Confusion: Luke 24:1-4
In the original Greek language the word perplexed
means “to be left wanting, to be
embarrassed, to be in doubt, not
to know which way to turn.” Imagine the thoughts they must have had swarming
around in their minds. Could this really be?
What if it isn’t, where is his body? Thankfully, Jesus isn’t bothered by
our questions. He doesn’t condemn us for having questions. He would rather us
ask the questions than to ignore him.
Fear / Sadness: Luke 24:17 & Luke 24:5 –
What were they afraid of? I think they
wondered if they had been duped by Jesus. Was he really who he said he was? Did
he fool us? They fear for their lives wondering if they would be arrested, even
killed also because of their association with Jesus. Think about it,
Peter denied Jesus You might say, “Well I would never deny the
Lord. But have you ever had an opportunity to speak up for him and didn’t
because you were afraid of being embarrassed?
Joy: Luke 24:30-32
Think about this – right in the middle of
their sadness Jesus was right there and they didn’t even know it… until He
opened their eyes. Once we recognized that Jesus is revealing Himself to us and
we acknowledge him, great joy comes into our lives. I don’t know about you, but
before Jesus was in my life I had no joy, no hope... just negative thoughts and
feeling down all the time. As believers joy should be a mark of our lives.
That’s not to say we never have tough times but that we don’t have to allow the
tough times to steal our joy.
Doubt: Luke 24:9-11 & 35-38
Ever have someone tell you something and
you’re like “yeah right…” And then later you found it to be so? I can only
imagine the doubts that must have flooded their minds when things happened as
they did. After hearing testimonies they wondered; “Is it true that he’s
risen?” Just like us, they didn’t remember the promises he had given. How many
times do we go through a trial and we forget about earlier trials that God
brought us through? Doubt… we all experience it at times.
Adoration: 47"and that repentance and remission of sins
should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48"And you are witnesses of these things. 49 "Behold, I send the
Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are
endued with power from on high." 50And He led them out as far as Bethany,
and He lifted up His hands and blessed them.51 Now it came to pass, while He
blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.52 And
they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and
were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.” Luke
24:47,48 51-53 (Emphasis added)
This is the heart of the Easter Story –
WORSHIP – We’re to worship Jesus as King of Kings & Lord of Lords…. He is risen indeed!
According to verses 47 & 48, once we have received Jesus into our lives it
gives a sense of mission. We’re now to be his witnesses telling other of the
hope found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. And in our mission we’re to
preach verse 47 – “repentance and remission of sins.” You see my friend, one cannot experience the
joy and worship of the Lord until they first have repented of their sin and
surrendered their life to Jesus Christ. Does that mean life is problem free
after salvation? Not at all! But, we now have the Lord to walk with us through
those difficult times.
I would like to
close with a quote from a pastor (Tom Lovorn) that was used in a recent sermon
I read. “ With hope, you can claim the Holy Spirit's guidance and power. And,
with mission, you will have a reason for being where you are. You'll be purpose-driven
to win your world for Jesus. Your whole image - the way you dress, talk,
and walk; your attitude and outlook; your reaction to people and things –
everything about you will be different. When people ask you, "What
happened to you?" You can answer, "Easter happened, that's
what!"
Until next time,
let’s rejoice that we have a risen Savior!
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