Lenten Devotional Easter Sunday - "Hope of Salvation for All"

EASTER

"Hope of Salvation for All"

Damon Au, Rev., Cornerstone Trinity Baptist Church, San Francisco

WORD OF GOD: 9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same
way you have seen him go into heaven.”

(Acts 1:9-11, NIV)

There are times in our lives when things happen and we don’t understand why. Sometimes when an accident or a death occurs to a love one or when a leader and those he leads part company. A catastrophe happens, like the tsunami where thousands of lives were lost. Do we just stand around and feel helpless? What is our plan of actions?

The men of Galilee had the privilege of witnessing Christ’s ascension and the angels appearing to them. What a miraculous event that occurred. We will not have the same privilege as the first century Christians but we need to understand a biblical truth found in Act 1:9-11. Christ has risen and He will return. The words of the angels were an essential part of preparing the apostles mentally and emotionally. This message contained both a challenge and an incentive that there is HOPE. The Second coming of Christ will not be disappointing and it should be anticipated.

We live in a world of lost souls who will one day unexpectedly stand before the judgment seat of God without knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ unless we fulfill our commission and tell them the message; there will not be a heaven for them.

Statistics’ have shown, “75% - 90% were converted through the influence of friends and relatives. Millions of souls will depend on how we did our jobs as believers. We have an amazing and incredible story to tell and share with everyone we know. My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus has died and risen on the third day; isn’t that message worth sharing over and over again? Our Lord has chosen you as an extension of the Gospel; go now and ask God to bring those people into your path.

Lenten Devotional Day Forty - "Relational Restoration"

"Relational Restoration"

Johnson Chiu, Pastor, Dr., Faith Walk Community Church, San Ramon

Asian Director, The Leadership Connection, Concord

Coordinator, Equipping Resource Center, ISAAC, Castro Valley

WORD OF GOD: 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

19 Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus answered, “If I
want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

(John 21:15-17, 19b,21-22, NIV)

Those closest to us have the greatest opportunity to wound us. It certainly was true for Jesus. Peter, the most dedicated of disciples, betrayed Jesus three times at his greatest moment of need — at it hurt Jesus deeply. This first encounter after Peter’s denials is filled with tension and shame; Peter needs more than forgiveness; he needs restoration. Jesus’ goal is not to punish; he has already forgiven Peter but how can he be restored? After cooking and serving the disciples a meal, reminiscent of the miracle with fish and loaves and their last meal together, Jesus asks Peter a seemingly simple question, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Three times the question is put to Simon, the name of Peter before he met Jesus. Peter is taken aback by Jesus’ straightforward question. His heart and commitment is challenged. His denials are still so fresh, he has no defense. He wants to say yes but does not want his words to ring hollow. Jesus has every right to walk away yet this is not the Jesus we know. Each time Jesus requests, “Feed my sheep.” Peter, if you love me, you will love those whom I love. These words ring with a tone of invitation rather than a command. “Anything Lord,” yearns Peter. Jesus then invites Peter, “Follow me.” Don’t worry about anything or anyone else. Peter’s denials and desertion, running away from Jesus got him into trouble. His restoration will come by repenting, turning around and running toward Jesus! He willingly follows and is restored. The gracious heart of God invites you to run to him, follow him, even if you have run so many times away from Jesus, to find your restoration.

Lenten Devotional Day Thirty-Nine - "Returning to Safety"

GOOD FRIDAY

"Returning to Safety"

Paul Lee, Pastor, Berkeley Chinese Baptist Church, Berkeley

WORD OF GOD: 1 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.

(John 21:1-6, NIV)

Have you ever been discouraged? It’s easy to trust Jesus when things are going good but what about the times when it starts getting rough? What about the times when the future suddenly becomes very uncertain. I recently faced a situation like that. We were looking at an uncertain future, knowing that in a few weeks I would be out of a job. So my wife asked me, “Should we cut back on our tithing the next two months so that we can save some extra money?” And I gave her the answer that Christians seem to give when they don’t want to make a decision. I said, “Let’s pray about it.” A week later the decision was made. I came back to my wife and told her that we weren’t going to cut back on giving back to God. God had told her the same thing. It always seems like the first reaction when things become uncertain is to go back to our former way of thinking, because it seems safe. That’s what Peter and the other disciples did; they went back to fishing, because they didn’t understand what was happening. With fishing, they could be in control. Sometimes, the ways of the world seem more secure, because it is something that we believe that we can control. But in the end, we always find that the world’s way is never secure. That way is always fraught with uncertainty. But when we follow Jesus and His leading, we are always secure, because God is sovereign. He is in control, and He will always provide.

Was there ever a time that you became discouraged, and abandoned God’s calling, only to return to the safety of the familiar? How certain is your trust in God to provide?

Lenten Devotional Day Thirty-Eight - "To Believe or Not to Believe?"

"To Believe or Not to Believe?"

Darren Lim, Associative Pastor, East Bay Alliance Church, Oakland

WORD OF GOD: 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” 28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

(John 20:26-31, NIV)

Can you imagine Thomas’ surprise when his friends told him the news that Jesus was alive? Impossible, was probably his first thought. He told these friends that he needed to see proof, the wounds from Jesus’ hand and side. Thomas would have to see it to believe it.

