Today Daily Devotional

“At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” — Matthew 10:19-20 Someone told me recently about an illustration that I used in a sermon several years ago. They said it made a helpful point that they have often shared with their kids through the years. It had to do with the consequences of our actions—if you pick up one end of a stick, you also pick up the other. They said I also used an actual stick to help make the point. But I don't remember using that illustration. I don't even remember using the stick. But I expressed my gratitude that the illustration was helpful, even though I didn't remember it. Our passage today talks about the Lord's promise that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say when we need them the most. I believe this is true, even in situations when we are not being persecuted. If we lean on the Holy Spirit, God can use our words to breathe life, encouragement, and conviction into the hearts of others. God can use our words to bring exactly what someone needs in that moment—even if we don't remember everything we have said. Let's pray that God will give us his words if we are ever being persecuted. And in our everyday conversations, let's practice witnessing about his goodness so that we are ready. Jesus, we pray for believers who are being persecuted for their faith in you. Give them strength and your words to say. Please also guide us all as we witness about your goodness. Amen.

“The master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.'” — Luke 14:23 Let's return to a parable we looked at last week (Sept. 6). We can reflect on this story through the lens of our call to witness. We are reminded in Jesus' parable that one of the most compelling pictures of the kingdom of God is that of a great feast. In fact, the Bible closes with a picture of a wedding feast. Jesus will return one day, and everything that is wrong will be made right. In Revelation 19:9 we read, “The angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'” The Lamb is Jesus. And the guests are all who have said yes to his invitation. Here in Luke, Jesus tells us that as we wait for that great feast, our call is to invite everyone who will come. This is the heart of Jesus' parable. He deeply longs for every seat to be filled. “Go,” he tells his servants, in effect, “and bring in everyone you can find.” And when the servants do that and there is still room, he sends them out again. Think of the people you know who need to be encouraged by the beautiful news that God has a place for them at his table. The Lord has invited everyone—won't you pass the word along? And how can you share the generosity that flows from all the goodness God has given you? Lord Jesus, fill me with so much gratitude and joy for being invited to your feast that I cannot help inviting others to come as well. Amen.

[John] himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. — John 1:8 When we think about sharing our faith, we are often nervous about having the right words to say. What if I say something wrong? What if someone asks me a question I don't know how to answer? What kind of witness would that be? I love how the gospel of John describes the work of John the Baptist. It is a reassuring description of what it means to be an evangelist (a messenger) for Jesus. We are told that John came as a witness, to testify concerning the light of Christ. We get this important clarification: “He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.” Wherever you may be right now, take a look at the closest light near you. Doing so might not be very comfortable for your eyes, though. In general, lights are not designed to be looked at. The purpose of a light is to reveal the things around it. For example, you can read a book and see other things around you because some kind of light is helping you to see those things. The role of John the Baptist, “who came as a witness to testify” about Jesus, was to help people understand about the light. John was not the light. But he helped people to understand that the One who is the light makes it possible to see what life is all about. In the same way, our witness about Jesus is not about ourselves—it points people to the One who is the light of the world. Jesus, light of the world, shine in our hearts today. Help us to witness faithfully about you in a world that longs for your light of love and hope. Amen.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” — John 4:7 Many Christians are uneasy about sharing the gospel message. We don't want to say the wrong thing or offend people or push them away. I remember how scared I was the one time I did door-to-door evangelism. As a teenager I volunteered in the summer with a group of young people in a neighborhood church. We led vacation Bible school for kids living nearby, and when we followed up to visit with the kids' families, we were so nervous that sometimes we forgot the name of the church we were serving—let alone how to share our faith! That model of evangelism tends not to be effective today. Many people have found that building relationships with people and witnessing as friends is more fruitful. John 4 shows us how Jesus struck up a conversation with a woman at a well. It was culturally unusual for him to speak with a woman he did not know, but she sensed his care for her and her life. He was bold but also highly relational and kind. As she talked with him, she showed that she was a thoughtful but wounded person with broken relationships in her past. Most situations of sharing the good news do not bring about such a quick turnaround. But we can follow Jesus' compassionate approach, listening to people's stories, entering their pain, and speaking with gentleness and respect about the God who loves them. Jesus, equip me with your Holy Spirit to become increasingly attentive to my connections with others. Help me respond with your compassion. Amen.

“As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” — Acts 4:20 When we see or experience something extraordinary, usually we can't help telling people about it. Whether it is an encounter with a celebrity or a wonderful vacation or a life-changing event, we want to share it. As a young teen, I witnessed the launch of one of the first space shuttles. You can be sure I told all my friends about it when I got back home! This week, as we think about God's big mission, let's focus on our second word, witness. We give witness, or testimony, about God's work of salvation because God calls us to do so, and the Holy Spirit has come to help us (Acts 1:8). But we are also motivated internally. If we have experienced the saving love and power of God, and it has completely changed who we are and how we live, how can we not talk about it? In our passage today, we read that the apostles Peter and John caused a stir among the religious leaders in Jerusalem by healing a lame man. Those leaders wanted to know by what power or authority they had done this work. Peter, bold as ever, declared that they served Jesus and Jesus alone. And as for their work of speaking about Jesus and ministering in his name, how could they keep from sharing about all they had learned from the Savior? Likewise, may our lives spill over with the joy of our salvation! Dear Jesus, as this passage reminds us, “salvation is found in no one else” but you. May my life overflow with excitement and joy that because of your great love, I belong to you. Amen.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 Today is Sunday, so let's pause our focus on mission themes and take some time out for worship and rest. This is important, because missions can easily focus on all the things we are called to do. And, at times, talking about God's mission can leave us feeling guilty about things we are not doing. So today we remember that we do not carry the world on our shoulders. We take a day to worship, meditate on Scripture, play, and rest. This past week we have been thinking about the gospel as good news. In our passage today we hear the most beautiful good news from Jesus: “Come to me and rest.” Notice that he is talking not only about physical rest but also about rest for our souls. Jesus promises eternal rest for us all. The other day I was reading some bedtime stories to my grandsons—and as we did that together, I could feel them relax into my arms. Secure in a trusted relationship, they were able to let go and fall into a state of peaceful rest. Jesus invites us to see himself that way. Secure in Jesus, we can release our cares, our burdens, and our problems to him. On this day of rest, may you be reminded and find that the Lord holds you and the whole world in his hands. Dear Jesus, I surrender all the places in my life where I feel tired and worn out. May I find true and eternal rest in you today on this day of Sabbath. Amen.

Jesus replied, “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests.” — Luke 14:16 Thinking about the gospel reminds us that at the heart of the Christian faith is a life- changing message of joy. That's why I like this parable so much. Jesus uses a powerful metaphor to describe life with him in the kingdom of God: a great banquet. In Jesus' day, banquets often celebrated important events in the community. In fact, Jesus' first miracle took place at a wedding banquet. To spare the family from social embarrassment when their wine had run out early, Jesus turned several jugs of water into wine (John 2:1-11). In Luke 14, Jesus tells a story about a wealthy man who hosts a banquet for his friends. They all accept the initial invitation, but when the day of the banquet comes and they are told that the food is ready, they make ridiculous excuses and reject the host's generosity. So the angry and frustrated host opens his table to whoever wants to come. This becomes a picture of the kingdom we are invited to enjoy. Sometimes this parable is summed up in a way like this: “God is throwing a party. Are you coming?” I love that! This sounds like good news to me! Am I willing to see that life in Jesus is better and more delightful than anything this world offers? Am I ready to drop everything and run to the feast? Jesus, help me to see that life in your kingdom is a great celebration that we can enjoy forever. May I not be distracted by other things in my life and say yes to your invitation today. Amen.

