Day 72 - It’s Time to…Go!
Two weary travelers were making their way back home on a Sunday afternoon. They were discouraged and disillusioned. Their hopes and dreams had been dashed by the cruel events that had unfolded during the past several days. As they made their way along the dusty path homeward, a stranger came alongside of them and joined them on their journey.
The travelers shared their hopes and heartaches with this mysterious stranger. They didn’t know it at the time, but their traveling companion was the risen Christ Himself.
Even though they had not yet recognized Jesus, the travelers were encouraged and their spirits were lifted by the words that Jesus spoke to them. Their confusion was transformed into crystal clarity! Their disillusionments began to melt away.
By the time they reached their destination, the sun was sinking below the horizon. They invited their new friend to stay for an evening meal. As Jesus broke bread with them, the Scriptures record that, “…their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him. And He vanished from their sight.†(Luke 24:31) They suddenly realized that they had been in the very presence of the risen Savior!
Their personal encounter with the risen Jesus dramatically changed their lives. The reality of the resurrection propelled them out the door, and they returned to Jerusalem immediately. They risked the dangers of the darkness to bring the glad tidings that “Jesus is truly alive†to the other disciples.
As followers of Christ, the reality of Jesus’ resurrection should compel us, rather—propel us out into the darkness of the world to tell others the good news that Jesus Christ is the risen Lord!
There is a lost and hurting world that desperately needs to know the good news. We have been commissioned by our risen King to “go with the gospel.â€
Because Jesus is alive…it’s time to get up and “Go!â€Â     Â
Today’s Scripture Promise: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.â€Â (Mark 16:15)