We can't all be superstar Christians (OK, we truly are in God's eyes but that's not the topic of this particular devotion). My daily Bible reading this morning was John 14. In this chapter, we hear from three of Jesus' disciples. Not Peter, superstar who Christ used to build the church; and not James, author of a book in the Bible. The three we hear from were Thomas (John 14:5), Philip (John 14:8) and Judas (not Iscariot) (John 14:22). Each one had walked side by side with Jesus, but still had questions. Things they didn't understand.
It raised a question in my mind. Did these three disciples with questions, one of which is even known as "doubting Thomas," still do great things for the Kingdom? Once the Holy Spirit came to dwell in them, did they have an effective ministry? So I looked up their stories to find the answer.
Thomas - "Tradition says he labored in Parthia, Persia and India. It is said that [Thomas] was commissioned to build a palace for the king of India, and he was killed with a spear as a martyr for his Lord."
Philip - "If this Philip is the same Philip [mentioned in Acts 6:5, 8:26 and 21:8], he was one of the major figures in the missionary enterprise of the early church. This simple Galilean gave all he had. It is said that he died by hanging. While he was dying, he requested that his body be wrapped not in linen but in papyrus for he was not worthy that even his dead body should be treated as the body of Jesus had been treated."
Judas "It is said that Jude went to preach the gospel in Edessa near the Euphrates River. There he healed many and many believed in the name of the Master. Jude went from there to preach the Gospel in other places. He was killed with arrows at Ararat."
* Quoted material found at http://www.swartzentrover.com/cotor/bible/Bible/NT/12Apostles.html
The lesson learned from these disciples of lesser notoriety is to not get caught up in being a superstar Christian. Think of some wonderful, strong believers whom you know personally. The quiet spirit they have as they serve their Lord. It's not about grand works or a name to be remembered for generations to come. And note that He can work in people among even doubts and questions. Once these disciples believed in Jesus and His mission, the Holy Spirit worked in them to do mighty things. Kingdom work. He who began a good work within you promises to do the same in your life (Philippians 1:6).
A Walk Through Holy Week
I've heard from some that it seems harder to get into the spirit of Easter than it does Christmas. I can relate to this. One of the most impacting Easters in recent memory was when I had prepared myself by going through a daily reading of Holy Week in a coffee table book by Max Lucado. It spoke to my heart each day and educated me as well. I found this walk through "Holy Week" online and thought it might help all of us get into the Spirit.
"Palm Sunday: This is the last Sunday of Lent and the first day of the Holy Week. This is the day when Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem where he was welcomed with open arms. It is also the basis for the Palm Sunday processions.
The Holy Monday & Tuesday: The cleansing of the temple at Jerusalem supposedly took place on Holy Monday. It is also the day when Jesus reprimanded the moneychangers. The Holy Tuesday is the day when the famous incident between Jesus and Pharisees supposedly took place where an attempt was made to get Jesus to commit blasphemy.
Spy Wednesday: This is the day when Judas Iscariot, a disciple of Jesus who betrayed him told the chief priests where they could find Jesus.
Maundy Thursday: This is the day of the last supper before crucifixion.
Good Friday: The day when Jesus was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem, at the top of Calvary hill. This day is marked by solemn thoughts, fasting and abstinence to commemorate the pain and suffering of Jesus.
Easter Eve: This is the Holy Saturday and Easter Eve. It is a traditional time for baptism.
Easter Sunday: Finally the day of resurrection and the big feast. Jesus is said to have risen from the dead after crucifixion. He also joined his disciples for a meal and told them to carry on his works in his absence."
For this excerpt and more information on the history of Easter can be found at: http://www.historyofeaster.info/
"Palm Sunday: This is the last Sunday of Lent and the first day of the Holy Week. This is the day when Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem where he was welcomed with open arms. It is also the basis for the Palm Sunday processions.
The Holy Monday & Tuesday: The cleansing of the temple at Jerusalem supposedly took place on Holy Monday. It is also the day when Jesus reprimanded the moneychangers. The Holy Tuesday is the day when the famous incident between Jesus and Pharisees supposedly took place where an attempt was made to get Jesus to commit blasphemy.
Spy Wednesday: This is the day when Judas Iscariot, a disciple of Jesus who betrayed him told the chief priests where they could find Jesus.
Maundy Thursday: This is the day of the last supper before crucifixion.
Good Friday: The day when Jesus was crucified outside the walls of Jerusalem, at the top of Calvary hill. This day is marked by solemn thoughts, fasting and abstinence to commemorate the pain and suffering of Jesus.
Easter Eve: This is the Holy Saturday and Easter Eve. It is a traditional time for baptism.
Easter Sunday: Finally the day of resurrection and the big feast. Jesus is said to have risen from the dead after crucifixion. He also joined his disciples for a meal and told them to carry on his works in his absence."
For this excerpt and more information on the history of Easter can be found at: http://www.historyofeaster.info/
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