God's Gospel Truths
Luke 24:36-49
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
Jesus told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations,
beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. 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 24:46-49
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 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.”
Pondering Point
Stay in Jerusalem and wait until you have been clothed from on high.
While the theme for the week is about us learning to wait on God, this selection from the bible hints at a great deal of waiting on Jesus’ part as the Christ (Messiah).
Think about it: He waited centuries until “the time had fully come” (Galatians 4:4); He waited 30 years to enter ministry (Luke 3:23); He waited on God’s timing during His ministry until His death was to transpire (John 7:6); and He even let His body lie in wait in a tomb to fulfill the promised three-days-in-the-grave resurrection. So too the disciples’ call to be witnesses to the world would have its own waiting period. And sometimes we have a waiting period too. Wait on God – then act with God; but don’t just act for God – after the wait, act with God.
Prayer for the Day
Lord Jesus, teach us how to wait well on Father God, on You the Lord Jesus, and on the Holy Spirit and His guidance. In Your name I pray. Amen.