Pastor Mary Haley

Intro: Last night in our Embrace Grace discipleship class we talked about anxiety, fear, and worry. It is easy to be afraid of the unknown; certainly, for these brave young girls who are facing unplanned pregnancies there are many unknowns. They must face the challenges ahead and our prayer is for them to face each difficulty with faith in the love of the Father. He loves his children and wants to care for each of us.

In our passage today, Jesus is teaching his disciples about being concerned or worrying about life. He turns the disciples’ attention toward creation and how God orchestrates even the growth of the lilies. If God cares for the flowers, he will certainly care for his human creation. He challenges his disciples to act in faith. Then, Jesus calls for his disciples to focus on something very specific; where they place their attention will give them power to handle their worries in life. Jesus gives them directions for what must be their first response to any challenge. He tells them to pray/seek the Kingdom of righteousness, peace (wholeness), and joy in the Holy Spirit. Then, their act of faith will please the Father and he will meet the rest of their needs. This is wisdom for us all, because worry is a thief.

“Worry is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength—carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Corrie ten Boom (Holocaust Survivor—author of The Hiding Place)

Luke 12:29-32  “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things.  These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the Truth that sets us free from anxiety, fear, and worry about the unknown. Help us to focus on the Kingdom of righteous living that brings wholeness and joy to our lives. I pray for these brave girls that you have entrusted to us. Thank you for each one. Help us to lead them toward you, so you may love and care for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: When it comes to us approaching God in a jubilant spirit of praise and gratitude, David truly paints for us a beautiful path. For David, he experiences contentment when he allows the Shepherd to lead his life. David tells us God comes to lead him specifically which brings fullness to his emptiness. God provides rest for David’s weary soul. God leads David from brokenness into the wholeness of shalom. God renews David by bringing divine strength and exchanging it for his human weakness. Finally, God guides David’s life to reveal the divine holy presence with him.

As human beings, we all have a strong will to see things go in the direction we feel is best for us. Surrendering our lives to the will of God can be a big challenge, because we cling to our own autonomy—self government. Actually, our culture fights for the right of autonomy all the time. If people feel coerced about anything—even when challenged to act responsibly—they are ready to do battle. However, by not trusting the shepherding [leadership] of the all-knowing, all-present, and all-powerful God, human rebellion can position us where we are actually working against our own best interests. We can blindly lead ourselves into perilous environments and danger. Then, we have to eat the fruit of our poor decisions.

We all need to rest ourselves in God’s care, by trusting in his great love for us. So trust God to take you forward and make you whole. God’s power is made perfect in your weakness. We all greatly need him. Like David, may the world come to that revelation and ask the Shepherd to lead us all into truth.

Psalm 23 A psalm of David.
1 
The Lord is my shepherd;    I have all that I need.
2 
He lets me rest in green meadows;    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 
    He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths,    bringing honor to his name.
4 
Even when I walk    through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,    for you are close beside me.Your rod and your staff    protect and comfort me.
5 
You prepare a feast for me    in the presence of my enemies.You honor me by anointing my head with oil.    My cup overflows with blessings.
6 
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me    all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for promising that you will shepherd, guide and protect my life until one day you call me home. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In January 2012, I enjoyed a trip to Israel with forty-one seminarian friends. One of my favorite places to visit on the trip was the region of Galilee. We hopped on a boat and went out onto Lake Gennesaret [Sea of Galilee; aka Sea of Tiberias]; a freshwater lake, over 690 feet below sea level. This lake serves as the main source of water and commerce for the Galilee region. We watched as fishermen threw their cast nets out while one of our professors recounted the stories of Jesus with the Galilean fishermen. We were there…no guessing what it was like…with those around me…I was a disciple living the truth. I remember the cloudy sky, the green mountainous terrain around the lake, the smell of approaching rain, and the gentle breeze. We ate fresh fish [fried whole St. Peter’s fish—tilapia] caught from the lake at a restaurant [St. Peter’s Restaurant] along the shore as we continued to listen to the Word of God. That trip was full of revelations for me; I have never been the same.

