Stay In Jerusalem

Ah, Yes. The impossible situation. No answer in sight and emotions charged up to the hilt. Ever been there?

"On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.' When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord." - John 20:19-20 ESV

Jesus had been killed and they were sure they were next. Can't go this way or that way. Caught between a rock and a hard place.

I often think of this verse when my back seems to be up against the wall or I have painted myself into a corner somehow.

He walked through the wall peaceful and healthy and showed them His hands and side. It was like He was saying, 'See, The impossible is possible. God brings life out of death.'

That is so comforting to me. I don't even to know how to express how comforting it is.

Sure, Sometimes it is just our poor planning that gets us into impossible situations. Go ahead and take a moment to condemn yourself. That always works out well. Reminisce with 'what if' statements and 'maybe I should have done it this way or that way' conjectures.

I imagine the disciples were full of that thinking... trapped in a room with dwindling options and emotional disturbances.

But, Then Jesus walks in. All their self-justification and self-recrimination just fades away. I love this next part. To be perfectly honest I hate it and love it at the same time.

"He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, 'you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.' " - Acts 1:3-5 ESV

Did He say, 'Ok. Get out of this stuffy old room and sneak out of town. Go start over in Bethany. I will make sure you will be safe there. This will all blow over soon.'

No.

He commands them to stay free right there in Jerusalem. He calmly challenges them to use His promise against the fear that wants to eat them alive and consume their thinking. Power is coming. Power that overwhelms fear. Power that redeems lives. Power.

Fear is a bully. We can run and then make leaving and starting over a lifestyle or we can stay and fight fear with faith. Standing in grace insulates us from the violent electrical current that would otherwise energize a person.

God isn't always going to give use all the details of His plan. He gives use grace and promises. His grace is enough until He fills our gaps with His glory.

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