Post Resurrection Scriptures
For Meditation

As we read together this incredible chapter of 1 Cor 15, we shared joy in God's grace at work in us who are least of all, and that Jesus revealed himself to us as he did Paul (in our daily lives thousands of years after his earthly life).

8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Lord, we ask for the grace to know You present in our daily work and life but also to share your joy of returning to your Father's side where you rule until all enemies become your footstool (Psalm 110 and 1 Cor 15:24)

24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

The next few weeks we continue toward Pentecost and our focus on the risen Christ present with us and his grace to help us be faithful to love Him and to love others as ourselves. This includes the work of praying for others and sharing with them the good news that Jesus is alive!
Focus-Faithfulness-Fruitfulness that will remain

1. Matthew 25:14-28 God gives us our talents to share his joy and glory

2. Matthew 25:45 God thirsts to be present with us to touch the least of all and those who thirst most.

3. John 15:1-17 Abide in Me, in My word. Obey my commands (especially to love one another).
Ask grace to glorify him by bearing fruit that remains because we abide in him.

4. John 15:20-27 Receive the Comforter and be My witnesses. Be ready to be hated and misunderstood by the world.

1. How is Christ present to you as you abide in one of these words of his to us?

2. Your desire to please Him is a thirst that comes first from Him for you and in you.
You feel His thirst in many ways: compassion for the hurting; yearning for some deeper satisfaction; sometimes anger at something you know is wrong; even a desolation or sadness; a weariness or even numbness (my soul thirsts for you as in a dry and weary land where no water is Ps 63).
What are you feeling today-especially as you think on Jesus risen and returned to the Father? Desolation like the apostles missing him and needing the Comforter? or consolation that Jesus is alive and because he has returned to the Father we can receive the holy Spirit?

3. Can you sense his longing for those in need to be comforted and be restored in his image and love?

4. What questions have you? Perhaps about something specific you are to do...or some dissatisfaction you feel?

-PD