Blessings from the Resurrection Command

A Story

Bud, an ex-army man, was our no-nonsense plant superintendent. Shortly before retirement, he was hospitalised with a bronchial infection. As I entered his room, I sensed his I'm-still-in-charge' demeanour was gone. I'd hardly said hello when Bud blurted out, John, I'm worried.

'Look,' I said, 'they'll get on top of this infection...!'

'No,' he cut me off, 'that's not my concern. I've been thinking since I got here. I'm not sure things are right between God and me.

'Bud,' I said, shifting gears, 'Would you like to be certain of your relationship with the Lord?' I really would.

So we talked about how sin has separated us from God and how Jesus died for us on the cross, providing a way for our relationship with God to be restored - if we're willing.

'So what do I do?'

'You've got to put out the welcome mat. The Lord won't force you to do anything. But if you ask him, he's more than willing to come to you. He'll become your closest friend!

Bud's simple prayer of acceptance came from his heart. John, he said, his eyes misty, 'this is probably the most important thing l've ever done.

– John D. Beckett, Loving Monday

A Prayer

Our Triune God,

We call upon you for an outpouring of your Spirit upon us.

Assure us of your love and acceptance, received by faith, in the gospel of your Son.

May your words come alive in our inner experience so we can confidently call Christ, Lord and God, our Father.

Draw our hearts to your love. Give us a faith that truly rests on the death of Christ for salvation, so we will be empowered and liberated to do good. Clothe us with the fruit of your Spirit. Anoint us with his gifts, and renew us in the ways of your Son. We ask this so that we may see your people - your church - filled with sacrificial compassion for the lost. Amen.

Journal Exercise

Luke summarised the blessing in the resurrection command as 'forgiveness of sins. In his summary of Peter's Pentecost sermon, he records the blessing of the gift of the Holy Spirit In Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders he adds, inheritance among all those who are sanctified' (Acts 20:32). Write a prayer thanking God for the spiritual blessing which is most meaningful to you today.

God's blessings of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit and eternal life are also for family and friends who are 'far off! Write a prayer asking God to grant these blessings to someone for whom you are concerned. Bring them by name before our gracious God.

A Quote

What one sees depends on where one sets up one's shop. Mine is at the entrance of the empty tomb.

– W. Paul Jones

Today consider Middle Eastern countries:

Pray that the church can have a voice that is heard.

Pray for stability and security of all living in these lands.

Pray for the Christians facing daily persecution.

Pray for a desire to understand, and an opening for, Christian people and views.

Pray for creative evangelists to be raised up.

A Challenging Prayer

Pray that God's people, in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations, will enable churches to expand numerically and equip and nurture their members.