Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 

CHRIST'S ASCENSION  AND OUR COMMISSION

Bible Reading:  Luke 24:36-53

Key verse: Verse: 49  And Behold, I send forth the promise of my Father upon you; but as for you, stay in the city until you put on the power from on high.
 
DEVOTION

   This passage  seizes our attention towards the post resurrection  narrative of Jesus.  It is also packed with  themes  of reassurance, peace, mission, fulfillment of scripture, and empowerment of believers.   Jesus  appeared to His disciples as they are discussing the events surrounding His resurrection.  Disciples were grappling with doubt and fear, emotions that many of us can relate to in our spiritual journeys. 
Some of the key facts which  can be pondered upon are: 
1 .PEACE IN FEAR . Jesus  reassured the distressed and frightened disciples with the greetings of “Peace”. In  moments of our fear and anxiety,  we too can expect Jesus's peace  when we reach to him in faith.
2.THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION: The physical evidence Jesus  showed the disciples   strengthened their faith. Power of the resurrection  should definitely impact our faith  in our life situations today.
3.UNDERSTANDING THE SCRIPTURE:  Jesus here also explained  how His death and resurrection fulfilled  the  scriptures.  Spending time reading and meditating on scripture, seeking insight into how it speaks to our life situations can be beneficial.
4.THE GREAT COMMISSION:  Jesus commissioned His disciples  to be witnesses of His resurrection and to proclaim repentance  and forgiveness of sins. This invitation extends to us also to share the message of hope and redemption  with others in our community
5.EMPOWERMENT THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT : Jesus instructed the disciples  to wait for the empowerment  by the holy spirit  to start their mission.  We also need to pray for the stength and guidance from the Holy spirit  to continue our life's journey and mission.
      The passage concludes with the disciples  worshipping Jesus and returning to Jerusalem with great Joy. Their transformation from fear to joy  highlights the impact of encountering the risen and living Christ. As we celebrate resurrection, we may also be empowered by the spirit of God to fulfill the commission given to us,
sharing  the hope of the gospel with all those around us.

 

PRAYER

 Lord, please convict and convince our hearts the real meaning of  mission you entrusted us to continue. Empower us with the holy spirit, fill our hearts with joy, ousting fear and anxiety and be true witnesses  of your  resurrection experience. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 Evangelism is not an outreach project or hanging banners. It is the natural response for receiving forgiveness of sins through our risen savior. We are proclaiming to people that forgiveness  and salvation is available free   to those who believe in Him and His finished work on the cross.

Dr.John K.Thomas  Tabor MTC NY