Joy Unspeakable!

Warriors Arise: July 6th, 2020

Luke 24: 36 (NKJV) Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” 37 But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 And He took it and ate in their presence.

The wording of verse 41 is odd to me. I checked the notes in my study Bible and went to my husband. We read several translations to get a better grasp on verse 41. It really is a verse where what the disciples believe is being challenged by what they see. They knew Jesus died, so how can He be speaking to them? How can He be standing in their midst? Their mind might be thinking, "This is someone who sounds like Jesus but it can't possible be." And then, Jesus ruins that theory when He shows them the scars on His hands and feet.

"While they still did not believe" their mind was not comprehending Jesus standing in their midst, speaking to them, showing them His hands and feet. They could not believe the reality right before them.

"For joy," means despite what their minds could comprehend, Jesus was really there! In their midst! Speaking to them! They were excited beyond measure. Maybe you have been on a team or you have cheered on a team and you knew the team you were about to play is bigger, better and the always seemed to have the umpires on their side. Let's say it is the game to go to the state tournament. The game is being played on the other team's field. As the game progresses, the other team isn't making any mistakes and everyone on your team is playing their heart out, but it just doesn't look like it will be enough. Then in the last inning, your team comes from behind and wins the game! People in the crowd are cheering loudly, jumping up and down, and embracing and giving high fives to everyone. The crowd is overflowing with unexpected joy. They hoped coming into this game to get a win but knew deep down it would be impossible. This is the state the disciples are in. I am NOT reducing Jesus' agony of the whipping, crown of thorns or the shame and pain of the cross. I am trying to describe the unbelief yet still having joy.

After the game, when players, parents, and spectators talk you might hear, "I didn't think we had a chance." "There was no way we should have won that game." "I can't believe it! What an amazing game!" The players are still wrapping their minds around the truth. They won the game! This is the part where we would use the word marveled. The player, parents, and spectators talking about the different plays of the game from inning to inning and they were astonished when their team came from behind to win the game. Marvel means to be filled with wonder, astonished. Sometimes our minds can replay a situation over and over, "How can this be?" You know it happened but you struggle with it because you're filled with wonder; you are astonished that it did happen!

Even though the disciples were still wrapping their minds around the fact that Jesus is alive, they are celebrating with joy! Even though, they couldn't explain how this can be, they marveled. They were in awe. They needed time to take it all in, for their mind to catch up with the truth...Jesus is alive! Jesus is alive. He is in heaven. The Bible tells us there are two things He is doing. One He is sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. The other, He is preparing a place for us. Jesus died for all to come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Since He sacrificed so much, He is praying for all to receive the free gift of salvation. He is praying we will rise up and spread the Gospel. He is praying we will defeat the devil, tormenting the tormentor, through the authority He has given us. He is praying we will live the abundant life He died to give us. As He sees, another person confess their sin and proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, He has another house built to be ready for their arrival.

Jesus is alive and He wants us to believe. He died for ALL people. He wants us to understand and believe His blood is powerful, it will remove any sin that is confessed.

Father, I rejoice in the fact that Jesus is alive! I can't imagine what the disciples were having to comprehend. I am thankful that I am a believer! I am thankful You did not give up on me. I am thankful You still speak to me today and reveal Yourself in my life. I am thankful I am valuable to You. I ask for You to give me the courage to share my testimony. I ask for You to open up the minds of people all over the world to know You and to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. I pray for people to renew their minds with the Word of God, the Bible. I pray for those who do not have a Bible, but desire one, to receive one in Jesus' name. I pray for You to protect Your people, putting Your hand of protection on them. I pray for each one to receive the authority You give them to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done" in the name of Jesus. I pray for healing to come to those who are facing terminal illness. I pray for healing to come for those who are needing transplants. I pray for healing to come to those who are weak. I ask for You to cleanse the minds of the wayward and double-minded. I ask for their thoughts to be set upon You. I pray each mind to be renewed by the power of Your Word. I pray You would speak into their lives and they would receive the truth of all You are and what You have done for them. I pray for You to breathe on Your people and fill us with the Holy Spirit. I ask for You to dissipate those causing harm and destruction. I pray for honor to be restored. I ask for You to intervene and for Your voice to be heard around the world. Open the eyes of the deceived so they can see. Open the ears of the deaf so they can hear the truth. Loose the tongue of the mute so they can preach the Word of God. I ask for You to come and demonstrate Your love, motivate Your people to share and position themselves around people who will listen and receive the truth of Jesus Christ, in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy

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