Forty days is a long time when you're suffering or going without. But how quickly the time must have passed for the disciples those forty days after Jesus' resurrection!
"This was after His death, but He showed them that He was alive, proving it to them in many ways. The apostles saw Jesus many times during the 40 days after He was raised from death. He spoke to them about God's kingdom." (Act 1:3)
Have you ever wondered what Jesus did during these forty days? I think He did exactly what Luke tells us in Acts 1:2-3:
- He instructed the disciples.
- He provided ample proof that He was alive, and,
- He spoke to them about God's kingdom.
Of course, He had been doing the third one all along. But this time they were able to receive it with full knowledge and understanding. The sun broke through, the Son had risen from the dead, and they could finally see the forest for the trees; the true meaning of the scriptures fulfilled.
John alludes to many other signs and wonders in his account in John 20:30: "There were indeed many other signs that Jesus performed in the presence of the His disciples, which are not recorded in this book."
The important thing to remember is that God's revelation to us in His Word is complete. "Those written here have been recorded in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that through this faith you may have life by His name." (John 20:31)
God has given us everything we need to be wise for salvation.
We may wish that we could walk and talk with Christ as His disciples did, but in truth, we have Him now more fully than they did when He walked the earth. in fact, Jesus, Himself said that it was to our advantage that He leave and send the Comforter/Helper (Holy Spirit):
Why did Jesus say that it was better for us that He depart and the Spirit come? We can't imagine that such a thing could be true! And yet it is, because: "He [the Holy Spirit] will take what is Mine and make it known to you."
It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we come to fully know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It follows then, that being in touch with and listening to the Spirit is vital to deepening our relationship with Christ.
This isn't something to add to your To-Do list, Beloved.
Rather, it is an exciting, life-long journey to be enJOYed!
The important thing to remember is that God's revelation to us in His Word is complete. "Those written here have been recorded in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that through this faith you may have life by His name." (John 20:31)
God has given us everything we need to be wise for salvation.
"And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2Ti 3:15)
We may wish that we could walk and talk with Christ as His disciples did, but in truth, we have Him now more fully than they did when He walked the earth. in fact, Jesus, Himself said that it was to our advantage that He leave and send the Comforter/Helper (Holy Spirit):
"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." (John 16:7)
Why did Jesus say that it was better for us that He depart and the Spirit come? We can't imagine that such a thing could be true! And yet it is, because: "He [the Holy Spirit] will take what is Mine and make it known to you."
It is through the work of the Holy Spirit that we come to fully know our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It follows then, that being in touch with and listening to the Spirit is vital to deepening our relationship with Christ.
This isn't something to add to your To-Do list, Beloved.
Rather, it is an exciting, life-long journey to be enJOYed!
Blessings,
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If you read something here that inspired you, I’d love to hear about it. Please know I appreciate every comment! Thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings, June