Don't let sorrow hardened your heart (Luke 24:19-21) (Luke 24:25-26)

 

What things?" Jesus asked.

"The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth," they said.  He was a prophet who did wonderful miracles.  He was a mighty teacher highly regarded by both God and all the people.  But our leading priests and other religious leaders arrested him and handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him.  We had thought that he was the Messiah, who had come to rescue Israel.  That all happened three days ago  (Luke 24:19-21)

Then Jesus said to them, "You are such foolish people!  You find it hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures.  Wasn't it clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his time of glory?"  (Luke 24:25-26)

All of a sudden, Jesus shows up unexpectedly in the darkest time of their lives and when their hearts are heavy with sadness.  Their friend whom they believed had left them.  He claimed to be a prophet and a teacher, done miracles worthy of a Messiah.  Dead for three days where was he now?  Even  rumors of his resurrection could not comfort them.  These women had even told them that they had seen him.  But no, now their faith had dissolved into sight.  Sadness and unbelief hardened their hearts and now they could not believe even when they saw him. Jesus, whom they had thought was the Messiah

For most of us, humans, some of us have grown with faith and some others like myself have come to faith in Jesus in our adult years, but regardless of when we experienced that grace.  We always seem to go through the valleys of death and sorrow.

Likewise, don't expect Jesus to show only on your mountains of joys for here we see him present as these disciples struggled.  As predicted, this Messiah was with them after his resurrection.  Also as prophesied, he will come for his elect, His Bride.  Will you be in that number?

Many years ago, I saw him as well in a dream as the Lamb of God in a human form.  Standing  with his arms extended to his sides as on a cross.  He was knocking seven bulls to the ground.  He let me know that's what he would do through me.  In my times of sorrows I like to recall that dream to memory for it encourages me.

Has God done something in your life that has encouraged you in the past.  I do think that some of us need experiences with God as well as the Scriptures.  Some others, are just happy with the Scriptures only.

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