PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Mark 16:9-14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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 rebuking my stubborn refusal to trust him.
But I also sense him telling me 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)
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!
“they did not believe it”. The unexplained happened – Jesus is alive. When Jesus taught the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man in hades was told that even if someone was risen from the dead they would not believe it. But they saw Jesus – maybe they thought he was a ghost – like Thomas said I’ve got to touch and feel in order to believe. Today, we too need to believe and many find it hard to do so. It’s no wonder – that is why faith is such a miracle! Lord help me not only to believe but also to overcome all vestiges of unbelief! That as the challenges in my life confront me – even as I approach my own human death – I may believe and stay strong in my faith! I think God for the genuine witnesses who were real and found it hard to believe – it would be what we would expect! They became believers and witnesses to the truth of the resurrection!
Jesus appeared to the women and the disciples to validate what He had said to them. It was through His followers them that we have His Word today. I need to be like Thomas saying Lord I believe. I feel His presence now but one day I will see Him. Today I too need to walk with my Saviour as I live for Him. May others see Him through me. Open my heart Lord as I continue to serve You. Guide me.
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray
Or just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
I am lost if you take your hand from me
I am blind without try light to see
Lord just always let me Thy servant be
Lead me oh Lord, won’t you lead me
Lead me, guide me along the way
For if you lead me I cannot stray