December 24, 2021 -- Luke 24:45-48 -- He opened their minds to Joy

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Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
Luke 24:45-48 ESV

Notice that Jesus had to open the mind of the disciples so that they could understand Him, His suffering, His work and His gift of forgiveness. This is spiritually discerned. The gift of Christmas is one of intense celebration for those whose minds are opened so that we see Jesus, once a Child and now the King in Whose name all who believe receive forgiveness of sins. This is given at tremendous cost—suffering love.

What a privilege—we are witnesses to these things. The Spirit of God opens our minds and hearts so that we can see Jesus and the meaning of His life. We peer into long history past with joy and now with expectant hope, vibrating with joy, we look for Jesus’ return. Until He returns, our joy is uncontainable—we must tell others, Jesus has brought joy to the world!

Heavenly Father,
Save me entirely from sin.
I know I am righteous through the righteousness of another,
but I pant and pine for likeness to thyself;
I am thy child and should bear thy image,
Enable me to recognize my death unto sin;
When it tempts me may I be deaf unto its voice.
Deliver me from the invasion as well as
   the dominion of sin.
Grant me to walk as Christ walked,
  to live in the newness of his life,
     the life of love, the life of faith,
     the life of holiness.
I abhor my body of death,
   its indolence, envy, meanness, pride.
Forgive, and kill these vices,
   have mercy on my unbelief,
   on my corrupt and wandering heart.
When thy blessings come I begin to idolize them,
   and set my affection on some beloved object –
     children, friends, wealth, honour;
Cleanse this spiritual adultery and give me chastity;
   close my heart to all but thee.
Sin is my greatest curse;
Let thy victory be apparent to my consciousness,
   and displayed in my life.
Help me to be always devoted, confident, obedient,
     resigned, childlike in my trust of thee,
   to love thee with soul, body, mind, strength,
   to love my fellow-man as I love myself,
   to be saved from unregenerate temper,
     hard thoughts, slanderous words, meanness,
     unkind manners,
to master my tongue and keep the door of my lips.
Fill me with grace daily,
   that my life be a fountain of sweet water.
A CRY FOR DELIVERANCE. VALLEY OF VISION: PURITAN PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS. Ed. A. Bennett; Carlisle, PA: THE BANNER OF TRUTH TRUST, 2020; page 168

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