In our passage today, Jesus notices the fishermen are washing, drying, and mending their nets. They have just come in from an unsuccessful night of fishing. Jesus tells the disciples to head out in the daytime to do some fishing with him. For Peter, this must have made zero sense since the fish tend to go into deeper water during the daytime where the nets cannot reach them. But, therein, Peter was about to witness a miracle. Beyond a person’s ability and natural resources, beyond what makes sense to the natural mind, beyond what one may think about proper timing…rests the grace of God. So, Peter chooses to obey the Word of the Lord and that obedience opens the door to a miracle. Peter realizes the presence of God with him; he knows Christ’s divine power has caused this haul of fish. Peter will never be the same.

As disciples moving forward with Christ, we must always keep in mind his ways are wiser, because he sees the will of the Father from a heavenly perspective. Therefore, like Peter, by faith we might need to move a bit beyond our analytical interpretations of the opportunities before us as we are led by the Spirit. If Jesus calls us to share in his righteous acts for salvation, then we must act quickly in the anointing—influence and power of the Holy Spirit. We know the difference between righteous and unrighteous connections (John 15:5). We know the Voice of our Master (John 10:4). We know when we have the shalom [peace] of God and a desire to obey (John 15:27). Jesus wants to work in the lives of his disciples; he wants to teach us about trusting in his power to bring the abundant resources we need and the victory we truly desire over our flesh of unbelief. Discipleship is about living with a humble and obedient attitude as we trust in God.

Luke 5:1-11 (NLT) The First Disciples
1 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. 2 He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3 Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.”
5 “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.” 6 And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! 7 A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.

8 When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, “Oh, Lord, please leave me—I’m such a sinful man.” 9 For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. 10 His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed.

Jesus replied to Simon, “Don’t be afraid! From now on you’ll be fishing for people!” 11 And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the abundance of mercy and forgiveness you always bring my life. Thank you for the revelations and the experiences that teach me to trust you in a deeper way, because every moment from the past has the potential to strengthen my faith for future opportunities. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Just to give a bit of background and context for our lesson, Luke lets his readers know Paul has suffered greatly because of Christ’s call to share the gospel to the Gentiles. Paul has traveled to many of the countries north of the Mediterranean Sea. He has shared God’s story of redemption through personal testimony, preaching, and even by giving a defense to those in authority ready to destroy him.

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is in prison. He stands before King Agrippa [of Jewish descent], along with other military and political leaders. Paul is invited to present his case against the charges waged by the Jewish community who are calling for his death. King Agrippa’s great-grandfather tried to kill Jesus when he was a baby. The King’s grandfather had John the Baptist beheaded. The King’s father had martyred the apostle James. Yet, Paul sees this whole situation through the lens of faith in God’s love and redemption. Paul knows this is a great opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ with the highest officials in the land. Knowing all these facts, would you be inclined to see the opportunity or the problem?

The Apostle Paul did not complain about the situation in which he found himself; rather, he joyfully seized the opportunity to present the Good News about Christ even though it came through opposition. Paul knows it is useless to fight against the will of the Lord; he only finds power in obedience [26:14]. God can work through any and all opposition if we are willing to stand in those places as faithful witnesses. A Christian is a person who has chosen to be a part of God’s plan to reach the world through God’s love and share about his mercy and forgiveness offered in Christ. God has given us the Holy Spirit who makes us more loyal to Christ and less worried about the problems and opposition. We must use our faith to call for the Holy Spirit’s power to share in the work of Christ.

Acts 26:9-18 (NLT)
9 “I used to believe that I ought to do everything I could to oppose the very name of Jesus the Nazarene. 10 Indeed, I did just that in Jerusalem. Authorized by the leading priests, I caused many believers there to be sent to prison. And I cast my vote against them when they were condemned to death. 11 Many times I had them punished in the synagogues to get them to curse [blaspheme] Jesus. I was so violently opposed to them that I even chased them down in foreign cities.

