That's The Message

Today's reading is found in Matthew 28. The Bible tells the story of Jesus' resurrection on the first day of the week. The women had gone out to the tomb where Jesus had been buried in order to keep vigil. But they never expected to encounter God's angel. It's incredible that the angel did not speak of his own mind. He did not criticize the women. He did not inquire the whereabouts of Jesus' disciples. He simply gave the message that had been given to him to deliver.

The message was quite simple. It was more of a reminder. The angel said, "There is nothing to fear here. I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed." The women immediately obeyed the command to go and tell the disciples of what they had seen and heard. The most wonderful thing about this is that, once they obeyed, they saw Jesus!

The disciples eventually heard the message and obeyed the command. But it's interesting to note that "some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally." How could that be? They were seeing Jesus in all His splendor and glory and they still stopped to consider whether He was worthy to risk it all.

Today, we can learn a very important lesson from this. Jesus has called us to tell the world about His death and resurrection. As we obey His command, He will appear to us and we will experience His glorious presence and the assurance we need to continue our task. Yet, there are still some that have stopped to consider whether it's worth the time and effort to follow Him. Either way, Jesus has commissioned us to the Great Commision. In other words, we are to "go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you." Dear friends, that's the message!

Who's Driving Your Life?

Today's reading is found in Matthew 16. Jesus continued teaching His disicples important truths about God and His kingdom. Jesus told them that it was necessary for Him to go to Jerusalem and suffer at the hands of the religious leaders. Peter stepped up and tried to convince Jesus that this was not the right way of doing things. But Jesus immediately scolded Him with love. He said to Peter, "Peter, get out of my way. Satan, get lost. You have no idea how God works."

Isn't that the truth even today? Satan has NO idea how God works. We may find outselves in the midst of severe suffering and pain. But God knows that this is for our own good. "Are you crazy," you may ask. No. If God is driving your life, you will allow Him to lead you where He goes. And He will lead your life through trials and pain. But if you are driving your own life, then you'll always avoid the "uncomfortable" zones of life. You'll always want to experience one pleasure after another. You'll long for victories only. You will never want to enter into the valley of the shadow of death. That is not real living.

Jesus Himself laid down His life for you and for me. He knew that God was driving His life through the pain of betrayal, denial and total abandonment by His disciples. He knew God was driving His life down the road of agony and physical torture by the cruel religious leaders. He knew God was driving His life through the Valley of Weeping. But He also understood that God knew the way very well. He needed not to be afraid. In the end, when Jesus reached His destination, the tomb, God raised Him up from the dead and allowed Him to sit at His right hand to intercede for you and me. What a privilege!!!

You and I may be going through the harshest time in life. But don't worry. Jesus knows the way quite well. He's been through it. He knows where He's going. So sit down, be quiet, and let Him drive your life. He will lead you to everlasting peace and life. After all, He is the way, the truth and the life!!!