God's Chosen Replacement

 “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, 

show which one of these two you have chosen 

to take the place in this apostolic ministry 

from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” 

(Acts 1:24-25)

We need to seek God’s guidance in our decision-making processes. We may face betrayal in our lives, but we must continue to trust in God’s plan even when things don’t make sense. Transitions can be challenging but these are necessary for growth and progress. Let us stay united in the face of uncertainty, crisis, and adversity with utmost faith and belief in the power of restoration and forgiveness.

In the maze of choices, where paths intertwine,

Seek we must, God's guidance divine.

Betrayal may come, like a thief in the night,

Yet in God's plan, we find our light.

When sense escapes, and reason flees,

In His wisdom, our hearts find ease.

Transitions come, like waves on sand,

Challenging, yes, but part of the grand plan.

Growth and progress, the fruits they bear,

Necessary pains, that we all share.

In face of uncertainty, crisis, and dread,

United we stand, by faith we are led.

Belief in restoration, forgiveness' power,

Blooms within us, a resilient flower.

In adversity's face, we find our strength,

With faith and unity, we go to any length.

Dear Heavenly Father,

In the labyrinth of life, we seek Your guidance divine,

In our decisions, big and small, let Your wisdom shine.

When betrayal shadows our hearts, and trust begins to wane,

Help us remember Your plan, and find peace in Your reign.

When things don't make sense, and confusion takes hold,

Remind us of Your love, steadfast and bold.

Transitions can be tough, like a tempest-tossed sea,

But necessary for growth, for progress, for the people we're meant to be.

In the face of uncertainty, crisis, and strife,

Help us stay united, for unity is life.

With faith unshaken, and belief in restoration and forgiveness,

We face adversity, armed with Your love and grace, in all its richness.

In Jesus name we pray,

Amen.

Background and Learning Lessons

The passage Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 in the Bible is a significant event in the early Christian church. Here’s some background information:

This passage describes the first recorded faith crisis of the Early Church: What to do with the betrayer, Judas. The earliest followers of “the Way,” for they were not yet called “Christians,” met at an upper room in Jerusalem in fidelity to Jesus’ instructions.

The disciples were frustrated as Jesus had strained their hopes that his resurrection from the dead might inaugurate the restoration of Israel. They were forced to wait in Jerusalem for what God the Father had promised, namely, the Holy Spirit.

There was a transition of leadership. Jesus, their Lord and guide ascended into heaven. Their only recourse was prayer.

Acts 1:15-17 addresses a haunting theological crisis arising from ethnic hopes and expectations. Even though Matthias is ultimately chosen by the apostles through the casting of lots, the Spirit elects Paul to carry the apostolic mantle left vacant by Judas.

Amid all the joy and promise of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Judas remained a problem for Jesus’ movement. It’s unsettling to accept that one of Jesus’ chosen confidants betrays him and facilitates his execution.

Filling Judas’s vacated place among the 12 apostles is the first item of business taken up by Jesus’ followers after his departure. Peter, who himself was no model of loyalty, takes the lead.

Peter attempts to explain the Judas affair via predestinarian logic, following Jesus’ pronouncement: “For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!”.

This passage provides a glimpse into the early struggles of the Christian church and how they navigated through them. It also shows the importance of faith and trust in God’s plan, even in the face of uncertainty and crisis.

The passage Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 in the Bible offers several important lessons:

The Importance of Unity and Community: The disciples gathered together in unity, praying and waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit. This teaches us the importance of community and unity in the face of adversity.

Dealing with Betrayal: The disciples had to deal with the betrayal of Judas, one of their own. This teaches us that we may face betrayal in our lives, but we must continue to trust in God’s plan.

Leadership Transition: The disciples had to navigate a leadership transition after Jesus ascended into heaven. This teaches us that transitions can be challenging but necessary for growth and progress.

God’s Sovereignty: Despite the crisis, the disciples recognized God’s sovereignty. They understood that even Judas’ betrayal was part of God’s plan. This teaches us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when things don’t make sense.

Decision Making: The disciples cast lots to choose Matthias as the new apostle. This shows that they sought God’s guidance in their decision-making process.

