Pretend Faith

Don't be pretending about how you feel. 

 Check out the music video before we jump into the message.

Acts 5:1-10

New International Version (NIV)

Ananias and Sapphira

5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. ² With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? ⁴ Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
⁵ When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. ⁶ Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
⁷ About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
⁹ Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
¹⁰ At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

So, last week we noted what happened when John and Peter came back after being detained following Peter's little speech in front of the crowd at the temple, which included some of the religious leaders who did not find his impassioned words all that incredible.

When they returned what they did was to ask God for help. They did not take matters into their own hands. They prayed and asked for help, for direction, for God to lead them. 

And, God answered. 

The disciples asked for some very specific things in their prayer.
One of those items of asking was for signs and wonders to be performed.
Well, here comes quite a sign. And, everyone would be paying attention for this one. 

The moment centers around a married couple known as Ananias and Sapphira.
His name should sound familiar. There was a high priest later in the book of Acts by the same name who would question Paul and his missionary work at a trial. There is also a disciple in the city of Damascus, just a few chapters ahead, that would pray over the Pharisee named Saul so that he would regain his eyesight. This is a familiar name. Just there are many Johns, and Toms, and Freds in our culture, the amounts of Josephs, Benjamins and Ananiases are equally numerous in Hebrew. 

It seems these two were following the crowd as the popular thing to do was to sell some land and give the money to the apostles so that the new and growing church could meet the needs of those who were poor. The thing to do was to give all the money from the sale of land to the apostles. These two kept a bit of the money back for themselves instead of giving it all. It seems the idea of saying one had faith was to show that they were "all in". Give everything. Leave nothing for one's self. Doing something less than that might look like the person in question is pretending about what they believe in. To say we believe in one thing but to do something contrary to that belief opens the door to scrutiny and judgment. And, that's where our couple find themselves. 

Faith is something we must be absolute about. When we say we believe in something, when we put our heart and soul into a matter, such as salvation, it requires of us an entire and absolute commitment. The apostles prayed and asked for signs and wonders to be done in their midst. They prayed with an unadulterated faith and truly believed that God would do these things. Our scriptural account shows us that God is serious about answering those prayers. 

What troubles many of us about passages like this is properly interpreting the actions of God. Does God truly punish people for their lack of faith, for pretending about what they believe? That is what troubles us. We live in a world where people feel as if they can do whatever they want to do and act however they want to act without truly having to deal with any consequences for their words and actions. Do Ananias and Sapphira really think they are going to get away with this and nobody will know what they have done? That's exactly what they seem to be thinking. That conclusion can be clearly seen in the execution of this act by both of them doing it together. 

Sin is a punishable exploit. When looking at this account in the 5th chapter of Acts I can't help but be drawn back to the first two humans who found themselves in the awkward place of having their sin called out. Adam and Eve wound up neck deep in a sinful position. The temptation began with one which led to an immoral decision. Then the sinful state spread to the other person involved. I wonder with our couple in Acts if it started like that? Did it start with one or did they come up with the notion together? Does it matter? Do we have to understand the inner working of how we got to the awful place we have wound up in our sinful state? One of the questions we face when interpreting scripture is why we don't have information to go on. Why don't we get all the data? Why don't we have all the facts? In response I would ask, do we need all the particulars? Look at what wanting all the knowledge and information did to the first two humans who were sucked into that temptation. It didn't end well. Ananias and Sapphira are sucked into a different kind of sin. The sin of thinking they could keep knowledge from others. That much they do have in common with Adam & Eve. 

Genesis 3:8

New International Version (NIV)

⁸ Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

The mistake we make in our pretending is that we think we can hide things. Putting on a face around others that tries to show that everything is ok is a fallacy that is melted down in the face of truth. We cannot hide.  God comes and we have no place to conceal ourselves. We think we can.We think we have the means to bury away our trouble. Maybe it's with a sly smile or meager attempt at showing civility. When I worked third shift at an IGA grocery store in my hometown a loooooong time ago there was guy named Mike. Mike was a rough sounding fella with a shaved head who played guitar in a heavy metal band. He had been raised Baptist but very loosely kept that affiliation. With Mike, there was no hiding anything, or so he let on. I could tel he was covering up stuff. There was a softer side to him if you caught him in the right moment. There was a special item of discussion that Mike would bring up from time to time. He hated falseness. He hated that pretend smile or that counterfeit niceness he noted in a person's voice. He would talk about that older ladies at church who, when asked how they were doing, would say "Oh fine, just fine." He would note their lack of sincerity. They didn't really sound "fine". They sounded like they were putting you on. In response to an inquiry they might say "Oh that's nice. It's that nice?" As we would talk, Mike would call them out for their disingenuous nature. He would say, "If your sad, just say your sad. Be honest. Don't put on some fake face and fake smile. Just be honest about how you feel." His words stick with me to this day. There's nothing more freeing than an honest disclosure one's self.

There are numerous other troubling questions to face. If God punishes those who do wrong, how come the punishment is not the same across the board? Why were Adam and Eve spared? Why didn't God just dump them and start over again? Why did Ananias and Sapphira die here? Why didn't he spare them? I don't have all the information. And, maybe I don't need it. Maybe I don't need all my questions answered. It's not up to me to judge here. That's God job. It might be better if we leave it that way. 

The truth of the matter is that we need to be as honest as we possibly can.
Billy Joel's words ring hard to me here. 

Honesty is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue
Honesty is hardly ever heard
And mostly what I need from you

Pray & Share

into   ACTS

Because there's no other way. 

Acts 4:23-37

New International Version (NIV)

The Believers Pray

²³ On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. ²⁵ You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
²⁶ The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.^[a]’^[b]

²⁷ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. ²⁸ They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. ²⁹ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions

³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. ³³ With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷ sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Well, it's Father's Day. SO, I have to find a way to tie that in here. Stay with me. 

Some of this might seem like a reiteration from two weeks ago.
We touch on the end of Chap 2 in Acts and then a passage from Chap 3.
We read about the believers sharing their possessions for the good of the community. They were all of one heart and mind together. Then we saw where Peter spoke boldly to the crowd at the Temple after healing a man by the gate called Beautiful. 

This seems very similar. Only last week we noted that the religious leaders get involved.

And, they are not happy. 

John and Peter are held for a short time, but no one can seem to come up with an appropriate means to punish them, so they are released. Upon being released they head back home with a report on all they have experienced. 

Were you ever in one of those "my daddy is stronger than your daddy" arguments when you were growing up? Seems I overheard my boy pulling one of those items out for discussion around the dinner table. He said that he had been talking it up with one of his friends in preschool. Why do we do that as children? Why is there some need to tell everybody else that our daddy is better than their daddy? And, do we ever outgrow that notion? Well, I would suffice to say that the argument just changes shape and shifts. Below the surface of that disagreement is the simple need to be right about something. As children, it starts with arguing about whose father is bigger or stronger or smarter. In high school, it becomes about who has the faster car and what engine is better under the hood. As young men, it becomes about whose sports team is better. And, as we become more enlightened spiritually, the argument can certainly turn to whose theology and philosophy is best understood. 

Peter and John find themselves in the midst of just such a place.
In places like this it is very easy to take on the same vindictive behavior we see the people across from us displaying. Here's what makes the moment easier to handle - accepting that this is how things will be. Jesus said that there would be days like this. People who don't agree with us. People who don't like what we have to present to them. People who don't like the words that Jesus Christ says to us. It's going to happen. Avoiding it is impossible. Since we can't do anything about it the real question should come to us. What can we do about it? 

You might recall the old Chuck Swindoll analogy. (At least, that where I heard it for the first time.)
"Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." How did the disciples react to the hardship they came through? Rewind just a month back and you see a completely different mindset. They all run. They scatter. They hide and wait hoping the same travesty that befell their Savior won't come upon them. 

Now where are they? In their souls, where are they in their current situation? They come home. They share what happened. And, then they pray. They don't run and hide. They stand and share. They go through the fire, however brief it might be, and they come out with the resolve to do exactly what their Lord and Savior told them they should do.

What the book of Acts provides us with is an in-depth look at what it means to live out exactly what Jesus said his followers would need to be in order for the Kingdom to take hold and grow. It's rather simplistic. Jesus spoke in the Gospels what his people needed to look like.

Matthew 5

New International Version (NIV)

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount

5 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, ² and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes

He said:

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

The Holy Spirit comes and makes the impossible real. Read through the Sermon on the Mount. Then move to Acts and see what starts happening with the apostles and the people they interact with as the message begins to spread. Jesus made bold statements about what it meant to live a believer in the Messiah.

Matthew 5:43-48

New International Version (NIV)

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

So, what do the believers start doing after John & Peter are detained?
Exactly what they should do. They start to pray for those who had a problem with their message.
But, it's what they say that makes the difference. They could have prayed about their enemies and ask that God deal with them harshly. Lord knows many of us have wanted exactly that when we have dealt with people who have treated us harshly. Now, these believers pray for some very specific things. They want to speak with boldness. They want the people who hear their words to actually know that the speakers mean what they say. They want God to perform signs and wonder through them. They want the miracles that they saw while walking with Jesus to be done while they are doing what God has called them to do. 

But, maybe the most important idea is instilled in this simple request. 

They want to heal. "Stretch out your hand to heal..." People all around them need healing. They have already met with a man who could not walk and they restored his legs. Physical healing is a must. But, how far and wide does the need for healing go? In order for people to understand what the message of Jesus is all about maybe there needs to be healing on an intellectual and philosophical level. Maybe that's why people, like these religious leaders, can't understand what it is that Jesus came to do. What will it take for us to communicate the message of Christ to our world? What kind of healing does our world need in order to comprehend their need for salvation in Jesus? 

³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

They prayed and got exactly what they ask for.
 

The idea of everyone being on the same page still holds too.
Jesus had prayed that they would all be of one mind. One truth. One heart.
And, they seem to be just that. People are sharing their possessions. People are selling what they have and bringing it to the apostles so that others might have enough to live on. This is the heart of Christianity. This is the heart of Methodism. Meeting peoples needs as their most desperate level. Giving up what we have in order to make sure that the needs of others come first. 

I recall that old phrase my dad used to say. That thing about priorities.
"You got your priorities all screwed up. When you should be thinking about others, you're thinking about yourself. And, when you should be thinking about yourself, you're think about others." I can't help but ponder if this is what he was talking about. How often do we get our priorities out of alignment? 

It seems that after the Holy Spirit came, these believers get those priorities in the right order. 

