“Casting all your care upon Him, for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 KJV
That very first Easter morning found the disciples in hiding, scared for their very lives. As had been prophesied by Jesus himself, these men had all scattered like lost sheep without a shepherd. They had run away when Jesus was arrested, and they fared no better on the actual day of the crucifixion. We have the record of only one disciple being present at the crucifixion itself – the rest had fled and gone into hiding.
Where Jesus had once been their constant companion, without their shepherd these well-taught disciples succumbed to fear, despair and unbelief. They were so lost in their grief that, according to the Gospel of Mark, they refused to believe or even accept the truth that Jesus was not dead, but alive. But alive He was, and alive He is, and ever will be!
Thankfully, the story did not end there. By the power of God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit, the disciples were given all that was needed to take up the call of Christ: To go forth into all the world and preach the good news concerning the Savior to all creation. As they moved from fear of man to freedom in Christ, they were able to accomplish this task, no matter the cost. God gave them the strength they needed to leave behind their despair and their deep discouragement and to sow seeds of faith that would bear great fruit. We who believe are seeds borne of their faithfulness to God’s great command. I, for one, am grateful that they were faithful to the end.
This story about the disciples represents an amazing transformation and one that we should remember, for we, like the disciples of old, find ourselves living in dangerous and uncertain times. We do not know from day to day what each day will bring. Now is the time for us to turn our hearts, minds, and souls to consider all that Christ offers us . . . for these are truths that will not fade with time as our memory of current events one day will.
— Will you surrender yourself body, heart, and soul to the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
— Will you find the strength to lay hold of the promised peace that passes all understanding and allow it to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus?
— Will you banish the demons of fear and despair and walk out into the light of God’s truth, finding the freedom and joy that are your inheritance in Christ Jesus?
— Will you arm yourself with the Lord’s mighty weapons that are freely given and that represent the power and strength of our Savior?
— Will you dare to love your neighbor as yourself and so fulfill the law of Christ?
— Will you forgive yourself for any weakness and trust and rely on the Love God has for you?
— Beloved, there is no time like the present.
Cast your cares upon Him, for He careth for YOU!