John 20:8-10
The greatest thing in all Christendom had just taken place, and the disciples were just getting it. We sure don't want to expect too much from them; they had only spent three years walking with Jesus Himself. They had only been told about the death, burial, and resurrection three or four times. Isn't it disappointing to think that Jesus' (sp? Is it Jesuses, like the Dobbses? Help me you Grammatical wizards--I skipped that day in English class.) closest friends just didn't understand all of His interpretation of Old Testament Scripture until they saw with their own eyes? Think about those three agonizing days while Jesus was in the grave. It was not until this point that they began to understand and have hope in the resurrection.
I remember the first time the lights came on for me. I wasn't very old, but must have heard the story of the cross and empty tomb a hundred times prior to September 20, 1979. But that day, I don't know...I just got it. I realize now that it was the Holy Spirit working me over.
Along the path, there have been those kinds of moments many times over. As I read through the Bible each year, there are new portions I underline and highlight as they speak to me. New portions because previously I did not understand. I must say, they do not speak to me...the Holy Spirit works and teaches and convicts and pounds and brings me to understanding WHEN I'M TEACHABLE.
Couple of thoughts:
- The disciples were still disciples even though they did not know it all. Disciples aren't know-it-alls; they are teachable and desire to be taught. They are learners. I think sometimes we struggle in our commitment as fully devoted followers of Christ because we do not feel like we have enough grasp on all things spiritual. That's how I feel much of the time. But you know, God continues to bring me along by the Holy Spirit as I continue to sit at His feet and learn.
- Discipleship is a process. It's everyday life. It's not just in the pew that the light comes on. I would like to think that you learn immensly at church. But the fact of the matter is that it's through the everyday course of life, walking with the Holy Spirit, struggling as disciples and seeking the Word of God that the greatest learning takes place. To think that you are only learning when you are at church is to cheat yourself of daily growth as a disciple of Jesus.
- Jesus didn't get so frustrated with the disciple's lack of understanding that he cut them off and decided to use some others. He was committed to them. He is committed to you. We all are hard-headed, not just in learning it but in living it. I'm so grateful for the patience of my King. "He's still working on me, to make me what I oughta be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the earth and jupiter and mars. How loving and patient He must be. He's still working on me."
I pray you have a blessed day of discipleship.
