WHEN IN DOUBT, TRUST JESUS WORD
SCRIPTURE:
“When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:40—49)
OBSERVATION:
The disciples did not believe Jesus when He was resurrected back to life. Even though Jesus had told them before he went to the cross and died. Jesus told the disciples exactly when he would be resurrected yet they did not believe him.
Jesus showed them his hands and feet and told them he was not a ghost, for a ghost does not have a body. Yet the disciples still did not believe him. The reason because of joy and amazement. He asked for something to eat to prove that he was not a ghost. The disciples gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.
The challenge the disciples face is still the same as many believers today. Jesus has to tell the disciples; THIS IS WHAT I TOLD YOU WHILE I WAS STILL WITH YOU. EVERYTHING MUST BE FULFILLED THAT IS WRITTEN ABOUT ME IN THE LAW OF MOSES, THE PROPHETS, AND THE PSALMS.
Jesus appealed to the books that his Jewish disciples were familiar with. I am reminded of the power of the written word about Jesus. I am not left without the powerful witness of the life of Jesus. I learned three things today about the power of Jesus in helping his disciples overcome their fears and doubts. When in doubt, fearful, and unsure of faith, Jesus is always faithful and patient in dealing with me. Like the time with his disciples.
- JESUS SPOKEN WORD: Jesus is patient in having a conversation with them. Jesus spoke with them and reminded them of His spoken words when he was with them.
- JESUS WRITTEN WORD: The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms are all written about him, and everything will be fulfilled.
- JESUS OPENED THEIR MINDS…Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
I have moments of fear and doubt like everyone else. But I am reminded today that the foundation of my faith must always be built on Jesus’ Spoken words, his written words, and his power to OPEN MY MIND to understand his word. I must allow Jesus’ power to open my closed mind to his word. Unless I allow Jesus to open my mind to understand his word, everything else he says will not make sense.
APPLICATION:
I will continue to make time to listen and hear Jesus’ word daily and allow his word to remove my fears and doubts. I am blessed to have his written word that guides and leads me when facing uncertainties in my journey with him. And most of all, I am grateful that Jesus is able to open my mind and help me understand his word daily.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for reminding me today that your spoken and written word is powerful in removing my doubts and fears. Thank you for the power of your words that strengthen me in all my trials and fears. I ask that you continue to open my mind to understand your word. Teach me to fear you and to obey your words in my daily journey with you. Help me always to seek your word and make it a joy to feast on it daily. In your name Jesus, Amen!
