I was reading Mark 16:11-20 the other day and began to see how similar we are to the disciples of long ago. The questions that we have today about the wondrous ways of the Father, the signs and the miracles were also things these aged ones pondered. In fact, while reading Mark16, the Holy Spirit pointed out to me that the disciples doubted that Jesus could indeed come back from the dead.
Let’s take a look at Mark 16:11-20 After the Sabbath, a couple of Mary’s (Mary Magdalene and Mary the Mother of Jacob and Salome) went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices to preserve it. On their way, they were talking about who would roll away the tomb. When they reached their destination, they saw that the stone was already removed from the entrance. Upon entering, not only was Jesus’ body gone but an angel was waiting for them. Can you imagine what they were thinking? Jesus was gone and the angel told them not to worry because Jesus had risen from the dead. The angel instructed them to tell the disciples what happened and that they would see Jesus again. Unfortunately, they did not believe it. Take a look at Mark 16 to see the beautiful ending.
Even in their unbelief the disciples continued to say Yes! The disciples just needed that injection of the Holy Spirit. They were normal average Joe’s, like us. I’m sure they had all kinds of talks about things they witnessed. The astounding thing is that they ALL chose to follow Jesus, even in their unbelief. With that being said, they had a “feeling” to step out in obedience. That feeling is what I call an “unction to function”. Even in their humanness, being of worldly thoughts and such, they chose to believe. They needed to receive the Holy Spirit to do more and to know God differently. Through the injection of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were able to be vessels spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. They were supernaturally equipped to do the unfinished work of the cross. When I think of the Mark 16 passage, I think of the magnificence of God: All- knowing all- powerful, and when the disciples said YES to follow Jesus, their work began.
When we accept Jesus Christ it is also the beginning for us. God has so much for us. We need to ignite our faith by engaging in biblical stories. They will help our belief to grow in abundance and in turn our faith will catch fire. Our relationship with God will grow deeper and the hunger will come alive within us. Reading the living word of God activates our Spirit to flourish! It’s one thing to receive Jesus and another to walk it out. The disciples started their walk in Acts 2 with gifts of signs wonders and miracles. When we say, “Yes” the gifts we receive speak into the lives of the lost. God’s timing is wonderful. He chose us when we didn’t think we could be chosen. Even in saying yes, we were still lost in our ways. He found us when we clung to Him. He became a part of us in our obedience. We are much like the disciples in our thoughts and actions. May you catch the fire through digging deeper into the word of God and find it in yourself to say, “Yes” even when your thoughts are wavering and your times are difficult. Let that tiny word show you the beauty and all that comes with it.