Today’s Verse – Isaiah 10:1-2
Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. —Isaiah 10:1-2 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… God wants us to be generous, compassionate, holy, and righteous. Why? Because that is who he is: holy and full of righteous character (1 Peter 1:13-16; 2 Peter 1:5-11) as well as full of gracious compassion (Exodus 34:6-7; Deuteronomy 10:18). This kind of well-rounded kind of godly character must show up in how we live our daily lives. We must be both holy and righteous as well as compassionate and gracious. Righteousness and holiness must not be compromised. Neither should compassion and grace be set aside. Many of us find this a difficult balance. Still, it is a balance we are called to keep as we seek to honor our God by reflecting his character in our lives and as the Holy Spirit increasingly transforms us into the character of Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23). After all, Jesus was the living demonstration of God’s righteous character and gracious compassion in human flesh (John 1:1-3, 14-18). My Prayer… O God, you are holy and righteous. You are also the God of compassion to the fatherless. Please increase our compassion and commitment to work for those who are forgotten, abused, disenfranchised, and pushed aside. Please move us to a deeper hunger for holiness that reflects your will. We want your full character, the character Jesus demonstrated, to be formed in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
God’s Suffering Servant
Note from Jesus Dear Follower, The Father’s role for Me when I came to earth as the Son of God shocked many people. They expected a warrior or kingly ruler who would restore Israel to prominence and power among the nations of the world. Even my cousin and forerunner, John the Baptizer, had questions about whether I was the Messiah. So I reminded this great servant that I was doing the things that are in the description of the Messiah given by Isaiah (Isaiah 35:4-6): John sent two of his disciples to ask the Lord, “Are You the Promised One, or shall we keep looking for someone else?” They came to Jesus and asked their question exactly as directed by John the Baptist. Before He answered John’s messengers, Jesus cured many from various diseases, health conditions, and evil spirits. He even caused many blind people to regain their sight. Jesus (to John’s disciples): Go and tell John what you’ve witnessed with your own eyes and ears: the blind are seeing again, the lame are walking again, the lepers are clean again, the deaf hear again, the dead live again, and good news is preached to the poor. Whoever is not offended by Me is blessed indeed. (Luke 7:19-23) I came to earth as the servant promised in Isaiah. I repeatedly tried to help people hear this truth about My identity; here are two examples of what I said about Myself: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to liberate the lost.” (Luke 19:10) “You know that among the nations of the world the great ones lord it over the little people and act like tyrants. But that is not the way it will be among you. Whoever would be great among you must serve and minister. Whoever wants to be great among you must be slave of all. Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to be a servant — to offer His life as a ransom for others.” (Mark 10:42-45) In the second passage of Scripture below, My apostle Paul dealt with problems in the church in Philippi. He used My example and My role as the servant of the Lord to be the foundation of his teaching. My disciples in Philippi needed to have the same mind, the same attitude, as I displayed in honoring the Father when I accepted My role as a servant. I want you to remember My role, My willingness to honor God in that role. More than remembering, I want you to adopt this servant lifestyle as your own! Verses to Live As you read the following verses, ask the Holy Spirit to imprint My example on your heart. First, you will read Isaiah’s words of description for the Lord‘s Suffering Servant. Then you will read Paul’s exhortation for My disciples to have this same attitude. As Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, he wanted them to grasp fully that they must have this one mind as they lived in relationship with each other. I want you to have this same mind as you live in relationship with other believers! Indeed, who would ever believe it? Who would possibly accept what we’ve been told? Who has witnessed the awesome power and plan of the Eternal in action? Out of emptiness he came, like a tender shoot from rock-hard ground. He didn’t look like anything or anyone of consequence — he had no physical beauty to attract our attention. So he was despised and forsaken by men, this man of suffering, grief’s patient friend. As if he was a person to avoid, we looked the other way; he was despised, forsaken, and we took no notice of him. Yet it was our suffering he carried, our pain and distress, our sick-to-the-soul-ness. We just figured that God had rejected him, that God was the reason he hurt so badly. But he was hurt because of us; he suffered so. Our wrongdoing wounded and crushed him. He endured the breaking that made us whole. The injuries he suffered became our healing. We all have wandered off, like shepherdless sheep, scattered by our aimless striving and endless pursuits; The Eternal One laid on him, this silent sufferer, the sins of us all. And in the face of such oppression and suffering — silence. Not a word of protest, not a finger raised to stop it. Like a sheep to a shearing, like a lamb to be slaughtered, he went — oh so quietly, oh so willingly. Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away. From this generation, who was there to complain? Who was there to cry “Foul”? He was, after all, cut off from the land of the living, Smacked and struck, not on his account, because of how my people (my people!) Disregarded the lines between right and wrong. They snuffed out his life. And when he was dead, he was buried with the disgraced in borrowed space (among the rich), Even though he did no wrong by word or deed. Yet the Eternal One planned to crush him all along, to bring him to grief, this innocent servant of God. When he puts his life in sin’s dark place, in the pit of wrongdoing, this servant of God will see his children and have his days prolonged. For in His servant’s hand, the Eternal’s deepest desire will come to pass and flourish. As a result of the trials and troubles that wrack his soul, God’s servant will see light and be content Because He knows, really understands, what it’s about; as God says, “My just servant will justify countless others by taking on their punishment and bearing it away. Because he exposed his very self — laid bare his soul to the vicious grasping of death — And was counted among the worst, I will count him among the best. I will allot this one, My servant, a share in all that is of any value, Because
Today’s Verse – Nehemiah 9:30
For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. —Nehemiah 9:30 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Nehemiah recognized that the LORD had spoken repeatedly to his people. The faithful prophets spoke as the Holy Spirit of God inspired them. God loved, blessed, and protected his people, yet they often ignored his will revealed through his servants, the prophets. The people abandoned the LORD their God to their destruction! We must not let the same thing be said of us. Let’s pay attention to our God and to his Son, Jesus, whom the Father sent. Let’s listen and obey the Holy Spirit whom the LORD Jesus poured out upon us and who is alive in us to guide us. The Spirit speaks to our hearts and through the Holy Scriptures. The Holy Spirit longs to guide us in the ways of our God. My Prayer… Sovereign LORD and Abba Father, we praise you! Please never let us outlive our love for you or our hearts’ desire to be obedient and pleasing to you! Lead us and speak to our hearts through your Holy Spirit and your holy Scriptures. We offer our hearts to you and are ready to obey you and follow Jesus as our LORD and Savior. In his name, we pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Mustard Seed Effect
Note from Jesus Dear Child of the King of Glory, The kingdom of heaven is powerful. You are a part of that kingdom. You are a child of the King. Great power is at work in you. Not sure about this? Don’t really believe this? Remember My parable about the mustard seed? You can find it in the verses below along with Doctor Luke’s ending to the book of Acts. I have put these together for you because I want you to realize something amazing: My mustard seed parable proved true! You are an example of just how far this mustard seed effect has spread both geographically and through time. As we read from the book of Acts in the coming days — after I have shared several key passages reminding you of the power at work in you — you will see the mustard seed effect produced through the power of the Holy Spirit! What began as a small movement in the backwaters of Galilee with Me and a few disciples reaches all over the world bringing people from all different races, cultures, nations, religions, and backgrounds into My family. Yes, there are some who reject the message and refuse to believe. However, an amazing number come to faith and that faith has kept growing and providing a family, a real home, for other people of different languages and cultures. By the time we finish the book of Acts, the apostle Paul will have reached his goal of going to Rome (Romans 1:9-13), the capital of the empire. He didn’t arrive there in the way he anticipated or under the circumstances he would have planned. However, he arrived in Rome and effectively shared My good news there. This sharing is the final message Luke wanted you to hear: In Rome, Paul proclaimed My good news of the kingdom of God and taught about My grace “with great confidence and with no hindrance.” Christianity went from such small beginnings to such powerful influence in such a short time period — in just three decades. All of this was done without the benefits and conveniences of your era in time. The disciples had no superhighways, automobiles, planes, high-speed trains, internet, telephones, text messaging, social media, or email. So imagine what I can do today through you if you keep sharing My message using all your modern tools and trusting that I will support your efforts with My power! Verses to Live Notice how the ending to the book of Acts complements My parable about the mustard seed. My movement really is the mustard seed effect: people doing normal things with extraordinary faith in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus told them another parable. Jesus: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a sower took and planted in his field. Mustard seeds are minute, tiny — but the seeds grow into trees. Flocks of birds can come and build their nests in the branches. (Matthew 13:31-32) Some [of the Jewish leaders in