IT IS I MYSELF

Newsletter 241 May 1, 2011

Luke 24:36-49 (King James Version)

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Closed and locked doors were no barrier to the resurrected Christ who simply walked through them. The apostles were frightened as they knew that he had died, but did not realize that his risen body was different in many ways. Those who had walked with him on the road had not recognized him until he prayed for the food. He was different yet the same in that his wounds were still there to be seen and touched. Again, after Peter had taken them fishing with him at Galilee they had also not immediately recognized him. We shall be like him, and probably will not be immediately recognized in our new bodies made for eternity, but, like him, our personalities will shine through for all to see.

36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. (Mark 16:14, John 20:19)

37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. (Matthew 14:26, Mark 6:49)

38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (John 20:20, John 20:27, 1 John 1:1)

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

Even in his new body, the evidence will be there as a reminder of the price our salvation cost him, and of his great love all.

40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. (John 20:27)



HIS FRESH WOUNDS

Thomas had doubted, but his doubts fled at the sight of those wounds in his hands, feet, and side. The sight of those wounds will be a constant reminder for eternity, just as I bear a scar on my right thumb, as evidence of the sharpness of a gift pocket knife many years ago. It will be there as long as I live in this body.

The fact that Jesus ate physical food provided proof that he had a body. He was not only spirit as a ghost.

41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? (Luke 24:11, John 21:5)

42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.

43 And he took it, and did eat before them. (Acts 10:41)

HE ATE FOOD

The purpose of food is to sustain life, but in heaven it is probably not so necessary though still a pleasure. We read of the tree of life which bears a different fruit at intervals.

44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 9:2, Luke 9:44, Luk2 18:31-34, Luke 22:37, Luke 24:17, Psalm 2:7, Acts 13:33, Psalm 16:10, Acts 2:27, Psalm 22:1-18, Matthew 27:34-48, Psalm 69:1-21, John 19:28, Psalm 72, Psalm 110:1, Matthew 22:43, Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42)

HE REMINDED THEM WHAT HE HAD TOLD THEM

45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, (Luke24:32, Acts 16:14, 1 John 5:20)

THIS WAS A PROPHECY FULFILLED

The fulfillment of the prophecy of his death, burial, and resurrection remains his greatest miracle, proof of his divinity. He died on Friday, and arose Sunday making that the day his own gather to praise and worship him. The communion memorial service is the very heart of that gathering. It cries out, “He lives!” And we too can live through Him. It was the custom of the early church that this was their reason for gathering. (Acts 20:7) “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them,” Paul knew they would gather for this purpose and they did.


46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: (Luke 24:26, Luke 24:44, Luke 24:7)

THE RESURRECTION

Their message was “repentance and remission of sins,” beginning from Jerusalem. It pains me to witness a baptism, when it is not pointed out that this is the purpose behind it. How will men know, if we don’t say so, especially at that time ? (Acts 2:38)

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Acts 5:31, Acts 19:43, Acts 13:38, Acts 26:18, Matthew 28:19)

CHURCH IN JERUSALEM FIRST

His church began in Jerusalem. If a church does not trace it’s heginning to Jerusalem, then it can not be his.

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2011
MAY

1st. Sunday – Judges 1:1-2:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 54
2nd. Monday – Judges 2:16-3:31, John 1:29-51, Psalm 55:1-11
3rd. Tuesday – Judges 4, 5, John 2, Psalm 55:12-23
4th. Wednesday - Judges 6, John 3, Proverbs 11:7-12
5th. Thursday - Judges 7, 8, John 4:1-26, Psalm 56
6th. Friday – Judges 9, John 4:27-54, Psalm 57:1-6
7th. Saturday - Judges 10, 11, John 5:1-23, Psalm 57:7-11

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” – John 3:19

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SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS ! – Forward this along to all your friends. The saved will rejoice and the unsaved need its message the most, so everyone is blessed: YOU FOR SHARING, AND ALL FOR READING.

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