OzThoughts – Tuesday 19th May, 2009

OzThoughts – Tuesday 19th May, 2009

The Gospels move very quickly from the resurrection of Jesus to his Ascension. Ee celebrate the Ascension on Thursday (21st May), which of course is followed 10 days later by Pentecost or Whitsunday.

In recent days I have read the story of the Resurrection and the few verses to the end of each of the four Gospels a number of times. The story tells clearly of the friends of Jesus being shown the now empty place where Jesus had been placed in death. The instruction on that occasion as they looked was that He is not here and now go and tell the Disciples.

From that first post resurrection instruction, to the Ascension of Jesus we see the disciples sharing the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus and become very clearly aware they are to tell the good news of Jesus to others.

Luke records Jesus reminding the Disciples about the things had taught them before the Crucifixion. He also reminded them of the Scriptures which told of his death and resurrection. He says clearly to them the message of repentance and forgiveness will be preached to the nations beginning in Jerusalem. He reminds them again that they are witnesses of these things. All they have to do is to wait for God’s power to come upon them. (Luke 24 44-49).

As I reflect on these Scriptures, I think of how different communications are in today’s world. We have so many ways of communicating right across the world or even with our neighbour next door. I think, too, of Charles Wesley’s old hymn “O for a thousand tongues to sing” and I think of General Evangeline Booth’s Song “The world for God’ with its personal response in the Chorus “I give my heart! I will do my part!” I found as I looked at the words of the verses I was less than familiar with them. What a great prayer there is in the last verse! (Maybe we need a contemporary tune for this similar to the “Send the Fire” one so we use these words more often).

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, thank you again for Jesus. I pray that you will help me to do my part to spread the good news throughout the world. Help me to begin right where I am amongst family and nearby friends and then to reach out to others, where ever you will lead me. Holy Spirit, equip me and use me today, I pray.

Thank you for Internet friends, bless them where ever they are. Thank you for those involved in passing this OzThoughts message to others, in response to your Spirit’s leading. Amen.

MEDITATION:

[Listen: Songsters: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music3/mus_4402.mp3 ]

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer's praise;
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honours of thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
'Tis music in the sinner's ears;
'Tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood avails for me.
Authors: Charles Wesley (1707-88)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 64
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The world for God! The world for God!
There's nothing else will meet the hunger of my soul.
I see forsaken children, I see the tears that fall
From women's eyes, once merry, now never laugh at all;
I see the sins and sorrows of those who sit in darkness;
I see in lands far distant, the hungry and oppressed.
But behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!

Chorus
The world for God! The world for God!
I give my heart! I'll do my part!
The world for God! The world for God!
I give my heart! I will do my part!

The world for God! The world for God!
I call to arms the soldiers of the blood and fire:
Go with the Holy Bible. Its words are peace and life
To multitudes who struggle with crime and want and strife.
Go with your songs of mercy, show Christ in loving kindness,
Make known the sufferings of the cross, the sacrifice of God;
For behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!

The world for God! The world for God!
For this, dear Lord, give to my soul consuming fire.
Give fire that makes men heroes, turns weakness into might,
The fire that gives the courage to suffer for the fight,
The fire that changes fearing to pentecostal daring,
The fire that makes me willing for Christ to live or die;
For behold! On a hill, Calvary! Calvary!
Authors: Evangeline Booth (1865-1950)
The Salvation Army Song Book: Song Number: 830





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