Locked Doors
Since Easter, my thoughts have lingered in how much Jesus loved His disciples. His love ran deeper than the sacrifice of dying on the cross. He could have ascended straight into heaven and returned to all the perfection it holds. He could have immediately returned home to His seat next to God after 33 years away. Yet, He lovingly chose to delay returning to perfection and meet His disciples. He endearingly led them through the transition from having Jesus in person for some of their days to the Holy Spirit in presence for all of their days. This act of love simply and overwhelmingly amazes me.
A few days after Jesus died, He returned to find the disciples sitting, locked in a room and huddled together in their fear (John 20:19-23). They were understandably afraid and filled with doubt. They watched Jesus die and knew those who persecuted Him were now looking for them. This is where overwhelming love stepped in: Jesus stalled in returning to the perfection of heaven. Instead, He came into the chaos of the disciples' fear and doubt to remind them they had a job to do. His work was not yet done. Their job was to go and love more people. It wasn’t to stay hidden and stuck behind a locked door. Then He shared the Holy Spirit with them. Jesus hung on the cross, and then hung around for a while to make sure His people were OK.
He loves us this much too!
What fears and doubts linger in your life?
- Maybe there’s a fear that leaving a task undone will lead to judging and criticism.
- Maybe there’s a fear that stepping into your dream is too risky.
- Maybe there’s a doubt that your words aren’t important or you may stick your foot in your mouth when words do come out.
- Maybe there’s a doubt that what you can offer a person in need isn’t enough.
How you can take a step to move forward, out of your locked door to go and love better as you walk through your day?
- Maybe the step is asking a deeper question to a friend next time you see them.
- Maybe the step is extending a hand or smile to a coworker because words aren’t the only way we can invite someone closer.
- Maybe the step is pressing pause on your to do lists so you can talk with a family member and learn more about their day.
- Maybe the step is seeing a neighbor sitting alone and walking over with a plate of cookies, sitting down, and chatting for a few minutes.
- Maybe the step is something else!
The cross makes life without Jesus in sight abundantly better than having Him here in person today. Unlock your door and take a step!