“In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth” (Luke:1:5).

The Gospel gives us the time and place.  Unlike mythology, we can trace the time and place when and where these things happened.  The world tries to deny it, but every attempt at discrediting these things has been shattered.  Although we no longer have the scrolls of the lineage (they were destroyed by the Romans), in that day, it was there and available for the first witnesses.  Luke is reporting on actual indisputable events that took place.

Lord, the arrogance of our era sees many who want to deny these things, but there were no contemporary witnesses who refuted them; but only a claim that Christ was not raised from the dead, despite the hundreds of witnesses who saw the risen Christ.  Help me to not fall for the traps of this unbelieving generation but receive the truth which You have revealed for all people.

Lord, just as it was reported through these words as well as other accounts, this world has been filled with so many who are skeptical and unbelieving.  Bring me through the foolish doubts of this age to understand the truth You have revealed.  Because You live, I too shall live.  In You I have hope and an eternal future.  Come to me in the fulness of the Gospel and reveal what You would have me see and understand.  Amen.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:1-4).

Theophilus is questioning things.  Luke puts together a Gospel account for those who question.  It is filled with details.  This is done so that you may know the things you have been taught are true.  Ultimately, whether you receive the report or reject it, the report is given so that you may believe.  The world criticizes, but God offers you the truth about these things.  Which will you believe?

Lord, You have given us four Gospel accounts, each with their own purpose, but all saying the same thing.  By grace through faith, You have redeemed us from the rebellion and condemnation that comes from sin.  Help me to understand and believe.  Let me not fall into the trap of constant criticism but believe that You have redeemed me and are making me one who is more like Christ, my Savior.

Lord Jesus, God in the flesh, You have come to rescue as many as will turn to You and have a life as You have created it to be lived.  Guide me in the right way of living which You have demonstrated in Your ministry as reported in this book.  Help me to open my eyes to the large and small things, take them in and watch them as they become a part of who I am in You.  Be the One who opens my eyes to see and understand.  Amen.

[And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation] (Mark 16: RSV footnote – this verse is questioned by some as to whether or not it was in the original Gospel, but still useful).

The Lord has allowed this reflection of the book of Acts to be included.  The world looks for reasons not to believe, but the Lord grants witness after witness for those who believe.  The proclamation of eternal salvation has gone to the ends of the earth, but there are always more who have not heard of the saving grace won by Christ from the cross.  Receive the witness and believe.

Lord, I hear so many things and I am often confused.  You have sent the Gospel out for those who believe.  In the simplicity of the salvation which You have given me in Christ, help me to live the Gospel through all that I do.  Guide me to be a messenger wherever I go, living the truth of the salvation which You have made possible through the death and resurrection of Christ my Savior.

Risen Lord of salvation, lead me ever deeper into all that this means.  Help me to live according to the plan the Father has for me so that I too may be a part of spreading the truth of Your purpose for all whom You have redeemed.  Guide me in Your grace in order that I may now, and always, humbly follow where You lead.  Help me to not so much question as to learn how to listen and obey all that You have commanded.  Amen.

“So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.  And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed” (Mark 16:19-20).

The truth changes all our wrong thinking.  Those who fear what this life may bring and live without grace are subject to the winds of the day.  Those who know that the Lord is watching over us all trust that, live or die, we belong to Him and that in Him, though we die, yet shall we live.  Faith brings us into right relationship with our God.  Live the life You have been given and in living, you will be His witness.

Lord, help my unbelief.  You have given me the gift of faith, and in that faith, You have told me that You have a purpose for my life.  I am often circumstantial and want what I want in the moment, and the truth is, I do not really know what I want.  Take me out of the crazy circles of uncertainty in this life in order to live into the life You have set before me.  You have given us the words of eternal life.

Lord Jesus, where I doubt, remind me that You are leading the way.  Where I become conditional, remove the obstacles so that I will trust You above all things, especially my circumstances.  When I fear, grant me knowledge of Your love, knowing that perfect love casts out all fear.  Be the One who is leading me through all of the circumstances that will come before me.  Amen.

“These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark 16:17-18).

Trusting in the Lord is a matter of looking to Him for all things.  He will guide and protect you when you walk in His ways.  Those who believe will do amazing things, but that does not mean that all will.  Some faithful have never cast out demons or have been bitten by serpents and been poisoned.  The point is, in the Lord He will cause all things to work together.  Trust Him and the gifts He gives you.

Lord, the sinner in me says, “Give me the magic.”  Rebuke that, gracious Lord, so that I may trust that as I live and then die in this age, it fulfills Your purpose.  Lead me to know that if You do want a special gift in me, I will know it and it shall be used for the Father’s glory.  Guide me out of worldly thinking in its terms of greed and jealousy to have a new mind that seeks what is right and fitting for every situation.

Lord Jesus, You were crucified. and rose from the dead, preparing the way for all who follow You.  Let me not test You but believe that the Father is always watching over me.  No matter the circumstances, help me to hold fast to the faith You have given me.  Guide me in the way You set before me knowing that all things will work together for good for Your bride, the church.  Amen.

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.  He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16).

The good news of the Gospel is not something we just sit on and think about.  We are to live it.  Wherever we go, we are an ambassador for our Risen Lord.  We are to grow in the faith we have been given and be a living witness at all times and in all places.  No matter our circumstance, we are to affirm the truth that Christ has risen from the dead and that all who believe will be united with Him eternally.  Walk as one who has been redeemed.

Lord, this is of Your doing and not mine.  All I can do is reflect the light which You have caused to illumine my heart and mind.  Help me to learn that this gift of faith You have given me is not something private, but it is now who I am.  I am Yours.  You have redeemed me at the cost of Your body given for me and Your own shed blood.  You have redeemed me for purpose in Your kingdom.  Help me to learn what it means to be Your witness.

Lord Jesus, You are my teacher.  Coming to faith and knowing that You have been raised from the dead is the narrow gate to the journey of faith.  Help me to embark on this journey following You as You lead me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to understand that only in You is there a true life.  Help me to be a consistent witness of Your grace and mercy so that others may come to You in faith.  Amen.

“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen” (Mark 16:14).

Does the Lord need to reproach you for your unbelieving hardness of heart?  Do not test the Lord.  He has spoken the words of eternal life, and You have received them.  Be not unbelieving, but believing, and live in the faith which You have been given.  Trust the Holy Spirit to awaken your heart if another gives you a witness of the Risen Lord, knowing that you have received the truth when the Risen Lord is proclaimed.

Lord, living in a skeptical and unbelieving generation I am hammered all day long by those who are hostile to the faith.  Sadly, it too often influences me and doubts arise.  To go to unbelief, I have to deny what I already believe is true.  Help me to learn how to hold fast to the truth that I first received.  Let the truth of Your resurrection dwell richly in my heart, soul, and mind.

Lord Jesus, You have come to save us; and we all need saving.  You have come so that we may have true life and not live in the doubts of this foolish world.  Lead me to live in the faith You have given me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You no matter what those around me say or do.  Teach me how to be a faithful witness of Your resurrection as You conform me to Your image.  Amen.   

“After that, He appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking along on their way to the country.  They went away and reported it to the others, but they did not believe them either” (Mark 16:12-13).

Since that day, witnesses have gone out and proclaimed that Christ is risen, but many who hear the report will not believe.  Only the Holy Spirit can open the eyes of the blind.  The light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not comprehend it. No matter how many witnesses come, for some it takes a long time and for others, they stubbornly will not believe.  You have heard the witnesses.  Believe, and know that Christ is raised from the dead.

Lord, help my unbelief.  In a skeptical world, there are those who will not believe.  You have opened the eyes of my heart to see and believe.  Help me to not fall back into unbelief, but know that You are the Alpha and Omega, and You have chosen to do things the way You have done them.  Although I may not understand many of these things, I do understand that the grave could not contain you.

Lord Jesus, in the mystery of faith You have opened my eyes to see and believe.  Help my belief so that I too may be a witness of Your resurrection.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live in the truth, that because You live, I too shall live.  Lead me in the truth of faith to live amidst those who cannot or will not see and continue being be a witness of Your resurrection.  Aid me to live in the true faith.  Amen. 

“When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it” (Mark 16:11).

They refused to believe it.  The greatest miracle of our age and they would not believe.  Is that not the case in our generation?  Many refuse to believe.  The most unreasonable thing is to become one who does not believe simply because others will not believe it.  Refuse the wickedness of this world, and be not unbelieving, but believing.  Christ has risen and because He has risen, we too shall rise.

Lord God, how often do I believe the pablum of this world but reject the truth which witnesses have spoken to me.  Break my unbelieving heart so that I may believe the truth which You have revealed.  Lead me through every temptation to not reject what You have spoken so that I may live the life of faith which You have granted me.  Guide me by Your Holy Spirit to believe, speak, and do what is right in Your sight.

Lord Jesus, risen from the dead, You have sent witnesses out in every time and place.  Often, their witness is not received, but Your word never comes back void.  Send me out into the world as Your witness that whether or not that witness is received, I faithfully proclaim it anyway.  Guide me in the way of living this life You have given me.  Help me to be bold in witness, always relying upon You, the One of whom I witness.  Amen.

“Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons.  She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping” (Mark 16:9-10).

The one who has been forgiven much loves much.  Perhaps Jesus went to the one who was most ready to receive.  He chose Mary (as far as we know) to be the first witness of His resurrection.  Our Lord does things very intentionally.  At that time, in a world that did not accept the testimony of a woman, He chose a woman to be His first witness.  We are to believe the veracity of the report regardless of who speaks it.

Lord, in many and various ways You speak to us.  Should it really matter if it comes from a small child or anyone else?  Of course not.  Truth is truth; but the ideological pollution of this world trains my mind to accept only what the world deems acceptable.  Guide me so that I am willing to hear Your voice wherever and whenever You will speak.  Help me to seek after the wisdom You grant to Your faithful.

Savior of our souls, You have revealed the truth to those who believe.  The unbelieving will not receive the report.  Lead my life such that I become Your witness at all times.  Regardless of how the world presses in on me, guide me to believe in You and act according to the Father’s will.  Help me in those times where I speak what is true, though not received, so that I may humbly proclaim a good testimony, and see to it that I leave to You what You will do with my testimony.  Amen.