What now? Jesus was arrested, persecuted, beaten, crucified, died, and was buried. Then, He miraculously rose from the dead, leaving an empty tomb behind (Matthew 28:6). Not yet aware of what happened at the tomb, His followers were filled with despair and hopelessness. Fear drove many into hiding. Can you blame them?
They had staunchly believed that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. But, there was one thing: they had forgotten His promise of returning from the grave. Now, without a Messiah, without hope, they saw their future slipping away fast.
We too, may find ourselves in a situation that appears hopeless. We're gripped with fear not knowing what our next move will be. We're watching Plan A crumble all around us, and we don't have a Plan B to turn to. We've run out options, and the clock is ticking away.
I imagine that's exactly how Jesus' followers must have felt after his crucifixion on the cross. The rug had literally been pulled out from under their feet. Jesus had even told them what was going to happen to Him (Matthew 16:21; Matthew 20:17-19). But, either they misunderstood Him, or it went over their heads. It didn't matter now, He was gone, and they thought they were goners!
Maybe you didn't see the job layoffs coming? Maybe you missed the clues that your marriage was in trouble (or just tried to ignore the problem away?) Or, perhaps you should have gone to the doctor sooner to have that cough checked out, or that lump looked at? Maybe you thought you'd be able to hang on to your house a little longer, but the bank thought differently?
The few things that I just described happen to more of us than you think. And they are nothing to be taken lightly. Yes, they are certainly things that are scary, frightening, worriesome, and miserable. Please believe me when I say that I'm not trying to downplay the seriousness of any of this.
But, I ask you to look at the situation the followers of Jesus found themselves in immediately after His death. They were probably not sure whether they themselves would be around much longer. After all, they were known followers of Him, so hiding out seemed like a pretty good idea at the time.
Fear and hoplessness does that to us. It makes us hide from our problems. After all, it's easier to pack our bags and move on than dealing with our problems, isn't it? Wait for the coast to be clear, then slink off somewhere hoping no one will notice.
Shortly after Christs' resurrection, He began appearing to his followers. He didn't have to do this. He could have gone straight on to heaven without a second look back. But He didn't. He appeared to His followers; reassuring them, and restoring their hope,
What a turnaround! For a while, it looked as if every last shred of hope had been taken away from them. Their faith, while not totally destroyed; had taken a pretty good beating. And now, Jesus is back from the dead? Unbelievable! It had to be like getting a new lease on life; a fresh, new start!
That, my friends, is what Jesus can do for you, too. Just when you think that you can't go on; you have no one to turn to; you're dead in the water; there He is telling you that there is hope. And the hope He offers is the real deal. It's as real as the wounds on His hands and feet. As real as the cross He was nailed to. As real as the tomb He rose from.
Jesus loved the disciples, and He loves us. He knows that we are only human, and as such, can only deal with things in a human way. What He brings to us is eternal love and hope. You can't get that anywhere else, but through Him.
Whatever troubles you may be experiencing in your life at this moment; don't despair. His resurrection brings us hope. Let Jesus come to you as He did to his followers when they desperately needed renewal of faith and hope. Invite Him into your life today.
Scripture: Psalm 111:10; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 56:11; Psalm 5:11; 1 John 4:18
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as long as I know that You are there, I will not let fear rule over me. Your death on the cross wiped out the fear of living in this sinful world. In You, I will always find my strength, love, and will to carry on. Amen
God bless you,
Kendall
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