i was reading the resurrection stories in each of the gospels today, and i was just perplexed by a few things. It intrigued me how marymag and mary and the disciples were kept from understanding. Jesus said that he would die and be resurrected (matthew 16:21-23, 17:22-23, 20:17-19, mark 8:31, 9:31-32, 10:33-34, luke 9:22, 44-45, 18:31-34, etc.) three times in each book. almost every time he said it, it's recorded directly after how they didn't understand what he was telling them, and were afraid to ask about it. that the meaning of Jesus' words was hidden from them. My first thought would be ok.. well it's because it hasn't happened and they of course can't really imagine it happening. even though they had seen him raise lazarus from the dead. (john 11:38-44). but then, I would think that once he was taken and killed, that they would suddenly remember that He said He would be taken and killed, oh ya and resurrected. you gotta remember stuff like that right.
What intrigues me is that when the third day came and the tomb was empty, why were their first thoughts not "HE'S ALIVE" of course? why was it that even when he appeared to them, they still couldn't or didn't recognize him or what was happening. when they were told by other witnesses and even when Jesus came to them.. they often didn't realize it was Him. It wasn't until He opened their eyes to see and to remember in His words that foretold it all.
This to me just goes to show me how quickly we humans are to forget the blessings and promises God has given us. God does something astounding in our lives, and 5 minutes later we're breaking His heart because of our unbelief: whether its unbelief that his commands are more trustworthy than our earthly inclinations, or if it is the simple selfishness that is in us that tells us that we can fulfill ourselves better that God. It just amazes me how much patience is required of God to love a human. how often i would just SNAP and blow some stuff up if i were Him. but the patience of our Savior is unmatchable.
It also makes me think of what a gift the presence of the Holy Spirit is in our hearts. the HS brings understanding of things that don't make sense. If you are a believer then you know what it's like to make a decision that has no logical merit, apart from the pull of the HS in our heart. If at that time, they had already received the gift of the HS, i'm willing to bet that they would have been much quicker to recognize. and i love how the book of John doesn't even try to begin to record all that Jesus did before ascending into Heaven.(john 21:25 And to think, since that time 2000 years ago, how many more things God has done. I could never write all the blessings the Lord has given just me in my life, neverMIND the blessings of everyone everywhere.
and finally it's is just another beautiful example of how God reveals to us exactly what we need to know, exactly when we need to know it. His timing has its perfect purpose.
I'm praying for trust in his timing, and in his will.. and for open eyes to see the things he's ready to reveal.
