Thursday Thought – January 21, 2016

Good Morning Friends,

“He told them, ‘This is what is written: 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.’” (Luke 24:46-49)

First, there is the miracle of atonement. The atonement happened on the cross – “the Christ will suffer”. That suffering was necessary. It was the payment made by God to cover the penalty of our sins.

Second, there is the astounding declaration that the payment was accepted by God. God declared that when He raised Jesus from the dead. There is no clearer proof imaginable that there was something unique and powerful about the death of Jesus. Death took Him, but could not hold Him.

Third, repentance and forgiveness of sins are to be preached. The means by which we accept the payment Jesus made on our behalf is by our repentance – turning away from ruling our own lives and trusting our ability to provide for ourselves – to allowing Jesus to rule our lives and trusting His work for all that we need. That’s repentance – and the result of repentance is forgiveness – a clean slate, sins forgiven.

Fourth, the preaching is to be to all nations. The Jews couldn’t keep the message for themselves – it was meant for more than just them. It was not to be restricted to that day and age – it includes the nations to come in the thousands of years to follow. Not just good nations and good people, but all nations and all people. Not just democratic nations, but dictatorships and nations and every other kind. All nations are to hear the message of Jesus.

Finally, there is the power – “clothed with power from on high.” The followers of Jesus don’t have to rely on our own strength and abilities – they will never be enough. God provides the power – He promised it – He gave it on that first Pentecost – and He keeps giving it today.

His, by Grace, Steve