Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

The Holy Ghost fills the 120 (Acts 2:1-4)

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Picture in your mind. You are involved in prayer meeting. All of a sudden, a hurricane force wind, (rushing mighty wind), blows through. You are frightened because of the wind, when “…cloven tongues like as fire…”, sits on you. Nothing like this has ever happened before and you are scared out of your mind. Then you are filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit) and begin speaking in languages you have never spoken before. For most of us, this would freak us out.

This surreal picture is what happened to the 120 believers in the upper room. They had been patiently waiting for the baptism of the Holy Ghost. This probably shocked them, as it would us.

That moment changed their lives forever. They left that room bold witnesses for Jesus Christ.

What happens next will be tomorrows devotional.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

The Ascension

Luke 24:49-53, Acts 1:1-11

Ascension of Jesus

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.⁵⁰ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. ⁵¹ And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.⁵² And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:⁵³ And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24:49-53)

“The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,² Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:³ To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:⁴ And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.⁵ For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.” (Acts 1:1-11)

The upper room (Acts 1:12-14)

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.¹³ And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. ¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1:12-14)

Replacement of Judas (Acts 1:15-26)

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,)¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. ²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:15-26)

The Holy Ghost fills the 120 (Acts 2:1-4)

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.³ And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.“

All hear in their own language (Acts 2:5-13)

And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.⁶ Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.⁷ And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?⁸ And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?⁹ Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,¹¹ Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.¹² And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?¹³ Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

The upper room (Acts 1:12-14)

“Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.¹³ And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. ¹⁴ These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” (Acts 1:12-14)

The disciples obey Jesus’ command to wait for the promise of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. They were accompanied by the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the brethren.  They spent their time praying and asking God for direction.

Where do we go when things fall apart? When we pray and God says, “wait”, are we willing?

Replacement of Judas (Acts 1:15-26)

“And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty,)¹⁶ Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.¹⁷ For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.¹⁸ Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.¹⁹ And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.²⁰ For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishopric let another take.²¹ Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,²² Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.²³ And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.²⁴ And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,²⁵ That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. ²⁶ And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1:15-26)

God gives us the number of those gathered in the upper room. One hundred twenty. Since Judas death, a replacement was needed. Two were appointed, Barsabas and Matthias. One was chosen. Matthias.

The person selected must have been with the apostles from the beginning of Jesus ministry, seen what Jesus did, and witnessed Jesus resurrection.

The process was not by a vote of those gathered. They prayed to the Lord requesting He choose who would best fill this role. They cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias.

When we have a decision to make, do we first go to the Lord in prayer? Do we ask counsel from others? Do we search the Scriptures for God’s wisdom? Do we allow the Holy Spirit the freedom to make the decision? Then are we willing to follow God’s decision?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Christ died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He was buried in a rich man’s tomb. He arose the third day.

So, what happens next? Christ ascending back to heaven, waiting in the upper room, the replacement of Judas as an apostle, the 120 are filled with the Holy Ghost, and the 120 preaching and every one hears them in their own language.

We will explore each of these this week.

Ascension of Jesus (Luke 24:49-53, Acts 1:1-12)

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.⁵⁰ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. ⁵¹ And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.⁵² And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: ⁵³ And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” (Luke 24:49-53)

“The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,² Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:³ To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:⁴ And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.⁵ For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.⁶ When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?⁷ And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.⁸ But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.⁹ And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; ¹¹ Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.¹² Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.” (Acts 1:1-12)

Jesus has died, been buried, has resurrected, and has been seen by the disciples and over 500 hundred people.

What happens next? During the forty days, Jesus has been preparing his disciples for what comes next. First, Jesus tells them not to leave Jerusalem. He tells them to wait for the promise of the Father. What promise? The baptism of the Holy Ghost.

Second, He answers the question of the disciples concerning the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. “…It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” (1:7)

Third, He explains by what power their lives are to be changed. “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (1:8) These were the disciples who were questioning, unbelieving, impertinent, rebellious, and struggling to determine who Jesus is and why He came. The Holy Spirit would completely change their lives.

Fourth, He ascends back to heaven. They return to Jerusalem.

Jesus never leaves us alone. He knew He was leaving and made sure His disciples were equipped to carry out His instructions.

He has done the same and more for us. He has given us the Bible as our instruction manual on how to live the Christian life. The same Holy Spirit promised to the disciples, is each believers from the time they receive Christ. We too have the Holy Spirit power to turn our world upside down for Christ.

