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Post by Woody Williams on May 15, 2019 6:59:37 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Luke 24:44-53 ---------- Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you - that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
Devotional ---------- Ascension Day marks the leaving of Jesus to return to the Father. It begins a waiting period for the disciples. Jesus had warned his disciples that he would be leaving. Luke describes this time (Ascension) as a teaching period. Before he leaves Jesus underlines the focus of his ministry and his life purpose. He then points them to the future and the ministry they will be performing in his name. They are cautioned to wait for the empowering of the Holy Spirit before undertaking this mission. Jesus set up a model for the church. We are to carry out the mission.
Prayer -------------------- Bless the mission of your church, Lord. Amen
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