September 16 Loving & Wonderful

Luke 24:33-35 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” 35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
 
As Cleopas and his friend left Emmaus, can you imagine the wonder in their hearts? This is the singular moment for each Christian when we know, “Jesus lives! He has come to reveal himself to me. I am in the presence of the eternal, risen God!” Could anything stop you from telling anyone you meet what had happened and how Jesus was recognized by you? How good it is to tell the good news! How wondrous to proclaim, “I have seen the risen Lord.” What wonder to know Jesus loves you. I pray you daily live in the wonder of Jesus’ personal, revealing love for you.
    Do you see another example of Jesus’ wondrous love in this Scripture? Note the passage, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” When did this happen? Why is Peter’s name especially mentioned?
    Note that “they found the Eleven and those with them”. The fact that 11 disciples were there means Peter was there. Think of it. If one of your friends at church stood up and denied Christ, would you welcome him back? Probably not. But the 10 disciples apparently allowed Peter to be with them. Why?
    We learn from other Scriptures that Jesus had specifically appeared to Peter that day. The apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. (He used the church’s reference to the 12 disciples.) The angels at the tomb had also told the women, “But go, tell his disciples and Peter.” (Mark 16:7a) As we’ve mentioned, God had appointed Peter for a special work in the early church. Peter had been sifted by Satan. Now it was time for the resurrected Lord to resurrect Peter’s love and passion for God. Peter had seen the risen Lord. He had returned to the others to tell them. In hope, they believed him. The two back from Emmaus then confirmed Peter’s testimony.
    How loving and wonderful is the Lord. He forgives every sin when we repent. Peter had wept over his sin. He went to the empty tomb. He looked inside. He longed to see Jesus and start new and fresh with his Lord. Jesus responded. He came to the urgent, repentant heart to restore, revive and redeem. No sin is too deep or long for Gods deep, long, eternal love.
    Be in fellowship with the risen Lord. Got sin? Then give it up to the Lord. Receive him at your spiritual table. Tell the world how wondrous is the love of God. Peter very well knew: 1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
    How loving and wonderful is our Lord to save.