They don't seem afraid anymore. They speak boldly. They want boldness and they receive it. 

They were told that they would do greater things than they saw their Messiah doing. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Jesus fed five thousand on a hillside. They saved 3000 in a day. Jesus healed a lame people who could not walk numerous times. They have healed their first. And, there will be many more to come. The hungry will be fed. Physically and spiritually. And, people will give all they have to make sure it gets done. 

They are now trusting and obeying. They don't see any other way to do it.
There truly is no other way to be happy. Praying and sharing. Just like they were taught to do.

It's All Coming Together

into    ACTS

Commencing countdown...

Acts 2:42-47

New International Version (NIV)

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts 3:11-26

New International Version (NIV)

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

¹¹ While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. ¹² When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. ¹⁴ You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. ¹⁵ You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. ¹⁶ By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
¹⁷ “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. ¹⁸ But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. ¹⁹ Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, ²⁰ and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. ²¹ Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. ²² For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ²³ Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’^[a]
24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. ²⁵ And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’^{[b] 26} When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

 New Beginnings. They are truly beautiful. 

The event of Pentecost is just such a moment.
 It's all brand new. A shining moment in the history of a persecuted and troubled faith. 
3000 people came into the Christian family that day. Immediately people feel the desire to start using what they have to serve the Lord and others. 4 things become important right away. 

The Apostle teachings.
Fellowship.
The breaking of bread. 
Prayer. 

At the beginning of anything, a movement, a relationship, a new job, a new home; everything seems peachy. "All the believers were together and had everything in common." Wow. This truly is "the beginning". In the beginning of a brand new relationship that's how things feel. Peachy. When my wife and I first got together it was that way. I hadn't reconnect with my love for college football yet. (I wasn't a fan during those years with John Cooper at the helm of the Buckeyes.) She joined up with me thinking I had no passion for sports. She was not and has never been a real fan of sports. She felt as if we had that in common. Then, Jim Tressell came to coach the Buckeyes and my world was changed. In 2002, he led our Buckeyes to a amazing double overtime win in the Fiesta Bowl for the National Championship. But, so was my wife's world. This piece of us that she thought we were on the same page about... It was not so. That's how relationships go. People do change. People have differing viewpoints. Viewpoints can change over time. Right now, the believers are all on the same page. As we turn these pages, we'll find out that they are not. But, for now, enjoy the moment.

I should say something here about fundamentalism. If you're not familiar with the term, you should understand that there are Christian who believe we should go back to the basics of Christianity and read the New Testament, trying to do everything just exactly as the early Christians we read here would have done. It's as if people think we should turn back time and live Acts chap 2 exactly as it is written in order to be the Christians that God wants us to be. There is real danger in interpreting the scriptures in this fundamental way. It creates a warped view of context. Many non-denominational churches that get started are built with this simplistic view of going back to the basics of belief only to eventually find that the complexity of what other people believe comes to the forefront and will have to be dealt with on a personal level. In the beginning it might seem as if everyone is on the same page, believing the same things, sharing the same commonality. Then people begin to express themselves and their personalities begin to shine. Then diversity begins to evolve and it's a shock to the system of a fundamentalist. That kind of viewpoint breeds legalism that will divide groups of people over the idea that just because these early believers did it this or that way means we have to absolutely do it this or that way also. Beware the legalism of fundamentalism.

It also suggests here that they believers all sold their possessions and threw everything they had into a community pile. They gave to anyone in need. Wow. Could you do that? The disciples had to leave everything they had and follow Jesus when he called them to come. Now, these early believers at the start of the church have done a similar thing. They give up what they have. They don't seem to be on a trek around the country like the twelve had been doing. But, they feel the need to vacate items that they would call their own and give to those who have little or nothing. This is true fellowship. It does not involve simply sitting down together and coexisting for a hour or so while we eat and drink refreshments. It's actually listening to the needs and cares of others and then being available to meet those needs. It seems the most pertinent way to meet those needs is to give up what we have in our own own hands. 

It also has to do with meeting together regularly. Church life in modern America is feeling that sharp edge of being booted from the mainstream of social regularity by outside interests. Sports has become a big deal on Sundays. I'm truly glad people can find fellowship. It's just not spiritual fellowship. Certainly, there is like-mindedness. Is God a part of it? There is central part of our lives that needs to be filled with a gift only God can give. We find that when we meet together as a church, as a spiritual body. The job front is another distraction. People are being required to work on the weekend more and more. A case can be made that Sunday is not truly the Sabbath day. We could argue that Saturday is actually the last day of the week. In doing so, we allow ourselves to be pulled into a world where we don't truly define for ourselves a day of rest a all. SO, we work. And, we work. AND, we work.

 While I was pastor at my first church outside of Marion, OH I would travel up to Galion for a job at a discount store. However, that job almost was not to be. As I sat in that interview, the boss made it clear that there would be some hours needed on Sunday. They really wanted me on this job. For one, I had been at this store about three years prior. I had a background in grocery & retail. I could stock and keep records pretty good. The boss wanted me there. But, I could not accompany those Sunday items about the job. I explained I was behind a pulpit and the church had services morning & evening on Sunday. As we seemed to reach a stalemate, I smiled and began to get up from my chair. The boss just looked at. "Sit down", she said, and we worked it out. "Work me to death, Monday through Saturday, all you want.", I said, "But, Sunday I have to be in church." And, that's what we did. Standing up for what we believe and making God the priority can only bring about blessing in our life. That was not the first job where I had stood up for my faith and my Sunday mornings. I had done it on previous jobs as well. Sunday for church has always been important. My job at the Flying J gas depot only lasted three weeks back in 2001 because I didn't show up on Sunday. I told them when they hired me. But, they went ahead and put me on the schedule any way. I just didn't show up. Team leader met me one day when I came to work and notified I was done. Too bad for them. I was willing to work hard. But, Sundays during church time were off limits. My faith and my desire to be in church meant more than making a buck. 

