Page 68 - Living Light 90

PRAYER FOR TODAY
66
Tuesday November 18 - Final instructions
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations... teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always...”
Matthew 28:19-20
Final instructions are often the most important. At his death, Joseph told his brothers that his bones must be laid to rest in Canaan. This message was passed on from one generation to another until, centuries later, God raised up Moses to deliver the nation and bear Joseph’s bones back to the Promised Land. Similarly, Jesus’ final instruction to his disciples, known as the Great Commission, was “Go...” – not to carry dead bones but God’s living word. Joseph’s bones were placed in a grave in Shechem, but the message Jesus’ disciples carried, and continue to carry to the world today, is anything but dead; it is alive and active, bringing salvation and healing to those who receive it by faith. People can visit Joseph’s tomb in Shechem; it still exists at modern-day Nablus. Joseph’s bones testify that he died; his tomb endorses that fact. How different is the good news of the Gospel which testifies that Jesus is alive – his tomb is empty!
Stop for a moment and consider our text, commanding us to go into the world to share the gospel. Note the embedded promise that Jesus will be with you. Yes, he is always with us, our ever-present help, but there is a special presence and power that comes when we obey his final instruction. I have known this to be true time after time. Now go and share; he’ll be with you!
Lord Jesus, thank you for your final instructions. Today, please help me to go and share the good news with others. Amen.
Wed Nov 19 - The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” Exodus 3:6
We find at the close of Joseph’s story the first reference to ‘the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’ (Genesis 50:24). This family grouping has a huge significance, not only in both the Old and New Testament settings but also for each one of us today. It’s a statement that declares God’s faithfulness; his unchanging promises, promises that flow down to us from one generation to another. God promised Abraham that he would make him into a great nation and bless him (Genesis 12:1-3); this blessing flowed through his son Isaac on to Jacob, before extending to Joseph and his brothers. God never wavered from his declared covenant intent, which found its fulfilment in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. By God’s grace, this blessing is now available to everyone: ‘children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God’ (John 1:13).
As God’s adopted children, and followers of Jesus, we are no longer left to strive in our own strength but are called to live in the power of God’s Holy Spirit. What is more, God has given us the right to append our names alongside those of the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Joseph – as children of his promise and heirs of his kingdom. How wonderful!
Thank you, Father, that salvation ‘is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...’ (Eph 2:8-10). Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY