Remember how He told you…
Here the women come to the tomb of Jesus. They are surprised to find the stone rolled away from the opening. Even more taken back by the angels and their message:
Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!
They should have expected the empty tomb. In fact, Jesus told them in advance He would rise from the dead and even informed them of the day it would happen. The heavenly messengers remind them of something they already know.
The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.
Only when the angels repeat the teaching of Jesus do they get it - Then they remembered his words.
Peter doesn’t seem to remember any better – Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb... and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
The very best students are forgetful at times. And sometimes fail to remember very important things, like the resurrection for instance!
Even serious students – students who follow Jesus every day – need reminding from time to time. This is the weakness of human nature and the power of distractions.
That’s why successful students of the Teacher find time to listen to His voice in every day. Set aside time to read His words and pray for understanding and guidance.
In this story, the most devoted followers of Jesus are forgetful students. Here’s the encouraging thing: The Teacher always sends a reminder.
The teachings about Jesus are amazing. The promises in scripture bring great comfort. If we follow God - He will take care of all our needs. We need not worry about anything, just trust, and Seek the Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteEasy to read in Matt 6... but how often do we face life and wonder, or worry, or question how God will help us out of this situation.
"Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb... and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened."
Sure Jesus had told him, but he hadn't truly understood. So when it happens... when Peter's whole understandning and belief is crushed by the cross... when the one he believes is the Messiah is killed, and burried... Confusion. Wonder. Probably depression. So what to make of the empty toumb???
And we tend to do the same thing. Troubles hit and we wonder, and worry, and try to figure out how to do what to get through... All the while God has a plan, and He is faithful.
So even when our understanding is limited... trust, follow, Seek the Kingdom, and have faith that God is faithful to His promises.