They broke bread together. We are having communion this morning, also.
There's nothing like this tradition in any religion on the planet. No other religious leader for any major religion gave their life in such a way and then left a ritual behind that commemorates the moment is such a tremendous display of grace and humility. We don't have a word here on the frequency of their habit. Just that they did it often. "They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts..." The early believers tradition was to have a feast. Maybe, it was similar to a potluck meal. (Methodists, rejoice!) When Jesus met with his disciples in the Upper Room, it was for a meal or a feast. The items that we use for our communion are meant to be symbols of what they would have used or done in their meal. Our bread is most likely not the same. They probably had real wine. These items were taken in during the course of eating the meal. That started by breaking bread. They finished by drinking from the cup. They did it to remember him; the One who gave his life for the sins of the world. This is what they were taught by the apostles to believe and to practice. A tradition we still carry to this day. 

Last week we covered the passage at the beginning of Chap 3 where John and Peter were coming into the temple for prayer. They healed a man by the gate called Beautiful. Then comes a speech that Peter will give instructing all as what they should believe about Christ. The first thing he says is to assure the crowd that none of what they have seen is because of themselves. Let our opening statements about Christ center around the One who deserves the attention. Peter speaks about faith in the name of Jesus. He minces no words about believing in Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation. Repentance is key to follow this teaching. We must turn away from our sin and not allow it to tell us what to do. What must turn to Christ and put our faith in him. Only then will we experience the forgiveness and refreshment for our souls that has been promised. This is why God sent his Messiah, his One and Only Son. Everybody seems to be on board with this message. There are no nay-sayers in the crowd. No hecklers. No rebel-rousers. The listen and seem to follow the teaching that is given to them. 

It's all coming together.
Jesus had to die. He rose from the grave.They witnessed him go back to heaven. 
The Holy Spirit has come. The Spirit has filled the disciples and given them power from on high.
People are being healed. Messages are being preached. People are listening and coming to God. 
New beginnings are awesome. 

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Follow Into Acts

into   ACTS

Stop thinking you have nothing to give.

Acts 3:1-10

New International Version (NIV)

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. ² Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. ³ When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. ⁴ Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” ⁷ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. ⁹ When all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

What an amazing change has been wrought in the life of these disciples since the coming of the Holy Spirit.  These twelve have stood on a porch and preached about the Lord to large crowd. 3000 people were saved and baptized in a day. More importantly, their own resolve and faces are set to follow their Lord and Savior. He is no longer here. He has left them to go back to the Father. Something about their Lord not being in their presence any longer seemed to change these fishermen and tax collectors. Thy seem to realized that it on them to keep this going. This message of the Kingdom of God is real to them now. They aren't focused on someone rescuing them from Roman rule. God wants to rescue them from the rule of sin in their hearts. Now they understand. Now they know what to say. Now they realize what they have to offer. And, that has made all the difference. 

What about us?
Do we realize what we have to offer? Do we truly realize what the message is about?
Is the Kingdom of God a reality in our hearts and minds? Has the Holy Spirit fallen upon us?

It is usually as we go about the normal routine of our daily lives that the opportunities to explore our gifts and abilities arise. We find out what we have to offer while simply doing what we do. That's John & Peter are doing. It sounds like they are going to church. Three in the afternoon was prayer time in the temple on a daily basis. Think of it as Wednesday night prayer meeting. It just what you do. You go. On the way there they come across one of those everyday situations. Somebody in need. The need we read about is not something we commonly come across. We come across beggars everyday. They call us up looking for help. They stumble to our front door or our offices. This man cannot stumble anywhere. He can't even walk. He has to be carried to the temple gates everyday. His friends or family leaves him there and comes back to get him, everyday. What's it going to hurt? Maybe someone will stop and bless him with a few coins. It's not like he can go anywhere or hurt anybody. 

You've seen it. But, look at it again. How many times do people we run into have this need to be fulfilled, but it not the right need. It's not actually what they need. They seem to miss the mark when it comes to having their particular need satisfied. Maybe they've given up on the idea that the thing they truly need can actually be given to them. 

Therese Daoud is an Israeli woman with just that kind of story.
The Blaze.com tell the story of this devout Christian woman who believed she was given a sign that she should fore-go medical intervention and instead pray. Miraculously when she arrived at her next screening five months after her initial diagnosis, doctors discovered her tumor had completely disappeared. “If someone had told me this story, I would have said that both the patient and doctor were psycho. It’s impossible,” Dr. Jacob Bickels told Israel’s Channel 2 of the high school science teacher whose violently spreading cancer simply disappeared with no treatment whatsoever. “I felt pain in my foot, ankle, along with swelling.  At first I ignored it,” Daoud recounted. Doctors ran an MRI and discovered a large tumor the size of an orange. She was taken for an immediate biopsy which further revealed that the tumor was a malignant sarcoma and spreading fast. “It was a huge shock,” Daoud told Israeli television. “I started thinking about what my life would look like without a leg.”

