Out of the Ordinary Ideas

For Monday, January 23

Out of the Ordinary Ideas

Mark 16 (click to read)

12 Later, Jesus appeared in another form to two disciples, as they were on their way out of the city. 13 But when these disciples told what had happened, the others would not believe.

This chapter has several references to people not believing that Jesus had risen from the dead and had been seen. I can understand that. One has to be open to events "out of the ordinary" to believe Jesus rose from the dead. Interesting to me, many people who do not believe in the Resurrection do believe in other out of the ordinary ideas and such. It seems there is more resistance to this out of the ordinary idea than there is to many others. The Bible talks about the influence of evil and the special opposition of Satan in this area. I don't doubt it, but to tell someone this evil influence is why they are not believing is not helpful to them. It seems the only thing a believer can do is know what and why one believes the Jesus rose. Then a dialog of respect and care might open some doors. For me, the very simplest thing that would have stopped the Christian faith was to point out the still dead body of Jesus. They had the chance - they just couldn't do it. So I believe and will work, pray and hope for others to believe as well.

Lord - I first confess that I do not let the impact of You Alive be as effective and powerful as I could. Help me with that action of faith and following. And help me be a gracious guide for faith for those who have some interest and sense Your Calling Love. May they, too, know You Alive.

(You can download the Pathway 2012 Bible reading list here.)