Tag Archives: revelation

September 19
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“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.'” (Genesis 12:1, NIV)

This recollection of God’s first encounter with Abram (later called Abraham, the father of the faithful) reminds us that we must first go in obedience to God before God will show us the promise.

Most of us prefer it the other way round, as if to say to God: “Show me and I will go”; while God is saying to us, “Go and I will show you.”

It may be a strange thing to our family, friends, and neighbors to see us commit to something without being able to describe the end-state or the desired outcomes; but obedience ahead of evidence is how God dealt with Abram — and it is how God deals with us.

Whenever God’s spirit moves you to move — move!  God will be with you every step of the way and, in time, you will see the promise.  – Luther

REMINDER: Daily Encouragement will be on break Sunday (tomorrow).  Have a great day in worship and rest.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday!

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April 7
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Resurrection Day +2

“He asked them, ‘What are you discussing together as you walk along?’ They stood still, their faces downcast.” (Luke 24:17, NIV)

The evidence of the Resurrection was not accepted by Jesus’ closest disciples. In light of the empty tomb, the angel’s proclamation, the testimony of the women, the ancient prophecies come true, and even Jesus’ own words about His death and resurrection, one might think the disposition of the two disciples en route to Emmaus in today’s scripture would have been anything but “downcast,” but they were very distressed.

I am the first to admit that had I been there, I also would not have believed.  All of the disciples — except, to their eternal credit, the women — refused to accept the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.  What they were seeing was unprecedented, and denial of the evidence is always the surest way to avoid facing the hard questions that inevitably follow revelation or Revelation.

Today, we still have the empty tomb, the angel’s proclamation, the testimony of the women, the ancient prophecies come true, Jesus’ own words about His death and resurrection, and — unlike the two disciples on Resurrection Day — more than 2,000 additional years of testimony that all of it is still true!

Does your countenance reflect this compelling evidence?

He is risen!  The Lord is risen indeed!  Hallelujah!  – Luther

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