John 14:27-28

PEACE, blessed peace. trust God, in the fullness of the Trinity, to accomplish His will in your life. Be still and know that He is God.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 

God sent Jesus, His Son, to earth to face an outcome that was not appealing. In fact, we know Jesus was wracked with grief as He faced His journey to the cross (Matthew 26:38). And yet sending Jesus to redeem the world was the right way for God to ensure salvation for all who believe (1 John 4:9-10).

The decisions we face will sometimes be hard. However, we can rest assured that our decision to embrace Jesus as our Redeemer and to follow Him in obedience always leads us the right way. First5 

John 14:27-28

27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. The New King James Version

The customary good-bye among the Jews was to say shalom, meaning “peace.” The Lord was about to depart, so He added to this farewell by saying, My peace. 

This is no conventional wish; this is Jesus’ personal, special grant of peace. The peace that Christ gives banishes fear and dread from the heart, for Jesus is in control of all circumstances. 

“My Father is greater than I” does not mean that Jesus is less than deity. Greater indicates a difference in rank. As the humble, submissive Son, Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of His Father. The NKJV Study Bible

Peace refers to wholeness in their relationship with God. They now have a way (the Spirit) to reach God—unencumbered by rituals, sacrifices, or laws—and atonement for their sins (Jesus’ death and resurrection), so that they are free to communicate with God and be in His presence. 

Jesus wants His disciples to know that His coming suffering and death is not the end of His ministry; it is the beginning of His ministry’s final purpose and the completion of God’s will for Jesus’ life. Jesus’ disciples should have rejoiced and recognized this was essential for Him to complete God’s work and to unite them with God the Father. Faithlife Study Bible

Peace is put for all good, and Christ has left us all that is really and truly good, all the promised good; peace of mind from our justification before God. This Christ calls his peace, for he is himself our Peace. The peace of God widely differs from that of Pharisees or hypocrites, as is shown by its humbling and holy effects. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

John 10:29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Mark 11:22-24

God hears our prayers and Jesus is our mediator. Whatever we ask in His name He receives. 

Faith pleases God and within the bounds of His will and Commandments we can expect His hand in all that we pray for.

1 Corinthians 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Likewise, in the stressful, chaotic, ever-changing patterns of our lives, God calls us to be still. Allow Him to be who He is and to do what only He can do. Listen to His heart, dear one; He longs to hold you close. 

Jesus settled our salvation on Calvary and then returned to the Father's side to prepare a place for us in heaven. In the meantime, while these preparations are being made, His promise to return is not empty. As Christians, we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit while we wait on the Lord's return (Ephesians 1:13-14). We've been given "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3) and "every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3), so we have much to be thankful for today.

We also have much to look forward to. 

Commentator Warren Wiersbe states, "Whatever God starts, He finishes; and what He does, He does well" (Philippians 1:6;  Mark 7:37). We can be certain that Jesus will make His return in His time and that we are not left alone while we wait. First5 

Mark 11:22-24

22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. The New King James Version

The illustration of casting an enormous mountain into the sea is an extreme example of the absolutely impossible. That is the point. Having faith in God can accomplish the impossible. Mark had previously emphasized Jesus’ insistence on simply believing. The NKJV Study Bible

Christ taught them from hence to pray in faith. It may be applied to that mighty faith with which all true Christians are endued, and which does wonders in spiritual things. It justifies us, and so removes mountains of guilt, never to rise up in judgment against us. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

Matthew 7:8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Matthew 21:21 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.

Colossians 4:1–6

The hidden, secret, mystery of Christ…that through Him the world could be saved. John 3:17. our hope is in our faith  in Him alone.

God’s agape love for all of mankind, revealed in Jesus, covers a multitude of sins.

Grace, undeserved, unmerited, amazing grace!

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” Thornton Wilder.

God’s call to courage is not a call to naïveté or ignorance. We aren’t oblivious to the storms. We just counterbalance them with long looks at God’s. Max Lucado

Colossians 4:1–6

4 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. The New King James Version

The Colossians must stay alert for false teachings that contradict the gospel message. Jesus gave His disciples a similar warning prior to His arrest. 

