"I am going to send what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been closed with power from on high." (Luke 24:49)
Promise, promising, promised...what do you think of? The new job really looks "promising"? The people who moved to the Colonies with the "promise" of land and freedom? The same "promise" as people moved west? Each of these is thinking about people thinking of something that is, or will be, happening. Another thought is expecting something to happen. The "follow through", the actual doing, is the part of each of these we need to focus on. The readings today are about promises. Luke is pointing out, in the first chapter of Acts, all the things he (Luke) spoke about Jesus. How Jesus fulfilled, and proved, he was alive. Luke is also pointing out the promise Jesus is giving of God fulfilling God's promised gift. (Acts 1:3-4) Paul is reminding all of us of the "Spirit of wisdom and revelation" God gives. (Ephesians 1:17) Jesus is asking the disciples to wait because he (Jesus) will "send what my Father promised" so they should "wait" for the "power." (Luke 24:49) Which brings us back to our promises.... How are we at keeping promises - especially to ourselves? Did you finish the Lenten study? Are you still working on the New Year's resolution? Caregivers, are you taking time for YOU to s-t-o-p and be with God? What about the promises we have made to the church - to be faithful with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service? (Confirmation promise) We KNOW God keeps God's promises. Do we?
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"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (John 15:11)
When you think of "complete" what do you think of? "The pattern comes complete with instructions?" Or...this book case, coffee table, chair - fill in the blank - comes "complete" with instructions and all the pieces you will need -- just maybe not the needed tools? Or... the wedding, the baby, the adoption has happened and now the family is "complete"? According to my Webster Collegiate Dictionary "complete" means, filled up, brought to an end, perfectly equipped and (or) fully realized. According to my theological dictionary "joy" means a sense of extreme happiness and well being related in Scripture to knowing God and God's actions and love, specifically in Jesus Christ. The readings today are about being complete AND filled with joy. People were filled with joy, and complete, as Peter is speaking to a crowd when the Holy Spirit came on "all who heard the message" which was a surprise to those who were there with Peter. (Acts 10:44 & 45) John is explaining to people then, and to us now, how we "love the children of God' by loving God and carrying out his commandments." (John 5:2) And Jesus is explaining about God's love - God has loved me, so I have loved you. Now remain in my love." AND how this will make our "joy complete." (John 15:9-11) Busy schedules, changes in seasons (and schedules) and the difficulties we are all facing doesn't change us. We ARE "complete" and we do have God's "joy" because of God's presence with each of us. Our joy, and being complete, is how we can continue to share and encourage each other. Something to think about. |
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May 2024
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