The question is, Will we appropriate that power and tell others about Jesus?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskasenior.com

Good morning,

This week we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday (Easter) on 4 April 2021.

Our devotionals will center around Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

Although COVID-19 has taken away our opportunity to fellowship together, it can never take away our ability to read and study the Word of God. You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

The Resurrection Changes Everything 1 (Corinthians 15:3-6, 13-18)

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

“But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵ Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. ¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: ¹⁷ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. ¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”

God made it very clear: no resurrection, no salvation! Now that is a scary thought. The good news is that Christ is resurrected from the dead. There were over five hundred witnesses. The Holy Spirit lives within each believer. Our eternal destiny is secure.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday (Easter) on 4 April 2021.

Our devotionals will center around Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

Although COVID-19 has taken away our opportunity to fellowship together, it can never take away our ability to read and study the Word of God. You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

He is Risen (Matthew 28:1-10)

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.² And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.³ His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:⁴ And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.⁵ And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.⁶ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.⁷ And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.⁸ And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.⁹ And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.¹⁰ Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

Jesus said He would rise again after 3 days. He did. We must always believe the word of God.  It seems that the women were surprised. Then with fear and great joy they went to tell the other disciples. Then Jesus confirms to them He has risen. Furthermore, that they would see Him in Galilee.

Why do we doubt? We have the Bible with eye witness accounts of all that happened to Jesus from His miraculous birth, His horrifying death, His resurrection, His visual resurrected appearance, and His ascension to heaven.

The disciples’ lives were completely changed after the resurrection. Timid and weak turned into bold and strong. They turned their world upside down for Jesus.

Are we impacted by the resurrection of Jesus?

Tomorrow is Passover. Join us to find out why Passover is important to believers in Christ.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

EASTER 2021

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:17)

Jesus Death (John 19:14-30)

“And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!¹⁵ But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. ¹⁶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.¹⁷ And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:¹⁸ Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.¹⁹ And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.²⁰ This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.²¹ Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.²² Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!²⁷ Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.²⁸ After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.²⁹ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.³⁰ When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

The chief priest and religious rulers fulfilled prophecy when they called for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus had to go to the cross, on our behalf, to become sin for us. He paid the penalty for our sin, death.

Where were all His disciples? They all fled except John. Even God the Father forsook Jesus. So if Jesus did this for us, why is it that we forsake Jesus? We fail to follow His directives found in the Bible. We put other things ahead of our relationship with Him. We need to repent and ask Jesus’ forgiveness. Jesus promised, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Jesus is Buried (John 19:38-42)

“³⁸ And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.³⁹ And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight.⁴⁰ Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.⁴¹ Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid. ⁴² There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulcher was nigh at hand.”

Jesus is dead. The Roman soldiers knew it, Pilate knew it, and Joseph of Arimathea knew it. Prophecy again was fulfilled. Isaiah 53:9 states, “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man. Jesus was buried in a rich man’s tomb.

There had to be a death and burial to have a resurrection. However, if there had only been a death and burial, Jesus would be no different from any other religious leader.

He is Risen (Matthew 28:1-10)

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.² And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.³ His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:⁴ And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.⁵ And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.⁶ He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.⁷ And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.⁸ And they departed quickly from the sepulcher with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.⁹ And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.¹⁰ Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.”

Jesus said He would rise again after 3 days. He did. We must always believe the word of God.  It seems that the women were surprised. Then with fear and great joy they went to tell the other disciples. Then Jesus confirms to them He has risen. Furthermore, that they would see Him in Galilee.

Why do we doubt? We have the Bible with eye witness accounts of all that happened to Jesus from His miraculous birth, His horrifying death, His resurrection, His visual resurrected appearance, and His ascension to heaven.

The disciples’ lives were completely changed after the resurrection. Timid and weak turned into bold and strong. They turned their world upside down for Jesus.

Are we impacted by the resurrection of Jesus?

The Resurrection Changes Everything (1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 13-18)

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ⁵ And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: ⁶ After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴ And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵ Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. ¹⁶ For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: ¹⁷ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. ¹⁸ Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.”

God made it very clear: no resurrection, no salvation! Now that is a scary thought. The good news is that Christ is resurrected from the dead. There were over five hundred witnesses. The Holy Spirit lives within each believer. Our eternal destiny is secure.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

This week we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday (Easter) on 4 April 2021.

Our devotionals will center around Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection.