Paul encourages the Colossians to partner with him in his preaching ministry through prayer. 

God’s plan of redemption for creation and humanity are revealed. This mystery has been revealed through Jesus Christ and the teaching of His apostles. Paul refers to practical and transformational wisdom, not intellectual insight. Those who apply such wisdom can reflect God’s values and character. 

In the ancient world, salt was used to preserve food and enhance flavor. Conversation that is figuratively seasoned with salt is uplifting.  Faithlife Study Bible

Paul does not concern himself only with servants or employees. Employers also have a duty not to take advantage of employees. Instead they should offer a just wage, proper benefits, and adequate rest. In contemporary societies, many of these benefits are required by government regulations. But how much better when Christian employers treat their employees well for the Lord’s sake, knowing that they too have a Master in heaven.

Paul encourages the Colossians to be diligent in thanksgiving and prayer, especially praying for himself and his coworkers as they worked at spreading the gospel. Even the apostle Paul requested and needed the prayers of others to support him. 

Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers. The NKJV Study Bible

Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. 

Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Ephesians 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Luke 21:29–33

Every day we draw closer to Jesus’ return. Every day the  Kingdom of God is closer. 

Our Redeemer lives!

We were endangered by separation and wrath from God because of our sin (Romans 3:23). We were enslaved to sin (Romans 6:16-18). We owed a debt we could not pay (Romans 6:23;  1 Corinthians 6:20). We needed a Redeemer.

Jesus, willingly laid down His life for our redemption." No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father" (John 10:18). He gave His life for ours. First5 

“The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary” (Matthew 14:24).

Peter and his fellow storm riders knew they were in trouble. The boat lurched and lunged like a kite in a March wind. An apt description for the stormy seasons of life, right? But then the unspeakable happened. The disciples spotted someone coming on the water. They didn’t expect Jesus to come to them this way.

Neither did we. We never expected to see him in a divorce, death, lawsuit, or jail cell. We never expected to see him in a storm. But it is in storms that he does his finest work, for it is in storms he has our keenest attention. Jesus replies to their fear with an invitation worthy of inscription on every church cornerstone and archway. He said, “Courage! I am! Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Max Lucado

Luke 21:29–33

29 Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. 31 So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. The New King James Version

Jesus delivers a parable about a fig tree, encouraging His disciples to discern the signs of the times especially the final signs before His second coming. The culmination of apocalyptic events is the arrival of the Son of Man—Jesus—in power and glory and the full establishment of God’s reign. Faithlife Study Bible

The tender buds that appear every spring on trees show that summer is approaching; the appearance of the signs Jesus describes will warn of the coming of the end times. The cosmic signs and earthly chaos are indications that the decisive and consummate rule of God is approaching. 

The most likely meaning of this verse is that when the end comes, it will come quickly. The events of the end times will fall within one generation from start to finish. 

The word generation can also refer to a race. Thus it may mean that the Jews will continue to exist as a people until the end. The disciples had the assurance that Jesus’ promises concerning the end times were more certain than creation itself. God made an unconditional and unilateral covenant, and He will keep it. The NKJV Study Bible

Christ tells his disciples to observe the signs of the times, which they might judge by. He charges them to look upon the ruin of the Jewish nation as near. Yet this race and family of Abraham shall not be rooted out; it shall survive as a nation, and be found as prophesied, when the Son of man shall be revealed. He cautions them against being secure and sensual. 

This command is given to all Christ’s disciples, Take heed to yourselves, that ye be not overpowered by temptations, nor betrayed by your own corruptions. We cannot be safe, if we are carnally secure. Our danger is, lest the day of death and of judgment should come upon us when we are not prepared. Lest, when we are called to meet our Lord, that be the furthest from our thoughts, which ought to be nearest our hearts. 

For so it will come upon the most of men, who dwell upon the earth, and mind earthly things only, and have no converse with heaven. It will be a terror and a destruction to them. Here see what should be our aim, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things; that when the judgements of God are abroad, we may not be in the common calamity, or it may not be that to us which it is to others. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 40:8 

The grass withers, the flower fades,

But the word of our God stands forever.”

Matthew 5:18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

1 Peter 3:13–17

Follow Christ and His way, not a political party.

Trust God and follow His commands to love HIM above all and others as yourself. In so doing we will fulfill His will in our life!

Isaiah 8:12 

“Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,

’Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy,

Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

1 Peter 2:15 

For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men—

God calls each of us not only to be hearers of His Word but also doers (James 1:22-25). …as Christians, we're called to demonstrate loyalty, faithfulness and devotion to others, and most importantly to God, for the long run (Hebrews 12:1). That's how we finish strong. First5 

1 Peter 3:13–17

13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. The New King James Version

By experiencing suffering for being Christians, believers identify with Jesus. Believers demonstrate their faith by sharing in Jesus’ sufferings; they learn what it means to be like Him in their anguish. They can have joy because they honor God through their suffering and know that God will vindicate their faithfulness one day. Paul and James, sees this as a reason for celebration and joy. 

Suffering refers to Jesus’ second coming. Peter often appeals to Christ’s future return to ground his teaching in a real event. Peter calls believers to find joy in their suffering and trials. The response to suffering Peter demands is counterintuitive to the natural human desire to avoid difficulty, but ultimately demonstrates the believers’ trust in the power of Christ’s sufferings and God’s judgment. 

Peter identifies a wrong kind of suffering: suffering for the sake of evil criminal activity. He discourages this kind of suffering, which comes as a consequence of sin. Peter mentions two sins that can result in social persecution, but not necessarily criminal prosecution. Believers should avoid behavior that is dishonoring to other people in general.

Here Peter probably uses the term to affirm believers’ identification with Christ and His sufferings. It likely refers to future judgment at Jesus’ return rather than present sufferings. Those who suffer for Christ’s sake can be confident that God’s judgment will validate their hardship. 

Peter maintains that God will judge all people impartially, but also stresses that He will begin with His own people. All people will be held accountable for their actions, even though God will grant mercy to those who chose the path of faith in Jesus. Faithlife Study Bible

Since not everything in the world functions as it should, even those who do God’s will may undergo suffering. Believers should make certain that when they suffer it is only because they have served God faithfully and not because they have done anything wrong. 

God specially honors those who suffer for doing what is right. Believers should acknowledge the eternal holiness of Christ by revering Him as the Lord of the universe who is in control of all things. 

Meekness is not weakness. Scripture indicates that both Moses and Christ were meek men; however, they were certainly not weak men. 

Fear implies a high degree of reverence or respect. Peter is not encouraging believers to seek out situations in which they will experience suffering. Instead, he is saying that believers should make certain that when they suffer it is the result of having been faithful to God rather than because they have done evil. Suffering may be part of God’s perfect and wise plan for a believer. The NKJV Study Bible

Surely it is better to suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing, whatever our natural impatience at times may suggest. The example of Christ is an argument for patience under sufferings. 

In the case of our Lord’s suffering, he that knew no sin, suffered instead of those who knew no righteousness. The blessed end and design of our Lord’s sufferings were, to reconcile us to God, and to bring us to eternal glory. 

He was put to death in respect of his human nature, but was quickened and raised by the power of the Holy Spirit. If Christ could not be freed from sufferings, why should Christians think to be so? God takes exact notice of the means and advantages people in all ages have had. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 8:13 

The LORD of hosts, 

Him you shall hallow;

Let Him be your fear,

And let Him be your dread.

1 Peter 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.

Luke 9:18-22

Jesus died in our place so that we could live eternally with Him in the Kingdom of God!

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of all!

To follow God's lead many men and women have faced risks to step out in obedience to God's guidance.

● "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8).

● Esther followed the commands of her uncle Mordecai to approach the king on behalf of her people, the Jews, even though it was against the law to do so (Esther 4:14-16).

● The conversion of Saul to Paul in the book of Acts took place only as he was obedient to the voice of Jesus in the midst of blindness (Acts 9:3-19).

