I sat at a conference table with three of my colleagues, pouring over minute-by-minute schedules for our upcoming week of meetings. One of my teammates flipped open his laptop, toppling over my fresh cup of coffee. A hot deluge baptized my keyboard.

Coffee and keyboards don’t mix.

On the fritz, I shipped my computer off for repair. I just spent the last two weeks on the road, with limited access to a computer, and I soon discovered that I cannot write on my phone. So this blog suffered along with my psyche.

Today I finally sit before a restored machine. I’m amazed at how much my work depends on this wonderful piece of technology. I’ll be more careful around liquids, but as one cannot write without coffee I suppose danger will remain ever-present. A cup sits close by even now.

These little calamities of life prove frustrating, even maddening. But after a few days of realizing my trip would continue without my laptop, and my blog lie fallow for a time, I relaxed. Maybe I needed a little time off.

As I lamented my Mac-less travels, this promise came to mind: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Tools eventually break down and must be replaced, always with cost and effort. Graciously, the Lord’s mercies renew every morning, with no cost or effort on our part, and so our unexpected calamities fade under his goodness.

Photo by Jon Tyson

Cornelius, a God-seeking man still to meet the God he sought, went to pray one afternoon. During his prayer time he saw an angel who told him of Simon Peter. Cornelius sent for Peter who brought him the gospel, but only after some convincing. Peter wasn’t sure about Gentiles hearing the message of Jesus.

God was sure however. Notice the progression. The Lord first sent an angel to Cornelius (and his household), then the Lord sent Peter, then the Lord sent the Holy Spirit. The gospel burst its banks and began to spread.

Peter, finally convinced, spoke to those assembled: I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

God does not show favoritism. We do, but God does not.

Sometimes it’s easy to look at someone who has a position of power and wealth, like this Roman centurion, and think they don’t need Jesus. Or think they wouldn’t be interested. Or even more insidious, think they don’t deserve Jesus.

But it grows clear over time that even the most privileged need the touch of Jesus. This soldier, this seeker of God, stood ready and waiting and praying and fearing a God yet to meet. In my experience, many others wait as well.

Acts 10 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Clay Banks

Last week we enjoyed Easter with our church, and this morning my wife and I celebrated Easter a second time. It’s so good, why stop at one?

Our next door neighbors attend a local Orthodox congregation, celebrating Easter one week later. The service started at 5:15 am, which meant a 4 am alarm in order to get to the church early for a seat, and indeed standing room only prevailed.

The service started in the dark, echoing the dawn of Easter morning in Jerusalem. After lighting candles, the congregation walked outside in the pale light, around the back of the church to the front doors. There the priest knocked and announced the arrival of the King of Glory, resurrected from the dead.

The doors reminded me of what Jesus himself told us, 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 that person, and they with me.

The doors opened, we walked inside into warmth and after the service enjoyed a grand meal—those Orthodox can spread a table. We enjoyed effusive greetings and rich hospitality. I initially thought, how interesting to celebrate Easter from a different point of view. Then a more accurate impression came to mind—I believe from the Lord—how meaningful to celebrate Easter with ancient traditions new to me.

When it comes to Easter every Christian, regardless of heritage or style, shares the same point of view—we peer into an empty tomb. And so we say together with one other and the angels:

He is Risen! Indeed He Is Risen!

William-Adolphe Bouguereau – The holy women at the tomb (1890)

Simon the Sorcerer stands out to me. Probably because I don’t know any sorcerers and I always assumed I’d meet some along the way. Movies about magic and the paranormal intrigue me—I find the whole topic fascinating.

Simon did as well. He amazed people with his sorcery. But then Philip arrived with power and a new teaching about the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. Many converted, including Simon.

Peter and John arrived and prayed the new believers might receive the Holy Spirit, which they did. Simon came unglued. He offered the apostles money for the gift of handing out the Spirit. My first thought is that Simon was just overexcited. But Peter burst out, You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart.

Although Simon converted, he never repented. Simon believed for the benefits, the trappings of the faith, for what might come to him as a result. Simon never got to the Lord Jesus, but merely dipped his toe into the use religion to enhance myself Jesus. Simon saw power, but not the God behind the power.

I can do the same. I might attend services because I love the traditions, or it’s part of my cultural heritage, or I meet people who advance my career. Folks willing to serve others fill our churches, it’s a hallmark of our faith. But when I attend worship to help kind people notice me, then I’m in danger. Jesus should hold the eye, not me.

Simony, or paying for position, is named after Simon the Sorcerer. Not such a great legacy. But I find the attitude not too far from my heart, and I understand Peter’s rebuke more and more as time goes on.

Acts 8 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Joanna Kosinska