A kick in the back side

Last of all, Jesus appeared to the eleven disciples as they were eating. He scolded them, because they did not have faith and because they were too stubborn to believe those who had seen him alive. He said to them, ‘Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.’  (verses 14-16)

Read Mark 16: 9-20

In Germany I once heard an Israeli pastor describe how, as a theological student, he had to do his two years military service. He was terrified to have to bunk down with non-Christian guys. He took along a tattered New Testament that he’d hide behind the curtains.

One day he was amazed to hear some of the men reading New Testament verses. On another day he heard them read more. He found that a mouse had chewed at the old binding of his book and that the wind had spread the loose pages about. He confessed, ‘When I was scared, God had to use a mouse to get his message out’.

Lord, you may need to scold me for my stubborn lack of faith and courage. Use me too to bring your healing joy to those around me. Amen.

by Paul Lohe, in ‘Assurance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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