The disciples were waiting to see what would come next. All they knew was that Jesus was leaving them, that He was crucified, and that they would need courage. They didn’t know where they were going or what would happen next in their lives. All they knew, in this moment, was loss.
What could possibly be next? What could compare to what they had seen, what they had done, what they had been a part of with Jesus at work – bringing the Kingdom of God to earth, and including them? Now, all they knew was that He had died; and, here they were. Would what He said come to pass?
What would they do with this time. How much time would they now have, and how would they spend it? Fishing again? Really? How could that compare to the work of Jesus to the people? And, reality – in the natural, that is – had set in that Jesus was now buried.
They waited, but they didn’t know they were waiting. They were mourning. They were in shock. They didn’t know what to do or where to go next… and, all of this pain and devastation by their “friend” who betrayed them. How could this happen with such devastating severity?
Then, suddenly, the Marys came. They were leaping with boundless energy and joy – the very same Marys whose battle – they thought – had been lost, whose hearts utterly shattered! What was this news? Go to Galilee? …Okay. Where else would they go? What else would they do?
So they went, and JESUS CAME. JESUS CAME. He came! He had RISEN from the dead! He would ascend to be with the Father, but He came here to them, with orders first. He came with vision, direction, a calling, a commission, a purpose for them – for us:
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ’All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’” (Matthew 28: 16-20).
And, now they knew where they would go, and they knew what they would do! They wouldn’t be left behind but included in this Kingdom journey! We had not lost. They were not left behind. It was a new season, one that would change the entire world for eternity, and they would be included!
*If you are waiting on Jesus, it can be difficult to wait. At times you even wonder if you are waiting or if it is just all “over.” But when you meditate on Him – shocked, heart broken, confused and in pain – remember that JESUS CAME.*
In the waiting, know He is real, and that He has words to give you, to show you where you go next. Your direction is coming. Keep waiting for the news, for the direction. Seek Him.
He comes with vision, direction, a calling, a commission, and purpose, to those with courage and to those who are lacking. And, He stamps His authority on it, and places His Spirit on us to see it through.
Don’t give up.
Sarah Guldalian 