249 of 365 - Raised hands

​And he [Jesus] led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God. Luke 24:50-53
 
“You are witnesses of these things,” Jesus tells those in the room He appeared before.
 
“And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high,” He continues.  

He tells them to come and follow Him as He leads them to the outskirts of Jerusalem, as far as Bethany.

The hands that three days earlier were raised, secured by nails to a cross, are now raised high in praise. The raised hands of suffering now raised hands of blessing and victory. There was a price paid for this blessing. The most expensive free gift we will receive.

With their own eyes, they see Him carried up to heaven. And it is transformational...

No longer hiding in fear and self-pity they worship and return to Jerusalem with great joy. They continually go to the temple – the headquarters of the persecutors of Jesus – and praise God.

​God, open our hearts and minds. We don’t want to believe in our head while doubting in our heart. We want to SEE You; to KNOW You. Move us from what we have heard and read about You to a CONVICTION and ASSURANCE that make us bold and brave to worship You and make You known.
 
Challenge: Spend time in prayer today asking God to help your belief; to make you bold; to open your eyes to see HIM; to recognize His power and great love.