Today’s Devotion
Topic: How We Had Hoped
Text: Luke 24: 17- 21.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. 18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. Amen
Mostly before the promise of God for your life would be fulfilled, it may seem dead. Things may really look ugly and those who used to believe in you, will now say among themselves “oh, we had hoped he’d be a great person.”
Whenever your life story is told this way by family and friends, it means just as Cleopas described Jesus, they actually saw so much potential in you and hence had high expectations of you too. But now the vision seems dead and they are disappointed.
But Beloved, never let it bother you when you find yourself in a situation like this. Especially at this time of the year when people are counting their blessings before the year ends and you have nothing to share. Remember every SEED sown must necessarily die in the soil first, before it germinates and bears fruits. Sometimes, the pathway to living the purpose of God is tough and rough. Things may get really bad before the best results are produced.
You see, all this while it was Jesus (Himself) walking with Cleopas and his friend but they didn’t even recognize Him. In their minds, He was already dead and gone. BUT HE IS ALIVE! HIS PURPOSE ON EARTH INCLUDED A DIVINE PLAN OF DYING FOR TWO DAYS, BUT IT WAS NOT TO END IN DEATH. ON THE THIRD DAY HE WAS RESURRECTED, NOW TO SIT AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD INTERCEDING FOR US.
You will also rise again. Your story will not end this way. Begin to pray now. Ask the Spirit who lives in you , the same who rose Jesus from the death, to quicken your mortal body unto excellence. Every good thing that appears dead and hopeless is coming back to life in Jesus name. “Our end, the glory of the Lord!”
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