Today’s scripture: Luke 24:36-53 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Angie Eden):
As a kid I woke up on Sunday mornings to the sound of southern gospel music. The local radio broadcast would fill every room in our small house with the top gospel hits. Even though my father usually sang over the various quartets and family groups, I still got to hear the beautiful sound the blended voices created. I’d even use my “boom box” to record the program on cassette tapes so I could enjoy the music all week long, any time I wanted.
One song I loved, and just recently added to my Zune account to play on my phone, is called We Shall See Jesus. When reflecting on today’s verses, a few lines from the chorus replayed over and over in my head. We shall see Jesus just as they saw him. There is no greater promise than this.
I’m not one to go around ranking God’s promises, but if pressed, I suppose I’d elevate grace and its promise of forgiveness to the top of my list. So what exactly should I, and you, make of this promise of seeing Jesus, just as they saw him? I say we claim Jesus’ presence with us right here, right now! I need him most along the journey, not at the end. I love the promise of Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
I’m glad the disciples got to see the resurrected Jesus. I’m glad the prophecy was fulfilled. But should I never get to the actually see Jesus until my death, I’m okay with that, too. For I “see” him in my own way. I picture him sitting beside me at work. I picture him laughing beside me at an Oasis meeting. I picture him changing my radio station to the 80s station when I’m driving. Christ’s resurrection is as real to us as we make it.
Thought for the day: For today, give God thanks for a love that death cannot destroy, for a power our enemies cannot conquer. Ask God to make the resurrection real for you.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.