Although COVID-19 has taken away our opportunity to fellowship together, it can never take away our ability to read and study the Word of God. You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

Jesus Death (John 19:14-30)

“And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!¹⁵ But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. ¹⁶ Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.¹⁷ And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:¹⁸ Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.¹⁹ And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews.²⁰ This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.²¹ Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.²² Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.²³ Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.²⁴ They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.²⁵ Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.²⁶ When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!²⁷ Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.²⁸ After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.²⁹ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.³⁰ When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

The chief priest and religious rulers fulfilled prophecy when they called for Jesus to be crucified. Jesus had to go to the cross, on our behalf, to become sin for us. He paid the penalty for our sin, death.

Where were all His disciples? They all fled except John. Even God the Father forsook Jesus. So if Jesus did this for us, why is it that we forsake Jesus? We fail to follow His directives found in the Bible. We put other things ahead of our relationship with Him. We need to repent and ask Jesus’ forgiveness. Jesus promised, “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Jesus is Buried (John 19:38-42)

“³⁸ And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.³⁹ And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight.⁴⁰ Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.⁴¹ Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein was never man yet laid. ⁴² There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulcher was nigh at hand.”

Jesus is dead. The Roman soldiers knew it, Pilate knew it, and Joseph of Arimathea knew it. Prophecy again was fulfilled. Isaiah 53:9 states, “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.” Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man. Jesus was buried in a rich man’s tomb.

There had to be a death and burial to have a resurrection. However, if there had only been a death and burial, Jesus would be no different from any other religious leader.

Tomorrow we look at the resurrection.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown on 27 March 2021. It ends at sundown 28 March 2021. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It lasts for seven days.

Our devotionals will center around the memorial of Passover, the feast of unleavened bread, the story of the Jewish Exodus, why Passover is relevant to Christians, and the blood.

Today’s study requires us to open our Bibles and search the references about the Passover. It will open our eyes and help us connect to what Christ did on the cross for us.

Although COVID-19 has taken away our opportunity to fellowship together, it can never take away our ability to read and study the Word of God. You may see movies or other depictions of these events, but please make sure they line up with the Bible.

PASSOVER

EXODUS 1-12

INTRO:  The Hebrews in Egypt (1:1-12:36) 

A. Progressive mistreatment of the Hebrew slaves (1:1-22) 

1. The tribes of Israel identified (1:1-7) 
2. Pharaoh (King of Egypt) who knew not Joseph (1:8) (READ)
3. Growth of Hebrew population (1:9-10) (READ)
4. Harsh treatment of Hebrew slaves in Egypt (1:11-14) (READ)
5. Plan to destroy the Hebrews (1:15-22) (READ)

B. Preparation for deliverance of Hebrew slaves (2:1-4:31)

1. Moses born and saved from destruction (2:1-10) (READ)
2. Moses kills an Egyptian and forsakes Egypt (2:11-14) 
3. Moses in the land of Midian (2:15-22) 
4. God takes knowledge of Israel’s sad plight (2:23-25) 
5. God calls Moses at a burning bush (3:1-4:17) (READ3:1-10, 4:18)
6. Moses agrees to go back to Egypt (4:18-26) 
7. The Hebrews believe Moses and accept his leadership (4:27-31) 

C. The Israelites delivered from Egyptian bondage (5:1-15:21) 

1. Moses demands the release of the Israelites (5:1-4) (READ)

    “Let my people go…” used 8 times
2. Pharaoh’s answer: Hebrews denied straw with which to make bricks (5:5-23) 
3. Moses demand certified by miracle (5:23-7:12) (READ7:1-9)
4. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened (7:13-14) 
5. First plague: Blood (7:14-25) 
6. Second plague: Frogs (8:1-15) 
7. Third plague: Lice (8:16-19) 
8. Fourth plague: Flies (8:20-32) 
9. Fifth plague: Disease on Livestock (9:1-7) 
10. Sixth plague: Boils (9:8-12) 
11. Seventh plague: Hail (9:13-35 
12. Eighth plague: Locusts (10:1-20) 
13. Ninth plague: Darkness (10:21-29) 
14. Death announced (11:1-10) (READ)

D. Israel redeemed by the blood of a lamb — Passover. (12:1-13:16) Christ is our sacrifice Hebrews 10:4-10 (READ)

1. Beginning of the year is changed (12:1-2) (READ)
2. Passover instituted (12:3-20) (READ)
3. Procedure for Passover ceremony (12:21-30) (READ)
4. Unleavened bread (12:31-39) Also called the feast of matzah-7 days
5. Death of the firstborn (12:40-42) 
6. Passover to be observed annually (12:43-50) 

 CONCLUSION:

• And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!  (John 1:36)
• Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1 Peter 1:18-19)
• Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: (1 Corinthians 5:7)
• FOUNDATION STONE: The blood.  It covered but did not take away the sin of Israel.  Jesus blood takes away the sin of those who repent and come to Him.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com

Good morning,

Passover begins at sundown on 27 March 2021. It ends at sundown 28 March 2021. It is immediately followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It lasts for seven days. It begins on 28 March through 4 April 2021.

