Day 84/260: Read Mark 16

How many times do you have to be told something before you will believe it? We like to think that we would believe the truth concerning spiritual things upon our first hearing, but is that always the case?

On three separate occasions, the Lord very explicitly described His death and resurrection (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33-34). When it happened just as He had said, Mary Magdalene told Christ’s disciples that He had risen from the dead, but “they did not believe.” Then He appeared to two others, and they told the rest of the disciples, but still, “they did not believe them either.”

Why are we so hesitant to believe what the Scriptures teach? Are we afraid of offending our friends and family members? Are we afraid we will have to sacrifice some pleasure on this earth? Both of those things are certainly possibilities when obedient faith is developed.

Jesus promises that those who leave behind the things of this world for Him will gain much more, including eternal life (Matthew 19:29). Consider the example of Moses, “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward” (Hebrews 11:25).

Where are you looking? Focus on eternity; focus on Jesus.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

Mark 16:16. “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

Pray

Pray for strength to believe, choosing eternal blessings over the temporary pleasures of this life.