“After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” – Acts 1:3
In his book “Surprise Endings,” Ron Mehl recounted a story about a seventy-eight-year-old minister who was hired by a church in California. Not long after his arrival, the church members began to complain that he wasn’t what they wanted. He wasn’t a great speaker. He didn’t have much pizzazz. But instead of lovingly discussing their concerns with him, the congregation opted for guerrilla warfare.
They talked during his sermons, they withheld their giving, they belittled him behind his back, and many people stopped attending. Sure enough, he soon got the message. And because he didn’t want to hurt the church, he quietly resigned. As he was leaving, two seminary students walked up to him. “So,” they said, “what are you going to do? You don’t have any family; you don’t have any money; you don’t have a home. Where will you go?”
This humble man of God replied without hesitation, “I’m going to heaven.” “Well, of course, we know that,” they chortled. “But what are you really going to do? You have nowhere to turn and no one to help you.” “I’m going to heaven,” he replied. “And the fact that I’m going to heaven makes these times of temporary hardship seem insignificant.”
Our Hope is in Jesus Christ, who did rise from the grave and gives eternal life to all who trust in Him. Today in prayer, praise Christ for His resurrection.
“Our old history ends with the Cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.” – Watchman Nee
God’s Word: “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” – Luke 24:36
A Few Clouds, 64°
