Thursday May 4, 2023

Today is Thursday, May 4 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.

As a new day dawns and the world awakens, I praise God with the words of Psalm 9.
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. Psalm 9:1-2

Pause and Pray

In his first letter to the Christians at Corinth, Paul reminds the new believers of the key elements of the gospel. What does it mean for them to have Jesus Christ as Lord of their life? He enforces what all followers of Christ believe. In the same paragraph he makes a summary of the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus in the forty days between the Resurrection and Ascension. He includes an account the gospels omit, an additional appearance Jesus Christ made to many men and women gathered together at one time.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

The appearance of the risen Christ to five hundred believers at the same time is reported only in this Corinthian text. What Paul wants the believers to know is that Christ appeared to many people and the experience was evidenced by them. He emphasizes to the Corinthians that some of these witnesses are still alive and can attest to what they saw. Jesus died for the sins of humanity, was buried and resurrected three days later. He appeared alive to many people who were able to verify this reality. Paul includes a reference to Jesus’ appearance to him as well – although this encounter happened some time later as he traveled on the road to Damascus intending to arrest followers of Christ. Jesus however, called him into service instead (Acts 9:1-19).

Ask: How have I experienced the presence of Jesus Christ in my lifetime? In what ways has he “appeared” to me?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for your suffering death that atoned for my sins. I am grateful for those who witnessed your living presence following your resurrection from the dead. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, I ask to become more aware of your abiding presence. Please speak into my life and journey with me through my days. I read the words from First Corinthians again and listen for the message you have for me.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

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 this passage of scripture informs my current circumstances. Where have I been seeking the presence of the living Christ? What specific requests have been on my prayer list? Where would I desire Jesus to show up in my life? What would I hope he would bring to a particular situation? I listen to this text with the ear of my heart, paying attention to what God is saying to me today.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come. I invite you into the circumstances of today’s agenda and ask you to interrupt me. Show yourself. Make an appearance in the dark places of my heart and reveal yourself on the pathways of my humble course. I love you and I long to see you, know you and experience your presence. Amen.

Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. Acts 26:16

I leave this time of prayer bearing the presence of Christ to the world, I go to serve the poor, help the needy and love the lost.

Amen