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Intention

To know that Jesus’ resurrection – as a proof of His love, mercy, grace and forgiveness – is all the incentive we need to ‘GO’!

Scripture

“Now as they [the two from Emmaus] said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you’. But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit.

“And He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.’”

– Luke 24:36–39

Reflection

It was the last day of our pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Having experienced the uplifting worship at the Garden Tomb service during the Feast of Tabernacles, I wanted to return, alone, to the Garden Tomb to meditate on Jesus’ resurrection.

Surprisingly, this early morning, the area around the tomb entrance was devoid of pilgrims. I walked inside the tomb and gently closed the door. I was deep in prayer when I sensed a crowd gathering outside. I pushed the door open to find a group of German pilgrims with their guide.

Somewhat flustered, I blurted out: “He is not here for He is risen”.

The guide, also somewhat shocked, replied squeakily: “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely!” I responded with conviction and strode through the crowd.

I laugh about it now, but I wonder if you have ever thought deeply about this passage in Luke where Jesus appeared in the flesh to His disciples after His resurrection.

Being in Israel took my faith to a whole new level. My conviction went from my head to my heart. The truth and reality of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, no longer just in a book – but before my very eyes.

Jesus actually lived, He died in a real place, at a time in history and then, incredulously, He rose from death and appeared to His disciples, displaying the nail prints in His hands and His feet.

He was a both fully human and fully divine. It’s hard to get your head around it. But look closely at the passage. The disciples were terrified, thinking they had seen a ghost. Jesus challenged them to touch Him.

Imagine the scene. You witnessed Jesus’ horrifying death. You knew He had been taken from the cross and laid in a tomb – He was dead, dead, dead. And yet, here He was – speaking to you and inviting you to touch Him. I wonder what was the stronger emotion – raw fear or overwhelming joy.

This incident alone is enough to spur us to share this truth with a hurting world. Jesus is alive! He invites us into the inner sanctuary of His love, mercy, grace and forgiveness. This is the good news! This is the incentive we need to ‘GO’!

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Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for sending your only Son, Jesus, to live on earth, to make the ultimate sacrifice, taking on His body the sins of the world. And thank you, most of all, that Jesus overcame death, and lives forever in us, through the Holy Spirit. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved.

Lord Jesus, Australia needs you. Please forgive this nation for our rebellion. Please raise up godly leaders who will guide Australia to repentance and renewal that will bring you glory. Let your Holy Spirit hover our churches, our schools, our government agencies and our businesses.

Dear Lord, please open the hearts of _________________. Each desperately needs you. In your mercy and grace, turn them from their pride and rebellion, please soften them to receive your forgiveness and set them free.

Amen.

Author Bio

Teri served as a missionary volunteer in Fiji from 2013–2019, during which time she was introduced to the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ). She has visited Israel seven times, including in 2023, departing Israel on October 7 and experiencing the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war. She currently volunteers with ICEJ-Australia.

Prayer Points for GO Month to Pentecost 2025

1. Five friends to trust in Christ and to share the gospel with those five in May. Matthew 28:19–20

2. Repentance, revival and reformation in Australia and for millions to believe in Jesus Christ. Luke 24:47

3. A Church that grows in extravagant love for God and people. 2 Corinthians 5:14–15

We invite you to support this prayer campaign to multiply prayer in Australia for revival and see millions come to faith in Christ. Every donation to the Canberra Declaration helps us promote prayer and make a stand for family, faith, freedom, life, and the good news of God’s love through Jesus Christ, His Son.

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