Daily Gospel Devotional: December 31

Mark 16:19-20 / Luke 24:50-53…

To be continued…

The gospels tell us of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ, but this is not the whole story. This is why there is a sequel, and the book of Acts expands the Ascension narrative and tells the story of the work of Christ in the world through His church, empowered by the Spirit.

The amazing point of the Ascension is that Jesus, as a resurrected and glorified human, is in heaven. If in the Incarnation deity entered into the human race, in the Ascension humanity (joined with deity in one person) entered into the realm of God. The implications of this for you and me are incredible.

Redemption was purchased but the work of proclamation and application of those benefits was now beginning. The Ascension of Jesus Christ was central to the initiation and continuation of this work. While Jesus intercedes for us in heaven (Romans 8:34 / Hebrews 7:25 / 1 John 2:1), the Holy Spirit intercedes in our hearts (Romans 8:26-27), enriching and equipping the church (Acts 2:33 / John 16:7-14 / Ephesians 4:8-12).

The Ascension also creates in our hearts a sense of expectation (Acts 1:11). Jesus is the eternal Son of God, and now also the perfected and glorified man. This was the eternal plan of God before creation. God determined to create human beings, enable them to triumph over evil, and exalt them to glory. This was done in Christ. This is the glory of Christianity.

In Christ we now have access into the heavenly realm by faith (Ephesians 3:11-12 / Hebrews 4:14-16). But the future is even greater. He is preparing a place for us (John 14:1-3), and we will have glorious new bodies, free from sin (Philippians 3:20-21). Because He ascended, so will we (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). We will stand in the presence of God, complete and perfect (1 Corinthians 15:51-58). He is glorified, and we will be glorified, glory to His name!

The truth is that the work of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit is continuing on. If you are in Christ, so will you (Philippians 1:6); forever, amen.

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©

Daily Gospel Devotional: December 30

Matthew 28:18-20…

The great submission…

The fact is that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus (cf. Ephesians 1:20-22). And so yes, we are called to baptize, and to teach, in the midst of everyone, and everywhere (cf. Revelation 5:9, 7:9). We are to be discipled and to disciple others. The problem is that while we want our fire insurance (avoiding hell) and our retirement plan (the joys of heaven) what we really don’t want is our marching orders. We take the command and turn it into an appeal.

What we must realize is that this is not so much a command to produce converts, but to proclaim Christ. You see, we don’t make people believe, we make disciples of those who do. The principle command here is to disciple, and that is done by baptizing the converts and teaching them. And yes, that necessitates going in the first place.

The unbeliever needs Jesus, of course, but the command is not based on their needs, but on the authority of Christ. The first disciples were to go to all the nations, because Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, and not merely in Israel. Therefore His church today must also bring the Gospel and His commands throughout the world. But you don’t have to go to another country to fulfill this command. You just have to be about God’s business where you are, and wherever you go.

And making disciples is not just some classroom activity. Certainly instruction is necessary. However, our principle duty is not simply scholastic. You are helping to make disciples, you are teaching people by living as a disciple among others. A disciple is a model, a person whose whole life is evidence of God’s grace. It is a worshipful witness, living for Christ, winning others to Christ, and edifying our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Disciples share their faith (talk). Disciples spread their faith (walk). Disciples will disciple others. We must use words, yes, but discipleship is not words alone, but love in deed and truth (1 John 3:18 / James 2:15-16). Many have dynamite words but firecracker works.

Our commission is based on His position, and this commission is the test of your submission.

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©

Daily Gospel Devotional: December 29

Matthew 28:16-17…

The meeting on the mountain…

Jesus had been telling people that He would meet them in Galilee (Matthew 28:10). Not knowing what was coming next might have made them wonder. Although the eleven are mentioned, it is probable that this is also the event where Jesus appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). This would further explain why some were in doubt about what was going on, because they still hadn’t seen Him yet.

In the midst of our worship, we only pretend to others, or even ourselves, if we believe that we never have any doubt. Oh we believe all right, but no one has this thing all figured out, only God. Sometimes following Jesus seems a little scary. We have doubts about whether or not we are doing the right thing. Yes, we believe the testimony of others, but we need to see things for ourselves. When we get to where we are supposed to go, and when we see Jesus in the thing, we still have to have faith.

When we follow Jesus, and follow the leading of the Spirit, we will at times be led to a new mountaintop experience. We know we are supposed to be there. We know Jesus is supposed to show up. We know we are supposed to worship. But we don’t know why this is all so important. We don’t know what’s coming next. Not yet.

Have faith. Jesus is with you on your mountain, and He will be with you as He sends you into your valley. Just be obedient. Go, worship, and be ready to listen and learn.

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©