Remember His Word

“For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.”

– Deuteronomy 30:11-14

When Jesus rose from the grave, He revealed Himself to those closest to Him. He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, and she went and told the others, but they did not believe. He also appeared to other disciples, but when they told others, they did not believe either. Then He appeared before the eleven disciples who followed Him the closest, and the Bible tells us that He rebuked them for their unbelief.

The disciples were having a rough time. Think about it! Their Savior was just murdered and buried. They didn’t fully understand what was happening, and the Bible tells us they were sorrowful and mourning. So, you would think Jesus would have comforted rather than rebuked them. I imagine we would be doubtful if we were there at this time too.

Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief because they doubted His word and did not stand on His promises. They forgot what He said! He told His disciples, “But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee” (Mark 14:28), precisely where He showed up. Yet, they forgot His words and were sorrowful.

His words are not too far away from us. They are not too hard to understand. He puts them right before us to trust in Him. Many times, however, we are much like the disciples here. Our anxiety leaves us forgetful. Are you worried about many things and forget to stand on His promises to pull you through this life? Today, may you remember His Word; He is risen!

“Christians should be grateful to God for the gift of His written Word, and conscientious in basing their faith and life entirely and exclusively upon it. Otherwise, we cannot ever honor or please Him as He calls us to do.”

– J. I. Packer