It was there. A fragile hope still bravely holding on in-between the perplexing questions, troublesome doubts and downright disbelief. The weekend events had left them battered and bruised. Moreover, the hoped for deliverance had been shattered and the agonizing events had left the disciples emotionally depleted and spiritually bereft.
Perplexing Questions
The circumstances had not turned out at all like the disciples had expected, though Jesus had shared with them what would happen. Was it fear that blinded their understanding? I’m not sure. I just know that the different aspects of the past few days were not connecting for them, though all had happened as Jesus said.
It was after the tomb was found empty that two of the disciples took to the road. With their heart full of questions and doubts they left Jerusalem. The very foundation of their soul had been shaken. Yet, within that turmoil there was still a shard of hope. A hope that something wonderfully unexpected was around the corner. Jesus knew that hope needed nourished and tended. And Jesus showed up in the midst of their disbelief and doubt and walked with them.
With just a quiet question from Jesus, an apparent stranger, the story came pouring out. The words were all about Jesus, the miracles, the dissension of the religious leaders and his subsequent death. Moreover, they shared the expectation they had that this Jesus was the hoped for Messiah and Rescuer. The news of the empty tomb was made known as well. They indicated that they had heard the woman at the tomb proclaim that Jesus was alive. On the other hand, their disbelief was apparent.
Hope Renewed
It was not with loud accusations and shaming tactics that Jesus answered their doubts. But with a tender heart Jesus led them through a journey of the Scriptures until their hearts burned with a new and unexplained hope.
As they sat with him the tumult of doubts and questions were quieted. Then what joy! Recognition of the fact that Jesus had indeed risen exploded deep in their soul. This time of communion became a sure foundation that anchored their hope.
The Day After
After the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, after a victory and answered prayers ordinary life happens. We are met with the everyday aspects of living. Laundry still mounts, sickness invades, relationships falter, and doubts still creep in. Furthermore, questions torment and disbelief invades. Yet still a fragile hope lingers.
We have celebrated the risen Savior. His Presence was felt afresh. Yet this treasure we have is still encased in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7) We must remember that yesterday’s victory is not enough for today’s battle. Turn again to Jesus to help you through today.
The disciples on the Emmaus road recognized that life wasn’t going as they had hoped. Life had knocked them around. Moreover, they needed time with Jesus. You can see the wrestling of doubts along that stretch of road. Yet, it was only when they stilled and communed with Jesus that their world was righted.
Hope for the Soul
- Today stop and still your soul in the midst of the chaos.
- Draw near with confidence.
- Journey with Jesus through your perplexities.
- Share with him your dreams and failures.
- Let him quiet your tumult with his Presence.
- Listen to his tender words of assurance.
- Accept his promises with trust.
When we linger in his Presence our fragile hope is strengthened. Daily choices of communion with God will open the door to a firm reliance on God. Subsequently, when we are faced with the chaotic circumstances of our life we can rest on the sure foundation that God is with us even to the end of the world. It’s a sure thing. A promise to lean on. He is a God to be trusted.
It is Matthew that records words spoken by Jesus that can be embedded into the fabric of our souls. Words that assure us that he is with us when our world crashes around us, when our questions mount high and fear threatens. When hope seems to be swallowed up by the tumultuous waves turn to Jesus. The reality is that God Himself is walking with you. His promise is sure. Draw near and let God’s words take up residence in your soul. Keep turning and trusting and you will find your fragile hope turn into a sure belief.
“And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”
Matthew 28:20
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