Luke 24 - 5.6.24

Scripture

Luke 24:51-52

While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.  Then they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

Observation

Jesus had revealed Himself to His disciples. He was alive! After spending some time with them, catching up, teaching and eating, He “was taken up into heaven.” (Vs. 51)  The first thing the disciples did, after Jesus left to be with the Father, was worship and praise Him with great joy continually at the temple! The resurrection had inspired hope and purpose in the disciples’ lives. Jesus was (and is) alive!

Application

When feeling joyless, hopeless, confused, or even doubtful about the faith, go back to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Jesus’ resurrection gave the disciples joy, hope and purpose. His resurrection is the basis of our faith in Him. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

How has Jesus’ resurrection changed our hope and purpose in life?

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I always have a reason to praise You. Your death has put to death my old life and saved me from hell, but Your resurrection has given me new life and purpose in You! May I be like the disciples when they discovered You were alive and continue to praise and worship You with my whole heart and soul until You return. Amen!

Psalm 134-”Praise the Lord all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who is Maker of heaven and earth.”

-Michelle Gaddi