Many of us know the horrors of being diagnosed with cancer. We have either experienced it first hand or know someone who has or is going through it. Not taking treatment or going through surgery is not a decision you make simply because you heard the story of someone else who did. You need to truly feel as if that's what God wants for your life. The point here is that people going through trying circumstances such as this can feel as if the possibility of their need being met will never happen. They will never be healed. They will never walk again. They will never experience life without pain. So, they look for something else. Lets just see if I can get enough money to get something to eat. Instead of focusing on what they really need, the desire to meet a baser need is what comes forth. A focus might surface on drowning the sorrow. Alcohol is needed for that. A focus might come out of the pain on ending it all. A gun might be needed for that. Sorrow turns to depression. Depression turn to anger. Anger turns to desperation. Desperate people do desperate things to meet those needs.

The man on the steps of the temple seems desperate to me. He also has given up on asking for someone to heal him. He has asked again and again. No one seems to be able to bless him with that favor. So, life has come to the point of simply asking for money. Maybe someone can help him get a bite to eat with the few coins a stranger will toss his way. All hope is lost. This is life now. Sitting here by the this temple gate with nothing more than a hand to toss toward anyone that will stop and listen.

Today, there are two such people who will stop and listen. This beggar of a man looks up into the faces of John and Peter and asks for a few coins. Anything they can spare. Peter looks straight at the man. This is one of those blunt moments. My dad asked me the other day is he could be blunt with me. I paused for a moment. "Well, usually when you get blunt, I have to go crawl under a rock somewhere." In the course of trying to meet people's need there will be moments when we have to direct. Sometimes blunt. The purpose is not to hurt. The purpose is to get their attention so as to make sure they are listening. Peter wants to make sure this man is listening. He wants to make sure he truly realizes what is going to transpire here in these next few seconds. What is going to happen will change his life forever.

⁶ Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

What do we have to give others? Do we have what they need?
There is a feeling that courses through us that suggests we don't have anything good to give. Don't believe that lie. You have plenty to give. There is much good that can be done. The question now arises - Do you want to do any good? Do you want to follow your Lord and Savior? Our Master & Friend is leading us to people who are lying there without any way to get up. They have given up on seeing their healing become a reality. You and I have the answer to what they seek. We have a Savior who can heal their sin sick soul. By his stripes we are healed. By his sacrifice we find the hope we are seeking. 

In the everyday of life, he leads us. 
He leads us to people who need what we have to offer. 
Hope. Healing. Purpose. A new lease on life. 
We just have to be willing to be used. 
The Kingdom of God is within you. Follow & Share.

What Did I Tell You?

Mother's Day 2015

Ephesians 6

New International Version (NIV)

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³ “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

The scriptures tell us to listen to our parents.
As children, we are reminded again and again to listen to our mothers.
We are told that what comes from our mother's mouth is the word of God. What she says goes.
"When Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." And, that's usually true.

What did Mom tell us as we grew up? What came from her lips that we could hang on to?

What follows is a bit of truth. A bit of sarcasm. A bit of scripture. And, an appreciation for all that this special woman has to deal with as she tries so hard to be "mom". 

I got some help from Brook Hall, a mom and contributor over at the Scary Mommy Blog.
I embellished upon her list and added a bit of my own thinking. Brook created an exhaustive list of things mom say and then provided some interpretation about what those phrases actually mean.

1. “Don’t make me come over there.” I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
2. “Because I said so.” And I can’t think of another reason.
3. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

“Don’t make me come over there.” 
 I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
Oh, and what would happen if she did come over there? Believe me, you don't want to find out.
You probably should stop what you're doing now before she takes those foreboding steps to where you are.

“Because I said so.” 
 Which really translates into...And I can’t think of another reason.
Didn't that phrase drive you crazy. The sheer absoluteness of it while being so vague.
There was no clear reason to stop doing what we were doing. Other than the fact that mom didn't like it. And, truly, sometimes that was reason enough to re-evaluate what we were doing.

“If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all.” 
 Which truly means - I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds. How many mothers have had that one child that just says the darndest things? Do you remember the Quaker Chewy commercials? It showcases kids saying those kind of things. Here, child, have a granola bar and give us some piece for a few minutes.

Here's our first scripture reference that I think fits with one of these sayings. Luke Chap 6 gives us another version of the some of that Sermon on the Mount material we popularly find in Matthew's gospel. Luke 6.31 says to us "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Our mothers maybe are the one person who shows us what it means to say the right thing at the right time and in the right tone. Even when she herself might not have the greatest attitude in the moment she knows enough to teach her children what is the right thing to say. 

"Stop this instant!"
The translation - If you stop now before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. How many a mom has stood at the bottom of the steps looking upstairs, not wanting to travel up all those steps, but being willing to take the trip if necessary. Trust me. You want to stop now.

"Don't make me turn this car around" 
What this means - I'm totally bluffing. If we turn around now, we will be going home without groceries, diapers and wine. We need to keep this car in route to it's destination, so please just fall for my bluff and we'll get through this safe and sound. Yes, there might be moment where Mom sounds as if she is bluffing. But the ultimate truth is this. You still have to come back home. And, Dad is still going to hear about what you did. 

