Scripture: Luke 24 v 36 - 53.
Verse 44: "And He said unto them, These are the
words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be
fulfilled, which were written in the law of Mose, and in the prophets, and in
the Psalms concerning Me."
This passage is Luke's record of Jesus' final
conversation with His disciples before His ascension into Heaven. Jesus
suddenly appeared in the midst of them as they were cooking some fish. They
thought it was a ghost until He spoke to them and asked for food.
Jesus reminded them of all the words He had spoken to
them that were written in the Old Testament concerning every aspect of His
conception, birth, life, ministry and death.
In all there are 333 prophecies that were fulfilled by
the life of Jesus Christ written over a span of 3000 years by many different
people. The odds that Jesus is not who He says He is, is in the multiple
trillions to one. That is the same odds as Jesus not being the Son of Almighty
God, our Saviour and Redeemer, the Messiah of the Jews, the Hope of salvation
for mankind.
In verse 45 it says "Then opened He their
understanding, that they might understand the scriptures."
It is very important that we understand the scriptures
for it is our road map of life. We were lost in the dark on a lonely road before
Jesus came into our hearts and shone His light on our path. He put the only
right map in our hands, His Word, and gave us the directions for home.
If we read the map incorrectly we will remain lost in a
wilderness of false doctrines, lies and confusion of heart, so we need to ask
Jesus to open our understanding to read His Word the way it was intended. Too
many are being led astray by New Age versions of the Bible. The only accurate
version is the King James Bible or the New King James (Modern English)
published by Nelson.
He ended this discourse by telling His disciples that He
was sending the promise of the Father upon them, which is the power of the Holy
Spirit, also known as the Paraclete ie One who comes alongside us to help us
through all the twists and turns along our path.
The Holy Spirit conveys our prayers to the throne of God
and brings the answers to us. He also
helps us interpret and understand clearly the direction we should take. We do
best on the road less travelled which is the strait and narrow way. On this
path our unique personality is discovered and our relationship with the Father
and Jesus grows abundantly.
Jesus says the strait (or disciplined) and narrow
(morally pure) way leads to life and few there be that find it. Its not easy to
find in the lack of unity and proper direction in the church. I found it when
Jesus called me to follow Him on unbroken ground. I had to discard so much
complicated churchianity, plus all forms of compromise, excuses and doctrinal
errors to follow His footprints - but it has been an awesome walk and those who
choose this way receive many blessings for faithful service.
If we understand the Word of God correctly and have a
vibrant personal relationship with Him, while walking the narrow way, we will
receive many gifts and revelations which can be used to bring others into the
beautiful light of Jesus Christ. He enjoys our simplicity and childlikeness
rather than our proud superiority. So be humble before Him and He will raise
you up to spiritual heights beyond your imagination.
Prayer: Heavenly Father thank You for Your Word, the
Manufacturer's Handbook, please open the scriptures and our understanding of
them, so we may obey Your will for us in all things. We need to find unity in
the invisible Body of Christ a well as the direction we must go. In Jesus' name. Amen.