Believing Between Then And Now

Jesus had told His disciples multiple times that He would die, but on the third day rise again. [1] But we read of their unbelief between then and now... The time between His crucifixion and His resurrection. [2]

Between the crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus rested on the Sabbath. He did not go into crisis control mode. The tomb was sealed. It was a rich man’s tomb complete with bodyguards.

Is it any coincidence that God set apart the seventh day of the week and made it holy? I think not! Sabbath is a day to die-to-self and to rest in God. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did not work during His Sabbath in the grave. But on the first day of the week, when there was work to do, He resurrected with healing in His wings. [3]

“He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God.” [4]

What about those unbelieving disciples? What happened to them? Poisoned minds! The devil did this to our first parents... he poisoned their minds against God. Some members of Alcoholics Anonymous speak of the devil being on one’s shoulder speaking into their ear. Yes, the enemy poisons people against God, against themselves and others. Some doubted until they saw Jesus alive from the dead on the third day.

How many are doubting today that Jesus will return just as He said?

We must beware of doubting when we should be resting. The Apostle Peter warned that in the last days, many will be saying, “Where is the promise of His coming?” [5]

“The unbelieving... poisoned their minds against the brethren.” [6] Did the brethren quit? No, “they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.” [7]

Some persuaded the multitudes to stone the Apostle Paul. Did he quit? No, he went forward preaching the Gospel in the next city. He and his ministry team made many disciples there. [8]

Paul exhorted his disciples to continue in the faith, saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” [9]

Despite all that is waged against Jesus Christ, and the truth that He gives us, He overcomes. It was prophesied long ago of Jesus in God’s Word the Bible...

“I will make My firstborn the highest of the kings of the earth.” [10]

Keep on believing between the then of Sabbath and the now of Resurrection!

[1] Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:23, Matthew 20:19
[2] Matthew 28:17, Luke 24:25, John 20:24-27
[3] Malachi 4:2
[4] 2 Corinthians 13:4
[5] 2 Peter 3:4
[6] Acts 14:2
[7] Acts 14:3
[8] Acts 14:19-21
[9] Acts 14:22
[10] Psalm 89:27