandment was.
Jesus replied, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
There is no greater commandment to follow than to love God and love thy neighbor.
Throughout human history, we have been divisive people. The root of evil is one that divides to conquer. Think about it, we are still seeing this division today.
But what if we would just love each other? What if we could put aside our differences in the name of love? A few weeks ago, while chatting with a friend, I mentioned that I don’t like to choose sides without knowing the facts. Yet, one side I will always be on is the side of love.
I know it may seem childish to think that love could solve the world’s problems, but maybe I am just childish enough to think being on the side of love can save the day.
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Today, I would like to read a passage from the Bible, reading from Romans 12:9-21 (ESV). It states:
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
How will the church respond in light of the evil of racism and white supremacy? How will a follower of Christ respond toward those who have been downcast? Will we weep with those who weep? Will we bless those who persecute us? Can we love one another with brotherly affection? Can we live in harmony with one another?
Too many times, the Church has not done a good job of being Jesus to the world. Maybe we can find it in ourselves to read what the scriptures say and live them out.
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These last five months have been tough, and, in my opinion, these last two weeks have been the toughest of all. When I saw the video of the murder of George Floyd, I was appalled. How could one human so devalue the existence of another human?
I am a white man. I experience privilege without even recognizing it. As a result, I think the only thing I can offer in this situation is listening. I want to hear the cries of pain. I want to listen to stories of injustice. I want to understand that which I cannot fully comprehend.
I can only do this by listening.
I have to listen, even when it is uncomfortable. I have to listen, even if I don’t entirely agree.
There are a lot of opinions floating around. We need to remember that opinions, by definition, are not facts. To understand the facts, we have to be willing to listen.
My heart goes out to the family of George Floyd, and to every person who has ever felt less than. It’s not right. It is not Biblical. It is not the way of Jesus.
I am ready to listen.
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Why are we afraid of silence? We are always watching something on television, listening to a podcast, reading, listening to someone else read, scouring the internet for information, or partaking in a social media discussion.
Over time, we have trained ourselves to avoid silence at all costs.
But what is wrong with silence?
In my opinion, we have grown afraid of the silence because it is in the silence where we are most vulnerable. In the silence, when our mind is still and quiet, we feel all of our fears, anxieties, pains, and questions.
But I truly believe that God is in the Silence. In his conversation with the prophet Elijah , scripture tells us that God did not appear in the fire, wind, or earthquake. No, he appeared in the silence. It was in the silence, in his most vulnerable, that Elijah found God.
Maybe it is time we enter into silence again.
Maybe it is time we slow down, turn off our phones, computers, tablets, and TVs. Maybe we just need to spend time sitting with our vulnerabilities and allow God to speak to us again.
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Our perspective can directly impact our reality.
Do you believe that statement?
Having a proper perspective does not change our reality, but it can change how we proceed in that reality. When we watch the news or scroll through social media, our perspective can be altered. Our reality doesn’t change, but we can have a different view of that reality.
I would hope that my perspective is grounded in the teaching and works of Jesus Christ. He saw the reality of a hurting world with no hope, but His perspective did not change. In this broken world, all creation was still deserving of salvation.
The season we are currently living in can be challenging to our perspective. As our reality has changed, we must be vigilant to keep the perspective of Christ. We are here to help people, to love them, and to show them, Jesus Christ.
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Why is everyone in a rush to get back to “normal?”
Let me explain...I am ready for the news cycle to change. I am ready for the protests to end. I am ready to go to a movie theatre again. But...I am not prepared to get back to normal.
Why was normal so good anyway? Perhaps my normal wasn’t all that great. That’s something I have been learning. I was busy all the time. I was tired. I barely had time to do the things I enjoyed doing. I realize this may not be true for everyone, but I have been much more productive during this time when things weren’t normal.
So why are we in a rush?
Hopefully, during this moment, we realize the things about normalcy that aren’t that good for us. The challenge becomes, how will we create a new normal for ourselves? What are the things we will leave behind because they were more of a hindrance than a help? What are the things we once deemed critical that no longer seem that important?
I believe we have been offered space at this time. Space to reflect and take stock of the road our life is on. Have we been wandering, and we didn’t even know it? I have heard several people say this time in our homes is a gift from God, and I agree. In my opinion, He is trying to remind us that normal isn’t what is best for us.
I am all for our lives to begin to operate at full capacity again, but I have no desire to go back to normal.
Perhaps you will join me?
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Why do we always have to argue?
In my opinion, we argue so much, because, for the first time in human existence, every person has a voice and platform that is equal to anyone else. With social media, the internet, and even podcasting, we can all project our ideas to anyone who would listen...and anyone who might disagree. Yes, I realize I am doing the same thing right now, but please understand, I am not here to argue.