We may be tempted to think this type of courage is only for ancient heroes of the Bible, but in truth, they were people a lot like you and me, just following His lead one step at a time. First5 

Our Father invites us to request his help. The scripture says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV). Max Lucado

Luke 9:18-22

18 And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 So they answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 21 And He strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.” The New King James Version

In Matthew, Jesus refers to the Son of Man when He asks this question, associating this apocalyptic, messianic figure with Himself.

Peter, perhaps acting as the group’s spokesman, identifies Jesus as God’s anointed one.

As in Matthew and Mark, Peter’s confession is followed immediately by Jesus’ first prediction of His death and resurrection. Following His resurrection, Jesus’ disciples would be commissioned to make known explicitly what His signs and wonders revealed—Jesus’ identity as God’s Son and anointed one. Faithlife Study Bible

The emphasis here is on the messianic role of Jesus. He is the Promised One who was ushering in a new era. However, Jesus would soon reveal to the disciples that His messiahship would have elements of suffering that the disciples did not expect. 

Jesus knew that the messianic role that the people and the disciples expected was much different from His actual role as the Messiah. The element of suffering that the Messiah would endure was not a part of popular expectation. Thus Jesus’ messiahship could not be openly proclaimed before the true nature of the Messiah was revealed. 

The disciples struggled to understand what Jesus was saying. They could not comprehend how Jesus’ predictions fit into God’s plan. Only after Jesus’ resurrection and His explanation of the Scriptures to them did they begin to understand. The NKJV Study Bible

Matthew 16:13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”

Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.

Isaiah 59:15–19

Jesus is our intercessor. His righteousness is our breastplate. As believers He does not leave us here alone but He gives  Holy Spirit within us.

Holy Spirit is our protector here on earth and He will get us safely home to our Father!

As believers we have the whole armor of God at our disposal…we  just need to employ it. Our faith pleases God. The more that we believe, the more that we can receive, direction. we need to listen to that still, small voice of Holy Spirit inside us.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit

1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

Isaiah 59:15–19

15 So truth fails, And he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him That there was no justice. 16 He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no intercessor; Therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him; And His own righteousness, it sustained Him. 17 For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head; He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, And was clad with zeal as a cloak. 18 According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay, Fury to His adversaries, Recompense to His enemies; The coastlands He will fully repay. 19 So shall they fear The name of the Lord from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. The New King James 

The people’s inability to turn back to God on their own displeased God, but He knew that He alone was able to bring salvation. God is the only one who is able to fully keep His promises and fulfill the obligations of the covenant. 

The breastplate evokes the image of God as the Divine Warrior, arising to do battle on behalf of His people. His armor is symbolic and based on His attributes of righteousness and holiness. The armor of God imagery from Ephesians 6 develops these concepts further. Faithlife Study Bible

Justice refers here to salvation.

God’s salvation does not depend on humans. His own arm figuratively represents the Lord as a warrior. Righteousness refers to the Lord’s victorious salvation 

The Lord’s breastplate and helmet are taken up by His saints in their battle against the devil.  The NKJV Study Bible

The sins of those who profess themselves God’s people, are worse than the sins of others. And the sins of a nation bring public judgments, when not restrained by public justice. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Psalm 113:3 

From the rising of the sun to its going down

The LORD’s name is to be praised.

Isaiah 63:5 

I looked, but there was no one to help,

And I wondered

That there was no one to uphold;

Therefore My own arm brought salvation for Me;

And My own fury, it sustained Me.

Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Jeremiah 46:27–28 Do Not Fear

“Fear not” is all through the Old Testament and the New Testament. 

God’s perfect love cast out fear. 

Holy Spirit will convict us and change us because God corrects those He loves. We just need to believe it and rest in it!!

Trust God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

Our war is not with flesh and blood but with the spiritual powers of darkness. And Jesus has already won that battle!

God's heavenly plan is always bigger than our earthly circumstances. Even when we cannot see His intent, we need to remember our Lord is always at work on our behalf. Faith is trusting in God's sovereignty when what we're facing doesn't make any sense to us. In our moments of deepest distress, peace comes from believing our heavenly Father is orchestrating our lives and we are secure in His loving hands. 

In the New Testament, Jesus taught us God's second-greatest commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).