According to John, it was eight days later, Jesus graciously submits Himself to Thomas’ disbelief. Here the disciples were locked in the room, but this time Thomas was with them. Jesus came right through the walls and stood in the middle of the room, for one purpose and that was to address Thomas directly and offer him a chance to inspect the wounds in his hands and side. Immediately, Thomas made his confession, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

No doubt there are many people like Thomas today. Unbelief and an unwillingness to respond to the Gospel are unfortunately natural in the human heart. Even as Jesus had told Peter that flesh and blood had not revealed to him that he was the Christ, but by His Father in heaven, so it must be in the preaching and teaching of the Gospel. God must work in the heart by His Holy Spirit that conviction may come.

For those of us who are believers, Jesus wants us to put our faith in Him, without feeling, seeing, or proving anything. It is still true: “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:8). What might obstruct your faith this week? Are there questions for which you do not have answers? Pray for God to reveal Himself in a mighty way in that specific area. Remember, “Blessed are those who believe without seeing me” (John 20:29b).

Lenten Devotional Day Thirty-Seven - "The Proof is in the Eating"

"The Proof is in the Eating"

Tim Tseng, President & Executive Director,

Institute for the Study of Asian American Christianity, Castro Valley;

Adjunct Professor, University of San Francisco, San Francisco

WORD OF GOD: 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.

(Luke 24:38-43, NIV)

When Asian American Christians tell me how they came to faith, many say that the logic of Christianity convinced them of its truth. They point to the historical accuracy of the Bible and Jesus’ claim to be the Savior. Others come to faith because of wonderful worship experiences. They feel such joy and amazement that they just know that God has to be real. Luke’s account of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance before his disciples reminds us that physical evidence or feelings are not enough to dispel doubt. Even after Jesus showed his nail pierced hands and feet, his disciples did not believe him. Strangely, their “joy and amazement” at seeing him prevented them from recognizing him. Apparently neither physical evidence nor feelings were proof enough that Jesus had truly risen from the dead and was present among them! To believe in the risen Savior because of logic and feelings is good. But Luke reminds us that a relationship with Jesus is more important. Most people do not eat with strangers. We prefer to share meals with people we trust. Indeed, the word “companion” means literally “one who shares bread.” The disciples, it appears, truly believed only after Jesus ate with them. Perhaps the meal with the risen Lord reminded them of the Last Supper, the meal they shared with Jesus just before his crucifixion; the meal Christians commemorate on Maundy Thursday. So when Christians celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we do so to remember Jesus’ death. But we should also remember that each time we participate in the Lord’s Supper, our relationship
with the living Lord is reaffirmed. At the heart of the matter, the best evidence for our faith is a relationship, not logic or feelings.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

(Revelation 3:20, NIV)

Lenten Devotional Day Thirty-Six - "The Road to Emmaus"

"The Road to Emmaus"

Vincent Jang, Rev., True Sunshine Episcopal Church, San Francisco

WORD OF GOD: 13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 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?”

(Luke 24:13-16, 31-32)

Imagine you are in 33 AD in Jerusalem. There is a lot going on in anticipation
of the preparation for the Passover. It’s crowded and you are among thousands of people along with Roman soldiers. The situation is tense all around and there is not much you can do about it without getting yourself arrested. Jesus comes to Jerusalem. Little did they know how Jesus was going to save them from their sins? As the days grew towards the final gathering of his friends and disciples at the upper room, the prayers at the Garden, the arrest, condemnation and death of Jesus on the cross, were not their hearts burning from all that has happened?

Then as scriptures foretold by Jesus he will rise again and some of the women of the group has already discovered that when Jesus appears before then at the tomb. These women ran hastily to tell the disciples and yet when they came to the tomb and did not find Jesus there, they too found their hearts burning from excitement and fear all at the same time.

On the road to Emmaus where a stranger walked with these two disciples of Jesus and yet they were amazed that this stranger was not aware of what went on during these last few days. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” Your heart is beating faster in excitement on what has just happened.

Give thanks to God daily for the fact that Jesus has and will always be with you just as these men who were on their way the Emmaus.

Lenten Devotional Day Thirty-Five - "Hope Requires Evidence"

"Hope Requires Evidence"

Dana Chau, Campus Minister, NorCal Regional Director,

Asian American Christian Fellowship, Los Angeles

WORD OF GOD: 11 but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. 13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

(John 20:11-14, NIV)

We live with different hopes. Hope for acceptance. Hope for an improved marriage or family relationship. Hope for job security or financial independence. Because we see evidence that these desires are fulfilled in others, we believe and work toward their fulfillment in our own life and family. Another common hope of mankind is the hope of immortality. Medical advances work toward fulfillment of this hope. In some ways, legends and religions keep the hope of immortality alive in us. But for immortality to move from a dream to a hope there must be some degree of evidence or confidence of its fulfillment. God gives us that confidence. Christ’s resurrection is that evidence. The stone had been removed not so Jesus could exit, but that we might see He has risen. The strips of linen and burial cloth were left behind not because grave thieves took the time to remove them, but that we might see Christ has risen. The angels asked not out of curiosity why Mary was crying, but that she might ponder the evidence for the hope of resurrection.

The celebration of Easter is the celebration of the hope of immortality. Because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, we who trust Him have the same hope for ourselves. We can have the same confidence demonstrated by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:52-54:

“For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ”