“These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you” (Luke 24.44).

“How many times do I have to tell you the same thing?” The words of a frustrated parent, or teacher, or coach, or boss. I’ve often thought them, and on occasion said them.

It’s not how Jesus speaks to His disciples when He enters their presence on the evening of the third day. They are startled, frightened, and doubtful of their senses. But, as my pastor pointed out this past Easter Sunday, Jesus patiently reminds them, “I told you (many times) that all of Scripture teaches that I would have to suffer and then rise again.”

He suffered for our sins and rose again in victory over sin, death, and the grave. By our obedient faith in Him, we are forgiven, created anew as image bearers of Him, and assured that we are His beloved both now and for forever. How often we need to remember who we are, Whose we are, and why we are here – to love and serve Him by loving and serving others.

I don’t know about you, but I need to remind myself several times a day of what Jesus has patiently but persistently told me throughout His sacred Word.

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for not listening, for not remembering moment by moment that I am Yours and You are mine, both now and throughout eternity. Amen.