2023-12-15
Good Morning Dear Ones,
Last week, we took a look at faithfulness, which includes being consistent, loyal, and accepting of the truth of God’s supernatural qualities. By far, that subject hasn’t been exhausted! We left off when Cleopas and his pal as left Emmaus and walked to Jerusalem where they encountered Jesus speaking to His other followers. They included the twelve disciples. I’m guessing that people like Mary Magdalene, John, Christ’s earthly mother, Mary, Joanna (the wife of Chuza-a steward to Herod Antipas, who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities), Mary and Martha (Lazarus’ sisters), Thomas (called Didymus) and others were with Him. This story picks up in LK 24: 36. Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” The Bible comments that Cleopas and his pal (unnamed) were thinking Jesus was a ghost. They were startled and frightened. Our omniscient Lord said, in vv 38-39, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at My hands and feet. It is I Myself! Touch Me and see, a ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” While still not being entirely sure, they felt joy and amazement. Jesus asked, “Do you have anything here to eat?” Someone gave Jesus a piece of broiled fish, and the Lord took and ate it in their presence. In verse 44, Jesus said, “This is what I told you when 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 and said, “The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things. I am going to send you what My Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with the power from on high.”
Since they had seen Him die on the cross, it was becoming increasingly evident that a supernatural occurrence was happening there. That power from on high would be Pentecost, [AC 2: 1-4], the giving of the Holy Spirit. Then came yet another supernatural event, the Ascension of Jesus. LK 24: 50-53, “When He had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, He lifted His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. The crowd of His followers worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continuously at the temple, praising God.”
The story of our Lord Jesus’ Resurrection and Appearances followed. In 1 COR 15: 5-11, we are told by Paul that the Lord appeared to Peter (also called Cephas), then to the twelve apostles (Matthias then substituted for Judas Iscariot [AC 1: 12-26]), afterward Christ appeared to more than 500 of His followers, then to James His half-brother, all the apostles, and then last, to Paul “as to one abnormally born” (meaning to be born again, coming into relationship with Christ, after all these others had come to know Christ during His time on earth). Paul felt he didn’t deserve to be called an apostle at that time. Later that would change [see GA 1: 11-24].
What are the lessons for us regarding faith in Christ’s supernatural qualities? Much of the benefit of reading the Scriptures is found in 1) getting God’s perspective on all things relating to our lives. Because of our inherited sinfulness, we often see things differently than God does. We often fail to understand the love and acceptance of us He has. RO 8: 38-39 tells us “nothing can separate us from the love of God.” As with Paul before Christ called him to faith, we are too negative in our thinking and feel we don’t deserve the love He has for us. We forget that forgiveness for our sins is available on the proviso that we confess them to Him and make the necessary changes in our lives to stop the sinning. 2) More than anything else, our Lord Jesus wants us to be in a relationship with Him—one that involves confession and obedience on our parts and blessings to us on His. From my own experience with this relationship, I have found huge improvements in my quality of life, healthy self-esteem, and happiness. Yes, there are times of pain and loss, but Christ either takes my hand guiding me, or even picks me up and carries me through the difficulties I encounter. He will do the same for anyone in an active relationship with Him. There are more of these lessons which I will share.
PRAYER: O Most Holy Lord, there are many things mentioned in the Bible that we don’t completely understand. Earthbound scientists like Newton and Einstein have come up with good explanations using math that explain matters observed on our planet. The laws of thermodynamics and relativity can be laid out this way. However, since all of us are on earth at present, we find it hard to relate to supernatural events that are described in the Bible. You show us just enough of these supernatural things to call upon us to accept them by faith. There is great wisdom in that, and it is possible You will answer some of our many questions once we have had our spirits gain eternal life with You. PR 15: 29, The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.” People who engage in serial sinfulness without confession and genuine appeal for forgiveness will not gain eternal life with You. We are forever grateful that Jesus’ sacrificial Atonement has made being with You forever possible and pledge to do nothing that will interfere with that. You bless us daily, and we send You our utmost love, praise, thanks, and devotion. In the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: There are many more lessons we can learn from having faith in the Lord. He is our Triune God and deserves for nothing less. This is true even for the supernatural phenomena to which we can’t apply the physical laws of the earth. JER 29: 11-13 reveals the Lord’s heart. “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you not to bring disaster, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Our faith really matters to Him, and in time and with experience and study, we will fully understand its value to us, as well. Praise and thanks be to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2023. All Rights Reserved.
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