Rome] were convinced, but others refused to believe. Paul (adding as they left in disagreement): The Holy Spirit rightly spoke to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah: Go to this people and say, “You certainly do hear, but you will never understand; you certainly do see, but you will never have insight. “Make their hearts hard, their ears deaf, and their eyes blind. “Otherwise, they would look and see, listen and hear, understand and repent, and be healed.” So let it be known to you that God’s liberation, God’s healing, has been sent to the outsiders, and they will listen. Then the local Jewish leaders left Paul to discuss all he had told them. For two full years, he lived there in Rome, paying all his own expenses, receiving all who came to him. With great confidence and with no hindrance, he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the ultimate authority — the Lord Jesus, God’s Anointed, the Liberating King. (Acts 28:24-31) Response in Prayer Father, I stand in amazement at how the message of Jesus has reached out and impacted such a significant part of the world. I believe that behind the incredible spread of Your gospel is the work of the Holy Spirit. I believe that behind the advances of the kingdom are the prayers of Jesus’ followers who have invested their lives in His cause and who have kept on asking Him to release the power of the Holy Spirit through them. So I pray, dear Father, that you will use me to further Your mustard seed effect and that I can be a part of seeing people from all over the world come to faith in Your Son. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2024, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today’s Verse – Exodus 9:29
“When I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands in prayer to the LORD. The thunder will stop and there will be no more hail, so you may know that the earth is the LORD’s.” —Exodus 9:29 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… These words of Moses to Pharaoh remind us that when Moses confronted Pharaoh and was met only by the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart, God sent the plagues. Why? Because God wanted Pharaoh to know that Israel’s God wasn’t just another petty god of another nation, but that the LORD was the Only True and Living God. The nations, the seasons, and the earth are his. All people must come to revere his name and receive his grace or be lost forever. My Prayer… God of all the universe and LORD of more than all that we can imagine, experience, or see, we praise you and proclaim you to be God, the only true and living God, and the earth and its future are in your hands. Please use us, your people, to help more of earth’s inhabitants “from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9), acknowledge you as God indeed! In Jesus’ name, we praise you and thank you for being LORD of our hearts, our world, and our future. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Finally in Rome!
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, Paul finally arrived in Rome in the concluding chapter of Acts. As you have seen over the last several days of reading, the journey had been difficult. Paul first had to navigate his way through the Jewish and Roman legal systems. He then repeatedly had to avoid being murdered by his enemies. He had to survive the dangerous and brutal sea voyage that included a shipwreck. But he finally arrived in Rome just as I promised. Although under house arrest, Paul had the freedom to teach others about Me and the kingdom of God. Notice several things from the verses that follow as Luke finishes his account of Paul’s journey to Rome. First, when Paul met other believers upon arriving in Italy, they welcomed him and even accompanied him on his journey to Rome. Rather than being afraid to be identified with Paul as a prisoner of Rome, they shared hospitality and encouragement with Paul as he traveled. My first-century followers and their love for each other were described well in the book of Hebrews: [T]hink back to the days after you were first enlightened and understood Who Jesus was: when you endured all sorts of suffering in the name of the Lord, when people held you up for public scorn and ridicule, or when they abused your partners and companions in the faith. Remember how you had compassion for those in prison and how you cheerfully accepted the seizure of your possessions, knowing that you have a far greater and more enduring possession. (Hebrews 10:32-34) This hospitality and encouragement that came from the power of the Holy Spirit and an understanding of grace were unstoppable! Second, Paul invited the Jewish leaders in Rome to come and visit him. He explained to them both the reason for his being imprisoned and also the good news of My coming. While these Jewish leaders had heard bad things about Paul, none of his accusers from Jerusalem or Asia Minor had come to Rome. Paul’s presence in Rome after his long sea voyage opened the door for him to share My salvation message with leaders and rulers. The absence of his accusers allowed for the hostile plans and murderous intentions of Paul’s Judean and Asian enemies to be thwarted. Behind all that happened, the Holy Spirit was working things out (Romans 8:28-29) for Paul to accomplish My purpose for him as an apostle. Finally, while some Jewish people believed Paul’s message, others rejected it. Paul reminded his Jewish critics that I had called him to share this message of liberation and healing with his Jewish