Luke 24:1-27 ~ marveling

Luke 24:1-27

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 

5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 

8 And they remembered His Words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 

12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. 

17 And He said to them, 

“What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?”

And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 

19 And He said to them, 

“What things?” 

And they said to Him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a Man who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered Him up to be condemned to death, and crucified Him. 21 But we had hoped that He was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find His Body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was Alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but Him they did not see.” 

25 And He said to them, 

“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His Glory?” 

27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Welcome, gentle reader!  

The Anglican Church has a Bible Study called Alpha. Not about dominant ideas or personalities. Instead, Alpha to Omega, The Lord our Father Who draws ALL to His Love.  The goodness of Jesus to All and any bruised reed, He would not break. Alpha is the Bible Study encouraging all questions to be considered, politely, and answered in Biblical authority. 

The Church sees a multitude who believe God, and His Goodness and participate in the High Holy Days, particularly Christmas and Easter.  One of the most positive aspects of being a yearly goer, a Holy Day Participant is seeing the current Pew Report: knowing we all have traveled the road of faith, have highs and lows in the desire to participate or have discovery. 

One of the first joys and awareness of our Father, is the need for His Love and to be in relationship, to be heard.  

This is the beginning of huge faith. Our God, upholds the Universe with the Power of His Word. He is gentle with bruised reeds and Sheep, holding it all together.

Suddenly faith. We know the Love of God, He reaches into our heart and we understand we are loved and our prayers, are heard. We Love God. He has loved us, first, and our hearts are warmed.  Height melts to the spark of Heart to Heart.

Jesus tells us so very much, the Bible is living and active. He tells us the world will always have trouble and there is a very real journey, like seeds on a path. We could make the quote, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night."

Luke's Gospel,  'Gospel', the word for truth, Chapter 24 has us, as we, mankind, are today: Perplexed, dazzled, seeking, seeing the living among the dead in our culture, remembering His Words, idle tale, not believing Him, conversation. Marveling. 

Who said faith isn't a tennis game?  Certainly not the Disciples of Jesus.

One of the first questions of the tender in faith would be the Gospels.  Without a doubt, the Gospels are loved.  And then, even an older child would ask, why don't the Gospels agree? Why doesn't the Good Friday to Easter aspect align perfectly? It will truly nag at us, in early days.

The Scriptures are real. The Word is Living and Active.  

If this were a hoax, all the corners would be tidy. 

There would be no question that mankind wouldn't have tailored.  We discover in Egypt, where Moses probably received the Ten Commandments, Mt. Sinai, St. Catherine's Monastery, the Carbon Dating on Early Gospels go back to 40 AD.  

𝔓46, Papyrus 46, owned by the University of Michigan (until our sudden influx of new academia, was certain this was mid first century AD) contains most of Paul's Epistles. It contains: the last eight chapters of Romans; Hebrews; 1–2 Corinthians; Ephesians; Galatians; Philippians; Colossians; and two chapters of 1 Thessalonians. An amazing, intact Bible. The Bible in your hand is a miracle. 

So... why? The best answer is always from the Scriptures.  

We see "Jesus sent out", not 12 Disciples, but 72. Or 70 Disciples.  It depends on where you were sitting and counting!  We learn Jesus sent Disciples out in different directions to begin the Passover Meal.  

We find the Disciples gathered together with Mary and the physical brothers of Jesus in Acts 1 to pray after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. While we learn that in seclusion after Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and even after Easter, the Disciples were hiding in different groups, and different locations, undisclosed for future safety. 

And in their first meal together after Jesus has Triumphed over death. John tells us so much happened, continually, surrounding Jesus, The Gospels can't even touch the vast quantity of miracles, coincidence, knowledge, wisdom, Praise and Glory surrounding Jesus. 

How will we reconcile all 3,000 pages of Scripture?  We cannot. The Book of Proverbs tells us to cry out for Wisdom.  And we will. 

Jesus willingly opened His Arms on the Cross. To embrace all the world to be reconciled to the Lord in Jesus Christ. Jesus promised us to be the iota and dot of All of His Holy Word.  Salvation is a gift for the fallen. The sinful. The weak. The Strong with failures.  The good intentioned. Mankind tried for centuries to live the Law. And failed. And will fail. Jesus brings us the Holy Spirit. To worship in Spirit and in Truth.  The Holiness of God, allowing us to His Grace. The Beauty of His Mercy and we will shine forth in His Love. Being merciful and accepting His forgiveness and His Grace.

