The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 17 April 2020 – The Promise Of The Father
Click HERE to Read Previous MESSAGES
TOPIC: The Promise Of The Father
READ: LUKE 24:36-53 (NKJV)
36 Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.”
37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.
38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.
41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?”
42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.
43 And He took it and ate in their presence.
44 Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.”
45 And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.
46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,
47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And you are witnesses of these things.
49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.
51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.
THE MESSAGE:
Jesus made several appearances to His disciples at different times and situations. This was to prove to them that He is alive and to prepare them for the continuity of His ministry.
Today’s passage shows how Jesus appeared to His disciples, offered them His peace, led them out of their fears and opened their understanding to the scriptures. Jesus has not changed. He is the Prince of peace and will always offer us His peace for our comfort. He also leads us out of our desperate conditions and opens our minds to kingdom matters.
In verses 44-47, Jesus dealt with the fears of the apostles and gave them the assignment to preach repentance and forgiveness of sin to all nations. This is the gospel of Christ that must be preached by every Christian. Has the Church shifted emphasis from this assignment today? No matter the attention we give to other concerns, the Great Commission of preaching the Gospel must not be compromised. The Promise of the Father- THE HOLY SPIRIT – has been given to help us with this Commission. He is relevant in our quest to carry out the ministry of Jesus. Have you received the Holy Ghost for your ministry?
PRAYER: Oh Lord, fill me with Your Holy Spirit.
