Tag: Mark 16

Not All the Answers

At the beginning of Acts, Jesus’ disciples ask Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). In their minds, this was the right question. After all, they had walked with Jesus through His ministry, His death, and His resurrection, and the natural next step seemed to be the re-establishment of God’s kingdom. But Jesus, instead of providing a direct answer, redirects their focus. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority,” He replies, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:7-8).

The disciples’ question highlights our common desire for clarity and control. Like them, we often want answers about God’s timeline or specifics of His plan. But Jesus reminds us that some things simply aren’t for us to know. Instead of giving a detailed roadmap, He offers us something better: the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment.

In our own lives, the Holy Spirit continues to guide us through uncertainties. God knows that we, like the disciples, will not always have all the answers, and He encourages us to lean into His presence rather than our understanding. The Spirit’s role is not just to give us information but to transform us into people of faith and trust. As we surrender our need for control, we can grow in faith that God, who holds all knowledge and power, is directing our path.

God asks us to trust Him even when we don’t have all the answers. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Our focus is not meant to be on securing every answer, but on becoming more responsive to the Spirit, following Him as He leads us forward with wisdom, patience, and courage.

Got Questions? Good!

Thomas, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, is often remembered as “Doubting Thomas” — but this label fails to capture the depth of his character or the significance of his encounter with the risen Christ. Far from rebuking him, Jesus invites Thomas to bring his questions forward and see for himself. This moment shows us that faith isn’t about ignoring our questions; it’s about seeking God honestly, even in doubt.

In John 20:24-29, Thomas’ response to Jesus’ resurrection is straightforward: he needs evidence. Instead of shaming him, Jesus appears to Thomas, knowing the disciple’s need to understand personally. This demonstrates that asking questions is not a flaw in our faith; it’s part of a genuine, engaged relationship with God. God, who created our minds, doesn’t ask for “blind faith” — instead, He invites us to know Him fully. Jesus even says that those who have not seen but still believe are blessed, highlighting that God values a thoughtful faith over unquestioning compliance.

Faith, after all, is not about the absence of questions but about where those questions lead us. When we encounter doubts or curiosity, these moments are opportunities to grow. Proverbs 4:7 encourages, “Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Questions open doors to a deeper knowledge of God and often lead us to a more mature, lasting faith. They are part of loving God with our minds (Mark 12:30), engaging all of our intellect in pursuit of the truth.

If you have questions, talk with pastors, mentors, or trusted friends, and bring these to God in prayer. Remember, every question is an opportunity for growth.

Heralds of Redemption: How Women Reversed Eve’s Fall

The resurrection story holds an often-overlooked moment of redemption that goes all the way back to Eden. On that early morning, while the men hid in fear, a small group of women went to the tomb of Jesus, carrying spices and love for their crucified Teacher. What they found was earth-shattering: the stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty, and the angel of the Lord declared, “He is not here; He has risen!” They were entrusted with a message to share with the world—the first proclamation of the resurrection.

This moment is particularly significant in light of the creation account. In Genesis, Eve was deceived and led humanity into sin. Now, at the resurrection, it is women who are first to bring news of life, reversing the direction of the Fall and symbolizing a new beginning. While Eve’s decision led to separation from God, the women at the tomb brought news of a restored relationship with Him. Here we see God, in His redemptive power, choose women to be His first witnesses—an act that shattered cultural norms and spoke volumes about His value for each person, regardless of status or gender.

This account also calls us to be bold. Just as the women did not let fear or societal expectations silence them, we are encouraged to carry the message of Jesus’ victory over death, trusting that God equips the unlikely and gives voice to the humble. And just as Eve’s mistake didn’t define humanity’s end, our past does not define us. Christ’s resurrection offers a new beginning, calling us to proclaim the life we have received.

Today, may we walk in the steps of those first women, bold in our message, transformed by His victory, and unafraid to carry the truth of the resurrection wherever we go.