Have questions. 

Ask the Lord. Read His Word. 

Draw near to the Throne of Grace with Boldness and Confidence. 

His Promises are willing, as are the Open Gates of Heaven!

Luke 6:17-19

—  And He came down with them

 and stood on a level place,

 with a great crowd

 of His disciples

 and a great multitude of people 

from all Judea 

and Jerusalem

 and the seacoast of Tyre

 and Sidon, 

— who came to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases —

 And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured.

And all 

the crowd sought to touch Him, 

for power came out from Him and healed them all.

Abba, Father,

Surely, He took on our infirmities 

and carried our sorrows; 

yet, we considered Him stricken by God, 

struck down and afflicted.  

But He was pierced for our transgressions,

 He was crushed for our iniquities; 

the punishment that brought us peace 

was upon Him, 

and by His stripes 

we are healed. 

We ask healing

of Your Good Creation

the fullness of the earth is Yours.

The healing of those we pray
for in our heart and soul.

Dwell in us, Father,

Dwell fully in those we love,

Help us to seek You first

and we will finish well in Jesus Christ.

Thank You.

Our God is working. His Son, 

Jesus is working.

Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

YES Bless the Lord Jesus

Thank You Jesus

Ephesians 1 ~ The Father of GLORY

Risen Movie 2016

Ephesians 1

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the Will of God

To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the Heavenly Places

Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, 

that we should be holy 

and blameless before Him.

In Love, 

He predestined us for adoption to Himself 

as sons through Jesus Christ,

according to the Purpose of His Will,

to the Praise of His Glorious Grace,

with which He has blessed us in the Beloved.

In Him 

we have redemption through His Blood,

the forgiveness of our trespasses,

according to the Riches of His Grace,

which He lavished upon us,

in all wisdom and insight

Making known to us the mystery of His Will,

according to His purpose,

which He set forth in Christ

As a plan for the fullness of time, 

to unite all things in Him,

 things in Heaven and things on earth.

In Him 

we have obtained an inheritance, 

having been predestined according to the purpose of Him 

Who works all things according to the counsel of His Will, 

so that we 

who were the first to hope in Christ 

might be to the Praise of His glory.

In Him 

you also, when you heard the Word of Truth, 

The Gospel of your Salvation,

and believed in Him,

were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Who is the guarantee of our inheritance

until we acquire possession of it,

to the Praise of His Glory.

For this reason, 

because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus

 and your love toward all the saints,

I do not cease to give thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of Glory,

may give you 

the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation 

in the knowledge of Him

Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened,

that you may know 

what is the hope to which He has called you,

what are the riches 

of His Glorious inheritance in the saints,

and what is the immeasurable greatness 

of His Power toward us who believe,

according to the Working 

of His Great Might

This He worked in Christ 

when He raised Him from the dead

and seated Him 

At His Right Hand in the Heavenly places,

far above all rule 

and authority and power and dominion,

and above every name that is named,

not only in this age 

but also in the One to Come.

And He put all things under His Feet

and gave Him as Head over all things to the Church,

which is His Body,

the fullness of Him

Who fills All in all.

Our Father would always want us

to know where Jesus is

and we know

where He is

to make a place for us

Ezekiel 36:26

And I will give you a new heart, 

and a new spirit I will put within you. 

And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh 

and give you a heart of flesh.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

 and do not lean on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

and He will 

make straight your paths.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, 

for they shall see God.

Abba, Father,

Know the Scriptures,

Know the Power of God.

And we will believe in the One He has Sent.

Surely, He took on our infirmities 

and carried our sorrows; 

yet, we considered Him stricken by God, 

struck down and afflicted.  

But He was pierced for our transgressions,

 He was crushed for our iniquities; 

the punishment that brought us peace 

was upon Him, 

and by His stripes 

we are healed. 

Each Day we are Blessed 

to ask for more

More Heaven on earth.

More Give us This Day.

More Daily Bread.

The Universe is upheld

by the 

Power of Your Word.

May The Lord God Almighty

His Son Jesus

surround and uphold us

in This Peace.

The Peace is Upheld by God Himself 

and 

we ask

His Blessing and Favor.

Gently, we hand You our Cares

knowing Your Hands hold

this so well.

Tenderly.

And we are Loved and Filled.

We give thanks for

Your Sacrifice

to bring those unworthy

to be adopted into Your Family.

