Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Stop Doubting and Believe Read Mark 16:9-20 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16 The disciples did not believe Mary Magdalene nor did they believe the two disciples who had met Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Their testimonies of seeing Jesus alive sounded too far-fetched. The disciples were not questioning the credibility of the reports, but the Almighty God! Jesus rebuked them for their faithlessness. Peter, who had denied Jesus three times, saw the empty tomb and went away wondering (Luke 24:12). Thomas, alias doubting Thomas, wouldn’t believe unless he could verify it for himself. These were disciples who had been with Jesus throughout the time He was on earth. They had witnessed all His signs and wonders, even eaten with the risen Lazarus. Still they doubted. Many of us give mental assent to the Word of God but, we struggle in our hearts to believe everything we read in the Bible. Doubts and questions arise and our faith wavers. Others of us would echo “I believe, help me overcome my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). However, John, the beloved, saw and believed. John wrote the Gospel of John that we may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God (John 24:31). John, who had rested his head on Jesus’ bosom, knew from his heart the love of the Lord. He became like a little child. Grace is such that Jesus comes to us exactly where we are – in our doubts and unbelief, and He tells us “Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” Blessings await those who would obey Him (1 Peter 1:8-9). Trust and obey, there’s no other way. Father, help us come to You simply, like little children, believe and trust You with all our heart.