THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 16:9-14
“Jesus appeared to them (and) rebuked them for their lack of faith.” (Mark 16:14)
Today I sense the Lord asking me about my faith.
Not about the doctrines I claim to believe, but about my confidence in Him.
Here the disciples could not believe the impossible, the unseen.
Like Thomas, “Unless I see… I will not believe.” (John 20:25)
I cannot see Jesus… or God, or Satan, or the kingdom of God.
There are often times when doubts – like gnats – pester my mind.
I refuse to give in to them, but they do undermine my confidence.
These pesky doubts hold me back from living for these beliefs fully.
I believe, and yet I am also aware of unbelief (Mark 9:24).
It is good to know that Jesus first disciples doubted too.
Through today’s reading, I sense Jesus gently challenging my stubborn refusal to trust Him.
But I also sense Him encouraging me that He will “appear” to me one day to remove all doubt.
Even though I struggle to believe fully, He will still appear to me, and then I’ll know!
Like Job, “I will see him with my own eyes. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:27)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I see how doubt holds me back. But I also see how faith moves me forward. May my faith always be stronger than my doubt. I do believe, help me overcome my unbelief!
Jesus first appeared to a woman whose testimony was true, but she was a woman who had been following Jesus in His ministry like the other women. Jesus going against tradition and using a woman to minister. But they did not believe Mary.
And the two with whom Jesus walked – they were so excited that they walked back and shared with the others but to no avail.
Finally Jesus showed Himself to the eleven who had been with Him for three years and yet did not believe His Word.
And I? Do I believe His Word? I have my doubts and temptations but my trust must be in the Lord. Help me daily Lord to see You in this Your Creation – to see You everywhere. Open my eyes Lord.
1. In doubt and temptation I rest, Lord, in Thee;
My hand is in Thy hand, Thou carest for me;
My soul with Thy counsel through life Thou wilt guide,
And afterward make me in glory abide.
CHORUS:
My God, I will extol Thee and ever bless Thy Name;
Each day will I give thanks to Thee And all Thy praise proclaim.
2. In glory Thou only my portion shalt be,
On earth for none other I long but for Thee;
My flesh and heart falter, but God is my stay,
The strength of my spirit, my portion for aye.
3. All they that forsake Thee must perish and die,
But near to my Saviour most blessed am I;
I make Thee my refuge, my Lord and my God;
Thy grace and Thy glory I publish abroad.