As you prepare for the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, consider taking a walk with Jesus to recall what The Savior did for you. Luke's account of the events between Palm Sunday and Resurrection Day, is a vivid portrayal of the prayer life of the Lord, Jesus.
Luke was not a first hand observer of the life of Jesus, but he was a faithful historian, documenting not only what happened during those days, but offering keen insight into why it all happened.There is little doubt that the Apostle Paul was a great source for Luke's documentation of those early days of the church. From Paul he learned It is not enough to know the history of the resurrection, believers must experience the power of it.
Those seeking the power of The Risen Christ must have a passion for intimate fellowship with The Spirit of Christ. This power is released by embracing the fellowship of Christ's suffering. Paul had been on hand when Stephen was stoned to death. He witnessed the capacity of this Spirit-filled man to live out his faith in Christ, and to die with forgiveness on his lips for those who took his life. Stephen didn't just know about the Resurrection, he had intimate fellowship with The Risen Christ.
This is the difference that revealed in Stephen the power of The Resurrection. Dead men have no rights that can be taken from them. Because Stephen had died to his rights, he was able to intercede for the rights of others. Paul must have been haunted by the last words Stephen spoke.
"Lord, do not hold this sin against them!"
Acts 7:60
Paul's life was not transformed by being informed. His life changed with he was confronted with his sin, and he embraced The Risen Christ on the Road to Damascus. From that moment on Paul never stopped walking with Jesus, no matter where Jesus would lead him. This is the walk that leads to the fellowship of His suffering. Genuine Christianity is revealed on earth by dead men walking.
"That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering being conformed to His death in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." Philippians 3:10
DAY 1: PRAY FOR STRENGTH: Following the triumphal of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem, He gathered His disciples in the upper room to celebrate The Passover. As evening drew near, the disciples faithfully observed the tradition. They were unaware of the gathering storm of spiritual warfare that was approaching them. Jesus was not caught off guard by it. His mission was not to avoid the conflict. He was sent to confront and defeat the enemy. Prayer was his mighty weapon of warfare. He wielded it, as He interceded for His disciples to conquer temptation.
"Satan has asked permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you , when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:32
DAY 2: PRAY FOR RESISTANCE: "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." Luke 22: 40
DAY 3: PRAY FOR BROKENNESS: "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." Luke 22:42
DAY 4: PRAY FOR FORGIVENESS: "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34
DAY 5: PRAY FOR RELEASE: "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Luke 23:46
DAY 6: PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT: "He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him;" Luke 24: 31
DAY 7: PRAY FOR HOPE: "While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into Heaven." Luke 24:51
NOTE TO SELF: Your walk with The Risen Christ is the next 20 seconds. Don't postpone your walk to take your next breath. Begin your fellowship with the breath that you have in your lungs. Prayer is the breath of Heaven, and it release Christ's power on earth.
TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!