The ‘Identity-day’ - A time for everything *

Identity is very much about belonging. Knowing my identity provides a good life even in the difficult phases of life when we face war, resistance, illness and sorrow. Identity is about being at home in myself, at home in the community, at home in the nature and at home in God.

For me, Pentecost is primarily about discovering my identity as a child of God. The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples like a tongue of fire, like a language with a burning passion. In addition to sharing a common belief and confession, there was suddenly something more that identified the 120 who had been waiting for ten days for the Holy Spirit. It was a new incarnation. They were one body with a common burning language, the language of love. Without this language, Christianity would have ended up as another religion instead of as the life of Jesus in the world. The 120 were at home in God and the Spirit of God was at home in them.

The first church experienced what Christians in the coming generations have experienced, which is so well expressed by Paul:

The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.
Romans 8:16

Therefore, Pentecost is both a goal and a start. Pentecost is where we come home, and from that home we go out, knowing that the home is always with us because the Holy Spirit is always with us. Of course, I have an identity in the world. I am Norwegian, I am a Salvationist, I have a physical family and I love the identity this gives me, but my most important identity is in Jesus Christ, and I received this in the miracle of Pentecost.

‘Manna’ for today:

Pentecost gives me identity

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(1) Today's illustration is also about identity, and we received the drawing as a gift a week ago. A cartoonist working at Salvattex redesign in Iasi is the master of the product. He had been informed about four interests individual interests Magna and I have. He then placed us and our interests in the picture people in this world have of Norway. In the background, you will find Norwegian mountains represented by the landmarks: Torghatten, Trolltunga and Nordkapp. You can also identify our interests - and four grandchildren, though their given gender is free imagination - like most of the other features - but cleverly done!

All included - a time for everything *

NORSK
The verse telling about the eleven who ‘joined together constantly in prayer’, continues:

“along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
Acts 1:14

I believe that the inclusion of women and men who were not part of the inner core of disciples was a very important prerequisite for the Holy Spirit to come upon those who were waiting for it to happen.

I am convinced that discrimination on gender, ethnicity and social status will prevent the Holy Spirit from being able to work through the followers of Jesus (1). That was true 2000 years ago, and it is true today.

In my series of reflections on 'The grammar of the faith', I post the question if the word 'all' is the most important word for God (2). Of course, it is not possible to determine this suggestion, but I have never doubted his desire to include everyone. When 'all' are 'together' in his name, then everything can happen and tomorrow we celebrate the first time it happened.

‘Manna’ for today:

Everyone included – take it or leave it!

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(1) It is also confirmed by Peter's reference to Joel's prophecy on the Day of Pentecost:
“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
Acts 2:17-18
(2) See: The most important word for God? – unfortunately only available in English through google translate.
 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

What they did - a time for everything *

NORSK
What they did may seem an obvious thing to do, but actually it was an initiative that the disciples took themselves:

They all joined together constantly in prayer
Acts 1:14

In reflecting over what the disciple did right while they were ‘waiting’ - because it was ‘waiting’ Jesus had asked them to do (1), it becomes evident that prayer became their central focus. And ever since it has been one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith and practise. The eleven who failed to watch and pray for one hour with Jesus now spent the ‘waiting time’ praying. ‘Waiting” for the Lord is a form of prayer in itself, and the waiting gives power (2). Although it may sound like a lot to pray for ten days, it does not feel that way for those who do it.

I have several times participated in 24/7 prayer-weeks. Before I did my first one, I thought it was an impossible task, but it was good to set aside time to seek the Lord in this a way. Praying is waiting and waiting is praying.

‘Manna’ for today:

Choosing prayer is never wrong!

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(1) “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised” Acts 1:4
(2) but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength Isaiah 40:31
 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost 

The good habits – a time for everything *

When I try to track the ‘correct’ things the disciples did while they were waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon them, I see that it was important that they followed Jesus' instruction. As I read yesterday, they returned to Jerusalem, however, Jesus had not said anything about where they should go. So where then did they go? Of course they went were they used to go:

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying.
Acts 1:13  

I have moved around a lot during my life, and when I come to new places, I often hear sentences like “Here we are used to…” And immediately after comes as often an apologetic “However, ‘Used to’ is dead!” 

Of course some habits can prevent us in doing new things, but there are good habits that we should stick to. Unfortunately, too many ‘Used tos’ have died without being replaced in many of our corps and churches. It is good to be aware of the fact that when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost, it was in a place where they ‘used to’ stay – they were in their own ‘habit’at.

We tend to travel at special conferences or congresses to get a new encounter with the Holy Spirit, but the Spirit’s habit is to attend where we use to attend? The question we should ask, is what we ‘use to’ do when we gather in the place we ‘use to’ to go. What the disciples did in the place they were staying, I will write more about tomorrow.

‘Manna’ for tomorrow:

It is important to take good care of good habits

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(1) The picture is an example of 'good habits': Two believers become soldiers in Romania. They are the first soldiers in a corps-plant in Bacau. The articles of faith are confirmed. They signed the ‘Soldier’s Covenant’ in prayer a.s.o. All of these are "good habits":

• Plant churches, 
• make disciples and soldiers,
•  confess the faith, 
• be in prayer, and 
• have a covenant relationship with the Lord. 

Colonel Rodney S. Walters enrolled the new soldiers last Sunday.

 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

Follow the instruction – a time for everything *

NORSK
In the account following Christ's ascension, I notice several important factors that are important for the fulfillment of the promise. Individually they are strong, but the combination of them is of dynamic importance. Today I stop with the first one:

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem
Acts 1:12

That the disciples returned to Jerusalem is an act of obedience to Jesus' clear instructions not to leave the city. 

I do not think that they fully understood what was about to happen, but they believed in him who gave the command to wait in the city. Therefore, obedience is also an expression of faith. 

The disciples certainly had no idea of the impact it was going to bring. If it had been a requirement to believe all this, I think the apostles would have remained on the Mount of Olives and under the leadership of Peter built "cottages" or waiting rooms with skylights where they could continue to watch the sky and wait for his return. But the first step in obedience was to move back to Jerusalem.
I have reflected on the connection between faith and obedience many times in my ministry. This simple statement about returning to Jerusalem confirms the importance. Faith is about doing what Jesus asks me to do, and that is also all I have to worry about. 


'Manna' for today:

Following the instructions is vital for the outcome

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 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

The end of the age – a time for everything *

NORSK
Yesterday I wrote about the ‘ends of the earth’ and when I today use the ‘end of the age’, it is because today it is about eschatology and not geography. The Great Commission, which is Matthew's version of Jesus' farewell-speech to the disciples, takes care of the time-perspective:

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matt 28:18b-20

Eschatology was very important for me when I was young. I still believe in the return of Jesus Christ and that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. I also believe it is important that we do not stop preaching what the Bible teaches about this. However, I am increasingly concerned that every moment is ‘the end of the world’ or the ‘end of the age’. In fact, it is also an explicit part of the Bible's teaching. John has many Jesus quotes that take care of this aspect. Here are a few examples:

“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
John 3:18

“Yet a time is coming and has now come…”
John 4:23a

That is why the end of the age perspective points to the place where I am right now. I always live in the end of the age of the world and there he is always with me. That is the place and time where our mission both has its beginning and eventually its end.

‘Manna’ for today:

NOW is important, because it is important NOW.

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(1) In Norway, we have a place called “the end of the world”, and we also have places called e.g. “kingdom of heaven” and “hell” – it is an interesting country…
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

Where is the “ends of the earth”? - a time for everything *

NORSK 

“to the ends of the earth”
Acts 1:8

was part of yesterday's verse, and I promised to revert with some thoughts on the subject. ‘Ends of the earth’ can be interpreted geographically or eschatologically = in an end-time perspective. 

Today I will focus on the geography.

I live an exciting life together with Jesus, and following him has led to exciting encounters with people who also follow him. Brother Yun, known as 'The Heavenly Man', is one of them (1).

Yun has a simple and logical explanation on what ‘the ends of the earth’ means:

Since the earth is round, the ends of the earth is exactly where you begin. Since the Christian mission began in Jerusalem, taking the gospel to the ends of the earth means taking the gospel back to Jerusalem. For the Chinese Christians it is important to evangelize the area from China westward to Jerusalem. The movement ‘Back to Jerusalem’ is therefore their mission strategy.

What does this mean for me?

Since the earth is round, it means that wherever I am, I am at the ends of the earth. On Friday it was the Romanian border, on Saturday it was Bacau, yesterday it was Iasi and today it is Bucharest, and at 'the ends of the earth' I will witness because I am convinced that Jesus is with there too.

‘Manna’ for today:

I witness at the 'ends of the earth'

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(1) Yun's biography
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost 

The important strategy - a time for everything *

NORSK
When Jesus had reminded the disciples that they after having received the Holy Spirit should be his witnesses, he continued by giving them the strategy for the mission:

“ … in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8

The mission is not accomplished before we reach “the ends of the earth”, but the crucial point is that I always start where I am. On Friday afternoon we passed the border between Moldova and Romania. It was Rodney (Walters) who drove the car, and it is normal procedure that the driver is the one presenting the identification documents for both passengers and vehicle. The custom officer on the Romanian border was in a good mood and wanted to talk, and Rodney got an opportunity to testify, which he used to witness about the love of God shown to us in Jesus.

One of the benefits of knowing Jesus' strategy is that we are always ready to testify. Wearing the uniform can often be a help, because it makes people ask questions that open up for conversation. The Romanian border is not the ends of the earth, but what Rodney, Wendy, Magna and I have in common, is that we many years ago began where we were, and have continued to ‘begin’ right where we are. I will revert to some thoughts about "the ends of the earth" tomorrow. 

‘Manna’ for today:

Today I will begin in Iasi

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(1) This picture is not taken at Romanian border, but on Aeropagos - the place where Paul began to witness for Athenians.
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

The last important reminder - a time for everything *

NORSK
As we draw closer to the day of Pentecost, I reflect on some of the last things Jesus did or said, and today I focus on the last reminder:

“... a and you will be my witnesses...” Acts 1:8  

I have written a lot about witnessing on the blog (2). That is because the Bible refers to it many times both in the Old and the New Testament.
Since I have been brought up in the Salvation Army, I was constantly reminded about witnessing. It had focus in the preaching and it was very evident in the practice of people giving their testimonies both in indoor meetings and in the open air. 

Many of our halls had the verse from Isaiah on the wall – preferably on the back wall so that the soldiers on the platform could be constantly reminded on the fact that:

“You are my witnesses,”
declares the Lord
Isaiah 43:11 

I have seen how important it is for the witnesses telling their stories and for those who listen to the testimonies, so I am not surprised that Jesus' last reminder was that I should be his witness.

‘Manna’ for today:

I want to be his witness!

And today I will give my testimony at the library in Bacau, where a new corps planting in Romania has taken place - and tomorrow the first two soldiers will be enrolled.
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(1) An example of the "back wall text" referred to, and in the foreground two faithful witnesses: Anne and Jan-Egil Trobe (Sandvika).
(2) You can find more reflections under the label Witness - and many more if you do google translate on the reflections under Vitne
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

The important last promise - a time for everything *

NORSK
Yesterday I reflected for the last important lesson embedded in what Jesus did in the moment before he was taken up into heaven. If we combine Luke's account of the ascension of Jesus in the gospel with his version of the narrative in Acts, we see that just before Jesus blessed the disciples, he gave this promise:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you
Acts 1:8

Jesus made it clear that the disciples should wait until they were equipped with the power of the Holy Spirit before they started the mission.