"Don't forget to say please and thank you"
I'm really not sure what I'm going to do if you don't say these things,so please just say them. You will be polite. I will look like a good Mom. We all win. Ah, manners. What does the scriptures teach us about manners? Well, a quick search through Google showed me a page with more than 40 mentions throughout the scriptures with verses pertaining to manners. And, here's a real good one one our speech. Matthew 15.11 - "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this is what defiles a person." So, say those please and thank yous when they are necessary. Make yourself look good. And, your mama will be proud. 

"You are just fine"
Is there blood present? No? Ok, you're fine then. 

"I am the parent. You are the child."
Oh my, how many times have we had to make sure that the child in our house knows the natural order of things. Here comes the most real description of what it means to be in a relationship with God. This life causes us to take a moment to realize that God is truly in control. Not us. It might take a lifetime for us to finally come to that epiphany. And, then we have to help these little ones in our presence to learn this eternal truth as well. 

"Lets try to not eat of the floor"
Why is it that children seem to think that if it's food and they can pick it up, hey, it must go in the mouth. It doesn't matter where we found it. It doesn't matter how long it has been on the floor. In many cases it doesn't even matter if there is hair on it. 

"I would have never gotten away with that when I was your age."
Interpretation - I don't actually remember ever being your age, but it sounds legit anyway. 

"I'm going to count to three and then you better be in bed."
What it means is - I literally have no energy left. It's the end of the day and I just want all of us to go to bed. I'm going to count to three very slowly and hope that it works, because after that, I got nothin'. Actually, counting to three works very well, if your child understand one thing. That you mean it. That you actually will do something. That you will actually take action if your orders are not followed. My parents were never afraid to take something that meant a great deal to me. A boom box. A radio. A bicycle. Something they knew I really wanted. SO, count to three. And, then be prepared to be the parent you know you can be.

"Goodnight. Stay in bed!" 
How many times have we called up the stairs? Told so and so to stop heading to the bathroom, to stop getting a drink, to shut off the blasted light on the stairs and GO TO BED?! Yep, we've all been there. 

"I love you."
I love you more than you could know and I really hope I'm doing ok at this Mom thing.

“Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. - See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

4. “Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. 5. “Don’t make me turn this car around!” I am totally bluffing, if we turn around now we will be going home without any groceries, diapers or wine. We need to keep this car in route to it’s destination, so please just fall for my bluff and I’ll give you a cookie at the grocery store.
6. “Don’t forget to say please and thank you.” I’m not really sure what I’m going to do if you don’t say these things, so please just say them. You will look polite, I’ll look like a good Mom and we will all win.
7. “Eat your veggies and you’ll grow up to be big and strong!” I really don’t want to have to admit to your pediatrician that I can’t get you to eat healthy foods, but I also don’t want to have to lie, so please eat just a couple bites. I’m begging you. I’ll give you a cookie.
8. “You are just fine.” You are okay, right? Go run around and play, jump off the couch or refuse to eat your veggies, so I know that you are acting normal.
9. “Do you want a little cheese with that whine?” I wonder if I could teach you to go pour me a glass of wine?
10. “I am the parent and you are the kid.” I am aware that this is super condescending and that you already know who’s who around here, but I’m actually just giving myself a pep talk out loud, I’m not really even talking to you.
11. “Let’s try to not eat off the floor.” I don’t really care if you eat off of the floor, just don’t tell anyone that I let you.
12. “I would never have gotten away with that when I was your age.” I don’t actually remember ever being your age, but it sounds legit anyway.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

4. “Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. 5. “Don’t make me turn this car around!” I am totally bluffing, if we turn around now we will be going home without any groceries, diapers or wine. We need to keep this car in route to it’s destination, so please just fall for my bluff and I’ll give you a cookie at the grocery store.
6. “Don’t forget to say please and thank you.” I’m not really sure what I’m going to do if you don’t say these things, so please just say them. You will look polite, I’ll look like a good Mom and we will all win.
7. “Eat your veggies and you’ll grow up to be big and strong!” I really don’t want to have to admit to your pediatrician that I can’t get you to eat healthy foods, but I also don’t want to have to lie, so please eat just a couple bites. I’m begging you. I’ll give you a cookie.
8. “You are just fine.” You are okay, right? Go run around and play, jump off the couch or refuse to eat your veggies, so I know that you are acting normal.
9. “Do you want a little cheese with that whine?” I wonder if I could teach you to go pour me a glass of wine?
10. “I am the parent and you are the kid.” I am aware that this is super condescending and that you already know who’s who around here, but I’m actually just giving myself a pep talk out loud, I’m not really even talking to you.
11. “Let’s try to not eat off the floor.” I don’t really care if you eat off of the floor, just don’t tell anyone that I let you.
12. “I would never have gotten away with that when I was your age.” I don’t actually remember ever being your age, but it sounds legit anyway.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

