2012 August 11 - Morning Manna

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. (Mark 16:9-14)

Today's Morsel: Sometimes, trying to get the Gospel across to people seems to be an insurmountable task. For some people to believe that Jesus died for their sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day is like pulling hens teeth. Many people believe that Jesus died and was buried, but the raising from the dead is hard for them to grasp. Even Paul tells us, "But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?" (1 Corinthians 15:35). The good news of the Gospel is that now Christ will appear to us and dwell in us. "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you," Jesus said (John 14:18). The Bible says that after Jesus' resurrection, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive and had been seen of her, believed not. Even Jesus' followers had trouble believing that He was risen from the dead. So if those who walked with Him and heard Him teach and preach had trouble believing that He had risen, then you can see why the task of getting people to understand the Gospel can be a somewhat difficult task for you. So how do we get people to understand the Gospel? Love! "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" Jesus said (John 13:35).

Sing: Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph over His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever with His saints to reign, He arose! He arose! Hallelujah, Christ arose!