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. — Romans 6:8 As we think about the Lord's good news, the gospel, it is important to be aware of the radical change it brings to our lives. A few years ago, I had the privilege of baptizing Ava, a recent immigrant from Iran. Her journey began when she found out that her neighbor, a woman from our church, was a Christian. Ava had lots of questions, and that led to many months of one-on-one Bible study, in which Ava felt safe to ask whatever was on her mind. Later she joined a women's Bible study, and eventually Ava received Jesus as her Savior and committed her life to following him. To mark this moment, Ava wanted to be baptized. She wanted to be immersed in the waters of baptism as described in Romans 6, and she requested that it be a small affair because of her fear of crowds. So on a beautiful Wednesday morning, with about 15 women gathered at a neighboring Baptist church, we celebrated Ava's baptism—her participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus. What a day! Whatever your faith journey, this is the heart of the gospel: by putting our faith and trust in Jesus, we die to our old self and we are raised to new life in him—starting now and going into all eternity. May you count yourself alive to Jesus Christ today! Lord Jesus, thank you that because of your death and resurrection, we too can be raised to new life. Help me to put my trust in you today for every situation in my life. Amen.

God exalted him to the highest place . . . that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow . . . and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. . . . — Philippians 2:9-11 When I was a pastor, one of the churches I served celebrated Ascension Day with a midweek worship service. That meant extra preparation work for me, and I admit that sometimes I resented having to do that extra work. One year, in front of a small crowd on a Thursday evening, I delivered a hastily produced sermon. And after the worship service, a young man who had been visiting our church asked if he could meet with me. So we did. He told me that in that service, he had encountered God like never before. In an instant, the Christian story had made sense to him. He was now a believer in Christ! Through that simple, unassuming worship service and my unimpressive words, the Holy Spirit brought him to a deep awareness of what it means to be in relationship with Jesus, the Servant-King. I was deeply humbled, knowing that my attitude had not been the best going into that service. This experience gave me new insight into the message of Philippians 2. I am often humbled because of my failures and shortcomings. But Jesus, who intentionally humbled himself for the sake of the world, continues to work among us despite ourselves. He will keep changing lives until that day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord. Jesus, thank you for always working through us, despite our failures and weaknesses. We worship you as our Savior and exalt you as our ascended Lord. Amen.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. — 1 John 4:10 My wife, Jacquie, is a teacher in a Christian elementary school. One day she asked her students to complete this sentence: “Jesus loves me because . . .” Almost every student answered with phrases like “Because I am sometimes kind to my sister” or “Because I try to do my best in school.” It was interesting to hear that almost all of the students connected Jesus' love with their efforts to earn it. Where did that idea come from? It is not the message of the Bible, and it is not the gospel. The true heart of the gospel is captured in the powerful words of 1 John 4:10: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” The gospel message is that there is nothing we can do to make Jesus love us. Our salvation is offered as a completely free, undeserved gift: we simply receive it. Our passage sums it all up in one word: love. Receive the good news for you today: This is love: not that you loved God (or did anything else to earn God's favor), but that he loves you and sent his Son as a saving sacrifice for your sins. You are loved—just because you are you and God is love. Dear God, as I am reminded that your love is the starting point of everything, help me to embrace Jesus as your greatest gift of love to me. Help me to love you in return. Amen.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages . . . proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. — Matthew 9:35 The first word we want to focus on as we think about God's big mission is gospel. Here is a definition of the gospel that I think captures just how big and amazing this good news is: “The gospel is the good news of God's reign, grace, and love in and through Christ for the redemption and renewal of all things.” This definition shapes everything we do in the mission agency that I serve. Take a moment and read it again if that helps. We see this definition at work here in Matthew 9. Jesus announces and proclaims the good news that God's kingdom has arrived—our God reigns! This good news is not just an announcement; it comes with a powerful demonstration of this life-changing message. Filled with compassion and love, Jesus heals people of “every disease and sickness.” What's more, Jesus longs to see his team multiply and bring this good news to a world that is desperate for hope and love. How is God inviting you to respond to this message of good news in a fresh way and to join in his mission? There is no better news than the good news of Jesus. There is no better calling than to share this good news with others. “The harvest is plentiful” (Matthew 9:37). Lord, I pray that my life will ring out with your good news. Continue to raise up people around the world to bring your message of life to the ends of the earth. Amen.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. — Psalm 96:3 Recently our young grandson was lying quietly in his bed. Suddenly he piped up with a question: “Mommy, if God made everything, then who made God?” What a good question! And just how big is God? Psalm 96 reminds us that we serve the God of the universe. As followers of Christ, we are brought into a life-giving relationship with our big and marvelous God who not only rules the heavens and the earth but also knows every detail of our lives. This makes us part of a story that is much bigger than we are. We are part of a global church living out God's mission in every corner of the world. That big mission is beautifully captured in Psalm 96:3: “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” This month we are going to explore what it means to be part of this bigger story. And we will use four key words to get at what it means to declare with our lives the greatness of God's marvelous deeds: gospel, witness, holistic, and intercultural. These words capture the biblically shaped passion that is at the heart of the global mission agency I am privileged to serve. As we reflect on these key words together this month, may God form us into people who increasingly declare his glory through our lives. God, we praise you as Lord over all, and we thank you for your amazing, worldwide mission. May our hearts be open as we learn what it means to reflect you in every part of our lives. Amen.

“When you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” — John 21:18 When Peter questioned Jesus' prediction about his death on the cross, the Lord strongly rebuked him (Matthew 16:21-23). Later, on the lakeshore where Jesus restored Peter, directing him to feed his sheep (John 21:15-17), Jesus predicted Peter's death. Though the details are unclear, Christian tradition has taught that the apostle Peter, while serving as a church leader in Rome, died in A.D. 64. That year a catastrophic fire had destroyed the imperial city. Scheming to shirk his own responsibility for the disaster, the emperor Nero blamed the fire on Christians. As the church's leader, Peter would have been an obvious target for revenge. When the Roman soldiers led him away to be hanged on a cross, the tradition goes, Peter pleaded to be crucified upside down, since he didn't feel worthy to die in the same way as his Lord, who had saved him. So the soldiers crucified him upside down. Though we can't be sure about the details of Peter's death, we can be certain that when Peter was reunited with Jesus in heaven, the Lord said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (see Matthew 25:23). Despite any of his glaring failures, Peter's service revealed the virtues of faith, courage, patience, and perseverance. In our own service to Jesus, may we also look forward to the Savior's words of praise. Help us, Lord Jesus, to live each day as your faithful servants. Amen.