Knowing we are not perfect,

have weakness,

flaws 

and sins.

And draw near to you with confidence

in Jesus Christ

according to Your Will

Your Word

Your Steadfast Love

and Your Promises in Jesus.

Dwell in us

and help us to be Pleasing to You

Dwell in those we Love and Honor

and help us to seek You first

and we will end well in Jesus Christ.

In the Highest Name 

of Jesus Christ,

Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Our Lord Jesus

John 20:12-18 ~ My Father and your Father

Psalm 122

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
 "May those who love you be secure. 

May there be peace within your walls 

 and security within your citadels." 

For the sake of my brothers and friends,

 I will say, 

"Peace be within you." 

For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, 

I will seek your prosperity.

This morning, I woke up thinking about the Garden of Eden and the Tomb Garden. This is Jerusalem's Botanical Garden.

John 20:12-18

And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, 

one at the head and one at the feet. 

They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” 

She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, 

and I do not know where they have laid him.”

Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing,

 but she did not know that it was Jesus. 

Jesus said to her, 

“Woman, why are you weeping? 

Whom are you seeking?” 

Supposing Him to be the gardener,

 she said to Him, “Sir, 

if you have carried Him away, 

tell me where you have laid Him, 

and I will take Him away.” 

Jesus said to her, “Mary.” 

She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” 

(which means Teacher). 

Jesus said to her, 

“Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; 

but go to my brothers and say to them, 

‘I am ascending to my Father 

and your Father, 

to my God and your God.’” 

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, 

“I have seen the Lord”

—and that He had said these things to her.

Genesis 3:8-9

And they heard the sound of the Lord God 

walking in the garden 

in the cool of the day, 

and the man and his wife hid themselves 

from the presence of the Lord God 

among the trees of the garden. 

But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?”

Jesus always brought with Him, immediacy. The word, immediate, was a frequent Word near Jesus Christ.  The Bible often discusses the Timing of God.  Many prayers, in the Scripture and ours, don't seem to be answered immediately in God's Plan.

These two verses are like the Biblical discussions of Adam. Adam ends as the fall of mankind has begun. Healer, Wonderful Jesus comes to be our Gift and Salvation. 

Paul, in the Holy Spirit, discusses Adam for a long time. And we can wonder, why.  Instead of Scripture repeating, this is the heart of Salvation. God's Love. The repair of the breach of Salvation. This is the immediacy of North and South and East and West to go forth in God.

A Garden. Seeking the Lord. The Lord answers. Jesus has made the Way, the Truth and the Life. Jesus is opening Heaven and His Father's Love. Our Father, The Christ of God, Jesus makes sure. Jesus creates the way to His Steadfast Love.  

In Jesus, we do not have to find the Lord. In Him, we live, move and have our being.

Our Rector at St. Martin's Episcopal Church is Dr. Russ Levenson, Jr. Russ did a marvelous interview

on National Fox News.  We are all, so sad, Russ is retiring. And even hope we would find him as Rector Chairman or Rector Emeritus, still visiting us.  

https://www.foxnews.com/video/6349965726112

Abba, Father,

Know the Scriptures,

Know the Power of God.

And we will believe in the One He has Sent.

Surely, He took on our infirmities 

and carried our sorrows; 

yet, we considered Him stricken by God, 

struck down and afflicted.  

But He was pierced for our transgressions,

 He was crushed for our iniquities; 

the punishment that brought us peace 

was upon Him, 

and by His stripes 

we are healed. 

Each Day we are Blessed 

to ask for more

More Heaven on earth.

More Give us This Day.

More Daily Bread.

The Universe is upheld

by the 

Power of Your Word.

May The Lord God Almighty

His Son Jesus

surround and uphold us

in This Peace.

The Peace is Upheld by God Himself 

and 

we ask

His Blessing and Favor.

Gently, we hand You our Cares

knowing Your Hands hold

this so well.

Tenderly.

And we are Loved and Filled.

We give thanks for

Your Sacrifice

to bring those unworthy

to be adopted into Your Family.

Knowing we are not perfect,

have weakness,

flaws 

and sins.

And draw near to you with confidence

in Jesus Christ

according to Your Will

Your Word

Your Steadfast Love

and Your Promises in Jesus.

Dwell in us

and help us to be Pleasing to You

Dwell in those we Love and Honor

and help us to seek You first

and we will end well in Jesus Christ.

In the Highest Name 

of Jesus Christ,

Amen

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

Our Lord Jesus