Friday May 5, 2023

Today is Friday, May 5 and we continue to study the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

I center myself to be in the presence of my loving Savior. I calm my breath, inhaling and exhaling deeply. I quiet my restless thoughts and fix the eyes of my soul on Jesus.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, Savior and Friend, I turn to you in the morning stillness and long to feel the comfort of your touch. Open the ears of my heart and help me hear your voice speaking into the events of the upcoming day. Amen.

In the morning I seek the presence of the Lord with the ancient words of Psalm 16.

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11

Pause and Pray

In the Upper Room in Jerusalem, Jesus made two appearances to his disciples. They saw the wounds on his hands and feet made by the driving Roman nails and the wound on his side pierced by a Roman sword. After eating some broiled fish he opened the ancient prophecies of the Old Testament and explained how his suffering, death and resurrection were the fulfillment of God’s great rescue plan for all of humanity. Then he gives them some final instructions to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They have work to do.

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.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He 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 24:44-49

Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection is accomplished for the salvation of all human souls including mine. The message of the gospel spread from this humble beginning of a small group of frightened followers gathered behind locked doors. Beginning in Jerusalem the message of Christ spread through all nations, in all times, was translated into many languages, and brought to many cultures. One day the gospel was given to me. Jesus died for the forgiveness of my sins and the salvation of my soul. I am a witness of his divine love and a recipient of the greatest gift of all – salvation and eternal life. I am sent out to tell others about Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Ask: When did I first hear the good news of Jesus Christ? When did I first believe in him and choose to follow him?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, open the scriptures to me and give me understanding of the marvelous truth of God’s plan for my soul. Your suffering and death was endured out of love for me. Your blood was shed so that my sins can be forgiven. I turn away from the things of this world and eagerly turn toward you and your blessed presence. Clothe me with the gift of the Holy Spirit and send me out to tell others of your great love. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

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.” Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He 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 24:44-49

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider how God might want to guide my day through the words of this ancient text. How do Jesus’ words to his followers speak to my heart this morning? Maybe God is inviting me into a deeper study of his Holy Word. Perhaps God wants to show me the fulfillment of prophecies throughout centuries of promise in the Old Testament. Maybe the Holy Spirit is reminding me of God’s mercy and my salvation. Perhaps Jesus is encouraging me to examine my conscience, recognize the sin in my life and repent. Maybe the Holy Spirit wants me to freshly embrace the forgiveness that is mine.

Pause and Pray

Jesus, my loving Savior, I invite you to speak to me throughout my day. Lead me and guide me. Examine my heart and reveal the places that harbor impure intentions or wrong motivations. Invite me again to confession and repentance and let me experience the joy of forgiveness in your merciful name. Amen.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I leave this time of prayer forgiven by Christ; I go to forgive others and love them in Jesus’ name.

Amen