Restoration and Forgiveness: Peter, who had also denied Jesus, was now taking a leadership role. This shows us that there is always room for restoration and forgiveness.

These lessons remind us to stay united, handle transitions gracefully, trust in God’s plan, seek His guidance in our decisions, and believe in the power of restoration and forgiveness. (Copilot)

Engage In Trade

He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them, 

‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ 

LUKE 19:13

Today is the day to embark on a journey of exchange and commerce. Let the exchange begin, and may our transactions echo across the celestial tapestry. 

In the bustling market square, where whispers of opportunity weave through the air, we shall barter and negotiate. What treasures do you bring forth? Is it knowledge, goods, or perhaps dreams wrapped in silken ribbons?

Speak your terms, and I shall weigh them against the cosmic ledger. For in this dance of trade, the currency transcends mere coins—it is woven from intention, trust, and the echoes of ancient bazaars.

So, fellow traveler, what do you offer? A secret recipe for stardust soup? A map to hidden constellations? Or perhaps a snippet of forgotten verse that hums with forgotten magic?

Lord Jesus, You alone can work for good to those who love You. Thank You so much for providing all the resources needed for us to live gloriously each day. 

You are the one true owner of the trade you made me engage in. You have given me the resources expecting that it will grow and profit even more. I do confess that there are times when I became reckless in dealing with the works at hand. Please forgive me for making the wrong decision of trusting others instead of using your own resources to guarantee the payment of our regular business obligations. Capture my mind and heart to work in accordance with Your wisdom. May You continue to work in us that will greatly increase our productivity and profitability. 

You know exactly what I want when it comes to the work that I love and enjoy doing. May your hand work in giving me a trading business that involves buying and selling of used cars. Make me own a property that is near my home and office that we can use for this endeavor, the needed resources and capital such as equipment and tools and give me the best laborers in town. May this come to me as an additional new line of work by the coming year. 

Truly, You will never allow me to fail but instead prosper in everything I do. Please accept my humble offering of praise and thanksgiving for all the good things you continue to do in me. May your heart and wisdom be upon me always in managing your resources. May your hand continue to work in me so that in all things done, the rewards and profits will be great. 

With much love and gratitude I give you back all the glory and praise in Jesus Name. Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN GOLD COINS

Luke 19:11-27

Reflection Source:

Microsoft Copilot

More Will be Given

 ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, 

but from the one who has not, 

even what he has will be taken away. "

LUKE 19:26

This statement is often interpreted as a lesson about responsibility, stewardship, and the use of resources. Those who use their resources wisely and productively will receive even more. Conversely, those who neglect or misuse their resources will lose what they have. The parable encourages thoughtful consideration of how we manage our abilities, possessions, and opportunities. It serves as a reminder to be good stewards of what we have, whether it’s material wealth, talents, or time. 

While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately. So he said, “A nobleman went off to a distant country to obtain the kingship for himself and then to return. He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold coins and told them,‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ His fellow citizens, however, despised him and sent a delegation after him to announce, ‘We do not want this man to be our king.’ But when he returned after obtaining the kingship, he had the servants called, to whom he had given the money, to learn what they had gained by trading. The first came forward and said, ‘Sir, your gold coin has earned ten additional ones.’ He replied, ‘Well done, good servant! You have been faithful in this very small matter; take charge of ten cities.’ Then the second came and reported, ‘Your gold coin, sir, has earned five more.’ And to this servant too he said, ‘You, take charge of five cities.’  Then the other servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your gold coin; I kept it stored away in a handkerchief, for I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man; you take up what you did not lay down and you harvest what you did not plant.’ He said to him, ‘With your own words I shall condemn you, you wicked servant. You knew I was a demanding man, taking up what I did not lay down and harvesting what I did not plant; why did you not put my money in a bank? Then on my return I would have collected it with interest.’ And to those standing by he said, ‘Take the gold coin from him and give it to the servant who has ten.’ But they said to him, ‘Sir, he has ten gold coins.’ He replied, ‘I tell you, to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Now as for those enemies of mine who did not want me as their king, bring them here and slay them before me.’” After he had said this, he proceeded on his journey up to Jerusalem. (Luke 19:11-28)

Beyond the literal context, the parable has spiritual implications. It highlights the importance of faithfulness and spiritual growth. The one who seeks to grow spiritually and uses their gifts for God’s purposes will experience spiritual abundance. Understanding the context in which Jesus spoke this parable is crucial. It appears in different forms in the Gospels (Matthew 25:29, Mark 4:25, Luke 8:18). Considering the audience, Jesus may have addressed issues specific to their time and culture.