One of my favorite U.S. Presidents is Teddy Roosevelt. He was quite the quotable leader, and one of his better-known quotes came while he was still vice president. In regards to foreign policy, he is quoted as saying, “speak softly, and carry a big stick.”
As big of a fan of Roosevelt as I am, I cannot disagree with this sentiment more. If we are to approach people who have different opinions than us with threats, even silent ones, then we are not approaching them with the right attitude.
Instead, I want to fall in line with the teaching of Jesus that says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”
Jesus isn’t asking us to pick fights, spout arrogant opinions, or even be inflexible when it comes to having conversations with others. He is asking us to bring peace. In a world that is full of unrest, we don’t need to keep adding fuel to the fire, we need to listen to Jesus and bring peace.
What peace can you offer in your sphere of influence? Is it choosing not to fight with your politically opposite uncle or co-worker? Is it choosing not to rant and rave as a faceless avatar on social media? Is it choosing to accept people for who they are instead of hating them because they are different?
The world needs peace, and no government or earthly power can bring it into existence...only the God and creator of all...and his children who are called to be peacemakers.
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Welcome to THIS ROAD, a short encouragement for the road your life is currently leading you down. At the beginning of 2020, I read John Mark Comer’s book, “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.” The book was recommended to me by my friend Kyle, who said it was nothing short of life-altering. He was right. Months before the threat of a pandemic settled into our world, I was embarking on a life of less hurry. I was attempting to figure out how to manage my time, eliminate needless things, and become a better follower of Jesus. Maybe the Lord is trying to teach all of us this lesson? One of the ways Comer recommends eliminating hurry is by living a simpler life. That has become a bit of a buzz word in the last few years, but there is real meaning to living in simplicity. In fact, if we really read the words of Jesus, he seemed intent on us being followers of simple means. He asked us to share everything, right? I know, in America, this can be a touchy subject. We like our stuff, don’t we? There is power in simplicity, though. Seriously, remember that feeling of accomplishment you get from clearing out old clothes and dropping them off at a donation center? Our bodies can literally feel a difference when something becomes less cluttered. What if we were content with what we have, and more importantly, content in having a relationship with Jesus? In his sermon on the mount, Jesus asks us not to worry about what we will eat or wear because God will provide for us. Being content in our material possessions is a pathway to a deeper relationship with Christ. What if we ascribed to a few of these maxims: Spend Less – Give More Do Less – Pray More Watch Less – Walk More I think we might be surprised by how simple our life can become. We might also be surprised how deep our walk with Jesus will become.
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This past weekend, I joined a group of friends and family who were watching home movies through live stream. Technology is wonderful.
These videos were of a church vacation Bible school, circa 1998. A lot has changed in 22 years, but as they say...the message stays the same. For most of us, we hadn’t watched these Bible school skits in at least 20 years, but it’s amazing what you can remember.
It’s also amazing what you forget.
My father and mother were the pastors of the church we attended, and they organized the VBS. My dad was the one who would lead the skits with the help of a few others. They were fun times. Watching these skits again, it’s amazing how poignant and precise my dad would be in bringing the gospel message to a group of kids. The thing is, to us adults sitting on our couches, the message meant the same to us today.
Using the illustration of removing a nail from a piece of wood, my dad described how Jesus can remove sin from our life, but the scars will remain. Just like the hole in the wood, things can be removed, but something will remain. Hopefully, we can use that idea to help us avoid sin or wrongdoing altogether, but to take it one step further, the scars we do carry can also serve as great reminders.
They can remind us of the life we left behind. They can remind us of the goodness of God to remove our stains. The scars can also be used to tell a story to someone in need of hope. By telling the story of how Jesus saved me, perhaps I can help someone understand how Jesus can also save them.
There’s a reason when Jesus was resurrected from the dead, that the scars remained. The scars were used to show his followers it really was him. There was something different about his resurrected nature, but the scars remained, and they were used to help a disciple named Thomas to believe again.
Our scars can be ugly, scary, moments we want to forget...but they can also be used to help us remember why our faith lies in Jesus Christ. The scars he carries shows us we too can be saved, and the scars we carry can express that good news to others.
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Welcome to THIS ROAD, a short encouragement for the road your life is currently leading you down.
Can you see it? A small, faint light at the end of the tunnel? We’re gonna make it through this, right? With a hint of optimism, we are given the opportunity to hope again. I know, I know, we still have a way to go before things are quote–normal–again. But we can still have a glimmer of hope.
