“What things?” He (Jesus) asked (them). “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified Him; but we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:19-21)

These men addressed Jesus as “He was.” Something of the past. They didn’t recognise it was Jesus talking with them. They felt their hopes were dashed. For them, it was over. Upon hearing their many words, Jesus spoke firmly: “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” Jesus was awakening them to the truth of God’s word. Yes, Jesus WAS, yet Jesus IS and WILL BE! Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hallelujah! Jesus said about Himself: “I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave” (Revelations 1:18). Moses likewise called God “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” Jesus said. “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive” (Luke 20:37-38).

Jesus wants us to be quick to believe all He has said. For we have “come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God Himself” (Hebrews 12:22-23). Father, help us always to believe!

BeEncouraged❤️ Freely received. Freely share