12 “One day I was on such a mission to Damascus, armed with the authority and commission of the leading priests. 13 About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions. 14 We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,[Hebrew] ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.’

15 “‘Who are you, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’

Prayer: Father, help me to see each day through the lens of opportunity for sharing the Gospel. If I am not working with you in such a way, Lord, I may find myself fighting against your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

May 02, 2022

The ninth chapter of Acts opens with Saul of Tarsus, on the road to Damascus, eager to kill the Lord’s followers. “As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?’ ‘Who are you, lord?’ Saul asked. And the voice replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!’” (v.3-5) This moment changed the course of Saul’s life for eternity and as a reminder God changed his name, and so Saul became the Apostle Paul. Through Paul, God penned almost half of the New Testament, which continues to change the course of many lives.

On the road to Damascus, Saul chose to become a Christian. Jesus tells us to, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28) This is the first step to Christianity; we come to Jesus, we bring all of our sinful baggage, He takes it, and He provide us with His rest. Saul did this in the beginning of chapter nine, and now he begins the next step of Christianity, which Jesus tells us is to “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:29) So, we become a Christian by coming to Christ, and then we must learn how to live as a Christian by taking Christ’s yoke upon us. If you don’t know what a yoke is, I suggest using Google so you can see one. It serves as a reminder that when we take on the yoke of Christ, we are submitting to allow Him the full leadership of our path, and the ultimate Lordship of our life.

It might appear from the first part of today’s scripture that Saul came to Christ and within that same timeframe that he was on his way to leading many to Christ. But he too was being taught how to take the yoke of Christ upon himself, and his own time and plan for his life was not the Lord’s time and plan. We see where the Jews are plotting to kill him, and even when Saul arrived in Jerusalem, and he tries to meet with believers, they are afraid of him. Barnabas had to vouch for Saul with the apostles. So, although Saul might have thought that his influence would be best served to convert the Jews because of his past and his own conversion, that was not God’s plan, He wanted Saul to be the apostle to the Gentiles and that would take time. When the apostles sent Saul home, we find in other parts of scripture where that time at home was about a seven-to-ten-year period. So, God allowed Saul time to take His yoke upon him, and Saul…or now Paul, learned the essential lesson, that without Christ he can do nothing, and so he says that “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13) Paul also says, “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So, I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20) Friends, never forget that Christ gave Himself for you and me, just like Paul.

Acts 9:18-31 (NLT)

18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”

21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. 23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.

26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

28 So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him. 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.

31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the many lessons we learn from our brother, Paul. Help us, Lord, to allow You full leadership of our path, and the ultimate Lordship of our life. May we submit to Your timing and plan for our lives. We ask this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant

Intro: We live in the time of grace—the age of the Church. Never forget, it is a very exciting time in which we live, my friends. Scripture teaches there will be a prophetic apocalypse (Greek name for the Book of Revelation] when the veil between heaven and earth will be lifted to reveal God’s rule, his plan for the world, and his victory over evil. Keep in mind John has a supernatural vantage point in this moment to see two realms—heaven and earth [earth is just a piece of a greater reality].

During the apocalyptic time preceding of our passage, there will be a revelation [unveiling] of God’s children of Light. Darkness must increase, so the Light of Christ in the Church [covenant believers] will be revealed—become clearly visible. As believers we live in the sphere of God’s rule—the kingdom that is ruled by grace through faith to reveal righteousness, wholeness, and JOY. Grace is the “right” or entitlement granted to us by our loving, merciful, and generous God. This entitlement is based on the work of Christ for salvation and has zero to do with our own merit. We deserve death, but God is merciful. Forgiven believers covered by the blood of Jesus now have the “right” to enter God’s presence to make our requests known before the throne, so the revelation of Christ in us is seen by the world [unbelievers]. This is the gospel of wholeness coming to earth; the Good News for those suffering beneath the load of evil’s oppressive rule.