4. “Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. 5. “Don’t make me turn this car around!” I am totally bluffing, if we turn around now we will be going home without any groceries, diapers or wine. We need to keep this car in route to it’s destination, so please just fall for my bluff and I’ll give you a cookie at the grocery store.
6. “Don’t forget to say please and thank you.” I’m not really sure what I’m going to do if you don’t say these things, so please just say them. You will look polite, I’ll look like a good Mom and we will all win.
7. “Eat your veggies and you’ll grow up to be big and strong!” I really don’t want to have to admit to your pediatrician that I can’t get you to eat healthy foods, but I also don’t want to have to lie, so please eat just a couple bites. I’m begging you. I’ll give you a cookie.
8. “You are just fine.” You are okay, right? Go run around and play, jump off the couch or refuse to eat your veggies, so I know that you are acting normal.
9. “Do you want a little cheese with that whine?” I wonder if I could teach you to go pour me a glass of wine?
10. “I am the parent and you are the kid.” I am aware that this is super condescending and that you already know who’s who around here, but I’m actually just giving myself a pep talk out loud, I’m not really even talking to you.
11. “Let’s try to not eat off the floor.” I don’t really care if you eat off of the floor, just don’t tell anyone that I let you.
12. “I would never have gotten away with that when I was your age.” I don’t actually remember ever being your age, but it sounds legit anyway.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

4. “Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. 5. “Don’t make me turn this car around!” I am totally bluffing, if we turn around now we will be going home without any groceries, diapers or wine. We need to keep this car in route to it’s destination, so please just fall for my bluff and I’ll give you a cookie at the grocery store.
6. “Don’t forget to say please and thank you.” I’m not really sure what I’m going to do if you don’t say these things, so please just say them. You will look polite, I’ll look like a good Mom and we will all win.
7. “Eat your veggies and you’ll grow up to be big and strong!” I really don’t want to have to admit to your pediatrician that I can’t get you to eat healthy foods, but I also don’t want to have to lie, so please eat just a couple bites. I’m begging you. I’ll give you a cookie.
8. “You are just fine.” You are okay, right? Go run around and play, jump off the couch or refuse to eat your veggies, so I know that you are acting normal.
9. “Do you want a little cheese with that whine?” I wonder if I could teach you to go pour me a glass of wine?
10. “I am the parent and you are the kid.” I am aware that this is super condescending and that you already know who’s who around here, but I’m actually just giving myself a pep talk out loud, I’m not really even talking to you.
11. “Let’s try to not eat off the floor.” I don’t really care if you eat off of the floor, just don’t tell anyone that I let you.
12. “I would never have gotten away with that when I was your age.” I don’t actually remember ever being your age, but it sounds legit anyway.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

“Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. - See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

“Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. - See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

“Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. - See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

“Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. - See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

“Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. - See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

“Stop that this instant!” If you stop now, before I have to get up and come over there, we can forget this ever happened. - See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

1. “Don’t make me come over there.” I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
2. “Because I said so.” And I can’t think of another reason.
3. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

1. “Don’t make me come over there.” I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
2. “Because I said so.” And I can’t think of another reason.
3. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

1. “Don’t make me come over there.” I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
2. “Because I said so.” And I can’t think of another reason.
3. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

1. “Don’t make me come over there.” I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
2. “Because I said so.” And I can’t think of another reason.
3. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

1. “Don’t make me come over there.” I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
2. “Because I said so.” And I can’t think of another reason.
3. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

1. “Don’t make me come over there.” I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
2. “Because I said so.” And I can’t think of another reason.
3. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpuf

1. “Don’t make me come over there.” I really don’t want to get up or stop what I am doing to come over there.
2. “Because I said so.” And I can’t think of another reason.
3. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I am hoping that you won’t come up with anything to say at all for at least 30 seconds.
- See more at: http://www.scarymommy.com/things-moms-say/#sthash.PREIi7uT.dpu

He Follows You

to   PENTECOST

You're never walking alone. 

Luke 24:32

New International Version (NIV)

³² They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Have you ever wanted to know something, but were just too afraid to ask?

As a kid, we want to know if we can do something or go somewhere, but we don't ask because we are afraid mom or dad will tell us exactly what we don't want to hear. We think we have a pretty good idea what mom or dad might tell us any way. As a teenager, we want to ask that attractive boy or girl out on a date, but we don't because there is fear of being rejected. Maybe we have a pretty good idea what the answer would be any way, so we don't put our heart out there to be trampled upon. As adults, we feel as if we are supposed to know it all already, so we don't ask for answers simply because we don't want to look stupid.We think we have a pretty good idea how we will look in front of others if we go asking for answers and someone looks at us with that face. "What? You didn't know that already?" Not having the answers is a plight that seeks to hurts us more than help us. 

Unless, we have a trusted source to go to when we have questions that arise. 

This Sunday we find ourselves in an in-between place. Easter is long over and gone. Pentecost is on the horizon, but is still several Sundays away. It is on this particular Sunday that we set out on a journey to a little village called Emmaus. There are two gentlemen already on the road. A man named Cleopas and the other goes unnamed. When we are searching for answers that seem silly or weird, sometimes we don't want people to know our names. It adds to the embarrassment. Anonymity is a precious commodity when we are walking to Emmaus. Nobody has to know who we are. What's important is that we are seeking and asking. The two men here at least have each other. They can bounce their ideas and questions off of each other. It's nice to have someone else to lean on. Someone that can identify and relate to where we are and what we are going through. These two men have shared a similar situation as of late. They have both been party to losing someone near and dear to them. They both have lost the same person, in fact. After the traumatic events of the past few days it only makes sense to get out there and clear the head. Taking a walk is a good way to do just that. It's even better when you have someone to walk with instead of going it alone. 

