Expect The Unexpected!

The Bible records that Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection in John 20:19-31. The Disciples were, John tells us, locked in their room "for fear of the Jews." Respectively we understand their initial fears of the Jewish leaders and subsequent joy when they laid eyes on Jesus. John accounts for us their waning emotions and differing responses, both believing and disbelieving.

When was the last time you expected something unexpected? An old friend came by to visit...a gift of money...a promotion on your job...Jesus showed up...and the list goes on. Change is painful. We too are not immune from the same responses the disciples encountered. What happens to us is about us. Even so when change happens, Jesus still reminds us as He did the disciples, "Fear not."

But the greater question is how do we respond when change happens to us? Even when the command given from Jesus is "fear not". Is your response still fear, doubt, disbelief to these changes? What would it take for you to not fear change when it presents itself?

The disciples as you recall had just experienced the death. burial and resurrection of their Savior, Jesus the Christ. Can we blame them for being afraid for believing that the same thing would happen to them as well? What can we learn from their responses when Jesus shows up? How will you respond to the presence of Christ in your life? Yes, change is painful!

Remembering this, Jesus appears to the disciples not just to appear but that they would believe. Believe that He is a risen Savior!

Can we say this about all unexpected changes in our lives? That when these changes appear, they also come that we may believe? Believe that Jesus presence in our lives needs a response. Yes, change is painful, but a necessary part of helping us respond to the presence of God in our lives.

When will you see Jesus?