If you have experienced the death of a loved one you know how final that is. If you have experienced the disappointment of your greatest hope falling through you know how crushing that is. This is the place the disciples found themselves in. For a devotional between the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus, please read Mark 16:9-11 and John 20:19 before watching the video.
If you want to get an idea of what the disciples must have been facing, think of times you have experienced:
something you had great hope in fall through
someone you greatly loved dying
that sinking feeling that something you have believed in might not be right
a genuine fear that your life was in danger
a calamity that has completely upended your life and all it’s daily routine
an anger at those in power over you who are unjust, yet you have no control over them
Now, imagine ALL of those being true at the same time - this is what the disciples were facing! To help you process this and apply it to your own life, work through these questions:
Why did the disciples not believe the first reports of Jesus’ resurrection? List some things that had not happened according to their plans.
Can you identify any of God’s promises that you have stopped believing because things haven’t gone according to your plans?
Why was the door locked to the room where the disciples were staying? List some reasons they had to be afraid.
Read John 12:42-43 - what fear is spoken about here? Do you fear man more than God?
Are there any areas of your life that are closed off due to fear?
In preparation for Easter read 1 John 4:14-18. Are you willing to wait for resurrection, or like the prodigal son (Luke 15) do you want your share of the inheritance now?
Waiting is hard, especially when things aren’t happening like we want them to, or when we’re afraid of something. Today in prayer make a conscious effort to submit to God’s way, and invite His perfect love to come cast out your fear. Tell Him you are willing to wait as long as He needs you to, & you want to be found faithful while waiting.