Psalm 43:3-5 says:
Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
The Psalmist is asking God to send His light...to be a guide in the darkness. And when the light comes, the first place the Psalmist will go is into the house of God bringing praise. Even when our soul is cast down, we can know that we will praise again. God will provide a light to guide the way, and our hope will be restored.
So yes, the light might be faint right now, but we can hope anyway. We can praise God anyway.
Even if the light is faint, our souls can praise God.
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Welcome to the THIS ROAD podcast, a short encouragement for the road your life is currently leading you down.
What do you do when you feel helpless? How do you respond when you just don’t know what to do? Some of us may be feeling this anxiety today. In the midst of these difficult times, we just don’t know what to do. I have made mention to a few friends that there doesn’t seem to be the right answer regarding the pandemic. Do you wait it out? Do you start to treat life as normal again and risk being in the same trouble all over again? See what I mean?
What is the answer?
For people who choose to follow Jesus Christ, the answer is simple: Jesus. Sometimes that can ring hollow, though, can’t it?
First Peter 5:6-11 says this about our dealing with our anxieties and Jesus:
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
When reading this, suddenly the answer being Jesus feels more reassuring. If we can humble ourselves, and cast our cares and anxieties on Christ, he will care for us. And then, as we withstand these trials, the God of all grace will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.
If we choose to believe that Jesus is the savior of the world, we can know that our fears, worry, anxieties, and stresses can be cast upon Him, and he will restore us.
That is the answer I am looking for.
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Welcome to the THIS ROAD podcast, a short encouragement for the road your life is currently leading you down.
For people of the Christian faith, this week is Holy Week. This week is the time for us to focus our hearts and minds on the actions of Jesus Christ. He was crucified, died, buried, and then was raised back to life. This week is the culmination of all Christendom.
As we work to set our minds on the work of Christ, the world’s current troubles might work to intervene. With what humanity is currently facing, it might be challenging to observe the cross and empty tomb. But may I encourage you to simply focus on Jesus? He is the author and perfector of our faith, which means that during times we struggle to believe, He will help us in our unbelief. Think about that...in the times that we find it so hard to have faith, Jesus is the most present.
This week is all about the presence of Jesus in our lives. It is about the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. Not a kingdom of dominion, war, violence, famine, and disease. No, a kingdom of faith, hope, love, and peace.
If you find yourself struggling to believe this week, may I suggest a simple prayer:
Christ has died.
Christ has risen.
Christ will come again.
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Have you found yourself glued to the news recently? Does it ever leave you discouraged, worried, or hopeless? With all that is happening, we can find ourselves struggling to stay afloat in our emotions. The thing is, we will overcome this, right? We will endure if only, we will have hope.
This past week, I was reading my Bible and focused on the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The thing that caught me was that although Lazarus had already died, his sister, Martha, told Jesus that she knew He could still save her brother.
John 11:21-22 (ESV): Martha said to Jesus, “Lord if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”
It’s possible Martha was speaking out of blind faith, hysteria, or both. But when I read it, I see that Martha might be talking out of hope. Hope that does not rest in superstition, luck, or a “wanting” something to happen. But HOPE that rests in believing that Jesus is the Son of God and that he is capable of bringing the dead back to life. In fact, Jesus confirms her hope by saying that He is the resurrection and the life. We must simply have hope that Jesus is who he says he is.
As this world circles uncertainty, may we have hope in Jesus that he will intervene and bring us back to life. If only we will have hope.
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Welcome to the THIS ROAD podcast, a short encouragement for the road your life is currently leading you down.
In today’s episode, I would like to recognize the uncertainty we are currently facing. Every day the news gives us more bad information. Every day, it seems we are closer and closer to our company closing its doors, or being forced to self-quarantine. What a wild world it is.
But let’s not focus on the negative, if we can. I know, it’s difficult to block it out, but this past weekend, I have been drawn to a portion of scripture in the book of John. In John 15,16, and 17, Jesus is giving his final words to his 12 followers, the ones we call disciples. Throughout this portion, Jesus teaches, provides a warning, and provides encouragement, which culminates in a high priestly prayer.
The part that has stuck with me recently is John 16:31-33.
John 16:31-33 (ESV): Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus is telling his followers what is to come. He says they will be scattered, forced into hiding, and ultimately would not stand with Jesus on his march to the cross. But Jesus doesn’t admonish them. Instead, he reminds them that the heavenly father will not turn his back on Jesus. He will be there. And knowing that God will always be there is meant to bring us peace. We are to have peace knowing that although this world is in turmoil, God is still here. Yes, Jesus, in the face of all he was about to go through, he still taught us there is peace in God.
Take heart, for Jesus, has overcome the world.
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