August 07 2025

Thursday August 07

Joyful Hearts Sharing His Gospel

Luke 24:48-53

48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." 50 And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.

I am so thankful for friends like you that pray for us, especially as we're traveling. Today, Edith and I will be traveling up to Roanoke, Virginia. Then, early Friday morning, we'll head to Winchester, Virginia, to participate in a memorial service for a dear friend, Bonnie Larrick. Her son, Rick Flowers and his wife Rasha have been dear friends since our early days of ministry there in Winchester. Rick was saved and called to the Gospel ministry at Shenandoah Valley Baptist Church. God has greatly used Rick as a faithful pastor in a wonderful way over these past almost 50 years.

After the memorial service we will return to Roanoke to participate in celebrating the opening and dedication of the GO Center. Global Partners in Peace and Development, led by John and Heidi Grooms, my son and daughter-in-law, have worked so hard with many others in building this center to motivate people of all ages to respond to the call to share the Gospel to the nations. It is a fantastic place to bring your family and literally experience and interact with activities that will make you feel like you are on mission with God in a foreign country telling an unreached people group the wonderful news of Jesus and His saving grace! You are invited to be a part of this celebration and dedication tonight, Thursday at 6:30pm and Saturday at 10am. The GO Center is located at 4536 Bonsack Rd NE, Roanoke, VA. For more details on the GO Center you can go to their website: https://www.gpartners.org/gocenter

As we look at the last verses of Luke 24, we remember that after the crucifixion of Christ, the disciples faced disappointment, discouragement, and all that comes with it. The women went to the tomb with perplexed hearts, expecting a sealed tomb. Today, many in our Christian community love the Lord and live for Him, like these women, but get perplexed trying to figure it all out. What is happening? Where is His body? He shows them the open tomb and even gives His first appearance to Mary Magdalene.

Then, we have the two disciples on the road to Emmaus with discouraged hearts, thinking Jesus was going to set up His kingdom. Many believers today are discouraged because things aren't turning out as expected. Jesus opens their eyes to see Him. In the upper room, the disciples have troubled hearts, afraid and wondering what is going on. Jesus opens their understanding to the Scriptures, explaining all things concerning His death, burial, and resurrection, beginning with Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.

And what happens next? We find out in verse 52.  They have joyful hearts and Jesus now opens their lips to share the Good News of His resurrection. My friend, when you know there's an empty tomb, keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, and realize He is there with you, and He opens your understanding to all the Scriptures, you will experience a joyful heart and be willing to open your lips too! Luke 24:50-52 should be compared with Mark 16:19-20 and Acts 1:9-12. Think of what it meant to Him to return to heaven and sit on the throne of glory! (John 17:5, 11) His ascension is proof that He has conquered every enemy and that He reigns supremely "far above all" (Eph. 1:18-23).

In heaven today, our Lord ministers as our High Priest (Heb. 7:25) and our Advocate (1 John 2:1). As High Priest, He gives us the grace we need to face testing and temptation (Heb. 4:14-16); and if we fail, as Advocate He forgives and restores us when we confess our sins (1 John 1:6-10). As the glorified Head of the church, Jesus Christ is equipping His people to live for Him and serve Him in this present world (Eph. 4:7-16; Heb. 13:20-21). Through the Word of God and prayer, He is ministering to us by His Spirit and making us more like Himself.

I love this book. It started with Zacharias in the temple and the angels appearing to shepherds, proclaiming, a message “of great joy which shall be to all people." Now the book ends with these disciples full of great joy. Jesus opens their lips, and they go everywhere worshiping, praising, and telling the nations that Jesus Christ is alive. He is risen, and you can trust Him today to be your Lord and Savior. It will change everything, and your perplexed, troubled, discouraged hearts will become joyful hearts living for eternity.

That’s what the Great Commission is all about. Over the next couple of days we will be talking about how you can also participate in fulfilling the Great Commission.

God bless!