Do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. — 2 Peter 3:8 A line in a popular song says, “The waiting is the hardest part.” Why is waiting so hard? Waiting can bring anxiety and a feeling of helplessness. Today, nearly 2,000 years after the apostle Peter wrote about this, we're still waiting for Jesus' return, when the Lord will make all things new. Peter's readers, Christian exiles suffering hardship, are asking, “How long, Lord, until you come again to make the world right?” And Peter, echoing Jesus' teachings about his coming judgment (Matthew 24:39, 43), adds an insight about Jesus' return. Instead of seeing the Lord's delay as “slowness,” we should see his patience—or, in other words, his grace—for Jesus wants everyone to repent and believe in him. In the meantime, while we continue to wait for our Lord's return, we don't need to live with anxiety or helplessness. Peter encourages us from a posture of eternal security to live holy and godly lives as we look forward to Jesus making all things right. In the last words we hear from Peter in the Bible, he sums up what it means to wait for Jesus: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). Jesus, Lord and Savior, fill us with a deep longing to grow in your grace and in knowing you. To you be all glory now and forever. Amen.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. — 2 Peter 1:3 Have you ever received gifts that you opened but never used? Sometimes the gifts we receive don't have any practical use. God has given us the greatest gift of all that we can use every day. Are we using it? In his second letter to Christians scattered across Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), the apostle Peter reminds his readers that the faith that God has given them in Jesus Christ is their most precious gift of all. Moreover, to all who have been called by God's goodness for his glory, we have been given everything we need to live godly lives. The gift of faith has been given to us, and we are called to use it in living to please God. How do we grow in pleasing God in our lives? Just as our bodies become fit through exercise, so our righteousness grows through practical use and exertion. In our reading for today, Peter outlines a practical approach to growing in godliness (2 Peter 1:5-7). Without a doubt, Peter's spiritual-fitness program can look daunting. But the good news, once again, is that the gift of faith for spiritual growth has already been given to us. We just need to exercise it. Moreover, Peter notes, the reward for living godly lives includes the promise of abundantly fruitful service for Jesus Christ. Our faith in you, Jesus, has come as a gift through the Holy Spirit. Help us to exercise our faith by growing in righteousness, for your sake. Amen.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. — 1 Peter 5:8 Appreciation for cats is not universal. Kittycats, like lions, evoke a mixed response. In the Bible a lion can represent the sovereign strength of God—as in “the Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5:5). Or think of Aslan, who represents Jesus in the Chronicles of Narnia. Peter mentions a different sort of lion, though, at the end of his first letter to early Christians in the New Testament. And he warns that this lion is hunting for believers in Christ. What's going on? Though many years had passed since the dramatic events of Jesus' death and resurrection, Peter continued to reflect on those early days of the church, knowing that Christians in later years would face opposition because of their faith in Christ. The same is true for many Christians throughout the world today. As he wrote from Rome to Christians who faced persecution in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), Peter warned his readers, “Be alert and of sober mind.” Peter knew that he had failed in the past, and now he better understood why. So he warned Christians to be wary of their great enemy, the evil one, who, like a roaring lion, wanted to devour them. Knowing his own experience, Peter also offered a promise. God cares for us and will help us resist and stand firm. But when we fail, God will also restore us, as he did with Peter. Jesus, thank you for standing firm for us. Please help us to stand firm for you. Amen.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. — 1 Peter 4:8 I've heard it said that grudges are like “ugly pets.” And if we let them, those ugly pets will sit on our shoulders while we feed and pamper them. Actually, grudges will weigh us down, and eventually they can consume us. So how do we get rid of a grudge? The apostle Peter offers just the right formula for killing pet grudges. Throughout his letter to Christians who are facing hardship and persecution in Asia Minor, Peter often refers back to ground zero, his main point of reference: Jesus Christ. As Jesus has forgiven us, we too must forgive people who have offended or hurt us. So instead of nursing grudges against others, we must nurture those people with love. How do we do that? Reflecting on Jesus' words to put no limits on forgiveness (Matthew 5:43-45; 18:21-22), Peter writes, “Above all love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Peter then lays out intentional steps for putting love into play: offering generous hospitality and using the gifts that God has given us to bless and serve others. As Peter learned from Jesus himself, when we forgive others, we demonstrate that we have been forgiven and are loved by God. As you have forgiven us, Lord Jesus, help us to forgive and love others. Amen.

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. — 1 Peter 1:6 During the 19 years that our family lived in China, we were “resident aliens.” We were living in one country, but we had citizenship in another. Writing to Christians who were scattered throughout Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), Peter reminds them that they are like resident aliens, citizens of two worlds. When he wrote his first letter, Peter was likely in his mid-sixties and writing from Rome. According to some Bible scholars, his readers may have been former residents of Rome who were forced to relocate (see Acts 18:2). Drawing from his decades of following Jesus, Peter urges these scattered believers to keep two things in mind. First, they should live with great joy. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, they have been given a hope that absolutely nothing could spoil. Second, though they are facing difficulties—even persecution—they should keep trusting in Jesus and living as respectful and faithful residents of their present land. In a sense, wherever we live, we followers of Jesus are “resident aliens.” In this life our hope is in Jesus while we await our promised eternal life with him in his kingdom, which will culminate in the new heaven and earth. So we too should live with joy, keeping our eyes on Jesus. And although we may face difficulties in our present circumstances, we can live as faithful citizens of his kingdom wherever we are. Lord Jesus, help us to focus on our citizenship with you while we seek to follow wherever you lead us. Amen.

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. — Galatians 2:11 After his formative, life-changing encounter with Cornelius the centurion, Peter and others led the early church in understanding God's grace for all people (see Acts 10-11, 15). Later, however, Peter tended to favor Jesus' Jewish followers, while Paul continued working for the Lord as a missionary to Gentiles (Acts 9, 13-14, 16-28). Though Peter believed that Jesus' love was for all people, he sometimes slipped back into ethnic prejudices, avoiding eating with Gentiles for fear of offending Jewish believers. In Antioch, Paul confronted Peter (Cephas) as a hypocrite for separating himself from Gentiles. Though Paul's response may have been excessive, we can thank God that Paul did not go along with twisting Jesus' gospel of love and unity. And, sadly, again we see Peter, “a pillar” of the early church, showing weakness in the face of peer pressure from Jewish hardliners. Yet Peter didn't completely collapse here. From his later teaching we can tell that he accepted Paul's reprimand and moved on without holding a grudge. In a letter to Christians in Galatia and other parts of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey), Peter describes Paul as “our dear brother,” who had also written to them “with the wisdom that God gave him” (2 Peter 3:15). Like Peter, we can expect to fail at times. As we grow in becoming disciples, though, we can also, like Peter, humbly accept correction and continue to follow Jesus. Lord, by your grace, may we continue to follow and serve you. Amen.

“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” — Acts 10:47 Have you heard the saying “The more things change, the more they stay the same”? Though Jesus had come to change the spiritual lives of all who would believe in him as Savior, some things in the lives of Peter and others remained the same. But a divine appointment changed everything. As a leader in the early church, Peter set an example for the Jewish followers of Jesus. He kept the Sabbath with prayer and rest. He kept kosher, carefully minding the strict Jewish dietary rules. What's more, he shunned contact with Gentiles (non-Jews), and, like all Jews, he hated the Romans. But that wasn't how the Lord wanted the church to be. So the Lord sent Peter a troubling vision and put him on a mission to visit a Roman centurion (Acts 10:1-23). And Peter learned that he needed to change his mind. And when he saw that the Holy Spirit came on all the Gentiles who had heard the good news of salvation, Peter began to understand the wideness of God's love for all people. So he called for these Gentiles be baptized in Jesus' name. Here God used Peter's standing in the church to begin a crucial turning point in the history of the church. If you love Jesus, God loves you. It doesn't matter if you're Jewish or not. Jesus calls us to love and serve all of God's children. Lord, thank you for your love for people of every language and nation. Help us to love as you have loved us. Amen.

Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?” — Acts 5:9 “Kill the chicken to scare the monkey,” says a Chinese proverb. In other words, put the fear of punishment into people, and they will not break the rules. Is that what Peter does in this unnerving story about Ananias and Sapphira? In the early chapters of Acts, the writer Luke includes progress reports on the growth and character of the early church. At the end of Acts 4 we read that the believers were “one in heart and mind” and “shared everything they had.” We also read of a generous donation by Barnabas, who sold some land and gave all the money to the church. The story of Ananias and Sapphira, however, reveals a web of deceit. The couple sold some land and kept some money for themselves while pretending to give all the proceeds to the church. Peter harshly condemned them—not for keeping some of the profit but for lying and thinking they could deceive the Holy Spirit. What should we make of this story? Is Peter making an example of this deceitful couple? Well, this story isn't mainly about Peter. The Holy Spirit, who lives and moves within us and the church, is carrying out Jesus' plans for redemption. Ananias and Sapphira's story reminds us that we should rely only on the Spirit for growth and blessing—and we should never forget that the Spirit is the Lord Almighty. Lord Jesus, thank you for the promise and presence of the Holy Spirit, our comforter. Help us to trust and honor the Spirit in all things. Amen.

“When they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit. . . .” — Matthew 10:19 Are you ever at a loss for words? I am, at times, in difficult or sensitive situations, where the cost might be high. In our reading for today, we see Peter and John living out a promise that Jesus had given them—that the Holy Spirit would provide them with words in difficult situations. Jesus had commissioned his disciples to continue his ministry (Matthew 28:18-20), and now they were doing as he had taught them. They were healing people and proclaiming his forgiveness of sins and his resurrection from the dead. But Peter and John were arrested and brought before the religious authorities in Jerusalem, and those leaders wanted to know how the disciples had the authority to heal a lame man. The critical moment had come, and Peter, “filled with the Holy Spirit,” proclaimed boldly that they had healed the man in the name of Jesus Christ, who had risen from the dead, and that salvation is found only in him. Unlike Christians in parts of the world that are hostile to the church today, most of us have not been called to account for our belief in Jesus. We can be grateful, though, for the faithful witness of Jesus' followers. And we can trust that the Spirit will give us what we need when we too may be called on to share the truth about our Lord and Savior. Jesus, help us to trust you and the Spirit to help us speak with love and boldness when are called to do so in your name. Amen.

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” — Acts 2:38 How many keys do you have? I have several keys that I use often, and we have lots of old or unused keys at home. Jesus gave Peter the most important keys in the world. When Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter declared, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16). Jesus affirmed Peter's declaration, saying it was revealed to him by his Father in heaven, and then Jesus promised to give Peter the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” (16:19). What are those keys? Speaking to a flash mob on Pentecost morning, Peter used the keys of the kingdom. In a ringing speech citing Old Testament proofs that Jesus is the Son of God, Peter proclaimed that Jesus came to save sinners. He died to pay the price of our sin, and he rose from death so that we could have new life in him, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter's listeners were cut to the heart and asked, “What shall we do?” Peter responded by offering the keys of the kingdom of heaven: “Repent and be baptized . . . in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” In addition to your house keys and car keys, do you have the keys of the kingdom? If not, ask Jesus to reveal himself to you and to forgive your sins. And as a forgiven sinner, thank Jesus and ask him to use you to share those keys with the people around you who don't know him. Help us, Lord Jesus, to share the keys of your kingdom with all who need you. Amen.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty). . . . — Acts 1:15 Have you heard of the “Peter Principle”? It's a management theory by Laurence J. Peter suggesting that employees will rise to the level of their incompetence. In other words, people can be promoted into roles for which they don't even have the necessary skills. And people at the top are often not the best suited to fill those top positions. What about Peter in the Bible? Was he suited for his position at the head of the early church? Though Peter's heart was often in the right place, he was prone to extreme ups and downs, from boldly proclaiming Jesus as the “Son of God” to denying that he even knew his Lord. But before Jesus ascended to heaven, Jesus gave Peter the charge to take care of his sheep. So in the opening chapter of Acts, we see Peter speaking as the leader of the disciples and Jesus' other followers in Jerusalem. He leads the process of selecting Matthias to replace Judas, who had betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders. From this time on, Peter stands at the head of the founding and growth of the church in its early days. Was Peter suited for this role? In truth, no. Nevertheless, Jesus chose him, despite his flaws and failings, for a pivotal role in nurturing the early church. Are we suited for serving Jesus? In truth, no—but he will use us, if we listen to him. Before you, Jesus, we all fall short. Thank you for loving us and calling us to enjoy life in you. Help us to honor and serve you faithfully. Amen.

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” — John 21:17 This passage echoes a couple of earlier scenes in the story of Jesus and his disciples. On the night Jesus was arrested, while Peter crouched for warmth by a fire in the high priest's courtyard, he was asked three times by some of the people there if he was one of Jesus' disciples. And he denied Jesus each time (John 18:15-27). In our reading today we find another fire—this one for cooking a breakfast of fresh fish. And here, as Jesus had done when he had first met Peter and the others fishing (Luke 5:4-7), he has just directed the disciples to catch a boatload of fish. Like bookends, these two catches of fish and two fires highlight Peter's calling and his being forgiven. And the story doesn't end with forgiveness. After breakfast, Jesus challenges Peter with a razor-sharp question: “Peter, do you love me more than these [other disciples]?” “Lord, you know I do,” Peter insists. Jesus asks and Peter answers three times. Three affirmations for three denials. And with each one Jesus tells Peter to care for his sheep. As it was with Peter, our being made right with God is not our happy ending. It's our new beginning. Do you love Jesus with all your heart? If you do, Jesus calls you to feed his lambs and take care of his sheep. Wherever we live, we can help with tending God's flock, his people bought with the precious blood of Jesus. Jesus, our good shepherd, you have provided all that we need. Lead us to love and serve everyone around us. Amen.

Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter. . . . — John 20:3 I'm not much of a runner. I prefer walking. In an urgent situation, though, I would run if I had to. When Peter and John heard that Jesus' tomb had been opened, they raced there urgently to see for themselves. Significantly, Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance was to Mary Magdalene and several other women who had come to his tomb. But the disciples did not believe them at first, dismissing their account as “nonsense” (Luke 24:10). Yet despite their doubts, John writes that he and Peter ran to the tomb. John, the younger man, got there first and peeked in, but Peter was the first to go into the empty tomb. Later, Peter is reportedly the first of the disciples to see Jesus risen from the dead (Luke 24:34). Though Mary Magdalene is the first person to see Jesus alive (John 20:14-15), why is Peter the first among the disciples? Maybe this distinction shows that Jesus has forgiven Peter's denial. In addition, this could point to Peter's central role as a leader among the apostles, who established the church, Christ's body on earth. Broken and flawed, yet willing and eager to serve, Peter and Mary and all of Jesus' other disciples are chosen to spread the good news of his salvation to others—and eventually to the world. Though we, too, are broken and flawed, Jesus can use us as we join the urgent race to share in his mission. Lord, you have set the race before us. Give us the strength and courage to endure till we meet you face to face. Amen.

Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” — John 18:11 I sometimes carry a small pocket knife—not for protection, but for small tasks like slicing apples to eat. Peter, however, carried a sword for protection on the night that Jesus was arrested. Anticipating a deadly trap, Peter concealed a sword in his cloak. And when some soldiers came along with several religious leaders to arrest Jesus, Peter drew out his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. When Jesus saw Peter's violent act, he rebuked him, healed the servant's ear (Luke 22:51), and challenged Peter, saying, in effect, “Shall I not do what the Father has given me to do?” Strangely, in an earlier passage in Luke, Jesus seems to advise his disciples to carry swords (Luke 22:36-38). Was Jesus speaking figuratively there about swords for spiritual warfare, as Paul does in Ephesians 6:10-18? Though that passage in Luke is a bit unclear, we can be certain of one thing: Jesus never condones physical violence in order to spread the good news of his salvation. Submitting to God's will, Jesus gave himself as a humble sacrifice to demonstrate his love for us all. And he invites us to do the same for others. Jesus, Prince of Peace, help us to submit our will to you, and with acts of humble obedience may we love and serve you in the world. Amen.

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” — Matthew 26:33 There's wisdom in the saying “Never say never.” But when we are determined not to do something, we can easily say, “I'll never do that!” After the Last Supper, Peter passionately declared that he would never betray Jesus. But Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. After the Passover meal they had shared, Jesus made a dramatic announcement: “This very night you will all fall away on account of me. . . .” But Peter asserted confidently that he would never leave Jesus. “No, Peter,” Jesus said, in effect, “before daybreak you will disown me three times.” Though Peter's heart was in the right place, Jesus knew Peter's weakness. And, true to Jesus' words, Peter failed miserably (see Matthew 26:69-75). Yet there's grace and hope in this story. Jesus prayed for Peter and the others, that they would be faithful and kept safe, despite the hardships and failures they would face. And did you know that Jesus prayed for us as well? (See John 17.) I fail often. Even in my most determined moments, I stumble and fall. What about you? Jesus knows us and our weaknesses, and he still loves us. Though we sometimes fail to be faithful, Jesus—our faithful Savior—restores us and entrusts us with his work. Thank you, Jesus, that you have promised never to leave us or forsake us, even though we will fail you in our weakness at times. Show us the way to follow and serve you. In your name, Amen.

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” — John 13:8 In summertime I often wear sandals. If I walk on sidewalks and pavement, my feet stay relatively clean. But when I venture onto a dirt path, my feet will quickly get dirty, and they'll need washing when I get home. At the Last Supper, foot washing was necessary. In Bible times, foot washing was standard hospitality before a meal or a banquet. Typically it was performed by a servant. So we can easily picture Peter's surprise and disapproval when Jesus—their host and esteemed teacher— got up, took off his cloak, and began to wash and dry his disciples' feet. “No,” Peter declared, “You shall never wash my feet.” But when Jesus explained, Peter said Jesus should wash his hands and his head as well. Though Peter and the other disciples didn't understand this foot washing at the time, they later grasped Jesus' deep, spiritual meaning in this lowly action. All who belong to Jesus need his washing—not from dirt but from their sins. And just as people's feet needed washing every day, sinners need daily forgiveness. In this humble, selfless act, Jesus demonstrated our need for forgiveness, his power alone to provide this washing, and what it means to love—by sacrificially serving others. When we share the love of Christ with the people around us, they will know that Jesus loves them too. Lord Jesus, thank you for washing our sin away. May we too serve others selflessly, sharing your love and inviting them to know you. Amen.

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” — Luke 22:8 At our house, busyness swirls as we prepare for big meals at Thanksgiving and Christmastime. Wrestling a big meal onto the table requires lots of planning. That was undoubtedly true for Jewish families looking forward to Passover as well. In our story today Jesus sends his trusted disciples Peter and John to make arrangements for the Passover meal they would share together. Many details had to be arranged in preparing this meal: securing a large room in Jerusalem; clearing all of the yeast out of that room; and buying wine, cakes of unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, among other things. Most important, they also needed a lamb that had been sacrificed at the temple. How could they do all that in so little time? Amazingly, Jesus had already foreseen every detail. Just as Jesus had said, Peter and John met a man carrying a jar of water in Jerusalem, and he led them to a house where they could take care of all their Passover preparations. The miraculous logistics of this story emphasize Jesus' divinity and power, as well as his attention to detail. Like Peter and John, we can be confident when Jesus gives us an assignment. No matter how difficult or complicated it may seem, he has already been working ahead of us, preparing the way and graciously providing an opportunity for us to be involved in his work of salvation. In your invitation to trust and follow you, Jesus, you provide all that we need for serving you in the world. Amen.

Peter remembered [the fig tree] and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” — Mark 11:21 There's a small tree in our yard that needs to be removed because of its inconvenient location. It seems a shame to chop it down, though. When Peter noticed a tree that was withered because Jesus had cursed it, he expressed his surprise. Peter's surprise is not surprising. Why, indeed, would Jesus—who cares for children, feeds the hungry, and heals the sick—kill a poor little fig tree? The key to understanding this puzzle has to do with what happens after Jesus first sees the tree and when he sees it again. After cursing the tree, Jesus and the disciples enter Jerusalem and go into the temple courts. There, to his dismay, Jesus finds a bustling market filled with merchants hawking sacrificial animals for profit. With some of the harshest words that he ever says, Jesus drives out the merchants and money changers for turning God's temple into “a den of robbers.” And the withered tree that they see the next day illustrates Jesus' point: Fruitless faith is no faith at all. Through the sacrifice of Jesus' death and resurrection, all who turn to Jesus are made right with God. And with this new life God wants us to do the good works he has already prepared for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). If we fail to do them, we will be acting like that fig tree, withered and producing no fruit. Jesus, you have made us to be like trees planted beside the waters of eternal life. Make us fruitful, producing the fruit of righteousness for your glory. Amen.

Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” — Matthew 19:27 Often in life we are taught that we will be rewarded for certain behaviors and actions—especially if we try hard and work at something with all our heart. In our reading for today, Peter speaks for the others around him and asserts that they've given up everything to follow Jesus. Can they expect a reward? In his teaching here, Jesus indicates that there is a cost in following him. When a rich young man asks how he can “get eternal life,” Jesus speaks of keeping God's commandments, and he calls on the young man to give up his wealth to the poor and to follow him. Unable to do that, the rich young man turns away disappointed. Jesus explains to his disciples how hard it can be for a rich person to be saved. In fact, he says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle” than for a rich person to enter God's kingdom. Gaining salvation for ourselves is impossible, but, thankfully, God has provided a way for us. If we turn to Jesus, he will save us and give us new life. Like Peter and the other disciples, we should turn to Jesus, recognizing that all that we have has been given by God. And we should seek to honor God first by serving him and others. Though our rewards in this life may not include wealth or status, the Lord will bless us with all we need and with the assurance that we will have eternal life with him “at the renewal of all things.” Help us, Lord, to follow where you lead, serving you and others as we await full life in your presence. Amen.

Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” — Matthew 18:21 Sometimes when I'm alone and driving long distances, I listen to “golden oldies” on the radio. One song I occasionally hear has this refrain: “I've been trying to get down to the heart of the matter. . . . I think it's about forgiveness.” This is exactly what Jesus was getting at in our passage for today. Peter asks Jesus, “How many times shall I forgive my brother or sister?” And Jesus responds with the parable of the unforgiving servant. This servant, who has been forgiven much, refuses to forgive someone who owes him only a little. Jesus shows there is no limit to the number of times we should forgive others. Why? Because we should forgive as God forgives. Our forgiveness of others actually shows that we realize how much God has forgiven us. God's transforming mercy enables us to show mercy to others out of love for God. Some psychologists say that forgiveness is a personal option, suggesting a kind of permission structure for not forgiving people who have wronged us. In some cases, of course, it may not be wise to fully embrace or trust someone whom we have forgiven. And forgiving some injuries may take hard work and may not completely resolve the hurt. But forgiving is the right thing to do. For Jesus, for Peter, and for us, forgiveness is the heart of the matter. As you have forgiven us all of our sins, Jesus, help us by your grace to forgive others. Amen.

“Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?” “Yes, he does,” [Peter] replied. — Matthew 17:25 Though I'm no expert at it, I love fishing. When I cast my line, I just long to catch something. In this fishing story, Peter goes out to catch a specific fish—one with a coin in its mouth! When the tax collectors ask Peter if Jesus pays the temple tax (a voluntary “donation” expected of adult men), Peter answers, “Yes, he does.” Later Jesus speaks with Peter about this at his house. While noting that the children of kings are not expected to pay taxes, Jesus indicates that he and Peter should pay the tax so that they will not “cause offense.” So he tells Peter to cast his line into the lake and that he'll catch a fish with a coin that he can use to pay both his and Jesus' temple tax. What does this striking story suggest? Jesus' answer points ahead to the time when he, as the Son of God, will replace the Jerusalem temple himself as the focus of true worship and righteousness (see John 2:19-22; 4:21-16). Jesus' response also shows that he will provide all that his followers will need. In addition, Jesus offers some sound advice for all who share the good news about him—don't cause unnecessary offense. Though we might wish we could pay our taxes by fishing, we can be assured that in Christ all our needs will be taken care of and that we will have opportunities to invite the people around us to worship him freely. May you alone, Lord, be at the center of our worship, as we trust in you to provide for all our needs and to help us share your love. Amen.

We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. — 2 Peter 1:18 Some events in our lives can take on deeper meaning as the years pass. Especially when it comes to matters of faith and encounters with Jesus, we can find that our understanding can sharpen and grow over time. That certainly was the case with Peter and his understanding of Jesus over the years. After Jesus had ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), Peter continued to reflect on the meaning of Jesus' time on earth. And he recalled a key moment when God had revealed Jesus' true identity on the mount of transfiguration. There Jesus had been revealed as the Son of God in dazzling glory, and God had said about him: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:5). As the years passed, the truth of this intense moment grew clearer and expanded in Peter's mind and life, leading him to act boldly and powerfully in faith and service for the Lord. And in all of this Peter was guided by the power of the Holy Spirit. In a variety of ways this can be true for us too. By recalling God's grace to us, meditating on his Word, and engaging with God in prayer through the work of the Spirit, our faith will grow and deepen. As the Lord teaches us in his Word, this is what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Lord Jesus, may our faith and knowledge continue to grow so that we can serve faithfully as your true disciples. Amen.

“Blessed are you, Simon . . . for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” — Matthew 16:17 Peter was a person who would often just blurt out what he was thinking. Sometimes he was right, and other times he was embarrassingly wrong. But in this passage he spoke the absolute truth about Jesus. In the region of Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Hearing that people were saying he was like one of the great prophets, Jesus asked, “But what about you? . . . Who do you say I am?” And Peter blurted out a confession for the ages: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” How did Peter know this, and what did it mean? Considering some of the things Peter blurted out in other settings, we can be confident that this was not from his own wisdom. Instead, it was revealed to him by God. As Jesus himself said, “Blessed are you, Simon . . . This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” Only God, through the Holy Spirit, could reveal Jesus' divine identity. Though Peter spoke the truth, he didn't fully understand it. The full meaning was revealed later, after Jesus gave up his life to save us from sin, and when he rose from death to give us eternal life. Only the Son of the living God could do all that, as God himself had planned (Acts 2:22-36). And what about us? Only as we grow in faith and walk with Jesus do we begin to see God's love and what it means for us. Jesus, thank you for revealing yourself to Peter and to us. Help us to keep growing in our faith and trust in you. Amen.

Peter said, “Explain the parable to us.” — Matthew 15:15 When children are small, they pepper us with questions: Why? Where? How? What does that mean? Although at times this may feel annoying to us, it shows that the children are listening. Peter asked Jesus lots of questions. As Jesus wrapped up a harsh critique of the people's religious leaders, who were often more concerned about dietary laws than about how they treated people, Jesus told a brief parable that ended with these words, “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Peter was confused about Jesus' meaning, so he asked for clarification. And in response Jesus asked, “Don't you see that what makes you impure is not what you eat but what is in your heart?” Like faithful Jews of that day, Peter and the other disciples paid close attention to the religious dietary laws of their time. But keeping those laws while letting sin into their hearts would be a terrible mistake, Jesus asserted. He was also pointing ahead to when he would fulfill the law and become the people's true source of righteousness. At the risk of embarrassment, Peter was right to ask Jesus for clarification. Traditions and our own understandings can fail us. And when we turn to the Lord for understanding, he will provide what we need to keep our hearts in line with his plan for our lives. Do you need guidance? Never stop asking Jesus to lead and guide you. Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of your Spirit to lead and guide us as we trust and follow you. Amen.

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” — John 6:68 Crowds can be fickle, switching quickly from enthusiasm to rejection and even violence. Sometimes these dramatic swings are triggered by just a few words. Jesus' hard teaching in John 6 shows that his words can trigger rejection or lead to life. As Jesus' reputation grew, the crowds of people around him dramatically increased. Why? Because he was a wonder worker. Just a day or two earlier, Jesus had fed a huge crowd of several thousand people (John 6:1-15). But while the crowds were drawn to his miraculous works, they didn't always like his surprising teachings. At the synagogue in Capernaum, he had told the crowd that if they wanted to have eternal life, they had to eat his body and drink his blood (6:53-59). Turned off by that imagery, many people rejected Jesus and left. Jesus asked his closest disciples if they wanted to leave too. Speaking on behalf of them all, Peter asked, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” And then he made this bedrock confession: “You have the words of eternal life.” When the Holy Spirit softens our hearts and opens our eyes to faith in Christ, we can see Jesus for who he really is, just as Peter did. Jesus is the Son of God, our only truth for faith and life. And then, like Peter, we can also trust him as we live and serve. Jesus, only “you have the words of eternal life.” Help us to follow you faithfully as we live and serve in your name each day. Amen.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” — Matthew 14:31 Have you ever walked on water? I have, but only in the dead of winter, when the ice on a pond has been thick enough to hold my weight. Even then, I've always felt uneasy, especially if I hear an ominous cracking sound. Miraculously, Peter did walk on water. But when he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to sink. After reaching out and catching Peter, Jesus seems to scold him, saying, “You of little faith. . . . Why did you doubt?” But is Jesus really scolding here? After all, Peter had enough faith to begin walking out on the water—and none of the other disciples even got out of the boat. In this story Peter's walking on and then sinking into the water captures the highs and lows of his faith in Jesus. In some ways, we who follow Jesus have had similar experiences, haven't we? In our daily walk with the Lord, we all have moments of faith and moments of doubt. Peter began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and noticed with horror the howling wind and the rolling waves. We too begin to sink when we focus on the dangers of life's storms. When Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat, however, the wind and waves died down. Only Jesus, the Son of God and Lord over creation, can do such amazing things. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He will never let you sink. When life's storms overwhelm us, Lord, help us to keep our eyes on you, trusting that we are secure in your hands. Amen.

When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, and James, and the child's father and mother. — Luke 8:51 Yesterday my daily-dictionary app sent me the word coterie. This word comes to us from the French language and refers to an “inner circle of friends.” Luke's story of healings in this passage introduces Jesus' coterie—his inner circle of disciples. News had spread about Jesus' teaching and healings, so a crowd gathered as he and his disciples returned to Capernaum. Jairus, a local religious leader, came and pleaded with Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Then, on the way, Jesus was delayed by a woman who desperately needing healing from chronic bleeding. And by the time they reached Jairus's home, the young girl had died. Undaunted, Jesus entered her room anyway, followed by her parents and Peter, John, and James. Why does Jesus choose only Peter, John, and James to see him raise the little girl from death? Although Jesus' purpose isn't entirely clear, we see Peter, John, and James playing important roles later as they bear witness to the identity and power of Jesus, the risen Lord. Indeed, their testimony about Jesus in the New Testament helps to provide the foundations of the good-news message of God's love and salvation in Christ. Jesus has chosen each of us too to share about his amazing love and power so that people everywhere can have new life in him. Lord Jesus, strengthen our faith so that we too can be your witnesses in the world. Amen.

The fever left her and she began to wait on them. — Mark 1:31 Though we don't know much about Simon Peter's life, we discover here that he was married (since he had a mother-in-law). We also learn that Peter's call to follow Jesus touched the lives of his loved ones. Jesus had begun teaching people about the kingdom of God, and he had also healed a man who was possessed by an impure spirit (or demon) that identified him as “the Holy One of God” (see Mark 1:21-28). News about him was beginning to travel fast. After teaching in the local synagogue in Capernaum that day, Jesus and his disciples went to the home of Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew. There they found Peter's mother-in-law in bed with a fever. Taking her hand and helping her up, Jesus cured her—and she soon began to serve the family's guests. This story shows us that while Jesus was certainly concerned with his mission of teaching about God's kingdom and bringing relief by casting out spirits that opposed God, he also cared about the family members of his followers. This helps us see that Jesus loves and cares for the people we love too. And Peter's mother-in-law's response reminds us that when we have met Jesus and know that he has made us whole, the right thing to do is to serve him in whatever ways we can. We thank and praise you, Jesus, for your love for us and for our loved ones. Help us to extend your love to others who need you. Amen.

Jesus said to Simon, “Don't be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” — Luke 5:10 Do you like fishing? I do, although I often return home with an empty bucket. Unlike me, Simon Peter didn't fish for fun; his life depended on it. In this dramatic story, Peter not only catches a boatload of fish, but he is called by Jesus the Messiah to follow him. After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Simon and his crew were washing out their nets when Jesus came by. He asked if he could use their boat for speaking to the people by the lakeshore, and then later he told the fishermen to take their boat out for a catch of fish. Simon wearily complied. He was soon overwhelmed, however, with hauling in a catch of so many fish that his nets nearly broke. Simon fell at Jesus' feet. He knew he was in the presence of the Lord, whose authority over creation was overwhelmingly clear. Simon's encounter with Jesus that day echoed the call of prophets like Moses, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, who knew they were in the presence of the living God. And, like the prophets, Simon Peter was called by the Lord to serve him. And what would that service be? Jesus told Peter that from now on he would “fish for people” by drawing people around him to the love of Jesus. When we meet Jesus, the living God, we do well to fall to our knees too. Jesus calls each of us to follow him and to share in the glorious task of drawing others to his love. As with Peter, Lord Jesus, you call us to follow you and to share your love with others. Please give us strength, wisdom, and courage to share your love. Amen.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon. . . . You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). — John 1:42 “Buster,” “Scout,” “Ace,” and “Sunshine” are all great nicknames. Some nicknames are humorous, some are affectionate, and some reveal character traits. Jesus gave Simon a nickname that we could translate as “Rocky.” In the book of John we meet Andrew, who began following Jesus after John the Baptist called him “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Filled with excitement, Andrew later brought his brother Simon to meet Jesus as well. And when Jesus met Simon, he looked at him and gave him a new name: Cephas. This Aramaic word means “Rock,” or “Rocky,” and in Greek it translates to Petros (“Peter”). This nickname carries a lot of weight, and Peter becomes a major figure in the New Testament. Sometimes he speaks with courage and faith, like when he says Jesus is the “Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). At other times, though, Peter shows that he can be remarkably weak, like when he denies even knowing Jesus (John 18:15-27). What should we make of this towering yet flawed figure in Jesus' inner circle and in the early church? All of Jesus' followers are a bit like him—sometimes strong and other times weak. The good news for Peter, though, is that Jesus never abandoned him but called him to serve despite his flaws. The good news for us, too, is that Jesus will never leave us and that he equips us to serve despite our failures. Lord Jesus, thank you for your faithful love. Help us to serve you in all we do. Amen.

The Lord is my shepherd. . . . — Psalm 23:1 When the psalm writer wrote this beautiful song, he may well have been thinking of the Lord's guiding hand throughout the history of his people Israel. God had called the people's forefathers, promising to be their God and to bless them and their descendants (Genesis 12-35). God had freed the people from slavery in Egypt, guiding them faithfully through desert wastelands to the promised land of Canaan (Exodus 3 - Joshua 24), where they became established as his covenant people—and where David, the psalmist himself, set up Jerusalem as the center where God would be worshiped (2 Samuel 5-7). And when Jesus, the Son of God, came to live and teach among us, he picked up on the beautiful themes of this psalm to announce that he is the good shepherd who will always care for God's sheep, calling all who will follow him to have eternal life in his name (John 10). Jesus also introduced his followers to the coming of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us today, filling us with God's presence and teaching us to live like Jesus (John 14-16). Throughout history the faithful Lord our shepherd has made himself known to us, seeking us out when we were lost, and calling us to follow him and have life to the full. As we journey with the shepherd, may we be confident in his faithful care and inspired to participate in his grace for all whom he calls to his fold. Lord, continue to bless and keep us as you shine your face on us and give us your peace. Amen.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:6 Forever is a long time. And most of us are not fans of waiting. Sometimes even TV ads between our favorite shows can seem unending. When we think about it, forever can seem intimidating or overwhelming. So it can help to think about this in connection with relationships. Relationships with family members often stand the test of time, and yet today a 35-year marriage can seem like a rare treasure. In our mobile and divisive culture today, a 46-year friendship may also be less common than in the past. The psalm writer wants the Lord's sheep to know that the good shepherd will never let us go. This is a comfort that can carry us through the ups and downs of challenging relationships in the here and now. We can also think of forever in terms of location. Many of us sheep are pretty happy with the life we have here on earth. We are often able to find places we enjoy for beauty and bliss, and it can be hard to imagine anything better because this is all we know. But the psalmist reminds us that the shepherd may call us to move along to other pastures—and yet that may mean going through tough passageways and dark valleys at times. Being in a loving relationship with the good shepherd will keep us calm, though, and eventually we'll move on to new pastures in a new heaven and earth, where we will live with him forever. How does this promise encourage you today? Lord, help us to trust in you, knowing that you are with us now and forever. Amen.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:6 Most cultures have a word for that feeling we all get when we experience being home. It includes a sense of safety and warmth and even coziness and intimacy. We all long for these things. If we didn't have these in the setting we grew up in, perhaps we could find them in the home of a friend or in a group of caring friends or in the wonder of God's creation. Home is where we can let down our guard and be ourselves. The psalm writer affirms that he feels at home “in the house of Lord”—and that has to do with the presence of the Lord. So home is wherever the Lord his shepherd is present. In this sense home is experienced more in relationship than in terms of place. Home is not restricted to time or space. The one who made us and shaped us and knows our name is home to us. Following the shepherd is where we belong, and this includes being with the Lord's other sheep. The shepherd even searches out his sheep who might leave the fold because he knows he can care for them best. In today's world there are so many people who feel lonely and isolated. They long for home. And those who know the shepherd can point out the way, confident that the lost and lonely will be received with joy! In what ways is the shepherd nudging you to extend someone an invitation home today? Lord, we are so grateful that we belong to you and your flock, your church. Help us to extend your love to all who need the home that only you can provide. Amen.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. — Galatians 5:22-23 My mother used to advise me and my sisters to leave a place better than we found it. What might that look like for followers of the good shepherd? What evidence might there be that one of Jesus' sheep has been in the area? Paul, who wrote Galatians, lists some attributes and behaviors that ought to be noticeable in Jesus' sheep. As the Holy Spirit shepherds us from within, we grow to reflect the Spirit's presence within us. We begin to radiate the character and attributes of Jesus. As he treats us with gentleness, patience, and kindness, these attributes begin to flow out from us to others. The goodness, love, and peace that we experience in his constant companionship overflow to others as well. Jesus' sheep are anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit and, as Psalm 23 puts it, our cups overflow. Anyone we meet can be a recipient, and everywhere we go can be a veritable splash zone of God's goodness, which is so attractive that others want to share in it too. We need to pray that we reflect the Lord's attributes faithfully, because we know we are still tempted to wander and to hoard and squander the goodness that the shepherd gives us. Where is the Spirit inviting you to share his presence today? Spirit of God, help us to bear your fruit as you work faithfully within us, aiming to bless others with Jesus' love wherever we go. Amen.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. — Psalm 23:6 Looking again at Psalm 23, we can see that the Lord our shepherd is not like a cowboy chasing us to move us along or dragging us along by a rope. Our shepherd walks ahead of us and among us—and if we are wandering, he goes out searching for us to draw us back in. His love, goodness, grace, and mercy surround us. We don't have to go chasing after the shepherd's love and care. It is always there because Jesus is always there. Grace pursues us. It is not something we have to earn; nor is it something we have to prove we deserve. It is freely given from the giver of all good gifts. Psalm 23 begins and ends with notes of gratitude. We have everything we need—so much, in fact, that it overflows to everyone in our midst. We can't contain it. The psalm writer's thought here is that wherever we are present, grace should abound. It should have a ripple effect in our relationships with others. Goodness and mercy not only follow us; we share these blessings with others and leave them behind as we move along. When we follow the shepherd well and lean into our calling as sheep, we take the blessings we receive and bless others, who in turn are able to bless still others, and so on. Lord, we want to honor you by being a blessing in our families and communities. Make us attentive to the needs of others and open to coming alongside people who need to experience your presence in us. Amen.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” — John 14:18 One of the hardest things for the disciples to grasp was how Jesus could continue to shepherd them after he returned to be with the Father. So Jesus prepared them ahead of time for that transition. He told them that the Father would send the Holy Spirit to be in each one of them. They would always have a comforter and advocate to guide them, reminding them of Jesus' teachings and giving them peace. Jesus tells us that “the Spirit of truth” will teach us and remind us of all that Jesus has taught because he knows that his physical absence will make us forgetful. Jesus knows that we have to grow used to seeing him with spiritual eyes. As we keep his commands and learn from his Word, the Spirit will fulfill God's promise to love and care for all who follow him. The Spirit will comfort us with peace as we go through the valley of shadow. The Spirit will advocate for us, serving as our supporter, protector, and champion. The Spirit will advise us and uphold us as we journey with Jesus. Jesus, the good shepherd, continues to be present among us through the Spirit even as he prays for us and upholds us while ruling beside the Father in heaven today. Where have you experienced Jesus' presence in your life lately? Lord, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to guide us from within. Help us to listen for the Spirit's voice and to respond with trust and obedience to the Spirit's leading. Amen.

“It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” — Luke 24:34 Buoyed by a renewed understanding of Jesus' mission and their calling to tell others, all of the disciples found renewed hope. They shared stories among themselves of other encounters with the risen Lord, and their joy and confidence grew. Hope was the very thing these sheep needed, and Jesus provided it in abundance (see also vv. 36-49). Hope is powerful. It sustained the disciples well into the future. It comforted them when Jesus returned to heaven (Luke 24:50-53). And with the coming of the Spirit, it propelled them into new places and fortified them when they faced persecution (Acts 2-8). These sheep could declare with the writer of Psalm 23 that they lacked nothing. Jesus provided all that was needed to anchor and build their faith. They regained confidence that they belonged to him and to each other. They had renewed knowledge that God faithfully keeps working in the world. They also had a renewed sense of calling to be on mission with God as they continued working and waiting in hope for Jesus' return. We can declare the same. The shepherd continues to form our faith. And like the early disciples who shared testimonies of their encounters with the living Jesus, we are invited to give witness to our own encounters with Jesus today. With whom can you share stories about the Lord's work in your life? Lord, help us to encourage one another by sharing about the ways we have seen you working in our lives and in the world around us. Amen.

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. . . . Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread. — Luke 24:33-35 The news about Jesus was too important for the disciples in Emmaus to keep to themselves! Isn't it interesting that these disciples “returned at once to Jerusalem” to tell the others about their meeting with Jesus? A little while earlier, they had urged Jesus to stay with them because it would soon be dark—and generally too dangerous to travel. But now they rushed back to Jerusalem, seemingly without a care for their own safety. These disciples could not contain their excitement to tell the good news about Jesus. They were no longer victims of a terrible loss; they were disciples on a mission. They realized that their calling was to confirm the teaching of the Scriptures about Jesus and to bear witness about the resurrected Jesus to others who were feeling lost and defeated. They brought to the other disciples the same encouragement, comfort, and grace that they had received. When we think of ourselves as part of Jesus' sheepfold, it can be easy to think that we have been invited to be passive followers. What we see in the Emmaus disciples' response is that we too are invited to partner with Jesus. We are called to tell the world that God loves everyone so much that he continues to seek all who are lost so that they can come home where they belong. Who in your midst needs to hear this good news? Lord, give us courage and energy to share your good news with all who need to hear it. Amen.