Encountering the Mystery - death is final, but here was Jesus alive and well. That should have moved the disciples to faith, but it was so mysterious that they doubted. Much God-related doubt rises from exactly the opposite experience of the mystery of God. God’s ways are often so darkly mysterious that doubts arise about God’s mercy and goodness. Some people say such doubt is the necessary response of finite mortals to an infinite God. The mystery of God had moved the disciples to doubt, but that’s not where Jesus wanted them to be. The Bible is full of humility, awe, and questions in the face of mystery. Ask God to lead you until your faith is pure gold

Read: Job 23:1-10

"If I go to the east, he is not there … I do not find him … I do not see him." - (Job 23:8-9 NIV)

Some doubt rises from our encounter with the mystery that is God. 

In Luke 24, the disciples’ doubt was a reaction to the fact that God had done something that could not be done. 

Death is final, but here was Jesus alive and well. 

That should have moved them to faith, but it was so mysterious that they doubted.

Much God-related doubt rises from exactly the opposite experience of the mystery of God. 

Let me paraphrase Job’s experience: 

“If I go to the east or the west or the north or the south, I can’t find God anywhere.” 

God’s ways are often so darkly mysterious that doubts arise about God’s mercy and goodness.

Some people say such doubt is the necessary response of finite mortals to an infinite God. 

Likewise, a truly humble and open-minded person will not only have doubts but consider them, as Val Webb puts it, “tantalizing carrots enticing us into new territory” of faith (In Defence of Doubt). 

Sounds right, but does Jesus really encourage doubt as a healthy thing? 

The mystery of God had moved the disciples to doubt, but that’s not where Jesus wanted them to be.

The Bible is full of humility, awe, and questions in the face of mystery. 

But doubt?

Jesus presents himself and his appetite as evidence to the contrary (Luke 24:39, 42-43). 

Why? 

To remove their doubt.

— Stan Mast, from the series Doubt and Faith

Thought to ponder: 

How do the mysteries of God challenge you to grow in humility and trust?  

Pray about it: 

Ask God to lead you through the mystery until your faith is pure gold.

Action to take: 

Go outside and take a walk, if you are able. 

Reflect on the beauty and mystery of creation and use it as a reminder of God’s greatness and trustworthiness.

Words of Hope Devotional 

The mission of Words of Hope is to provide people both near and far with daily access to God’s Word. At Words of Hope, we believe that Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. We believe that the Bible reveals God’s truth. We believe that God commissions us to make disciples of all nations. We affirm the Apostles’ Creed.

All people in all places should have access to God’s Word. With Words of Hope, you can grow in faith by connecting daily to the truths of Scripture with our daily devotional and by sending God’s good news worldwide through all forms of media.

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