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Luke 24: Risen! New Beginnings for the Good News

by Bob Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]

Today's Bible Reading: Luke 24

Selected Biblical Text
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 and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are 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 blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. (Luke 24:44-53 ESV)

Reflecting and Thinking
Sometimes the end is the beginning. That is certainly true in Luke's gospel. The storyline will continue in the book of Acts: Luke--Volume 2. The Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled; it is time for a new beginning. It is time to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins through the name of Jesus in every nation. The promise is about to be fulfilled; the power is about to be granted. Jesus must go away so that the power of the Comforter can come. All doubt has been removed. The truth is clearly in view. No wonder his disciples worshiped him, were filled with joy, and continually blessed and praised God.
[Note: If you are following the order of the readings in this daily devotional series, we will immediately jump to Luke's second volume, continuing in the Book of Acts. Get ready for some really good news!]

When have you received something special that had been promised to you? How did you feel when the promise was made? How did you feel when the promise was fulfilled? Think about how special the apostles must have felt when they received the promise. What kind of anticipation would they have felt? Consider also how they must have felt as Jesus left them. How would you describe that feeling? How aware are you today that the gospel proclaimed is in fact very good news? How committed are you to telling that good news to others?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for giving us a written record of Jesus' life. Help us understand the story; help us appreciate how good the good news is. Help us participate more fully in the proclamation of the good news. Thank you for loving us, thank you for saving us. We pray in the name of Jesus the Christ, Amen.


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Last updated January 2019