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Reborn disciplesThursday, April 20, 2006
Luke 24:35-49 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." He said to them, "Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."
How will they change? Jesus doesn't say, but it sure sounds exciting. The power of God is about to be unleashed. The Holy Spirit is coming. "Wait," Jesus says. "Wait a little while." And then you will be "clothed with power from on high." Jesus walked with his disciples for month after month, through joyful affirmation and vicious persecution. They saw him deal with demons, with death and with devious, manipulative religious and political authorities. He taught them how to speak, how to pray, how to call down miracles from heaven. Now all this would become their ministry as well as his. Soon Peter could say, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, I give thee. In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk!" The power of God to heal, to preach will clothe these simple men and women of Israel. Jesus will be done proud. Lord Jesus, clothe us too from on high. Let us proclaim your name to the people around us, and pray for them, and watch you heal them. You are God of all the world. |
Now Jesus gets his disciples involved. They are witnesses to the great prophecy fulfilled. They will not be lonely; they will be busy. Time is no longer measured as B.C.; now it is A.D. and the disciples get to make that transition along with the resurrected Jesus.