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
"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
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