The Legend of Thousand Hills Farm

Acts 1

This morning the older boys and I sat down and went over Acts 1.  We are working through one chapter a week, reading that chapter every day, and then on Fridays we are meeting and going over the chapter, and any questions/observations we have made.  (I do know that it's Tuesday!  We're running a little behind!)  As we read, I was struck at the goodness of God.  Here were the disciples, and His other followers, hiding, frightened, and discouraged after the cruxifiction.  Had they just wasted the last three years of their lives?  Where was the kingdom that Jesus had spoken of so often?  Were they to die as well?  And then Jesus appears to them.  Not just once, but for 40 days He spent time with them and telling them about the Kingdom.  It struck me that had He just appeared once, they may never had made the impact they did. 

Put yourself in the disciples shoes.  You've spent 3 years living with Jesus.  You believe in everything He's said and done; and then, He's crucified.  It's all over - or so you think.  What's to happen with you?  Do you pick up your fishing net and head back out on the water?  Do you even dare to stay in the area, or is your life in danger? 

Now, if Jesus appears to you one time; does the doubt and fear go?  Or do you wonder if you've just imagined seeing Him?  Are you confident enough in Him and His message that you are willing to go the ends of the earth with it?  Are you willing to suffer persecution and even death?  I don't think so.  But, Jesus...  But Jesus knows these men, even as He knows us.  And He doesn't just appear one time but He comes and He stays with them.  "To them He presented Himself alive after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days, and speaking about the kingdom of God." Acts 1:3ESV

How much confidence that must have given them!  I can see, in my minds eye, how even their posture changes, as they go from fear and defeat to joy and confidence that their Lord is who He says He is!  How exciting, how wonderful, how joyous!  Yes!  I'll go!  I'll suffer!  I've seen my Lord and He's alive!!

How wonderful and comforting.  God knows that we are but dust.  He knows just what we need.  How to encourage us, and strengthen us to do the job (whatever that may be) that He has given us to do.