April 12, 2024

Rhonda Patterson
"He said to them, 'This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.' Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, 'This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.'"
Luke 24:44-49

Spending time soaking this week on the early days following Jesus’ resurrection has been so good. We can see a lot of similarities in ourselves and the early disciples of Jesus. Something that stands out in the passage today is verse 45, “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.” The Holy Spirit had not yet been sent to them at that point. The disciple’s ability to comprehend the Scriptures hinged on Jesus, giving them the power to do so.

Today, we have the tremendous benefits of the Holy Spirit to guide us. During the earliest years of my walk with Jesus, the bible seemed more like a history book to me. But I remember the first time a mentor taught me the importance of inviting the Holy Spirit to guide and teach me each time I read the Word. The scriptures began to come alive and speak to me in a way that had previously eluded me. If you’re not already in the habit of doing this, please begin. The Holy Spirit will highlight and draw you to truths that God wants to teach you and empower you to go into the world and share what he has shown you.

Today, let’s express our heartfelt gratitude to our Father for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. We are truly blessed to have his divine guidance in our lives.