Just as Jesus adapted the parables to his audiences, we can adapt their meaning and significance to our world today. The challenge lies in applying the principles of stewardship, faithfulness, and justice in our contemporary context. In summary, the parable invites reflection on how we handle what we’ve been given—whether it’s wealth, abilities, or opportunities—and how our choices impact our lives and the lives of others. 

Prioritizing adherence to divine principles over personal desires leads to blessings. In essence, this succeeding scripture passages encourages faith, selflessness, and trust in a benevolent force that sustains life and offers redemption. 

It happened that seven brothers with their mother were arrested and tortured with whips and scourges by the king, to force them to eat pork in violation of God’s law. Most admirable and worthy of everlasting remembrance was the mother, who saw her seven sons perish in a single day, yet bore it courageously because of her hope in the Lord.  Filled with a noble spirit that stirred her womanly heart with manly courage, she exhorted each of them in the language of their forefathers with these words: “I do not know how you came into existence in my womb; it was not I who gave you the breath of life, nor was it I who set in order the elements of which each of you is composed. Therefore, since it is the Creator of the universe who shapes each man’s beginning, as he brings about the origin of everything, he, in his mercy, will give you back both breath and life, because you now disregard yourselves for the sake of his law.” Antiochus, suspecting insult in her words, thought he was being ridiculed. As the youngest brother was still alive, the king appealed to him, not with mere words, but with promises on oath, to make him rich and happy if he would abandon his ancestral customs: he would make him his friend and entrust him with high office. When the youth paid no attention to him at all, the king appealed to the mother, urging her to advise her boy to save his life. After he had urged her for a long time, she went through the motions of persuading her son. In derision of the cruel tyrant, she leaned over close to her son and said in their native language: “Son, have pity on me, who carried you in my womb for nine months, nursed you for three years, brought you up, educated, and supported you to your present age. I beg you, child, to look at the heavens and the earth and see all that is in them; then you will know that God did not make them out of existing things; and in the same way the human race came into existence. Do not be afraid of this executioner, but be worthy of your brothers and accept death, so that in the time of mercy I may receive you again with them.” She had scarcely finished speaking when the youth said: “What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king’s command. I obey the command of the law given to our forefathers through Moses. But you, who have contrived every kind of affliction for the Hebrews, will not escape the hands of God.” (2 Maccabees 7:1, 20-31)

The promise of restoring breath and life signifies renewal and revival. It speaks to the idea that even when we feel spiritually or emotionally depleted, divine mercy can rejuvenate us. Indeed, the hands of God are all-encompassing, reaching across the vast expanse of existence. They cradle the stars, mold the mountains, and weave the intricate tapestry of life. Within those hands lie both justice and mercy, the balance of cosmic forces. 

In the quiet moments of our souls, we feel those hands—gentle yet firm—guiding us through life’s labyrinth. They catch our tears, lift our burdens, and shape our destinies. No corner of creation eludes their touch. Fear not, for even when shadows lengthen and storms rage, those hands remain steadfast. They hold the universe together, and they hold you. In their grasp, we find solace, purpose, and the promise of eternity. So let us rest in the embrace of the divine, knowing that we are never beyond those hands—whether we seek refuge or redemption. 

