24^th October 2009

Luke 24:41

"They still did not believe it
because of joy and amazement".

For the disciples it seemed impossible
that Jesus should have
not only survived the crucifixion
but was now appearing before them
as if nothing had happened.
When we see with our eyes something
that is unbelievable
we often say" that was beyond belief".

Even though their eyes and minds could not believe it
yet in their hearts and spirits was "joy and amazement".
Then follows this wonderful experience.
"He opened their minds to understand the scriptures" (V45)
These two experiences must be linked.
They then believed with heart, mind and spirit.

This was the way Jesus said it would be in John 8:32-36
"If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed",
and "the Spirit of Truth shall lead you into all truth".
In the eyes of those who have not believed,
this is beyond belief.

But for us whose minds and hearts have been
opened by the Spirit it is
"joy and amazement" because of God's revelation
through His Living Word and Spirit.

God's Spirit will always reveal His truth,
then we become filled with
"joy and amazement" in believing.