We live in a world that so desperately needs God's love. Today, let's honor our heavenly Father's perfect hesed and look for ways we can extend His lovingkindness to others. First 5

"With the coming of spring, I am calm again." Thank you, Gustav Mahler.

Jeremiah 46:27–28

27 “But do not fear, O My servant Jacob, And do not be dismayed, O Israel! For behold, I will save you from afar, And your offspring from the land of their captivity; Jacob shall return, have rest and be at ease; No one shall make him afraid. 28 Do not fear, O Jacob My servant,” says the Lord, “For I am with you; For I will make a complete end of all the nations To which I have driven you, But I will not make a complete end of you. I will rightly correct you, For I will not leave you wholly unpunished. The New King James Version 

A promise of future restoration for Israel and Judah is inserted here to remind Israel that its discipline is temporary. Faithlife Study Bible

Israel would be preserved. The NKJV Study Bible

Comfort and peace are spoken to the Israel of God, designed to encourage them when the judgments of God were abroad among the nations. He will be with them, and only correct them in measure; and will not punish them with everlasting destruction from his presence. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Isaiah 8:10 

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;

Speak the word, but it will not stand,

For God is with us.”

Jeremiah 30:10 

‘Therefore do not fear, O My servant Jacob,’ says the LORD,

‘Nor be dismayed, O Israel;

For behold, I will save you from afar,

And your seed from the land of their captivity.

Jacob shall return, have rest and be quiet,

And no one shall make him afraid.

Jeremiah 30:11 

For I am with you,’ says the LORD, ‘to save you;

Though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you,

Yet I will not make a complete end of you.

But I will correct you in justice,

And will not let you go altogether unpunished.’

Jeremiah 46:27 

“But do not fear, O My servant Jacob,

And do not be dismayed, O Israel!

For behold, I will save you from afar,

And your offspring from the land of their captivity;

Jacob shall return, have rest and be at ease;

No one shall make him afraid.

Acts 22:1-5

Sometimes in my more mature years I can rush to judgement. 

Wisdom tells us to slow down and ask for guidance in handling the myriad of things that an ordinary life brings our way. We had roof damage from the storms earlier this month and things are not handled as they were 20 years ago…I confess to being totally overwhelmed and not in a good way. Lord help me!

The name of Jesus is "the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). And He does not redeem us "with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Jesus is the reason we can have hope.

Jesus is the reason we can sing again.

Jesus is the reason all things can be made new. 

So when we are in a season of joy, let us praise Him. And when we are in a prolonged season of sorrow, let us praise Him. When we can sing of God's goodness while it is still yet dark, our song of praise becomes a prayer of hope. First5

My faith is held together by wonder—by every defiant commitment to presence and paying attention. I cannot tell you with precision what makes the sun set, but I can tell you how those colors, blurred together, calm my head and change my breath. I will die knowing I lived a faith that changed my breathing. A faith that made me believe I could see air.” From Cole Arthur Riley, Sabbath Moments

Acts 22:1-5

22 “Brethren and fathers, hear my defense before you now.” 2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept all the more silent. Then he said: 3 “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, 5 as also the high priest bears me witness, and all the council of the elders, from whom I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished. The New King James Version

Paul proudly proclaims he is a Jew. This emphasizes to the audience that the allegations against him are false.

Paul had evidently moved to Jerusalem as a young man and studied under Gamaliel. Paul was well known among the nation’s elite. Faithlife Study Bible

This was the first of five defenses Paul would make. After speaking Greek to the commander Paul addressed the people in the Hebrew dialect, most likely Aramaic. When the people heard him speaking to them in their own language they were reminded that Paul was not a Gentile but a Jew like themselves. Therefore, they listened to what he had to say.

Paul explained to the crowd that he understood why they were beating him and wanted him dead. They were zealous for God. Paul was not blaming them for what they had done to him. He pointed out that in his former zeal he would have done the same thing. Paul showed compassion even to his attackers; we should model that same type of compassion for all people who have not yet placed their faith in Jesus. The NKJV Study Bible

Acts 8:3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

Acts 9:2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Acts 9:11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.

Acts 26:11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.