SCRIPTURE: Luke 24:33-49
OBSERVATION:
It is not surprising that they had a hard time believing that Jesus was alive! Even seing him, they still doubted, but who can blame them.
Jesus had to open their minds (and their hearts) to believe that He was real. He did this by (a) letting them touch and see Him (b) eating food (c) explaining the OT prophecies to them.
He summarizes His purpose: to open the way for people to come back to God through repentance and faith, and to proclaim this message to the nations. He commissions the disciples with this same purpose, but tells them to wait until God empowers them.
APPLICATION:
The wonder of Jesus’ resurrection is lost on many who did not first see Jesus alive, then crucified, then risen. I can explain to my mind that it is amazing, but to experience the wonder is another thing.
I need to have my mind opened. I wonder whether communion is also a time when the Spirit allows us to experience Jesus, as it did for the disciples. Without the Spirit of Jesus opening my mind, I cannot see and believe in Jesus.
It is sheer folly to attempt to witness for the risen Jesus without the power that He gives. Our message is ludicrous, our chances of success are minuscule… by ourselves. But the history of the early church demonstrates that when the church is “clothed with power from on high”, they can turn the world upside down, and spread the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to believe the unbelievable, help me to experience You in Your risen glory, and enable me by Your Spirit to boldly share the good news, leading others to experience You as their Risen Lord and Saviour. Amen.
This reading once again shows me that I must eyes to see Jesus and ears to hear Him in my Living for Jesus. Yet, that can only happen when Jesus opens my mind so that I may understand. But I too must seek Him, not only by my devotiona, Bible study, but also in fellowship with others such as the two on the raod to Emmaus or the disciples gathered together. Christ gave those He met after His resurrection eyes to see. I too need to have the eyes to see Jesus. As Christ knew the Scriptures, I too need to know His Word so that I too may see Him in all I do. And as stated in Daniel and also in this reading, it is the Lord God who gave understanding and wisdom.
Open my eyes Lord.
I want to see Jesus.
To reach out and touch him.
To show him I love him.
Open my ears, Lord
And help me to listen.
Open my eyes, Lord
I want to see Jesus