Today's Reading is Luke 24:36-39, 45-49 36While they were still talking about this, Jesus Himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look 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…”
45Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name for all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things. 49I 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.”
“God, what do You want me to hear?” What do these verses have to do with this week's theme “Go...Caution!!!... Go!!!” ???
The men in this passage are the same men that Jesus called and sent out as His Twelve Apostles. He tried to prepare them for how difficult their task would be as they witnessed to others about Who He really was. He warned them that they would be persecuted because of Him. Yet, in spite of how hard their work would be, He promised that He would provide whatever they would need. Food, shelter, finances, even the words that they would need to speak would be provided at just the right time.
These same men witnessed their Lord being mocked, beaten, tortured and crucified.
And then, after three days of doubt and questions, agony and confusion, grief and loss - the Resurrected Savior appears to them multiple times. They thought they were seeing a ghost – they were frightened, and doubting. Yet, our patient Savior shows them His hands and His feet. He lets them touch Him! Once again, He did exactly what He told them when He sent them out – that He would provide everything they needed -- even the “Living proof” that He was truly the Risen Savior.
And the provision doesn't stop there...
45Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
He reminds them of their calling to proclaim the Good News; however, He tells them to wait a little longer – until they were equipped with power from on high. He wasn’t going to leave them un-equipped. Even though He was about to leave them physically, He would still keep providing for them - through power from on high! 49I 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.”
What does this have to do with me, on this day, God?
Are You telling me that You continue 2000 years later, to provide everything that I need in order to be a witness for You? When I have doubts and troubles, You will open my mind so I can understand Your Word? Are you reassuring me that You fill me with “power from on high” - the Holy Spirit - to strengthen me, guide me, and even tell me what to say at the right time?
How amazing! The same promise You gave to Your very first disciples - on the very first day that you rose from the dead - You give to me, too! The same way You equipped Your first witnesses is for me, too. With that kind of provision - I am ready to face this day - I have everything I need!
What is God saying to you this day?
-dawn