SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:50-53
Jesus blessed them, then left them.
Were they disappointed… probably a little.
But notice their demeanour or state of being: they worshiped Jesus, with great joy, praising God.
They had something now that not even His physical absence could dampen.
They knew – beyond a shadow of doubt – that Jesus was alive.
And their whole lives changed as a result.
Nothing else can explain the radical transformation that came over these disciples.
Some people say they ‘made up’ this story of Jesus resurrection and ascension.
It’s hard for me to imagine people willing to give themselves over so radically for a lie.
Especially since there was no advantage to them, and a huge cost.
Yet despite persecution they worshiped Jesus, with great joy, praising God.
Makes me think about my own demeanour or state of being.
Is the blessing of Jesus in my life overflowing in how I live?
Does it shine through me even when I am struggling, or suffering, or dying?
I want my experience of Jesus and His blessing to change my life like this!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, lift Your hands over me, bless me, impress on me the good news of Your kingdom victory, that nothing can separate me from Your love. I worship You, with great joy, praising God!
Observation/Application
The place of sadness is now a place of joy. Happiness. The joy of the Lord God is my strength. He has given me His blessing. All that I have is a gift from Him. My inheritance. Wow! And I have seen Him afterHis death. I can worship and bow down to God my Maker. He encourages. He i present. He is here! Open my eyes Lord that I see You each day anew as I continue to worship You in all that I do. Help me this day to praise You in all I do and say for the joy of the Lord God is my strength. When that is true I can enjoy this day in joy.
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
He gives me living water and I thirst no more.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.