brothers and sisters first. Their rejection of that message meant it was time for him to extend the message and invitation of grace to non-Jewish peoples (Romans 1:16-17). Paul’s experience had shown him that many non-Jews would listen to this message and respond by becoming My disciples. Luke was Paul’s physician and supportive friend. He accompanied Paul on many of his mission trips. When Luke chose an ending for the book of Acts, he closed his story of the early church and the ministries of Peter and Paul with a liberating truth. With great confidence and with no hindrance, he [Paul] proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the ultimate authority — the Lord Jesus, God’s Anointed, the Liberating King. Even though Paul was a prisoner, he had arrived in the capital city of the great Roman Empire. Despite his house arrest, Paul openly, powerfully, and effectively shared My good news of the kingdom of God and even some in Caesar’s household became My disciples (Philippians 4:21-22). By going to Rome, Paul had reached one of his primary goals. The gospel was advancing. Even when the Roman authorities turned against Christianity, the most powerful government in the world could not stop the spread of grace. Verses to Live Doctor Luke wrote Acts to trumpet one of the greatest of all surprises: the triumph of the message about Me. My early disciples proclaimed a crucified and resurrected Messiah from the out-of-the-way country of Israel and the insignificant region of Galilee. However, this message had spread like a wildfire across the Roman Empire in a mere three decades. Paul, initially an extremely zealous individual enemy of My movement, converted and became a passionate disciple. He traveled the northern part of the Mediterranean world sharing My story. Hearts and lives were changed. People from all sorts of countries, religious backgrounds, races, and social classes believed and became My disciples. The laws, roads, and stability of the Roman Empire helped pave the way for this rapid expansion of My movement. Even though Paul arrived in Rome as a prisoner, he was able to share My story “with no hindrance.” Paul’s story, dear disciple, is your heritage. Read the last part of the account in Acts about Paul’s journey to Rome and his imprisonment there. As you finish Paul’s journey to Rome, I leave you with one question: What are you doing to encourage, support, and participate in the spread of the good news of the Father’s grace to your world? We [Paul and his companions] set sail from Malta and stopped first at Syracuse. After three days, we weighed anchor and came to Rhegium. We waited there a day, and then a south wind sprang up and sped us to Puteoli. We found some believers there, and they invited us to stay with them for seven days. Then we reached Rome. The believers from Rome heard we were coming, so they traveled out to meet us at the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. Paul thanked God and felt encouraged to see them. Once inside the city, Paul lived under house arrest by himself, with only one soldier to guard him. Three days after his arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. Paul: Brothers, although I committed no wrong against our Jewish people or our ancestral customs, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed
Today’s Verse – Hebrews 9:28
So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. —Hebrews 9:28 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… You gotta know it! Jesus IS coming back! Are you ready? Are you waiting? Are you eager? I sure hope you are because our salvation and the LORD’s glory await those who are eagerly anticipating his coming (Romans 8:19, 23; 1 Corinthians 1:7; Galatians 5:5). As Paul says to the Philippians: [O]ur citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body (Philippians 3:20-21). My Prayer… O come LORD Jesus! Your bride awaits you! To you belongs the glory, forever and ever! Amen. (Prayer adapted from 1 Corinthians 16:22 & Revelation 21:2, 9; 22:17.) All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Winning the Hearts of Your Critics
Note from Jesus Dear Friend, Just as Paul faced his legal ordeals and challenging travels to Rome, My disciples in Asia Minor faced growing criticism, ostracism, and persecution. So Peter wrote to encourage them. Like Paul, Peter would soon face even more challenging personal persecution and eventually martyrdom. These two great servants who carried the good news won friends and even some disciples among those who were assigned to guard and imprison them. They even shared their testimony before leaders who had them imprisoned. Peter wrote to those disciples facing persecution and reminded them repeatedly of the importance of being people of holy character and compassion. If they were going to suffer, they were to make sure they suffered for doing right things as My witnesses. I want you to read Peter’s words of encouragement and instruction to those disciples in today’s verses. Paul’s influence on Julius, the Roman officer responsible for delivering him to Rome, is a powerful testimony to the truth of Peter’s words of exhortation. Paul’s influence on Julius saved the crew, the soldiers, the prisoners, and himself from probable death at sea on several occasions. As you read today’s verses, notice how his influence on the Roman officer opened the door for his influence as a witness to My grace. Please remember that your words and actions, especially when you are facing hard times, are powerful