angels – Be Still…

Mark 16:1-8 – Jesus is Alive!

Read Mark 16:1-8

What would have been your reaction when finding the empty tomb? Shock. Fear. It’s hard to put ourselves there truly because we know how the story plays out. We know the empty tomb is exactly what we should have expected. Jesus told us after all. But where was Jesus now?

I’m not going to dive into the “why we have different endings” discussion. Neither of the added endings say anything contrary or surprising in light of what we know about Jesus’ life on earth, both before and after his death. Hallelujah, Jesus is alive!

Zechariah 4:1-14 – A Lampstand and Two Olive Trees

Read Zechariah 4:1-14

You’re not alone if this fifth vision of Zechariah left you perplexed. It’s not only strange but hard to understand. I’m hoping we can unpack it a little and let the Holy Spirit speak to our hearts the intended message for our reflection. Even the angel’s explanation left me scratching my head.

It helps to remember that this section of the book is focusing on who is leading those exiled people now returning to Jerusalem. This vision points to the new governor, and kingly descendent, Zerubbabel. You may recall Haggai mentions Zerubbabel—now it’s Zechariah’s turn to shine the light on the leader God had chosen.

Zechariah 1:7-17 – World Peace, Really?

Read Zechariah 1:7-17

We’re told Zechariah waited three months for this new vision. Do you think he wondered if he was going to hear from God again? Now comes a vision that seems a bit complex. It doesn’t appear that the color of the horses has any significance nor does the location among the hedgerow of the evergreen shrub, myrtle, indigenous to the region.

The message would be timely for the people were floundering after returning to their homeland. You know, there is always that awkward period of adjustment and transition. My husband and I are heading into a new season, which includes moving our residence across town. There will always be upheaval amid change.

1 Peter 1:10-12 – What the Prophets Foretold

Read 1 Peter 1:10-12

The prophets of the Old Testament did not only talk about events that were going to happen in their day. Some of their messages pointed to a future time, the day of the Lord, the day of God’s deliverance. Interesting that Peter would include a reference to the prophets so early in his letter. I suppose he was making a connection with his audience.

Everything about being a Christ-follower was new. But reflecting on the prophets of old would be comforting and familiar to those with Jewish roots. Think about what the prophets must have thought when they spoke of “gracious salvation.” That was a foreign concept to them.

Hebrews 13:1-3 – Care for Others

Read Hebrews 13:1-3

It seems the sermon has ended. Scholars have noted that this chapter seems almost like it’s written by another author. I see it as the Preacher stepping down from the pulpit and getting more relational in his conclusion, bringing up real life applications. He answers the question, “What does it look to be a Christian under the new covenant?”

First and foremost, we are encouraged to love one another as brothers and sisters. Jesus left us with a similar calling in John 15:12, “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” Jesus loved us even deeper than as brothers and sisters. He gave his life for us. That’s close.