Our devotionals will center around the memorial of Passover, the feast of unleavened bread, the story of the Jewish Exodus, why Passover is relevant to Christians, and the blood.

What Is the Feast of Unleavened Bread?

April 23, 2019

iStock.com/belchonock

Leaven is repeatedly emphasized in the Bible. It is mentioned more than 70 times from the time of Abraham to the life of Moses to the histories of the kingdoms to the former prophets, major prophets and minor prophets. Jesus Christ talked about it during His ministry, and He emphasized it on the final night before He was crucified.

Why? Because leaven is a powerful spiritual symbol.

The biblical book that mentions leaven most frequently is Exodus. Exodus 12 records God commanding millions of Israelite slaves in Egypt to keep the Passover, in part by eating lamb, bitter herbs and unleavened bread. The next night, God miraculously freed them, and they joyfully left Egypt. Verse 34 notes that they “took their dough before it was leavened.” Seven days later, with the Egyptian army in pursuit, God miraculously divided the Red Sea, the Israelites walked across the seabed on dry land, and the returning waters destroyed the Egyptians.

God commanded His people to memorialize these events—and their spiritual meaning—by keeping annual observances: Passover at sunset, the Night to Be Much Observed the following sunset, and the feast of Unleavened Bread over the next seven days.

“Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. … [F]or in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt …” (verses 15, 17).

Jewish believers still keep a form of this observance. But it is actually commanded for God’s Church today. The Apostle Paul wrote to New Testament Christians that “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). New Testament Christians keep the feast of Unleavened Bread! (see Acts 20:6).

There is nothing inherently wrong, unhealthy or evil about leavening. But during this unique one-week period, God uses leavening to represent sin. God commands that we get it out of our lives during this time—every last loaf, slice and crumb!

Jesus warned against “the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees” in Matthew 16. The Apostle Paul focused on leaven in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7: “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven ….” The Bible links the way leavening puffs up dough and the way sin spreads and permeates our life. It only takes a pinch of leavening to raise an entire loaf—and it only takes a single compromise to fill our life with sin.

Sin means breaking God’s law of love (1 John 3:4; Romans 13:8-10). It ultimately results in death (Romans 6:23). Every particle of human failure and suffering is caused by breaking God’s law, just as failure and suffering are caused by breaking the laws of biology, chemistry and physics. Let sin into your thinking, and it quickly spreads from one part of your life to another—to another to another. It subtly infuses you with selfishness. It puffs you up with vanity. And it takes God’s miraculous intervention, combined with your effort, to put sin out of your mind and completely keep it out!

Just as with the ancient Israelites, God focuses us on “cleaning house” during the Days of Unleavened Bread: removing every crumb of bread with leavening ingredients like yeast, baking soda and baking powder from our homes, our workplaces, our vehicles and every nook of personal property in between. This symbolizes ridding our lives from every bit of sin and keeping it out. Physical deleavening is no easy task, but neither is getting sin out of our lives. It takes real effort and sweat to deleaven your possessions, just like it is a constant, lifelong battle to remove sin and keep it out when it inevitably begins to creep back in.

However, simply getting the leavening out doesn’t completely fulfill the command in Exodus 12:20. For seven days we not only avoid leavening, but we also eat unleavened bread, representing God’s way of sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:8). That bread symbolizes Jesus Christ Himself—the “bread of life,” the bread we must eat if we are to inherit eternal life (John 6:35, 48). As we ingest that and allow Christ into us, He transforms us into a new and different person. This is another beautiful lesson of the Days of Unleavened Bread.

For God’s people, from Moses and the Israelites to David and the kingdom of Israel to Jesus Christ and His disciples to New Testament Christians through the ages, one of the greatest highlights of the year is the meaningful, exciting, inspiring feast of Unleavened Bread.

To learn more about this annual sacred festival, read Exodus 12-13 and Pagan Holidays—or God’s Holy Days—Which? You can also download a holy day calendar.

Thanks to the Philadelphia Church of God for a clear and concise description of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com