Reflections

  Jesus Christ who Restores to the Rightful Place Bible Reading:   John 21:1-14 Key Verse:   “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” (John 21:10) DEVOTION John 21:1–14 recounts a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus by the Sea of Tiberias. The disciples, having returned to fishing and became unsuccessful.  Such a night of fruitless labor would have made them tired, confused, and perhaps wondering about their future without Jesus. They had once been called to be "fishers of men," yet here they were, back to ordinary fishing, as if their calling had been forgotten. But Jesus had not forgotten them as the narrative continues with experience of a miraculous catch of fish and share breakfast with the risen Christ. Though they don't immediately recognize Him, His words carry familiar authority: “Cast the net on the right side of the boat.” When they obey, the nets are miraculously filled. This was no coincidence; it was a divine reminder of their calling ...

  Restoring the Unity of Community Bible Reading:  Acts 4:32-37 Key Verse:   “ All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” (Acts  4:32 ) DEVOTION Acts 4:32-37 emphasizes need for love and care for one another. It reflects the early church’s context where the believers gathered together to hear Peter and John’s teachings about Jesus and His resurrection from the dead. They laid their donations at the apostles’ feet to help the less fortunate people among them. These donations came from selling their homes and land. For example, Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus sold his field and brought the earnings to be distributed. The believers’ generous contributions to the poor demonstrates their selflessness and compassion for others while expecting nothing in return. They truly believed that their possessions were not their own, and that it was meant to be shared among everyone wh...

  The Lord who Strengthens the Weary Bible Reading:   Matthew 11:28-30 Key Verse:   “ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) DEVOTION Working and resting are two very integral parts of our lives. In just a few short verses in today’s devotional passage, Jesus breaks down the concepts of working and resting in a way that renews our way of thinking.   In a hustle and bustle culture, how much time do we spend resting? Many of us might say 8 hours, if we are lucky. A better question to ask is how much do we spend resting in Jesus? Our mortal bodies need rest, but our Lord points to a type of rest that we need on a deeper level. In our daily lives, we carry around stresses, burdens, anxieties, and so much more.  Jesus cuts through the complexities of life in a manner that only He can.   The term “yoke” is not typically used in our daily conversations. A yoke is used to bring two oxen together so that th...