and influential in ways you may never realize. When you are a person of faithful character in the face of trial, you are following My example and opening the door for My continued influence on the hearts of those who desperately need My grace! Verses to Live As you read these words, remember the importance in your own day of being a faithful and winsome witness to Me. My disciples today face growing resistance and opposition in the West. They are enduring horrible persecution in the Middle East and parts of Africa. Some countries in Asia are directly oppressing and imprisoning My followers. Please realize the principles you see in today’s verses are every bit as important to living in your day as they were in the time of Peter and Paul. Here are some of Peter’s words of exhortation and instruction to Christians in difficult circumstances: But you are a chosen people, set aside to be a royal order of priests, a holy nation, God’s own; so that you may proclaim the wondrous acts of the One Who called you out of inky darkness into shimmering light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received it. Beloved, remember you don’t belong in this world. You are resident aliens living in exile, so resist those desires of the flesh that battle against the soul. Live honorably among the outsiders so that, even when some may be inclined to call you criminals, when they see your good works, they might give glory to God when He returns in judgment. For the Lord’s sake, accept the decrees and laws of all the various human institutions, whether they come from the highest human ruler or agents he sends to punish those who do wrong and to reward those who do well. You see, it is God’s will that by doing what is right and good you should hush the gabbing ignorance of the foolish. Live as those who are free and not as those who use their freedom as a pretext for evil, but live as God’s servants. Respect everyone. Love the community of believers. Reverence God. Honor your ruler. … Why would anyone harm you if you eagerly do good? Even if you should suffer for doing what is right, you will receive a blessing. Don’t let them frighten you. Don’t be intimidated, but exalt Him as Lord in your heart. Always be ready to offer a defense, humbly and respectfully, when someone asks why you live in hope. Keep your conscience clear so that those who ridicule your good conduct in the Anointed and say bad things about you will be put to shame. For if it is the will of God that you suffer, then it is better to suffer for doing what is right than for doing what is wrong. … Dear ones, don’t be surprised when you experience your trial by fire. It is not something strange and unusual, but it is something you should rejoice in. In it you share the Anointed’s sufferings, and you will be that much more joyful when His glory is revealed. If anyone condemns you for following Jesus as the Anointed One, consider yourself blessed. The glorious Spirit of God rests on you. But none of you should ever merit suffering like those who have murdered or stolen, meddled in the affairs of others or done evil things. But if you should suffer for being a Christian, don’t think of it as a disgrace, as it would be if you had done wrong. Praise God that you’re permitted to carry this name. … So bow down under God’s strong hand; then when the time comes, God will lift you up. Since God cares for you, let Him carry all your burdens and worries. Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour someone. Resist him and be strong in your faith, knowing that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are fellow sufferers with you. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of grace Who has called you [to His everlasting presence] through Jesus the Anointed will restore you, support you, strengthen you, and ground you. For all power belongs to God, now and forever. Amen. (1 Peter 2:9-17; 1 Peter 3:13-17; 1 Peter 4:12-16; 1 Peter 5:6-11) Now read about Paul’s example as a Christian prisoner sailing to Rome: The date was
Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 9:27
I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. —1 Corinthians 9:27 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… “Practice what you preach!” “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” “Put your life where your mouth is!” Each statement has the same goal: following God’s will and living under Jesus’ Lordship led by the Spirit without hypocrisy and with dedicated faithfulness. Those of us who speak out most openly about our faith in Jesus also need to ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the same standard we call others to follow. Self-scrutiny and a brother or sister in Christ who holds us accountable and encourages us when we are discouraged are essential if we are going to live faithfully what we say we believe. Like Paul who gave us this challenging verse, let’s prepare to live for Jesus like an athlete prepares to compete in the Olympic Games. Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father in Heaven, please help me with the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit within me. I want my walk with Jesus to be consistent with my talk about him and what I say I believe. May my talk and walk always be pleasing to you, a blessing to others, and an honor to my LORD Jesus, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Holy Moments, Ordinary Bread