Hear, O Lord, a just suit; attend to my outcry; hearken to my prayer from lips without deceit. My steps have been steadfast in Your paths, my feet have not faltered. I call upon You, for You will answer me, O God; incline Your ear to me; hear my word. Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings. But I in justice shall behold Your face; on waking, I shall be content in Your presence. (Psalm 17:1, 5-6, 8, 15)

In the quiet chambers of my soul, I ponder the weight of justice. Its scales, precise and unyielding, measure deeds against truth. And there, in the balance, I seek your face—the embodiment of all that is just and merciful. Your countenance, veiled in mystery, awaits my gaze. Will I find favor or retribution? The dawn approaches, and with it, the promise of revelation. As slumber releases its grip, I stir, eager to behold the ineffable.

Contentment whispers through the morning mist. It is not in riches or accolades, but in the presence of the Divine. For there, in the sacred stillness, I find solace. The burdens of existence fade, replaced by a quiet knowing—a communion beyond words. So let me wake, eyes lifted toward eternity, and behold your face. Let justice and mercy intertwine, and may my soul find rest in your presence.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN GOLD COINS

Luke 19:11-27

IV: Profanation and Persecution

MARTYRDOM OF A MOTHER AND HER SONS

2 Maccabees 7:1-42

First Book of Psalms 1-41

PRAYER FOR RESCUE FROM PERSECUTORS

Psalm 17:1-15

Reflection Source:

Microsoft Copilot

Render a Just Decision

 And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 

‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ 

LUKE 18:3

This verse taken from the parable of the persistent widow contrasts the character and actions of the unjust judge and the faithful widow. The judge is a corrupt and selfish person who does not care about God or people. He only grants justice to the widow because he is annoyed by her constant appeals and afraid that she might harm him. The widow, on the other hand, is a poor and powerless person who has no one to defend her rights. She is persistent and courageous in seeking justice from the judge, even though he ignores her at first. She does not give up or lose hope, but keeps asking for what is right. (Microsoft Bing)

Jesus told His disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, “There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, ‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’ For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.’” The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus uses this example to show the importance of persistent prayer and faith in God. He told this story to encourage His followers to pray always and not lose heart, even when they face difficulties and delays. He wanted them to trust that God is a good and just Father who hears their cries and will answer them in His perfect timing and way. (Microsoft Bing)

Sing to Him, sing His praise, and proclaim all His wondrous deeds. Glory in His holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! (Psalm 105:2-3)

When peaceful stillness compassed everything and the night in its swift course was half spent, Your all-powerful word from heaven’s royal throne bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land, bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree. And as he alighted, he filled every place with death; he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth. (Wisdom 18:14-16)

Creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew, serving its natural laws, that Your children might be preserved unharmed. The cloud overshadowed their camp; and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging: out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road, and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood. Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by Your hand, after they beheld stupendous wonders. For they ranged about like horses, and bounded about like lambs, praising You, O Lord, their deliverer! (Wisdom 19:6-9)

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE PERSISTENT WIDOW

Luke 18:1-8

GOD'S FIDELITY TO THE PROMISE

Fourth Book : Psalms 90-106

Psalm 105:1-43

III: Special Providence of God during Exodus

DEATH OF THE EGYPTIAN FIRST-BORN; THE ISRAELITES ARE SPARED

Wisdom 18:1-25; 19:6-9

Be Orderly in Your Thoughts and Procedures

Let them discourse of the glory of Your Kingdom 

and speak of Your might.

PSALM 145:11

"Discourse" means the capacity of orderly thought or procedure especially in a conversation. It is usually an extended expression of thought on a subject and a mode of organizing knowledge, ideas, or experience.

Every day will I bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. Generation after generation praises Your works and proclaims Your might. They speak of the splendor of Your glorious majesty and tell of Your wondrous works. (Psalm 145:2-5)

Let all Your works give You thanks, O Lord, and let Your faithful ones bless You. (Psalm 145:10)

Father in heaven, Your glory is vast and unsearchable! Thank You so much for making me a part of Your glorious kingdom.

I will not cease to discourse the glory of your kingdom. Each day of my life, it continues to grow beyond measure. Indeed, Your kingdom has come upon me through Christ your Son, my Lord and Savior. Kingdom that has no end bringing joy, gladness, and fullness not only to me but to those who will come after me. 

Truly, I now live for the praise of Your glory as a living witness. May You forever be praised and glorified as the source of everything in us. 

