Seeing is believing or is it?
I have a son who needs to learns things the hard way. When he was little I told him the stove was hot, but he had to touch the stove to see for himself. When I told him not to eat something, he had to taste it for himself. Now as we enter the teens, things become a little scarier. He still tends to have to learn things for himself. When we tell him his behavior in 8th grade is going to affect his classes in high school, he still tries to skim the line to see how far is too far. As a parent I would get frustrated and want to say, “why don’t you just take my word for it!”
When Jesus rose from the dead he appeared to two men walking towards a village called Emmaus (which is just outside of Jerusalem). They did not recognize him and Christ asked them what they were talking about…and they replied:
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”
You can almost hear the disappointment and mumbling in their voice, “..but we had hoped that he was the one.”
Christ replied to this:
“How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27
After Christ traveled with them, they invited him in for dinner. It was then their eyes were open to he was.
How many times do we read God’s promises and when things do not happen as we imagined them, we are caught mumbling, “but I thought…or I had hoped.” How quickly as Christians are we just like my son, we need to see, test, taste, to believe. I to have been guilty of this. But I am here to say I believe whole heartedly:
“I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2,3). JESUS SAID HE WAS COMING AGAIN!
Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we are slow to believe your promises. Thank you that we can rest in the assurance that we will see you face to face. And if there is anyone who does not know you as their personal Savior I pray their eyes are open to your salvation. Amen
Oh how true. We have such a hard time to believe when we don’t see things happening in our lives. Slowly, but surely, He is teaching me just to trust and step out in faith. He is good and has only our best interests in mind – just like we as parents with our children.
Thank you so much for sharing, Laurel…
What a beautiful word of truth. I once was one of those that had the head knowledge but didn’t see Him clearly until He opened my eyes and heart. I have been learning to trust Him in faith, taking Him at His word.
Oh yeah–my teen son does that. I do that….I will feel the Lord put something on my heart and be disappointed when it “appears” not to have happened. Then my eyes are opened. I pray now that the Lord open my eyes so I wont miss Him. I like how you write it so I can relate. It brought the point out so well. You’re gifted as all good gifts come from above! Keep on inspiring us!
Blessings in Christ-
P.S. Enter me.
How easily we doubt that God has a plan in each and every thing that happens, that our whole life was known before we breathed a single breath….My son is also a “see if its true for me” fellow….and yet his very knowledge of personal truth is what makes him such a leader with his friends…..scars and all….though it rarely relieves my heart when I know at times he has to learn the hard way.
hugs hugs hugs!
shan
Can I just say I am glad you are back! I loved this!
Why can’t I learn things the easy way too?
YOu are a blessing 🙂
Ei yi yi! That’s me in a nutshell… That’s why I started praying that I would quit trying to be the leader and to follow directions. Every single time I reach out to “touch” that sin, I always get burned. Fortunately, My Daddy will kiss it and make it go away!
Such a lovely post, thank you.
How guilty I am of the very same thing…doubt! I am so amazed at the patience God has for me when I fall into my doubtful and rebellious times. I thank God he doesn’t doubt me and give up on me. Thank you for this devotion.
Love and Prayers,
Angela
I believe in God, but sometimes I am slow of heart to believe God. How many times have I said to him, “Oh how I hoped that you would have…” or “But I thought…”
Thankfully, Christ makes the pilgrimage to my side and accompanies me in my contemplation. Give me eyes to see you, Lord, even in the midst of my confusion.
peace~elaine
Laurel, this post hit home today…
Laurel,
This post is spot on!! Oh how I cling to John 14:2-3. I will trust… BTW, I get your son too…. My middle schooler is also pushing the boundries.
Sending you a big hig (((((((Laurel))))))) 🙂