In our passage today, God unveils worship in heaven to the apostle John. In his vision, John sees the redeemed—the Church—gathered around the throne of grace. The number twenty-four is symbolic of the priesthood of believers (1 Pet 2:9). They are casting their crowns at the feet of the Lord and praising him, because each person knows God alone is responsible for the rewards being granted. For those born of new life from God [believers] our very spirits are indebted to the vibrant life and power of the Holy Spirit that will one day take us home to our Father. For context, this passage does not yet reveal the Jews who will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Messiah or the believers who will accept him during the Great Tribulation. Never forget, it is our Creator’s purpose to redeem his creation; however, some will refuse to take God’s righteous hand extending salvation. It will take place…it is written. Therefore, may we as believers draw near to God and live ready for every opportunity to reveal the Light of Truth within us—the Gospel of Peace [wholeness]. Worship is oneness of devotion and wholeness with God. God is devoted to us and when we become genuinely devoted to him and his purpose for our lives—worship!

Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT) Worship in Heaven
1 Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. 6 In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. 7 The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—    the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
9 Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), 10 the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
11 
“You are worthy, O Lord our God,    to receive glory and honor and power.For you created all things,    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Prayer: Father God, one day you will receive the honor you are due from creation. I pray for the world to wake up to your glorious Gift of Christ; to bow to your goodness and willingness to make us whole. Today, may you receive the honor and worship of my heart. I praise you, Lord, for your unfathomable goodness operating in my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: Most of the time, human flesh desires to be seen by others as good or respectable. I will go so far as to say many people in our present culture have a desire to appear or sound altruistic [be perceived as having a devotion to the welfare of others]. But, in Scripture, Jesus warns humanity about stepping into hypocrisy; evidently it is rather easy to do and religious attitudes and political agendas lead the way. The word hypocrisy has to do with “play acting.” Jesus knew the actors from the real deal; he always got to the heart of the matter and still does, today. In time, hypocrisy is always revealed.

In our passage today, Jesus wants his disciples and those listening in the background to allow the light of truth to deliver them from any inner falsehood. We are created to be authentic in the love of Jesus Christ. God’s children need to move beyond simply appearing respectable; we need to draw near to God and invite him to take any hidden sin away that is hiding from the light of Truth. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin; believers are to welcome this work. The Spirit is a Gift who wants to free us from living with a false image; he wants to fill us with God’s goodness so we actually live and reveal the Truth of divine love.

Luke 12:1-2 (NLT) A Warning against Hypocrisy
1 Meanwhile, the crowds grew until thousands were milling about and stepping on each other. Jesus turned first to his disciples and warned them, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees—their hypocrisy.

2 The time is coming when everything that is covered up will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for knowing every heart and helping your children to be true to yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Intro: In our passage today, David is excited and expresses his great joy over Jerusalem—the City of Peace. According to Scripture, after David and his men defeated the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5) they reestablished Jerusalem as the capital politically and religiously. David brought the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Testimony to its rightful and permanent home in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6). God’s love and provision for His people increased their faith and trust; so, when they all got together for the feasts it was a joyous time. People were filled with joy to be able to come to the Tabernacle of the Lord and together praise and worship the goodness of God.

Worship should always fill us with joy; the glory and greatness of our God is unequaled. The world may remain a mess, but God is untouched by our human rebellion and chaos. Instead, we sense His sovereignty, power, mercy, faithfulness, goodness, and anointing in worship. Like David, I am filled with joy just thinking and writing about experiencing God’s presence in our worship. He is Amazing!

Back to our passage, remember three times a year God’s people (men) were commanded by the Torah to go up to Jerusalem to express their gratitude to God. They were not to come empty-handed. Three Jewish Pilgrimage Festivals were to be celebrated: Passover (celebrating the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt), Shavuot (Pentecost—an agricultural celebration, as well as entering into the covenant between God and Israel), and Sukkot (Tabernacles/Booths celebrating the Israelites’ wandering in the desert for 40 years relying on God for provision). These three festivals brought the people together to reaffirm their communal commitment to the Lord Yahweh.

Isn’t it interesting that Jerusalem—the City of Peace—has been in the midst of conflict and fights throughout history. This Holy City has been fought over more than any other city in the world. May we always remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. However, as believers, we know peace will remain elusive for Jerusalem until the love of God flowing from the Prince of Peace returns to set up His Kingdom.

