Wondering In Darkness!

After Jesus died on the cross, Joseph of Arimathea -- a secret disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews ( John 19:38) -- requested the body of Jesus. Then, assisted by Nicodemus -- the one who had come to Jesus earlier at night ( John 3) -- Jesus' body was placed in a new tomb. ( John 19:39-41)

Consider the darkness of the tomb. Therein was a view of death, lifelessness, the ceasing of the glorious and powerful works that had been witnessed, and the seeming finality of hopes now dashed. The tomb was sealed and the mourners were left to walk away "wondering" what to make of it all. Though Jesus had spoken of the third day -- a point not missed by some of the Pharisees who got permission to have the tomb guarded ( Matthew 27:62-66) -- the disciples did not understand. Due to a veil of darkness of deep sorrow and misunderstanding, they could not see.

People wander in darkness, unable to find their way. They also "wonder" in the darkness of not understanding what seems to go on in this life. This is where the disciples found themselves after Jesus died on the cross and was placed in the tomb. What then were they to do? What of the EVERLASTING KINGDOM Jesus had spoken of and the ministry for which He had prepared them? Had they given up everything ( Mark 10:28) for nothing?

For a long time I have enjoyed reading the conversation between Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus following His resurrection. I have the advantage of reading it with a fuller understanding than those who witnessed the scenes centered around the cross. Since the resurrection seemed such an impossibility, the two walking did not recognize Jesus when he joined them on the road. The Scriptures tell us their eyes were kept from recognizing Him. ( Luke 24:16) Their focus on Jesus had been one of hope that He was the one to redeem Israel. ( Luke 24:21) And even though they had received news of the empty tomb, they seemed unable to process what was going on. ( Luke 24:22-24) It was all just too amazing to make sense in their minds. However, they did eventually see! ( Luke 24:30-35)

Stepping back again to the scene on the cross, there was one who in the midst of the darkness of what was going on seemed to see what others could not. Consider the request made by one of the thieves who was crucified with Jesus.

We read. . .
"(42) And he said, 'JESUS, REMEMBER ME WHEN YOU COME INTO YOUR KINGDOM.' (43) And he said to him, 'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'" ( Luke 23:42 ESV)

Is that a strange request to be made from one dying man to another? While others thought they were witnessing the end to their KINGDOM HOPES, this thief did not see it that way. He still SAW THE KINGDOM COMING! Come it would! Come it did! And JESUS REIGNS! Are we enjoying living in the LIGHT OF HIS KINGDOM?

In his Colossian letter, Paul exhorted them toward. . .
"(12) giving thanks to the Father, who has QUALIFIED YOU TO SHARE IN THE INHERITANCE OF THE SAINTS IN LIGHT. (13) He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the KINGDOM OF HIS BELOVED SON, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." ( Colossians 1:12-14 ESV)

Praise the Lord for the light of HIS KINGDOM in which we now live and that by the cross we have been redeemed and forgiven of our sins. May we live in faith believing that the Lord will fulfill everything He has promised regardless of how amazing it may seem. Keeping our eyes on Jesus we can live believing the "wonder" of it all!

Have a great day REALIZING GAINING HIS KINGDOM IS STILL EVERYTHING!
Carl

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