Tag: Luke 3:21-22
Witness to His resurrection
Scripture reading for May 6: Acts 1
“”. . .So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when He was taken up from us–one of these men must become with us a witness to His resurrection.” And they put forth two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, Who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place. And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:21-26
After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the remaining eleven disciples, now called ‘apostles’, decided to pick a replacement for Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus and took his own life. They set the qualification that the person must be a man who had accompanied them from Jesus’ baptism by John (Luke 3:21-22) until his ascension to heaven in the clouds. (Acts 1:9) This person was to be a witness of Christ’s resurrection. They put forth two possible candidates and then prayed over them, asking God to reveal His choice. They cast lots believing that God would answer. (Proverbs 16:33) The lot fell to Matthias, who was then added to their number.
The world would look upon this process of casting lots as having to do with luck. There would be an equal chance that either person could be selected. But in God’s economy, He controls each person being placed in authority. As these apostles prayed, God alone knows the hearts of all men. His purposes and plans will be accomplished. He determined that Matthias would replace Judas, just as Jesus had chosen Judas, knowing that he would betray Him.
Have you learned to seek God when a change of jobs, relationships, or direction confronts you? How do you view the selection of leadership in our culture today? Has God selected you to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for placing each person exactly where You want them in leadership in Your church. Help me to act in faith and seek You when leadership changes come into my life and church family. Thank You for selecting me to be a witness of Jesus’ resurrection and sending me out. Amen.
Anointed to preach Good News!
Scripture reading for October 21: Luke 3-6
“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” “Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on Him, and He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:18-21
Not much is recorded about the life of Jesus from twelve years old until He was baptized by John at the age of thirty. We know that He worked with Joseph for part of that time in their carpenter shop. He took part in normal family life and community life in the town of Nazareth. Can you imagine eating off of a table that Jesus had made? Or using an ox yoke that He had crafted? The Son of God learned about our struggles doing menial labor for ordinary people! This was part of His preparation for the ministry of preaching the Good News to the lost of the world!
At the proper time, Jesus went down to the Jordan River to where John the Baptist was baptizing those who would repent. John had spoken of One Who would come after him Whose sandals he was not worthy to untie. When John saw Jesus, he immediately knew that He was this One! (John 1:29) Jesus was baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove. A Voice from heaven declared: “You are My Son, Whom I love; with You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22) God loved His Son and anointed Him with the Gift of His Spirit to empower His preaching.
Jesus was then led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. For forty days, Jesus fasted all food. Satan came to tempt Him and each time, Jesus quoted Scripture to defeat him. He was successful against the temptations of Satan through living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When he arrived back in Nazareth at His home synagogue, He was invited to read from the scroll of Isaiah 61:1-2. He read the words quoted to begin this devotion. The Spirit had anointed Him to preach the Good News and proclaim freedom to all who would hear. He was to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. This Scripture was fulfilled in the hearing of those present that day in Nazareth! (Luke 4:21)
The anointing of the Holy Spirit indwelling Jesus Christ is for us today! The Holy Spirit will do even greater things in our lives because Jesus has gone to the Father! (John 14:12-13) Ask boldly in faith!