Daily Devotion, May 21, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Luke 24:44-49.

This scene takes place on the evening of Easter, according to Luke. Earlier in the chapter, we read about two of Jesus’ followers encountering him after walking with him to the village of Emmaus. And as they are reporting about this to the disciples back in Jerusalem, suddenly Jesus appeared to them. As we pick up the story with our verses for today, he reminds them of what he had been telling them all along was going to happen and closes by giving them their mission.

However, before they embark on that mission, they are to wait for power from God to be sent to them. It is a good reminder to his followers of the twenty-first century as well: we are only to go serve God’s mission when we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit. We do not go in our own strength or understanding. We go depending on the Spirit to guide us. We go depending on the Spirit to empower us. Otherwise, we will get lost and depleted. In our own understanding and power, we will inevitably come to a point of being ready to quit.

Jesus says wait. But wait expectantly (as we saw in our lesson from yesterday). When the guidance and power comes, be ready to go!

Personal Worship Option:

Yesterday, I shared the chorus of the hymn written by Clara Scott. Here is the last verse (that is to be our prayer and the result of it):

Open my mouth and let me bear gladly the warm truth everywhere;

Open my heart and let me prepare love with thy children thus to share.