The truth is, many of us have to go it alone. It seems as if there is no one to go with us down the road. many times it feels as if there is no one to relate to us. Maybe we don't want anyone to relate to us. Maybe we have shut the world out. Last week we looked at the disciples who had barred the doors and windows. There are moments where we are walking and seeking, but we choose to go it alone. Sometimes it's easier to raise the hand and request "unspoken" than it is to go into all the details surrounding our hurt.However, what we will soon find is that our choice on the dealing with the matter will soon turnout to prove that we are not alone at all. 

Cleopas and his friend are talking and contemplating when a stranger arrives. 
Another person to walk and talk with is fine. The more the merrier. Only this person seems to have no idea as to the tragedy that has transpired. Quite often when we are mired in our own hurt we think that everybody should already know. This horrible thing happened to me and you don't know about it. How can you not know? Doesn't everybody know? On our course to find answers and peace it will require us to share our story. Maybe several times. It is in the sharing that we work out our issues till we come upon the response we seek. Maybe we need someone who has no history with our story, an outsider's viewpoint, in order to give us a fresh perspective and an honest opinion. 

Lets get right down to what these two men are seeking. 
They seek solace and comfort. What have they lost? Their Savior. Their Lord. Their Messiah. He died a horrible death that no person should have to endure. The One whom they thought would save them. Now, it seems as if salvation is not possible. Their focus is on being set free from the Roman rule over their heads. This doesn't seem within the realm of probable outcome without the One who was supposed to set them free. What are they supposed to do now? They have no idea. So, they decide to walk. It won't fix anything. But, they have been cooped up inside for three days. They need some fresh air. They need to stretch their legs. They need to get away from the place where all the horrible events happened. Maybe a few days in Emmaus will alleviate the suffering a bit. 

Have you ever been to Emmaus? If you haven't you should go sometime. 
We all need a couple of days away to simply spend some time pondering. I recall my weekend walking to Emmaus. My future mother in law nearly insisted that I go.She also paid my way. (You have to have a sponsor and that sponsor will pay your way to an Emmaus walk.) I was "in-between" at the time. I had been living in Southern Ohio for almost a year. I was no longer a Nazarene pastor. (although I hadn't truly accepted that fact yet) I had moved into foreign territory where nothing was familiar and I didn't know anyone. I was lost. I was alone. I didn't know what the future held for me. 2 years later I would make a move from Nazarene to United Methodist. But, right then, I had no idea what I was doing. I knew I needed some time away. I felt in my heart that I needed to some time to re-focus. There's nothing like a couple days away to do just that. And, hey, I didn't have to pay for it. 

What I experienced on my weekend away was not what I was expecting. 
It May of 2001 in southern Ohio. It's been 14 years now. Some people and moments are cloudy in my mind now. But, the one thing that sticks with me is how it made me feel. I think I went in expecting to find purpose and meaning. A new direction for life. A reaffirmation of my calling. I got none of that. God knew the one thing I needed to hear. That He loves me. It's taken 14 years for much of that to sink in. A life filled with unrealistic expectations will squelch the message of God's Love. We tend to get ourselves wrapped up in what we want and what we think. I wonder how much of what these two men on the road to Emmaus actually believe is filled with unrealistic expectations. They expected some messiah to just swoop in and save the country in one felled swoop. I'm sure God could do that if He wanted, but that wasn't the plan. The plan was the God loved the world so much that he sent his Son. Anybody who believes in the Son would find eternal life. They would find forgiveness. They would find mercy. They would have their whole life turned upside down. Love is completely foreign to a person who isn't looking for it. The Israelite people talked about God's Love for them, but wanted to smite their enemies. Jesus came along and said love your enemies. Jesus sought to relieve them of their unrealistic expectation in order to show them what Kingdom he was talking about. A heavenly one. A kingdom without borders or personal ownership. A place where everybody was welcome. A place where the lion lays down with the lamb. There is peace. There is love. There is God. 

Luke's account says that the stranger takes the time to open the scriptures.
It's as if they start at Genesis and work their way to Revelation. (In their case, probably till Malachi.) He shows them what they seem to be missing. He fills in the blank spots and gives them understanding. But, understanding is incomplete without experience. Up until now their experience has been filled with grief and sorrow. In just a moment, their expectations will shift and they will see what they had been missing. 

They arrive at the house. They've had a long walk. The stranger thinks he'll go on ahead. The two men are hungry, They figure the stranger is hungry too. Why not stay and eat a bite. They go in and begin to break bread together. The stranger takes it upon himself to bless the bread. Suddenly their eyes are open. It's Jesus! And, just that fast it's gone. Before they can reach out and touch him, before they can say anything in retort, he is gone. What would you do? If you had an epiphany like that, what in the world would you do? If you knew that you had it all wrong and then your outlook was turned upside down, what would you do?

These two know exactly what to do. 
They have to tell someone. They have to share the message. God loves them so much that he sent his one and only Son. They believe now. That belief causes them to run. They run all the way back to Jerusalem. 7 miles, the scriptures say. I haven't run that long or that hard in a long time. Have you ever felt that kind of urgency? Have you ever been touched with God's Love so mightily? 

There are moments when we are encouraged to follow.
There are moments where he follows us. He helps us get out focus back. Then we realize that things are out of sync. He needs to be in front. It's needs to be about God's Love. And, the unrealistic fades away.