Can you imagine the wave of emotions the disciples must have experienced, especially during the week leading up to Jesus’ resurrection? So many feelings accompanied the truths – from joy when Jesus rode into Jerusalem to confusion when Jesus talked of leaving them to sorrow when Jesus suffered and died to wonder and hope when Jesus appeared resurrected.
Scripture told the prophecies of the coming Messiah and the disciples were living in the midst of these epic happenings. We can understand how their vision could get clouded with emotions in the midst of the experiences.
As the author and perfector of our faith, Jesus is who our eyes should be focused on (Hebrews 12:2). Hebrews 1:1-4 reads, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs” (ESV).
We are able to read the prophecies and their fulfillment by Jesus. What, then, are we doing with the words of God and the accounts from history as they enlighten our mind and spirit?
Are we taking them to heart, allowing them to impact how we live each day, with God and others?
It is easy for our own vision and emotions to get clouded by the self-centered environment we create.
We may get too comfortable with Jesus and forget that he is the one who holds majesty and authority.
We may get demanding of Jesus and forget that he is the one who has sovereignty and omniscience.
We may get unappreciative of Jesus’ sacrifice and forget that he is the one who is holy and we are sinful.
We may feel self-satisfied with receiving Jesus’ gift and forget that we are to share him with others.
During these days leading up to the remembrance of Jesus’ death and resurrection, let’s focus on who Jesus is and why God sent him to us. Satan, the great deceiver, is more than pleased when our sights are shifted off Jesus. So let’s be aware and be on guard against this!
Remember Jesus’ words recorded in Revelation 1:17c-18b, “I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever” (NIV, letter A for Alive in Follow and Lead)!
May our lives give evidence of our worship of the risen savior!