R³ Devotional - Day 319

Luke 24 has a lot going on, but the central focus of the whole chapter is that Jesus is Alive and his resurrection changes everything. The chapter starts with an empty tomb. When the women visit Jesus’ tomb and find it empty, they report it to the disciples, who investigate for themselves and also find it empty. Next, we see a resurrected Jesus joining two disciples on the road and sharing scripture with them to rekindle hope within them before finally opening their eyes and revealing his identity to them. This causes them to rush back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples. The next section speaks of Jesus appearing to His disciples, opening their minds to understand the scriptures. He promises them that the Holy Spirit is coming. In the last few verses, we see Luke record the ascension. Jesus leads the disciples to Bethany, blesses them, and ascends into heaven. The disciples return to Jerusalem with great joy, continually praising God.

Real Life Principles:
God works, even when you don’t understand. – The disciples at the tomb and on the Emmaus road were confused, discouraged, and unsure, but their lack of clarity didn’t mean God was absent. Jesus was working in ways they didn’t see yet.

Faith grows when we share what God has done – the disciples repeated the words, “the Lord has risen indeed.” Talking about what God is doing strengthens you and encourages others.
 
God equips before He sends – Jesus promised the Holy Spirit before commissioning them to share the gospel. God doesn’t ask us to do anything alone; He provides for everything he asks us to do.

Relevant Life Application: 
When discouraged, invite Jesus into the conversation – just as Jesus walked with the two disciples, He meets us in our disappointments. When you feel confused or stuck, take a walk, talk to God, and let Him reshape your perspective.

Move towards community, not away from it – everyone in this chapter keeps going back to gather with the others. Don’t isolate, reach out to your brothers and sisters in Christ for support and guidance.

Ready Action Steps:
Make space each day to let Scripture speak – Jesus opened the Scriptures and their hearts “burned within them”. Don’t rush reading the Bible, reflect and ask God to reveal what he wishes you to understand about it.
 
Start and end your day with praise – The disciples continually praised God after the ascension. Think of things you are thankful for today and thank God for them.