Psalm 122:1-9 (NLT)
1 
I was glad when they said to me,    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 
And now here we are,    standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 
Jerusalem is a well-built city;    its seamless walls cannot be breached.
4 
All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—    make their pilgrimage here.They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord,    as the law requires of Israel.
5 
Here stand the thrones where judgment is given,    the thrones of the dynasty of David.
6 
Pray for peace in Jerusalem.    May all who love this city prosper.
7 
O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls    and prosperity in your palaces.
8 
For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,    “May you have peace.”
9 
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,    I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the peace of Jerusalem, today. I am not praying for a mere absence of conflict; rather I am praying for the wholeness only You can provide. May all Your children place faith in Your goodness and abilities, because only You can bring real Peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

April 25, 2022

When talking with fellow Christians about the book of Revelation, some get really excited to discuss it, others seem to get slightly frustrated, and a handful are fearful of it. Those who are filled with excitement tend to be eager to connect prophecies, while those who are frustrated tend to be confused about what is literal, what is symbolic, what is in the past, and/or what is in the future. And those who are fearful of it, seem to get caught up in the earthly meaning of the “apocalypse” and fixate on the catastrophic destruction of humanity and of the earth, rather than focusing on the book being God’s gracious outline for each of our lives during the end times which really is all about the loving return of Christ for His family, the church.

Regardless of our soul’s response to the book of Revelation, we must remember God’s promise, which can be found in the very beginning of this book, and we need to allow this Truth to speak to our spirit: “God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.” (Rev 1:3)

The word Revelation is a translation of the Greek work apokalypsis, which means an unveiling or a disclosure, and it is where the word apocalypse is derived. In this book, Jesus is “unveiling or disclosing” many prophetic passages from the Old Testament and foreshadows many future prophecies to yet be fulfilled. In the first 8 verses John greets his readers, he attributes glory and power to Jesus because of His love and redemption, and he sees believers as appointed by the Lord to serve the kingdom of God as priests.

In today’s passage, Jesus appears to John, who finds himself on the island of Patmos, where he was exiled, he is alone, and by this time most of the apostles have been martyred. Within this place of suffering, and being completely stripped down from the world, Jesus appears to John with a message for the churches. It is important to note two things, first is that even though John was suffering, Jesus appears to him during a time when he was worshipping in the Spirit. So, no amount of earthly pain, emotional, mental, and/or physical, could keep John from worshipping Jesus. Also, Jesus appears to him from behind with “a loud voice like a trumpet blast.” (Rev 1:10) Jesus told us that when He returns for His family (the church) that “He will send out His angles with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather His chosen ones from all over the world.” (Matt 24:31)

John goes on to record what he saw when Jesus appeared to him and asks him to write to the 7 churches, which are the 7 gold lampstands, and Jesus is standing right in the middle of them. Jesus is in His glorified form during this encounter, and what John sees points to Jesus as powerful, noble, wise, divine, majestic, glorified, righteous, and fair in judgment. This returning version of our Lord is much different than when He came as a baby. John fell to the Lord’s feet, with reverence, when he saw Him, just as you and I will do when He returns.

Revelation 1:9-20 NLT
Vision of the Son of Man

9 I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God and for my testimony about Jesus. 10 It was the Lord’s Day, and I was worshiping in the Spirit. Suddenly, I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet blast. 11 It said, “Write in a book everything you see, and send it to the seven churches in the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

12 When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. 13 And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. 14 His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. 15 His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. 16 He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

19 “Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen. 20 This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for providing such a loving outline of what is to come. Thank You for all of the prophecies that have been fulfilled, and I look forward for those still yet to come. Lord, I need Your guidance as I continue to grow in my understanding of Your heart through the book of Revelation. I am so thankful to be a part of Your family, the church, and so I want to be ready for Your return. I ask this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Written by: Jennifer Auer, Pastor Mary Haley’s Assistant