Luke 24:21, “But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.”
The disciples were dejected and depressed because they had believed that Jesus was the one to “have redeemed” Israel but this “is the third day since these things were done.” I think it is noteworthy that this conversation took place on the third day. Jesus had taught them that He would go to Jerusalem and there He would be killed. But, He also taught them that He would be raised on the third day. Jesus had revealed the plan of God to them. However, they were so consumed with the dying part of the revelation that the enemy had stolen the most important part, the resurrection. This was the day of their salvation, redemption, and victory but they just could not see it...yet!
These disciples had gone through all the emotions of losing someone near and dear to their heart. The first emotion was denial, the absolute disbelief that this could be happening to them. All the signs appeared to point to Jesus as the Messiah. How could they have been so wrong about Him? They had experienced the intrusion of life-altering doubt, a crippling doubt that would cause them to question all things previously discerned to be settled. How could they ever trust their emotions and discernment after suffering such a debilitating loss? They had dared to love and trust so deeply that their lives would be forever changed by this experience. God's plan was proceeding on schedule just as Jesus had prophesied. It just wasn't time for their resurrection revelation.
How often do we find ourselves in the position of denial and to question, “why are these harsh circumstances developing around us or afflicting someone close to us?” We are susceptible to cry out in absolute disbelief, “I can't believe this is happening to me!” This position opens the door for the enemy to rush in and steal our faith. In extreme cases, just like the disciples, our soul can be seized with such life-altering doubt our Christian service is totally paralyzed and we cannot proceed further. At that moment, we should go to God in intimate communion through prayer and His Word. God will throw off the chains of dejection and depression as we heed the burning desire of the Holy Spirit that lives within us. We are never alone. Heb. 13:5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” We can place our total confidence in the promises the Lord has given us. The fulfilling of our resurrection revelation will come but according to God's timing.
God help us to pray until we can say, “I am a child of God! I am no longer a slave to fear and unbelief.”
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