FRIDAY October 28, 2022
Witnesses of Resurrection Power
“This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.”
Acts 2:32-33
Peter continued to proclaim to the Jews God’s tremendous power in raising Jesus Christ from the dead. Peter, the rest of the apostles, and over 500 followers became firsthand witnesses of His Resurrection.
Think for a moment about the two depressed disciples who had left Jerusalem completely discouraged. They were on the road to Emmaus, a seven mile trip, when the risen Christ joined them on the road, but they did not know Him (Luke 24:13-16). Cleopas, one of the disciples of Christ, explained to this stranger who had joined them, why they were so sad. They had hoped that Jesus of Nazareth was going to redeem Israel.
The chief priests and rulers had condemned Him to death and crucified Him. This had been the third day, and they were expectant of something miraculous––but nothing had happened. They had heard the story that certain women of their company who had arrived at the tomb could not find Jesus’ body. Apparently, angels had told them He was alive, but, then again, they had not seen Him. Jesus expounded the Scriptures to them, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:25-27).
Jesus indicated that He was leaving them, but they constrained Him to remain with them longer, as it was getting late. It was only when Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them that they realized who He was––but then He vanished. In His absence, they reflected how their hearts burned within them as Jesus spoke with them on the road and opened the Scriptures to them ( Luke 24:28-32).
No longer disillusioned, the disciples returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven gathered together. They exchanged stories; Peter had also seen the risen Savior (Luke 24:33-35). The Resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead now lives within us! We have a great hope!
Bless God that there is in us resurrection life, and that there awaits us a resurrection.
~J.J. Bonar~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
