Word@Work 213 - Mark 16:12-13
Published: Fri, 09/19/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 16:12-13 Afterwards Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country. These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.* (NIV)
This reflects Luke 24:13-35 in which Jesus appeared incognito to two loyal followers walking back home from Jerusalem on Resurrection Sunday. They described their hearts 'burning' (Luke 24:32) as He spoke the truth to them, but Luke says that they were kept from recognising Him (Luke 24:16). Despite this, they wanted to welcome Him into their home; and it was there, as He took charge at the meal table that their eyes were opened (Luke 24:31).
Although it was dark, they hurried back to the disciples in Jerusalem, but initially they were greeted with disbelief. Even when the Lord Jesus appeared to them all, they were shocked and faithless. How resistant they were, despite Jesus having explained about His resurrection well ahead of time. It shows the extraordinary potency of human hearts to block the very words that will bring life and hope.
The freedom to choose is built into human personality by design. The ability to voluntarily love and receive all that is good brings much joy. On the other hand, the stubborn refusal to embrace the truth and to submit to the God who made us, deprives us of so much blessing and leaves us in fear. Perhaps we need to audit our own responses to the Word of God: are they of faith or not?
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for Your Word which often tells me about things I cannot see or understand. Help me to embrace what is true and then expect you to show me how to work it out; to Your Glory, Amen.
*The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20 (more info at www.gotquestions.org/Mark-16-9-20.html)
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
This reflects Luke 24:13-35 in which Jesus appeared incognito to two loyal followers walking back home from Jerusalem on Resurrection Sunday. They described their hearts 'burning' (Luke 24:32) as He spoke the truth to them, but Luke says that they were kept from recognising Him (Luke 24:16). Despite this, they wanted to welcome Him into their home; and it was there, as He took charge at the meal table that their eyes were opened (Luke 24:31).
Although it was dark, they hurried back to the disciples in Jerusalem, but initially they were greeted with disbelief. Even when the Lord Jesus appeared to them all, they were shocked and faithless. How resistant they were, despite Jesus having explained about His resurrection well ahead of time. It shows the extraordinary potency of human hearts to block the very words that will bring life and hope.
The freedom to choose is built into human personality by design. The ability to voluntarily love and receive all that is good brings much joy. On the other hand, the stubborn refusal to embrace the truth and to submit to the God who made us, deprives us of so much blessing and leaves us in fear. Perhaps we need to audit our own responses to the Word of God: are they of faith or not?
Prayer: Father God. Thank you for Your Word which often tells me about things I cannot see or understand. Help me to embrace what is true and then expect you to show me how to work it out; to Your Glory, Amen.
*The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20 (more info at www.gotquestions.org/Mark-16-9-20.html)
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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