Luke 24:44-53

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

• How do you think Jesus’ friends felt in this story?
• How do you think they felt in response to the promise of the Holy Spirit?
• Where is Jesus’ sending you?
• Who in your life encourages your service to Christ?
• How do you respond to God’s mission for you?

Prayer:

Holy God, You shower us with blessings. Even when things look bleak or we are lost, You are there to give direction and hope.  Strengthen us to recognize Your presence in our lives. Empower us to hear Your call to love and serve others and help us to do that today. Amen.