Blessing Our Community - Day 19

DAY 19 - Thursday, April 18, 2024

Colossians 1:28
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

Scripture Insights
He is the one we proclaim! Jesus. Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. Our Good Shepherd, the light of the world, the resurrection and the life. He is the one we proclaim.
Although the identity of Jesus is largely defined by the nature of his life, it is most clearly understood through his death and resurrection. It is that which we proclaim. On the cross, Jesus absorbed the full force of darkness and turned it into a movement of divine love. On the cross, Jesus embraced the full range of human sin and drew it into a sphere of divine grace. On the cross, Jesus submitted to the will of the Father and, in turn, set many captives free.
The cross is not the end. On the contrary, it is the beginning of faith; it shows the extent of grace and reveals God’s never-ending love for humanity. The empty tomb proves that darkness cannot overcome the light. Without the resurrection, the cross would be a hopeless dead end.
The resurrection is the dawn of a new morning and the hope of more yet to come. We proclaim the crucified and risen Lord, who sustains us as the bread of life, so that every single person may be mature in Christ. He is the one we proclaim!

Today’s Prayer
Lord, come to us today. Lead us by your life-giving Spirit into all truth so we may find you as we meditate on your Word. Empower us to witness to your power wherever we go.

What is the Spirit saying to you today?

—Simone Twibell
Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies, Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois)