Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. (Matthew 28:16-17 ESV -Emphasis mine).
They did what Jesus said to do. They even worshipped Him. Yet, some doubted. Can you relate? I can.
There are Sundays when I get up and go to church almost on remote because we are to keep the Sabbath Day holy, and quite frankly, I know when I sleep in instead, it wrecks my day, and the next week. So, I get up, get dressed, put on my Christian smile and worship Him by singing the hymns, listening to the sermon, praying the prayers and passing the peace just like everyone else in the pews.
Yet, inthe back of my brain swirl the doubts and worries I am still trying to handle.
Can I make the bills this month? Will my friend find peace through the heartbreaking situation she is in? How can I minister to my neighbor besides going to my knees in prayer? How can I possibly make a difference other than writing a check and praying for the victims of the latest natural disaster? Will my vote count and is there any candidate I really want in office? Will people like my talk next week and buy my books? Did I order enough or too many?
All of this is circling my thoughts like dead leaves on a blistery day while we are praying for the peace that passes all understanding and reading in Scripture how we are to trust in God and trust in Jesus also. My soul knows God is in control and loves me, has plans for me and His timing is not mine, but is better. Still, my brain is not on board–yet.
Ah–perhaps that’s why I need to be in worship. To renew my mind. The rest of the passage is the Great Commission where Jesus says to go into the world to baptize, preach and teach. Then, it ends with the most comforting words of all, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b ESV)
In all things, even when my doubt gauge is on full, My Lord with me. this last scene in Matthew’s gospel states that some did as He directed. They worshipped, yet still doubted. However, I bet those doubts began to dissipate when they heard His final promise.
Each time doubt creeps back into your day, do as He directed. Worship Him anyway. Let His presence refill your faith bucket. Remember He is there, right beside you to hold your hand, cry with you, roll back his head and laugh with you, or carry you when you feel too weak to go on. . . .and He will be, until the end of time as we know it when He comes again to take us home. Do you doubt it?