With much love and thanksgiving I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD

Psalm 145:1-21

Act Prudently

 "And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. 

For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing 

with their own generation than are the children of light.”

LUKE 16:8

Prudent in the sense of being wise means suitable for bringing about a desired result under the circumstances. In the sense of being insightful means having or showing deep understanding and intelligent application of knowledge. In the sense of being cautious means having or showing good judgment and restraint especially in conduct or speech. (Merriam-Webster)/

I myself am convinced about you, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to admonish one another. But I have written to you rather boldly in some respects to remind you, because of the grace given me by God to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in performing the priestly service of the Gospel of God, so that the offering up of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:14-16)

Jesus said to his disciples, “A rich man had a steward who was reported to him for squandering his property. He summoned him and said, ‘What is this I hear about you? Prepare a full account of your stewardship, because you can no longer be my steward.’ The steward said to himself, ‘What shall I do, now that my master is taking the position of steward away from me? I am not strong enough to dig and I am ashamed to beg. I know what I shall do so that, when I am removed from the stewardship, they may welcome me into their homes.’ He called in his master’s debtors one by one. To the first he said, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note. Sit down and quickly write one for fifty.’ Then to another he said, ‘And you, how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘One hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Here is your promissory note; write one for eighty.’ And the master commended that dishonest steward for acting prudently. For the children of this world are more prudent in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light.” (Lk 16:1-8)

The Lord has made His salvation known; in the sight of the nations He has revealed his justice. He has remembered His kindness and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. (Ps 98:2-3)

In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to boast in what pertains to God. For I will not dare to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to lead the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum I have finished preaching the Gospel of Christ. Thus I aspire to proclaim the Gospel not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on another’s foundation, but as it is written: Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand. (Rom 15:17-21)

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (Ps 98:1,4)

Lord Jesus, You are my one and only Master in whom I am fully accountable. Thank You so much for entrusting me with Your vast wealth and riches as Your veryu own steward. I own nothing to anyone except You. 

I do confess Lord that I have sinned. I have not been truly prudent in all works at hand. Please forgive me and guide me with Your hand to do what is right and proper in all of the works and undertakings that must be accomplished. I surrender fully to the works of Your hands. 

Indeed Lord, You do not commend dishonesty but one's admission of guilt that led to acting prudently. Help me dear Lord to always show careful and good judgment over all our financial dealings knowing that eventually. I shall prepare a full account of the stewardship You have entrusted to me. As always, please accept my deep and profound gratitude for always providing for our needs and making me mindful to be faithful in paying our debts and obligations. 

All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE PARABLE OF THE DISHONEST STEWARD

Luke 16:1-8

Give What is Due

Give to the Lord, you families of nations, give to the Lord glory and praise; give to the Lord the glory due His name! Bring gifts, and enter His courts. - Psalm 96:7-8

Thus says the Lord, I have called you by your name, giving you a title, though you knew me not. I am the Lord and there is no other, there is no God besides me. It is I who arm you, though you know me not, so that toward the rising and the setting of the sun people may know that there is none besides me. I am the Lord, there is no other. (Is 45:4-6)  I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land where you live as a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. (Gen 17:8)

Jesus said, “Repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” (Mt. 22:21)

Give back to them according to the work of their hands; Repay them what is due them. (Ps 28:4) You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work, and in all your undertakings. (Dt. 15:10)

By loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding close to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, so that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them. (Dt. 30:20)

Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; awesome is He, beyond all gods. For all the gods of the nations are things of naught but the Lord made the heavens. (Ps 96:4-5) Worship the Lord in holy attire. Tremble before him, all the earth; say among the nations: the Lord is king; He governs the peoples with equity. (Ps 96:9-10)

The LORD, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and from the land of my birth, and who spoke to me and who swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give this land'—He will send His angel ahead of you (Gen 24:7). May He also give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your descendants with you, so that you may possess the land where you live as a stranger (Gen 28:4).

We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father, knowing, brothers and sisters loved by God, how you were chosen. For our gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction. (1 Thes 1:2-5)