(This is the last in a series of 365 meditations on the genealogy of Jesus Christ, from Abraham to Jesus, as well as the prophets and personalities who supported them. This entire series is organized with daily readings by date, with available by podcast, using CONTENTS. It can also be accessed at Apple and other Podcast websites – search for “Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus” by Bruce McClellan.)
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Sometimes when life looks to be the most hopeless, a new and wonderful beginning is about to happen. Though we may be at the low point of, “What now, Lord?”, the dawning of a joyful reality, by grace, is often ready to appear just beyond our visible horizon.
On the third day after the death and burial of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus completely fulfilled the Father’s will by living a pure and sinless life, then laying down His life for the complete atonement of sin for all who would believe on Him. But His immediate disciples were not yet aware of Jesus’ miraculous resurrection from the dead.
Jesus’ disciples had gathered after His death, huddled together in complete despair, not knowing at all what to do next. To make matters worse, some likely felt guilty about abandoning Him to the Romans while fleeing in absolute fear for their lives. But God was about to turn their dark mourning into the bright light of wonderful joy.
36 And as they were saying these things, He (Jesus) Himself stood among them. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. 38 “Why are you troubled?” He asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, He showed them His hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and unbelieving because of their joy, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, 43 and He took it and ate in their presence.
44 Then He told them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.” Luke 24:36-49 (HCSB)
Appearing to them after His resurrection, Jesus instructed His followers to remain in Jerusalem until they experienced the gift of the Holy Spirit, Whom they would receive on the day of Pentecost.
Then, forty days after His resurrection, Jesus returned to heaven, being taken up before their eyes.
50 Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. 51 And while He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven. 52 After worshiping Him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they were continually in the temple complex praising God. Luke 24:50-53 (HCSB)
The disciples’ promised experience would occur ten days after Jesus’ ascension. Per His instructions, the 120 believers had been gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem for a season of intense prayer, waiting, in anticipation, for something very special to come. The Holy Spirit would be poured out upon them in dramatic fashion, as witnessed by a large crowd gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost.
Upon receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples were filled with a new boldness and conviction in their faith, and would never again run away in fear from opposition or trouble. After living out fruitful and successful lives of ministry, turning many hearts to the Lord, many of these disciples would end up paying the ultimate price, being put to death for their faith. They were steadfast to the end, proclaiming their commitment to the name of Jesus right up until their final breath.
One of the youngest of the twelve apostles, John, would still be alive six decades later. While in exile for his faith on the island of Patmos, he was given a vision of Christ’s future return, as recorded in the book of Revelation.
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea no longer existed. 2 I also saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne:
Look! God’s dwelling is with humanity,
and He will live with them.
They will be His people,
and God Himself will be with them
and be their God.
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Death will no longer exist;
grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer,
because the previous things have passed away.
5 Then the One seated on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give water as a gift to the thirsty from the spring of life. Revelation 21:1-5 (HCSB)
That coming day will fulfill God’s eternal plan that began with the Lord’s directive to the sojourner, Abraham, calling out a people of faith. Later, the Lord called Moses from out of a burning bush, selecting him to free God’s people from slavery in Egypt and to lead them into a Promised Land. David, a faithful king, would rule over God’s chosen people, and the authority of his throne is preserved forever for Jesus to one day reign on from Jerusalem. And the prophets, many of whom wrote down God’s plan in the scriptures, foretold of the redemption and the promise of God’s restoration for people of faith. These writers will have the remaining balance of their prophecies fulfilled at the return of Jesus Christ.
This collection of meditations is the story of the people who lived out this journey as members of the genealogy of Jesus, as well as those who were chosen to lead, encourage, and guide them. May we all be filled with God’s Holy Spirit and strengthened in faith as we read their stories in His word, and seek to learn from Jesus as we follow in His footsteps. May we be found ready, filled with faith, with the oil of the Holy Spirit burning brightly in our hearts when Jesus returns in glory to call all believers to our eternal home.
Reflection
Where do you need the dawning of a new hope from the Lord?
Father God, we pray that the reader, wherever they may live on Your good earth, will find and experience generous portions of Your grace and mercy through Your word, tasting and seeing that the Lord is good. We pray Your blessing and protection on all who have the willingness and wisdom to seek to follow You. We ask this in the precious name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
May the Lord richly bless you with a beautiful day in His love, today and every day.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 