WEEK 3, DAY 3 OF COME, LORD JESUS, COME – (A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY)

TODAY’S READING: Luke 24:44-53 (SOAP: VERSE 51)

Now during the blessing he departed and was taken up into heaven.

Luke 24:51 NET

OBSERVATIONS

From Elijah’s whirlwind departure to Jesus’ mid-prayer departure, we are definitely journeying through some drama-packed adventures of God’s people. In essence, we are witnesses of these events. As Jesus told the disciples here in Luke, these events were prophesied by Moses and the prophets and the psalms. Through God’s written Word we have seen the Christ child born, and along with the disciples of His day and all those present for the crucifixion we have seen Him suffer and die, we have stood in awe at the empty tomb, and heard the proclamation of repentance for the forgiveness of sins – to every nation and tongue. We have also received the same Spirit that Jesus told the disciples to wait for, without whom we will not be effective witnesses. A quick look at verse 45 (one of my favorite life verses) holds a clue as to why we need the Spirit. Starting in verse 44 we see that He spoke to them and then “He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” – Then He continued speaking what He wanted them to hear and know. We need the Spirit because it is the power of Christ in us, with us 24/7. He will do for us what Christ did for the early disciples while He walked with them on earth. He will teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus said, John 14:26.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR US?

When we know God and have a familiarity with and understanding of His Word we can be witnesses for Him. When this is true of us we will be more like Jesus, telling others about the Father and about Jesus, who was taken up into Heaven, where He intercedes for us at God’s right hand and from where He will return to gather us to be with Him. It means as Jesus’ followers we are filled with His Spirit, we can know and understand His Word, and we can effectively share It with others. It also means that even though Jesus has not yet returned, we can worship Him with great joy, and praise God together as we wait.

RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

Father, help me to be an affective witness. In the power of Your Spirit, to the praise of Your glory – and may I be found worshiping You with great joy.