Day Two 3-24

During my quiet time, I'm currently reading Living By the Book by Hendricks to refresh my reading of the Bible. I'm parked in Ch.11 titled Read Selectively which has me practice using Who, What, Where, When, Why, and Wherefore as I am focused in on Luke 24:13-35. I am focused on the What aspect of it right now. After analyzing the before and after context I have come to a few conclusions/opinions....


This man who they had come to love and follow was crucified 3 days ago as He had told them and now they were in the dreaded waiting/what do we do now stage that is no fun to be in. I don't think they fully grasped or understood all Jesus had said about His death and resurrection and I'm sure the conversations during this time were heavy, heated, and emotional accompanied by a lot of silence in thought. It was a time of checking their hearts and when the women of their group said Jesus had in fact risen as He had said, most could not wrap their mind around it and truly didn't know how to handle it quite frankly, except Peter, really, who ran to the tomb to see for himself. The men focused on in the passage I'm studying did as many of us probably would have done and do today. They ran from it in disbelief, confusion, and most likely fear. I don't think we are meant to look at them in judgement and stupidity as I once thought,  I could be wrong of course as I am often. Because, they loved Jesus. They were a part of His tight group of followers and Jesus himself took the time, precious resurrected body time on earth, to visit them specifically. Sure He scolded them, but He is Jesus and He can and should, but we aren't.


What I am learning is that I should put myself in their shoes and have compassion on them as I can for myself and others when faced with lack of faith. I'm glad I have the burning sensation within my heart as they describe in Luke 24:32 to remind me of His presence and righteousness. Thanks God for your love and unique way of using real people's lives so long ago to apply to mine today.