Aug. 28, 2009 - Thoughts For Today
Why did JESUS choose to show HIMSELF first to the women? The old-feminist side of me says, "Hurrah! Women are better than men." But why? Is it because HE knew they would believe? Was it to make a statement about the value of women? Was it to give the male disciples (the eleven) an opportunity to take HIM at HIS word? Was it simply because they got there first?
I don't think it was the latter since HE next showed HIMSELF to the two on the way to Emmaus. Why them? Did JESUS have some special relationship with them? I thought it humorous that they urged JESUS to stay with them as it was getting to be nightfall (and thus a dangerous time to be out and about), and then they themselves run back once they realize it's JESUS. But such was the joy at the revelation they received.
Why were the disciples still doubtful? They had heard JESUS proclaim it many times to them, they heard the women's story, they heard the two's account. Why in the world would they think HE was a ghost? But such is the state of all mankind's heart. How many times has HE told me something, I have heard it from others, and, yet, I still do not want to believe? How many times has HE told me to do something in this way, but I still seek out other ways to try? LORD, that my heart and mind would be receptive to YOUR ways. May I not doubt or question the ways YOU have chosen to reveal it.
LORD GOD, what am I to do with the thoughts YOU have stirred in me as I read Wurmbrand's book? What is the strength of my belief? How quickly would I cave in those horrible circumstances? Worse yet, would I betray YOU? What is the strength of my faith? Or, how weak is my faith? Do I have what it takes to withstand the fire? What am I to do to help those being persecuted? I can't do nothing. Show me, JESUS.