Later, He appeared to the eleven and they sat at the table; and He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Mark 18:14 (ESV)
After Jesus died that horrible death following more than nine hours of agony on the Cross, His disciples were discouraged and lacking in Spirit. They didn't know what to do even though He had made special efforts to tell them what was expected of them. And shortly after His resurrection was accomplished and Mary and the others found the empty tomb, reports began to come in of sightings but they still didn't have the necessary faith to believe. Only when He joined them in the room, showed his hands and let them touch his side that had been pierced did they believe.
He told them He was disappointed in their lack of faith, but He also recognized that although they were good people and loved Him, they were, after all, mere mortals. And he proceeded to spend a few last days with them to continue guidance and instruction for He knew the undertaking that they were about to begin and how difficult and painful it would be. After all, all but one of them would be killed because of their belief in Him and all would suffer.
Looking at ourselves today, do we have the strength and courage to be modern Apostles for Christ in a world that has become so corrupt and selfish? Are we willing to put our selves in second place and make Christ first in all that we say and do? That is the challenge that we face and it is what He expects of us. It's why He gave His all so that we would have the opportunity to live forever with Him.
Dear Lord, Give us the strength and courage to live our lives as modern day Apostles for Christ. Show us the way, the truth and the life always and keep us ever mindful that if we are up to the task, if we do what is asked of us by our Savior, we will live forever in Glory with Him and with You. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.
God bless you all and have a most blessed Lord's Day with Jesus always in your heart. And now, Onward, Christian soldiers.
After Jesus died that horrible death following more than nine hours of agony on the Cross, His disciples were discouraged and lacking in Spirit. They didn't know what to do even though He had made special efforts to tell them what was expected of them. And shortly after His resurrection was accomplished and Mary and the others found the empty tomb, reports began to come in of sightings but they still didn't have the necessary faith to believe. Only when He joined them in the room, showed his hands and let them touch his side that had been pierced did they believe.
He told them He was disappointed in their lack of faith, but He also recognized that although they were good people and loved Him, they were, after all, mere mortals. And he proceeded to spend a few last days with them to continue guidance and instruction for He knew the undertaking that they were about to begin and how difficult and painful it would be. After all, all but one of them would be killed because of their belief in Him and all would suffer.
Looking at ourselves today, do we have the strength and courage to be modern Apostles for Christ in a world that has become so corrupt and selfish? Are we willing to put our selves in second place and make Christ first in all that we say and do? That is the challenge that we face and it is what He expects of us. It's why He gave His all so that we would have the opportunity to live forever with Him.
Dear Lord, Give us the strength and courage to live our lives as modern day Apostles for Christ. Show us the way, the truth and the life always and keep us ever mindful that if we are up to the task, if we do what is asked of us by our Savior, we will live forever in Glory with Him and with You. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.
God bless you all and have a most blessed Lord's Day with Jesus always in your heart. And now, Onward, Christian soldiers.
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