Tuesday April 25, 2023

Today is Tuesday, April 25 and we are studying the Post-Resurrection appearances of Jesus.

As I begin this time of prayer, I quiet my mind, slow my breathing and rest in the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Jesus, you are the Lord of my life and the Shepherd of my heart. I am here to listen to your voice and discover the specific message you have for me today. Open the scriptures and help me see what you wish to reveal. Amen.

Before I turn to satisfy my physical hunger, I turn to God to satisfy my spiritual hunger with the words of Psalm 22.

The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him— may your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him. Psalm 22:26-27

Pause and Pray

On the evening of the Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples. The eleven were gathered in the Upper Room behind locked doors. They were devastated, confused, grieving and afraid. Jesus came and stood among them. He showed them his hands and his feet displaying the deep wounds made by the heavy iron nails of Roman crucifixion. Jesus invited the disciples to touch him and see that he was truly alive – flesh and bones and not a ghost.

And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. 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. Luke 24:41-45

Alongside the frightened disciples locked in the Upper Room, I see the wounds of my Savior. I know his precious blood was shed for me and covers the depths of my sin, even mine. I see where the nails pierced his flesh, I touch his warm skin, I hear his voice, he indicates his hunger. I smell the aroma of freshly broiled fish. With his closest friends, I stand in his presence full of joy and amazement, yet confused by the fulfillment of prophecy. I long to understand the scriptures and ask Jesus to open my mind and reveal truth.

Ask: What is my source of joy and amazement? Have I discovered Jesus the Messiah in the prophecies of the Old Testament?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, what a joy it is to be in your presence. As you came to be with the disciples, come and be with me. Let me hear the questions you have for me. I am ready to provide whatever you ask of me. Teach me how to read the books of the Old Testament – the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms and show me how God’s great rescue plan for humanity was accomplished through you. I read the words from Luke again and listen for the message you have for me.

And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. 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. Luke 24:41-45

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

In my study of scripture, I want to progress further than learning what preachers, teachers and theologians say about the Bible. I want to hear the Holy Spirit communicating directly to my heart. Jesus knows my every circumstance and will speak into my life, if only I slow down to listen. I consider the images and words that capture my attention from today’s passage. Perhaps Jesus has a question for me – Do you have anything here to (give)? Maybe there is something in my possession that I need to be ready to provide someone in need. Perhaps Jesus wants to open the scriptures to me and I need to be ready to spend time in God’s Holy Word.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I invite you into my heart. Fill me with joy and wonder at the gift of your endless love for me and sacrifice for my broken soul. Come and remove any residue of fear or doubt and enable me to fully embrace life in the Spirit. Sanctify me in your grace and lead me to holiness of heart and life. Amen.

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:11

I leave this time of prayer filled with the joy of Christ, I go to give generously and meet the needs of others.

Amen