January 13, 2021 -- John 20:10 -- Bewildered but guided

Then they went back to their homes.

John 20:10 English Standard Version

Peter and John arrived at the tomb where Jesus had been buried. All that they found were the linens strips that had been used to wrap Jesus. Those linens were covered in burial spices and ointments, now lay collapsed as Jesus’ body had risen up, through them and left them to fall back. Off to the side was the cloth which had been used to cover His face, now folded. John believed. But both men left the empty tomb and went home. It is so prosaic. So honest. So typical of what bewildered and confused people might do.

Notice the disciples did not go out and proclaim Jesus had risen. They did not gather the other followers of Jesus and celebrate the resurrection. They were leaderless. They were confused. They needed the direction of the Living Lord. They went home.

The final acts of Jesus are recorded in the rest of this chapter and in chapter 21. Jesus answers their confusion. Jesus directs His followers. Jesus shows them mercy. It is a critical lesson for us all. There are many times in our Christian faith when we are thrown off balance and directionless. It is the very experience of Jesus’ own followers! The mercy of God is such that in Christ He approached His followers. He sought them out. He directed them.

Believers, in these days it seems the United Stated is tearing itself apart through political upheaval. Parts of Canada are under brutal lockdowns and repressive responses to a virus that is contagious, but minimally lethal. The Canadian government is spending Canada into generations of debt and potential great poverty. It would be easy to despair. Certainly it is confusing.

Today’s strange little verse is helpful. Then, as now, the followers of Jesus are easily thrown off and cannot understand their times. Jesus approaches. He is the clear Word of the Father in heaven, as Isaiah 9 states it, He is the Wonderful Counselor. Jesus reminds the faithful of the fact our God holds the past, the present and the future in His hands. Jesus gifted His followers with His Spirit—so that believers can pray, asking God for help in every storm and crisis. Thereby Jesus shows His people He is the Mighty God, the Great Warrior Who will guard His army (who are bewildered sheep and easily confused). The credit will belong to Jesus solely as it was always obvious His people could not save themselves. He is the Everlasting Father—the One Who proves over and over again to the be reliable mentor, the teacher Who never fails. Jesus is the Prince of Peace—this pandemic will pass. Sooner or later. Then there will be the next crisis in our world, perhaps social unrest. Maybe the stock markets will crash. Maybe the democracy which had for so long been taken for granted will give way to harsher government systems. Over all of this Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.

The disciples went to their homes. But they did not stay there. Jesus approached them. Jesus directed them. He is even today, speaking His wisdom to all Who will hear. He is today directing His flock through the valley of the shadow of death and will not let even one of His little ones get lost or be devoured by wolves without hope of His salvation. Jesus has poured out His Holy Spirit so that believers are not huddled in fear, but huddled together in prayer. Believers are not afraid of what is next, but urgently praying that whatever is next will be used of God to display His glory so that the full measure of elect will be brought into the sheltering embrace of Christ our King.

Today’s prayer is based on Jeremiah 33:11 and Habakkuk 3:17-19

Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, Sovereign of Angel Armies, Ruler of all time and the Sole Conductor of history; for the LORD is good, the Source of all Good; for His steadfast love endures forever.

Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines the produce of the olive fail, though the world be upside-down and it seems there is trouble in every side, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the LORD, is my strength; he makes my feet like that of the deer’s; He makes me fearless in worship. Blessed are You, Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—worthy of all praise and worship, now and forever. Amen.

https://youtu.be/R0gu0nOaFsI