When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.  And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:50-53

 

Jesus’ followers were trying to figure out what had happened.

 

On Friday they had watched as Jesus, the one they had come to love and trust, was betrayed, arrested, tortured and crucified. On Sunday morning they had discovered his body was missing. And then, on Sunday evening, they started to hear what sounded impossible – testimonies from friends saying they had seen Jesus alive.

 

So the disciples got together to discuss things. They wanted to believe Jesus was alive, but common sense would have made it hard not to be doubtful. Still, they must have experienced a sense of excitement as they began to consider what the reality of Jesus being alive might truly mean.

 

Then Jesus showed up. He revealed himself in the middle of the messiness. He allowed anyone with doubts and fears to come and touch him and to see that he was truly alive. His followers responded with great joy and worship.

 

Our lives are often filled with doubts, burdens, and fears. At such times, Jesus does not abandon us.

 

He comes to us in the midst of it all and invites us to come near. Jesus wants us to experience resurrection joy and to let his presence fill our lives with wonder, worship, and amazement—even amid all the messiness of life!

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise you for your victory over death. Drive away our troubles and doubts, and fill us with joy in your presence, we pray. Amen.