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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jesus told his frightened disciples, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). I praise you today as the God who sends peace to my troubled soul! When my world has been turned upside-down and my mind is filled with doubt, your precious Son steps into the room and says, “Peace be with you.” Jesus is the peace of my heart and the joy of my soul! I say with Thomas, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Today in Your Word Today you told me about some of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to his disciples. I would love to have been there with Cleopas and his friend as they listened to Jesus interpret “to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). How fascinating and enlightening that must have been! I can guess some of the things Jesus might have said: In Genesis, he’s the Seed of the woman who will crush the serpent’s head. In Exodus, he’s the Passover Lamb which was sacrificed to appease the wrath of God. In Leviticus, he’s the great High Priest who offers a sacrifice for sin. In Numbers, he’s the bronze serpent that was lifted up in the wilderness. In Deuteronomy, he’s the Prophet like Moses who would come. In Joshua, he’s the Commander of the Lord’s armies. In Judges, he’s the angel of Yahweh who rebuked Israel’s apostasy. In Ruth, he’s the Kinsman Redeemer. In Samuel, he’s the faithful Priest and the Davidic Son. In Kings and Chronicles, he’s the coming King who will show lovingkindness and faithfulness. In Ezra, he’s the stirrer of kings’ hearts to fulfill his prophetic word. In Nehemiah, he’s the Rebuilder and Restorer of the ruins left by sin. In Esther, he’s the watchful Protector of his people. In Job, he’s the Tester and Refiner of our faith. In Psalms, he’s the Priest after the order of Melchizedek. In Proverbs, he’s the Wisdom of God and the model son. In Ecclesiastes, he’s the Preacher who exposes the vanity of seeking fulfillment in this fleeting world. In Solomon’s Song, he’s the Lover of our souls. In Isaiah, he’s the Prince of Peace and the Faithful Servant. In Jeremiah, he’s the Righteous Branch. In Lamentations, he’s the weeping Prophet who calls his people to repent. In Ezekiel, he’s the glory of God who will not tolerate wickedness. In Daniel, he’s the Son of Man who receives an eternal kingdom. In Hosea, he’s the faithful Husband and the faithful Son. In Joel, he’s the Savior of all who call on his name and the sender of the Holy Spirit. In Amos, he’s the builder of David’s house and the Savior of the Gentiles. In Obadiah, he’s the way of escape in Mount Zion. In Jonah, he’s the One who is buried for three days and then rises to preach the gospel. In Micah, he’s the Ruler born in Bethlehem. In Nahum, he’s the jealous God who will not acquit the guilty and the good God who is a stronghold in times of trouble. In Habakkuk, he’s the One who lives by faith. In Zephaniah, he’s the King of Israel who reigns in Zion. In Haggai, he’s the Sovereign King of an unshakeable kingdom. In Zechariah, he’s the One whom they pierced and the Fountain opened for cleansing from sin. In Malachi, he’s the Lord who does not change. He’s the King of kings and the Lord of lords. He’s the first and the last, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Hallelujah! Reflection Jesus had to rebuke his disciples for their unbelief and hardness of heart, for they did not believe those who saw him after he had risen (Mark 16:14). I may marvel at the disciples’ doubt, but if I refuse to listen to your Word, then I’m showing the same stubbornness they did. Request Father, Jesus said that just as you sent him, so he is sending me. Grant me a fresh outpouring of your Spirit on my life today. Help me to labor in your harvest fields to reach the lost for you. Thanksgiving Thank you for the signs which you inspired John to write so that I may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, I may have life in his name! (John 20:31). Praise the Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “When My Savior Talks with Me” – Lizzie DeArmond. Meditation Verse: John 20:29. |