I used to wonder why Jesus didn’t just give them the Holy Spirit before he left them. I choose to believe that it was because he wanted the disciples to long for the promise to be fulfilled - the desire for it to happen should not only be owned by Jesus, but also shared by the 11 and their 109 friends. I believe that this is the reason why they were given ten days entirely on their own to reflect on everything they had learned.

The free will is "holy" to God because it is part of his image in us. Therefore, we must desire whatever God wants to give us.

‘Manna’ for today:

I want the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon me

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* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

The last important lesson - a time for everything *

NORSK
Most Bible-readers know that Luke wrote both a gospel and the book of Acts (1). The gospel ends with Jesus being taken up into heaven, while the Apostles' acts begin with the same event. There is full harmony between the two versions as the road between Jerusalem and Bethany crossed the Mount of Olives. The version of the event in Luke is very short, but I love the brief account:

When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.
Luke 24:50-51

The last memory the disciples have of Jesus is that he raised his hands blessed them, and then he was taken up into heaven while he blessed his disciples. I think even that in this last event there is an important lesson:
"You are never closer to heaven than when you bless one another!"
 
Obviously, the last memory of what Jesus did, was an important example. And down through history disciples have followed his example. We bless because Jesus did it and we know why: It is because God's blessing, God's good word over us, is the best gift we can give and receive. Perhaps Jesus used the words all Jews knew, but maybe he made them personal: “I bless you and keep you; I make my face shine on you and am gracious to you; I turn my face toward you and give you peace” (2).

‘Manna’ for today:

I will lift up my hands and bless people!

Today I wish you a blessed celebration of the Ascension Day!
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(1) Both books are written to a man by the name Theophilus. My theory is that he was one of Paul’s converts in Rome.
(2) Numbers 6:24-26
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost 

What is a disciple's calling? - a time for everything *

NORSK
The conversation Jesus had with Peter at the Sea of Galilee gives a clear answer to what a disciple's calling is.

Jesus' question to Peter sets the foundation for the calling: “Do you love me?” (1). If the answer is “Yes”, John made it clear that the confession has consequences:

Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
1 John 4:20

To love God and my neighbour is the very root of the calling. If love is not present in my life, whatever I do will be without fruit. If the love is there, the calling is summed up in Jesus' invitation to Peter. An important reminder to give to the one chosen to be the leader of the flock after Jesus had ascended to heaven:

“Follow me!”
John 21:22b

‘Manna’ for today:

In love, I will follow Jesus

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(1) John 21:15
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

He is always nearby - a time for everything *

NORSK
The seven disciples who met Jesus at the shore of the Sea of Galilee were in an open physical landscape, but even in such sceneries much is hidden for the physical eye. The same may be said about the landscape of faith, it is open, yet not everything is revealed. This fact becomes evident in this verse:

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.
John 21:12

I do not think that it was the fear of Jesus' reaction that was the reason for the disciples not daring to ask the question, “Who are you?” I think it was because the moment was perceived as sacred. They had just experienced something supernatural. They did not understand the scope of it. Faith told them that it had to be their Lord and Master standing in front of them on the beach. A question or a void sentence could destroy the mystery of the holy moment it is to stand, sit or lay down in the presence of the Lord.

Anyway at least one of the disciples knew that Jesus knew what they knew in their hearts (2).

In such moments it is best to be quiet and just take in the mystery and keep it as something valuable, something only they can understand who have made the same experience: “Jesus is present in my everyday life.”

When I know that he is nearby, I do not dare to ask who he is or utter void words. It will ruin everything. It was very important for the disciples to learn this before they should receive tongues of fire shortly after this incident. Image if the 120 on the day of Pentecost had started to question “Who are you?”

‘Manna’ for today:

When Jesus is nearby, I will stay in his presence – not destroy it with void words.

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(1) Imagine seeing such an amazing view and still grasp so little, but at the same time feel so intensely alive and at home in an unknown landscape - Nesna midnight July 2008. Is that what faith is?
(2) John 21:17
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost 

Bring what you have – a time for everything *

NORSK
I have 'drifted' a bit back and forth in the Biblical texts covering the period between Easter and Pentecost. There has been a plan behind it, at least some idea about where I want to go. Today, I revert to the Sea of Galilee.

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” John 21:9-10

I do not think it is a coincidence that the disciples saw both fish and bread on the burning coals, and I am convinced that they immediately thought of the two previous experiences where some fishes and pieces of bread were used to feed thousands of people. I guess that the amount of food already on the coals was enough for seven disciples and Jesus, and if not, I believe Jesus could have blessed it so that it became sufficient. Yet - he chose different strategy. The disciples had caught fish themselves, they had something they could contribute with to the fellowship meal. Jesus wanted to include them by using their contribution.

"Bring with what you have" is a principle in the Kingdom of God.
It means that I am included, and whatever I contribute with can be a blessing for both myself and others. The Bible is full of stories of people who brought what what they had. Through my life I have met many people who brought just what Jesus needed. It can be anything from a broken life to special talents. Perhaps I will write another book entitled 'They brought what they had' sometimes in the future? Nevertheless, I am grateful for those who brought themselves and contributed with what they had. Jesus will use whatever he receives. The disciples learned this before Jesus ascended to heaven.

‘Manna’ for today:

Thank you for allowing me to bring what I have!

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(1) Gaute loved to bring flowers when he was small - maybe that was because mom loved everything the boy brought her? If we are created in God's image, why should God be different when his children bring him what they have?
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

The initiative is left to me - a time for everything *

NORSK
I believe that Jesus started teaching about the Holy Spirit in the very beginning of the training of the disciples. In the collected teaching of Jesus, which we refer to as the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is clear that the Holy Spirit is the best gift his Father can give:

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
Luke 11:13

When I experienced the Holy Spirit as a real power in my life in 1972, this verse became one of my favourite verses. When I some years later became a father and wanted the best for my children, the verse made an even stronger impact on me. The challenge is that God never intrudes into the privacy of his children. We have to ask him to give us the Holy Spirit. Jesus was completely aware of this and taught. Therefore, it may seem strange that he just before he ascended to heaven, said: 

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.”
Acts 1:4

But this is only strange if I regard the ‘art of waiting’ as a passive strategy (1). I can hardly imagine anything more active than children who at Christmas are waiting for the moment when the presents are to be unwrapped. Waiting in the Bible is more related to expecting, simply because I am waiting for something to come true. In the narrative about the Baptist, Luke wrote that “the people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah” (2).

So it is left to my initiative to receive the Holy Spirit. The strategy is to pray and wait ‘expectantly’.

‘Manna’ for today:

God has taken the initiative by sending the Holy Spirit; my initiative is to receive.

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(1) See “A passive strategy?”
(2) Luke 3:15
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost 

The promise of the Father – a time for everything *

NORSK
This is the fourth time I quote the same verse in this series, and I guess it will be the last for now:

And look, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. Luke 24:49a

I love to be reminded of God's promises. It strengthens the faith to see the fulfillment of the promises in the Bible. It is likely that the promise Jesus was referring to is the same Peter used when he spoke to the great crowd on the day of Pentecost: “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” (1).

Thus Jesus repeated the promise and Peter did the same when he came to the end of his speech. He urged the audience to repent and receive forgiveness for sins, followed by the promise:

“And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 2:38b-39

Therefore, the promise applies to all who receive the call – even we who are ‘far off’ many generations later. I know it is true because I have experienced it myself.

‘Manna’ for today:

For he who gave the promise is faithful. (2)

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(1) Acts 2:16-17a, which is taken from Joel 2:28-29
(2) Hebr 10:23b
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost

Is 'upon' an important word? - a time for everything *

NORSK
When I was young, I had lots of questions about the Holy Spirit. I read books and spoke with experienced disciples and discovered that many focused on the importance of the Spirit coming upon us. There is substantial Biblical support for such thoughts, and we find it in a verse I have already quoted a couple of times in this series of reflections:

And look, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you.
Luke 24:49a

When I surrendered to Jesus and invited him into my life at the age of 14, the Holy Spirit moved into my spirit. I believe that all who have received Jesus have also received the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit in us, we are new creatures and as such we are able to recognize the Holy Spirit when he comes upon us.

