Perplexed And Wondering

Luke 24:1-12

Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, and other women witnessed Jesus breathe His last breaths from the blood-stained cross. It’s rather unfortunate how Jesus’ disciples hid away from fear of the Jews, while a handful of loyal women stood by the side of the suffering Savior, until the end of His assignment. These same women also followed closely, as Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus carried the lifeless body of Jesus to a tomb, where they assumed His body would remain forever.

On multiple occasions, Jesus told those who followed Him the details of His Father’s plan, but for some reason, they could not grasp the simplicity of His words. Jesus’ message to His followers literally went in one ear, and out the other, in the same way many today disbelieve He’ll return a second time to gather the Saints. A few days after the two men placed the body of Jesus in a tomb, the same women who witnessed His death and burial, returned, bringing spices prepared for His body. Bringing spices to a tomb could be compared to bringing flowers to a grave in our day, as a sign of love and respect for the deceased. To their surprise, the women arrived at the tomb to see the stone that sealed the entrance rolled away. First of all, they should have been home with their family and friends during this time, waiting and anticipating the risen Savior’s arrival, but they believed He was still laying lifeless in the tomb.

After witnessing an empty tomb and wearing a perplexed look on their faces, the women were greeted by two angels, who reminded them of Jesus’ words. Then, they remembered, and their faith was restored. The women hurriedly sought out the disciples, to tell them the great news. Unfortunately, when they arrived and told the men what they experienced, the disciples didn’t believe their words, just as the women disbelieved before being reminded by the angels. How could the men who were closest to Jesus, not believe what He had told them plainly, and on multiple occasions?

Can you relate to the women and disciples in our lesson, who heard the Word, but failed to believe it? Are there moments in your life, when your feelings supercede the infallible and unadulterated Word of God, that speaks truth alone? How often do you take Scripture for what is says, without doubting; believing that what’s written, will come to pass? God’s Word is truth, and those who live by it will avoid harboring worry and doubt, concerning the things He promised. Build your faith and confidence in God, and stand firm knowing that His Word shall not return unto Him void, but it shall accomplish that which He please, and it shall prosper in the thing where He sends it.

Sticky Situation

Genesis 43:1-15

In most churches around the world, children are taught very early, the importance of Ephesians 6:1-3 which reads, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” The average Christian parent willingly seeks to raise their children in the fear of the Lord, so that as they mature, they’ll gradually develop in knowledge, understanding, and reverence of who He really is. Parents want the best for their children, and desire to steer them in the right direction, so they hold a firm stance toward obedience. But, is it ever ok for a child to disobey their parent’s command?

That question may have tickled a few ears, but should children really do everything their parents tell them to, even if it could cause potential harm to them? Our text gives a great example of this precise situation. After seeing their little brother for the first time in years, and assuming he was probably long dead, Joseph’s brothers were met with a rude awakening, when Joseph thought it wise to teach them a lesson for the past error of their ways. There’s no doubt Joseph was elated to see his brethren (it’s apparent he didn’t hold a grudge, nor develop hate toward them), but he desired more so to see his father and younger brother, Benjamin with his own eyes.

After being sent back to their land, and given instructions to return with Benjamin, Joseph’s brothers told their Father Jacob, all that Joseph had told them. After hearing that “the man” commanded them to bring young Benjamin back to him, Jacob was literally heartbroken. He couldn’t afford to lose another son, especially from the wife he had worked over 14 years to marry.

As time passed, and food begin to become scarce, due to the famine, Jacob told his boys to return to Egypt, to buy more food. Judah spoke out and said (in Ell’s translation), “Dad, we already told you, that dude back in Egypt, warned us not to return without Benjamin. I know you love him as you did Joseph, but I’m gonna have to disobey you on this one pops.” Obviously, this didn’t sit well with Jacob, but he was eventually convinced to comply.

Were Judah and his brothers wrong for agreeing to disobey their father, because it could have potentially cost them their lives, or should they have gone against the words of the ruler of Egypt, and returned without Benjamin? Things that make you go, hmm.

There’s a valuable lesson in this story, that all could benefit from. When it comes to obeying God, while possibly upsetting your parents or others, choose God. Never allow anyone, including those you look up to most, to take precedence over the Word of God, because at the end of the day, only what God says really matters anyway. Also, be mindful not to be disrespectful to those in authority, but be certain when following another man’s orders, it doesn’t contradict how God commanded you to live.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

Who Said That?

Acts 13:1-5

When God speaks, can you tell whether it’s Him, or not? How do you discern the voices in your head, whether they are from the devil, the Father, or the spirit of your mind (conscience)? The best way to recognize when God is speaking to you (through His Spirit) is, to be in a position of proper posture, then you’ll be better prepared to discern what’s true, and what’s not.

As humans, we were created with intuitive minds, that have the capability of harboring endless thoughts in our brains. From those thoughts, we can discern what actions to take, based on the current situation we may be facing. Unfortunately, there’s also the devil, who oftentimes makes attempts to fill our minds with evil and wicked thoughts and vain imaginations. He does this in various ways, including infiltrating television shows, movies, music, and all other mediums to distract our attention from the things of God.

As a person matures in godliness, it becomes fairly easy for them to distinguish the different voices they hear. If at anytime, you are led to do something contrary to God, morality, or your sanity, then this voice is NOT from God. On the other hand, if you are striving to live holy, while keeping yourself pure and humble before the Lord, you’ll often hear clear and direct instruction, and revelation during times of prayer, fasting, or moments throughout your day.

God loves to have our attention tuned to Himself, because He alone knows what’s best for us, and how we can properly serve Him daily. It’s wise to follow and obey the voice of the Lord, but it’s foolish to place our own thoughts, or entertain thoughts from the evil one, over the Father. Pray to God for discernment and wisdom, so that you can always receive clear and precise instruction, on how to live your life with purpose.

If you die today, where will you spend eternity?

Ell