Believe It Or Not

Mark 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Mark 16:10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
Mark 16:11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
Mark 16:13 And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.

A few thoughts from the end of this chapter. Jesus appeared first as a babe to lowly shepherds and when he was risen from the dead he appeared first to Mary Magdalene whom he had earlier cast out seven devils. She was a clean vessel for his use. She believed in him and was the first to deliver the good news of his resurrection to the Disciples who were weeping and they would not believe her. How often do we see those who are of faith acting as if they had no hope, overcome by grief and refusing to believe the true report? After that, he appeared in another form to two men as they journeyed. They were upset with what was happening in their world. We get upset too with all the evil and lack of order in our world. What if Jesus came and walked with you as a stranger, would you be complaining to him about the current events? The stranger spoke to the two men showing them all the scriptures pointing to Jesus' coming and being our Savior. The men then saw that the stranger was Jesus as he disappeared from them. 



Luk 24:32  And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? 

They too went to the disciples to tell them the good news, but they refused to believe them. The Lord is not pleased with our unbelief. Those who should be of the strongest faith can fail too. We should be expecting to see Jesus; perhaps in the face of a homeless person or a person in need? Maybe an angel will come along side of us for a time, appearing as just a person. The angel may be sent to encourage us or to guide us in a direction for a ministry. Finally Jesus appeared before them and was upset with their unbelief. These were the men who were to go out into the world to share the good news. If they were slow to believe then what could they expect from those they witnessed too? We must believe our message and be people of faith. Our excitement and dedication will stir someone's heart. The word of God will accomplish it's purpose. Go, be faithful and share the good news like you believe it.