I have definitely had many experiences of the Holy Spirit coming 'upon' me both in solitude and in fellowship with many others. This can be very different in expressions and intensity, but even when the expression is unknown, the Holy Spirit can be recognized by the fruit – the presence of divine love. If what the Father has promised comes from on high, it may not be so strange that it will come ‘upon’ us. Paul urged us to search for it:

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above”
Col 3:1a

The disciples also had to seek for that which was promised and they waited for it for ten days. For Paul, being raised with Christ is synonym with being a new creature. It shows that seeking for that which is promised to come ‘over’ me is an invitation that is still valid even though I live in a good relationship with the Lord.

‘Manna’ for today

I want the Holy Spirit to come over me!

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* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost

The best clothing - a time for everything *

NORSK
Today, I take a small side track from Jesus' teaching in the intense learning-period between Easter and Pentecost. I do this because it was also important for Paul that they who repented and were saved should experience ‘the power from on high’ - the baptism in the Holy Spirit (1). 

In the Romans he described the Spirit as ‘the first crop of the harvest’ (2). This must mean that the harvest that comes is also about being dressed:

“Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
2 Corinthians 5:2-5

Paul used the same word Luke used to when he quoted Jesus' promise to be clothed with power from on high. Paul added a preposition that can translate on-clothed or over-clothed. He regarded to be clothed with the Spirit as a taste of the covering clothing of the life in the heavenly dwelling. To have such a deposit is a great treasure!

‘Manna’ for today:

The power-clothing is a deposit on the heavenly clothing.

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(1) Acts 19:1-6
(2) Romans 8:23

Well-dressed - a time for everything *

NORSK
Today, Norway celebrates the National Day.

May be the way my home country celebrates the 17th of May is the most unique with the country. What I like the most with the celebration is to see all the people in national costumes. The girls in our family have had costumes for many years and this year I could have been participating for the first time in my new outfit; however, today I am home in Moldova and happy to be here.

I admit that I felt well-dressed last Sunday when I used the costume for the first time in Adam's confirmation. Nor do I hide the fact that I like to use the Salvation Army uniform even though I belong to those who liked the old uniform with a stand up collar even better. Since the photo with the national costumes was posted two days ago, today's photo will have to serve the purpose of illustrating well-dressed people.

But there is a ‘clothing’ that is even more important than uniforms and national costumed, and I see this in this verse:

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Luke 24:49

The original word, here translated ‘clothed’, actually means ‘sinking into a garment’. I like this idea. I am well-dressed in the ministry when I have sunk down and been clothed in power from on high. Without it, neither uniforms nor national costumes are worth mentioning. The ‘clothing from on high’ is an 'armour' for the good fight, and then it is acceptable to translate like my favourite Norwegian translation does in this case: ‘armoured with power’. It was important for Jesus to prepare the disciples for this event in the period between Easter and Pentecost.

‘Manna’ for today:

I will dress for the good fight!

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* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost

The bad days - a time for everything *

NORSK
It is good that Jesus announced both perfect joy and difficult times when he described the time after the Resurrection.

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33b

I have experienced bad days, I am facing big challenges and I know that I will continue to experience that it is tough to live in a world full of tribulation. Knowing this, I find an amazing comfort in Jesus' statement:

“I have overcome the world!”

It is exciting to notice that the statement is in a past tense - despite the fact it was a victory Jesus should win a few days later. Again Jesus gave an example of what speaking in faith is all about. Jesus had already confirmed the decision to complete the mission he had come to accomplish. It happened when some Greeks approached his disciples because they wanted to meet Jesus (1).

I share his faith, and by grace I have part in his victory - on the good and the bad days.

‘Manna’ for today:

I have part in his victory!

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(1) John 12:23-28
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost