Daily devotion – 40 days after His resurrection!
Acts 1:1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus, after His resurrection from the dead, stayed 40 days on earth?
I believe in part, Jesus was getting His disciples used to the fact of His presence with them. Soon, they would have to remember that He would not be seen physically by them , but that He was still with them.
Jesus had made this promise earlier to His disciples – Matthew 28: 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen
Earlier still Jesus had made a similar promise, Mat 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
What does all this mean for you and I today? It means that though we don’t see Him, Jesus is still here. He wants us to have the same assurance He gave His disciples. We must develop that consciousness of His presence. To know we are not alone, ever.
As you read on through the book of Acts, you will observe how, in the darkest of nights and in the hours of greatest despair, Jesus always came and stood by Paul with words of encouragement. And He will do the same for you this week!
3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Lastly, Jesus all through His earthly ministry, taught His disciples about the kingdom of God – how it is in direct opposition to the kingdom of this world. Jesus taught His disciples the way to love as citizens of God’s kingdom, that being to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.
Our focus is not to be on worldly things like unbelievers, such as food and drink, but we are to leave those matters to God and focus instead on His kingdom – “Your kingdom come, Your will be done.” – Matthew 6:10.
This is to be our primary concern and our prayer!
This message was so important to Jesus that He spent 40 days teaching it to His disciples after His resurrection. He wanted them and us, to rightly prioritize our lives so that we are living in view of God’s coming kingdom.
What a glorious day that will be. Righteousness will cover the earth as waters cover the sea. Wars will end, and men will live together in love and peace. Jesus will reign from Jerusalem and God’s kingdom will be established on earth.
This is our future, praise the Lord!
We had a wonderful night of prayer Wednesday, to gather in Christ’s name and be obedient to His call to pray for His Church here in Secret Harbour, was such a blessing.
If you are over 18 years, a college or career age, this Friday at Ps Marlon and Hannah Le Chat’s house, the Calvary Young Adults gather for a wonderful time of fellowship, worship, study and encouragement in God’s Holy Word. Contact Ps Marlon or Hannah for more information and be encouraged to gather together with other young believers passionate to serve Christ!