Monday April 17, 2023

Today is Monday, April 17 and we are studying the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

I pause to center myself for this time of prayer. Slowly I breathe in and out, clearing my mind and welcoming the presence of Jesus Christ in my midst.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me and shedding your blood for the salvation of my soul. Open the scriptures to me and reveal the amazing wonder of your suffering, death and resurrection. Amen.

As a new day dawns, I turn my attention to the God who loves me with the words of Psalm 5.

Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:2-3

Pause and Pray

Following the discovery of the empty tomb on Easter Sunday morning, the resurrected Jesus appeared many times over the course of forty days. In the morning at the empty tomb, he appeared to Mary Magdalene and the other women. That same evening Jesus appeared to two people walking on the road to Emmaus and to the disciples gathered in the Upper Room. The following Sunday Jesus appeared again to Thomas. Jesus appeared in Galilee while the disciples were fishing and then on a mountain. He appeared to more than five hundred people at one time. He was seen eating, drinking, breathing, walking, talking, and even cooking his friends’ breakfast. Over the next several weeks of the Easter Season we will study and reflect on these Post-Resurrection appearances.

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3

Luke wrote two books of the Bible – The Gospel of Luke and The Acts of The Apostles. He begins the book of Acts dedicating it to a man named Theophilus. Luke recalls the forty-day period between the day of Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension into heaven. There were twelve recorded instances of Jesus’ appearing to his followers. As I study these appearances, I consider how they inform my life and circumstances. Jesus continues to teach me, guide me, give instructions through the Holy Spirit and present himself to me in various ways.

Ask: How might I approach the reading of scripture in order to better hear Jesus speak about the kingdom of God? What might I do to deepen my understanding of God’s Holy Word?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, in your humanity and divinity you walked this earth and taught about God’s eternal kingdom. Thank you for continuing to instruct me through the Holy Spirit. Thank you for the record of your post-resurrection appearances. Guide me as I study these documented appearances and help me grasp the wonder of your great love for all humanity. I read the words from Acts again and listen for the message you have for me.

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:1-3

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

Alongside Theophilus, I lean in to hear the story Luke is about to unfold. I am ready to begin this journey of discovery and understanding. Whatever word or phrase that stands out to me – I jot it down in my journal and carry it with me throughout my day. These appearances were recorded by first century witnesses and preserved for me to read centuries later. There is something God wants to reveal to me through the Holy Spirit as I study his sacred Word.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, you are my Lord and my God. I long to be in your presence and invite you into the deepest corners of my heart. Come and bring the peace that passes understanding, the joy that never fades, the hope that uplifts my soul and the love that defies comprehension. I wait quietly and look for you to reveal yourself today. Amen.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27

I leave this time of prayer uplifted by the peace of Christ, I go to pass this peace to every soul I meet.

Amen