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| Ascention courtesy photobucket.com |
The number 40 was important to
the Jewish people. 40 days Moses was on the mountain. They wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Jesus showed himself alive for a period of 40
days.
John 17:20-26 Jesus prayed
not just for his followers, but for those who would believe by receiving their
word. His prayer included you and me.
For days, Jesus had been
preparing his disciples about his death and resurrection, and they still did
not understand. When Jesus was
crucified, they almost gave UP. But they
were not counted OUT. There were still
options open to them.
In three days, their fears
were relieved as they realized that Jesus was truly alive.
Luke 24: 44-53 Jesus began to
show his followers, prophesies from the scriptures about his death and
resurrection, and to open their understanding.
He wanted them to know there
was no need to give UP, but He would make a way OUT.
For many days after his
resurrection, and prior to His ascension, Jesus opened up the Old Testament
scriptures and explained how He had fulfilled many of them.
On the day of Pentecost Peter would explain
even more of the Old Testament prophesies regarding the Holy Spirit.
There was more that would be
available to them, and that was power to be witnesses and to be able to move in
the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Tarry in Jerusalem
WAIT for the Baptism of the
Holy Spirit that would endue them with an anointing to go OUT and preach the
Gospel.
Jesus was going UP in a cloud
and they were not at this time going up with Him. Prior to his death, he had given them a
declaration to preach, teach, heal and do miracles, but there was spiritually
more.
They were to wait until the power fell, and that is what they did.
They were to wait until the power fell, and that is what they did.
Returning to Jerusalem
Today we may have been hit
with doubts, fears, questions, but we are not giving UP.
We are not DOWN for the count. There is always an option for us and God by
His Holy Spirit will direct our path toward the proper choice. We are sent to carry OUT his gospel of good news.
Perhaps we need to find a
quiet place and WAIT for the refreshing of the precious Holy Spirit to renew and refill our
parched spirit.
This post is Linked with Michelle’s
Hear
it on Sunday
5 comments:
That waiting, that refilling of our parched spirit, is always worth hoping for. Thanks for the encouragement, Hazel.
I don't always get to join you on Tuesdays but I enjoy your stories each time. Nominated you for an award. Check it out at http://anne-writersspace.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-icing-on-my-cake.html
Excellent point. We run to and fro fulfilling our responsibilities in our flesh and missing out on the super natural power and peace from God. This is a good reminder to seek and wait on Him... and proceed in the power and shadow of His hand...
As I'm reading blog posts today I hear a common theme echoing in my heart...don't give up!
Thank you!
Hazel, I'm so glad I "happened" upon this post. God is really speaking to me through it. I have been in a holding pattern for quite a long time, and growing impatient with that on the one hand, yet ready to "give UP" on the other. Seems He has a bit more waiting for me to do--waiting for Him to fill fuller with His Spirit, to open the Red Sea and to knock down the walls like Jericho's. In His time. But I have every confidence right now that those things He will do. Thank you for being His agent by sharing this.
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