“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off; for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:36-38
It is not uncommon to see large busses or taptaps with words of encouragement to people who are Christians, painted on the sides. On the back of the bus in this photo, just above the man selling fried griot and plantains to the passengers inside are the words “merci Jesus” or ‘thank you Jesus’. This Thursday is Ascension Day and that is certainly a cause for all Christians to say “merci Jesus” but there are no special sales in the stores or 5K runs or events planned in local communities; just another day. Regardless of how much this world will dilute the true meaning of Christmas, Easter and Ascension Day the promise of what our Triune God has accomplished through His Son Jesus still causes us to place our faith in Him with all of our energy; He is Risen…He is Risen Indeed!!! I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘I am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus’ that were written by Frances R. Havergal in 1874.
“I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, trusting only Thee; trusting Thee for full salvation, great and free. I am trusting Thee for pardon; at Thy feet I bow, for Thy grace and tender mercy
trusting now. I am trusting Thee for cleansing in the crimson flood; trusting Thee to make me holy by Thy blood. I am trusting Thee to guide me; Thou alone shalt lead, ev'ry day and hour supplying all my need. I am trusting Thee for power; Thine can never fail. Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me must prevail. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus; never let me fall. I am trusting Thee forever and for all.” Frances R. Havergal, 1874.
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay