Tag Archives: middle

Unfolding

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I just finished reading Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. I enjoyed it very much, but through the whole book, I felt like I wasn’t getting the whole picture. The story unfolded gradually and kept me guessing until the end, when it all came together and made sense.

The two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus didn’t see the big picture quite yet. They had heard reports that very morning that Jesus’ body was missing. They didn’t know the stranger walking with them on the road was that body—alive and well. They had heard rumors about angels and empty tombs. It seemed like amazing things were happening.

So why were these two walking away from all the action?
Did they disregard as gossip the reports that Jesus was alive?
Why didn’t they stay and at least check it out?

All their information was second-hand. Somebody else saw the empty tomb. Somebody else witnessed the heavenly hosts. Other peoples’ amazing stories are easy to walk away from.

What these two didn’t know was that their own amazing story was unfolding as they walked on that road.

Sometimes we can’t see what God is doing,
but everyone who walks with Jesus
has a story that is unfolding.

When I am troubled, disappointed, or even feel like walking away,
I need to remember this:
I’m in the middle of my story
and someday it will all come together and make sense.

What is unfolding today for you?
Don’t stop, keep walking.

The Glorious Middle

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“They were on their way up to Jerusalem,
with Jesus leading the way,
and the disciples were astonished,
while those who followed were afraid.” 
Mark 10:32

 This is the picture that grips me during Holy Week:

Jesus, striding up to Jerusalem, determined to carry out his mission—
which would involve betrayal, mocking, flogging, crucifixion and death.

He led the way.

Four times, Jesus told His disciples what was coming.
He always included the final part—resurrection—
but they didn’t seem to hear it.

“The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.  
They will kill him,
and on the third day he will be raised to life.”  
And the disciples were filled with grief. 
Matthew 17:23

Jesus lost them at “they will kill him.”

The Twelve were full of fear,
perhaps wondering if death was also waiting for them in Jerusalem.

BUT THEY STILL FOLLOWED.

They did it scared.

I must remember,
when I am astonished at being led down the road marked with suffering,
that it’s a place He’s been before—
and He knows the way.

I can still follow.
I can do it scared.

The disciples thought the cross was the end of the story.
But it was the middle of the story.

Those things you’ve prayed about for weeks, months, and years?
Your story isn’t over.
You’re in the gory, glorious middle.
Because the cross is never the end.
The cross is always followed by the resurrection.
Always.

Sunday’s coming.