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, The fellowship of My disciples as they gather around a table for a meal is a precious and holy time. This meal can be a common meal or Holy Communion. Any time My disciples gather in My name to “break bread” (1 Corinthians 10:16) and remember Me, their time together can be a sacramental experience. Each meal can be a holy time when I join with you in fellowship (Matthew 18:20). Your verses today remind you of the power of this kind of holy moment. The verses talk about holy meals in four contexts: I join two disciples on the road to Emmaus during the late afternoon after My resurrection, and they recognize Me when I “break bread” and share it with them. The first believers in Jerusalem get together to “break bread” regularly in the temple and daily in their homes. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the essence of Holy Communion, the Lord‘s Supper. Paul shares a holy meal with the 276 men — prisoners, soldiers, and ship’s crew — on the storm-tossed ship on his way to Rome. Please recognize that meals can always be a holy and sacred time. As you eat, no matter where you find yourself or with whom you share the meal, invite Me to join you. Recognize that I long to share this table fellowship time with you. Realize that our time together can be a sacramental moment of grace. Bread is never just bread when you gather in My name, remember what I have done for you, and enjoy the presence of others. I long to be made known to you as you “break bread”! Verses to Live These verses speak of several different kinds of meals and several different types of people gathered to share the meals. Each of these occasions is a holy time that brings grace and restores life because I AM a part of the gathering. Picture this [as Jesus meets disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection]: That same day, two other disciples (not of the eleven) are traveling the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As they walk along, they talk back and forth about all that has transpired during recent days. While they’re talking, discussing, and conversing, Jesus catches up to them and begins walking with them, but for some reason they don’t recognize Him. Jesus: You two seem deeply engrossed in conversation. What are you talking about as you walk along this road? They stop walking and just stand there, looking sad. One of them — Cleopas is his name — speaks up. Cleopas: You must be the only visitor in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about what’s been going on over the last few days. Jesus: What are you talking about? Two Disciples: It’s all about the man named Jesus of Nazareth. He was a mighty prophet Who did amazing miracles and preached powerful messages in the sight of God and everyone around. Our chief priests and authorities handed Him over to be executed — crucified, in fact. We had been hoping that He was the One — you know, the One Who would liberate all Israel and bring God’s promises. Anyway, on top of all this, just this morning — the third day after the execution — some women in our group really shocked us. They went to the tomb early this morning, but they didn’t see His body anywhere. Then they came back and told us they did see something — a vision of heavenly messengers — and these messengers said that Jesus was alive. Some people in our group went to the tomb to check it out, and just as the women had said, it was empty. But they didn’t see Jesus. Jesus: Come on, men! Why are you being so foolish? Why are your hearts so sluggish when it comes to believing what the prophets have been saying all along? Didn’t it have to be this way? Didn’t the Anointed One have to experience these sufferings in order to come into His glory? Then He begins with Moses and continues, prophet by prophet, explaining the meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures, showing how they were talking about the very things that had happened to Jesus. About this time, they are nearing their destination. Jesus keeps walking ahead as if He has no plans to stop there, but they convince Him to join them. Two Disciples: Please, be our guest. It’s getting late, and soon it will be too dark to walk. So He accompanies them to their home. When they sit down at the table for dinner, He takes the bread in His hands, He gives thanks for it, and then He breaks it and hands it to them. At that instant, two things happen simultaneously: their eyes are suddenly opened so they recognize Him, and He instantly vanishes — just disappears before their eyes. Two Disciples (to each other): Amazing! Weren’t our hearts on fire within us while He was talking to us on the road? Didn’t you feel it all coming clear as He explained the meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures? So they get up immediately and rush back to Jerusalem — all seven miles — where they find the eleven gathered together — the eleven plus a number of others. Before Cleopas and his companion can tell their story, the others have their own story to tell. Other Disciples: The Lord has risen indeed! It’s true! He appeared to Simon! Then the two men report their own experience — their conversation along the road, their moment of realization and recognition as He broke the bread. At that very instant, as they’re still telling the story, Jesus is there, standing among them! (Luke 24:13-36) [Describing the life of the early disciples in Jerusalem after Pentecost.] They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day. In homes, they broke bread and shared meals with glad and generous hearts. (Acts