Risen

Luke brings his record of Jesus to a beautiful conclusion:

If Jesus was truly risen from the dead, then the world would never be the same again - and so it was, and so it is!  His resurrection  vindicates His claim to be the Son of God.  Now by God, He is declared to be Lord and Christ (Messiah).  He is appointed to be the future judge of all. By Him alone is made available justification from guilt and condemnation.
       As He  came to those floundering disciples with His peace and blessing then, so today the living Lord Jesus comes to His own as the risen Shepherd and overseer of their souls.

         The implications for the future are enormous  --  He will gather His followers into the Fathers house, He will come as King of Kings, He will make all things new.....................etc

What should be our reaction?  The Bible as our compass takes us to one place  worship and obedience.
              Luke's record of Jesus concludes with Jesus blessing them as they worshiped Him.  So may we!

J. McKee

Last words

            First and last words seem to hold a deep significance.  Let us survey the last words of Jesus, as recorded by Luke.

"Peace be to you"   In the midst of turbulent times, he blesses them with peace! Counselling people in distress does have value, but real peace comes through faith in a person who is greater than the disturbing  waves of  distress. - not that he takes us out of it, but rather gives direction, discernment in it. Then best of all , He goes with us through the valley.

"Touch Me and see...."    One might wonder how unbelief could linger when He Himself stood before them. Such is the potential of all our hearts, to unbelief.  He does not leave them to their doubts, nor does He perform a miracle to prove the point. He just shows Himself,  with the scars of crucifiction to verify His identity. Today we cannot see Him in the flesh, but  a brief journey in the Spirit to the cross and to the empty tomb, quickly ignites devoted faith.

" Thus it is written........."   His recorded words are most significant. He was indeed about to start something new,  but as in Matthew 5, He insists that the authenticity of His person was linked to the Old Testament scriptures.  The purpose of God for Him revealed in the O.T. must needs be fulfilled.  Whilst the old order was to be discarded, the former voice of God was fulfilled, not rejected!  His beautiful references to the O.T. encourage us to know that we have a speaking God.

"And that repentance and  forgiveness of sins should be preached in His Name..........."
This great commission could occupy our thoughts for a long time. A very good book written on this is 'The great commission' by C.H. Mackintosh. I must read it again myself.
This record of the Lord's words is amazingly complete - 
1.  The foundation of the gospel is in the death and resurrection of Christ.
2  The message is concerning repentance and forgiveness of sins.
3  The means of making it know - preaching in His name.
4  Scope of peoples given the opportunity of mercy and grace -  all nations
5  Power to effect the evangelism- promise of power from above.

As we ponder such wonderful words, let us be blessed and challenged today.

John McKee