Responses to the Resurrection: Confusion
Luke 24:1-35
It all happened so fast! The arrest, the trial, crucifixion, the strange testimonies of Jesus’ resurrection – it all came with a flurry – it was like a time warp. And then there were moments of lucidity; followed yet again by more confusion. Sometimes what they learned in the moments of clarity ironically brought further confusion! I can hear them, at various times throughout these days, saying “What just happened!?” can’t you?
Have you ever had moments of confusion? I mean real confusion where you could not tell which end was up – what was happening?
None of us are immune are we?
What do you do when there is “fog”?
What is your typical reaction when you really have no idea what the proper response is, or what you should do, or what is going on?
• I have seen some people that, when confusion surrounds them, shut down.
• I have seen others go into “clarity mode;” they start seeking answers and become lost in the quest (okay – I do that sometimes).
• I have seen some that just start laughing; they start acting as if it is all a dream. Denial becomes their coping mechanism.
Do you think the followers of Jesus utilized any of these coping mechanisms? I wouldn’t be surprised.
When we read the apostle’s accounts of Holy Week (the Gospels) we tend to read them as methodical, historical, and maybe even tedious; but I think a more complete reading must infuse chaos into the narrative. I am not so sure that their stories are meant to communicate order and procedure (at least not on their part – Jesus certainly had a grasp of what was happening). I am pretty certain their week was quite a blur and I am even more certain the 50 days after Jesus’ crucifixion were blurry. The fact that the Gospels have less-than-cohesive accounts of what happened suggests that it was all so unexpected and unplanned. They had no clue this would happen. They did not know what was around the next turn in the road.
There are all sorts of hints to this confusion, even after the resurrection.
• Matthew 28:16 says, “Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.”
• Mark 16:8 reads, “Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.”
Eventually, confusion gave way to clarity. But, as you have probably caught on by now, it did not happen overnight – or in a flash. I mean Jesus made appearances for 40 days after the resurrection (it was 50 before Pentecost). At least some of the reason must have been because God knew that is was going to take a few “visits” to convince His people that He had risen from the dead.
Even the good news of the resurrection caused confusion for a little while.
What changed all this? I see at least three things hinted at in Luke 24 that God used to give them (and us) clarity.
First, the teaching of Jesus, both before and after the resurrection, helped answer a lot of questions – God’s Word does that you know.
Luke 24:6 - 8 illustrate this: …Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words.
I want to encourage you to regularly read the Word of God. It is this book that discloses the heart, character and plan of God. And he often uses it to give us “ah ha!” moments of clarity.
The second means of clarity is the presence of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was with the disciples after the resurrection they had joy, peace and clarity. But when we went away the despair and confusion returned. This seems to be a recurring pattern you find in the stories.
The presence of God is such a wonderful gift. When God poured out His Spirit on the church He was giving us the presence of Jesus. We now join Cleopas and the others who walked with Jesus and listened to His instruction. At Pentecost we were given continual access to God’s presence, comfort and direction. Christ dwelling within his church helps bring clarity to confusion
I see a third element that is designed to bring clarity and direction – the church – one another. Not only did Jesus walk with them and share His Word and wisdom, but they frequently shared it with each other as well.
• Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James ran back and shared their new discovery with their friends.
• Cleopas and his group ran back and shared their discovery with their friends.
Never underestimate God’s gift of the Church. I assure you He doesn’t. When we ridicule it, consider it optional, or see only the human flaws, we insult God. God says His Spirit indwells His church and it is a gift given to us for our enrichment and equipment. Warts and all, the Church is God’s gift and a very important asset for working towards clarity. It is here that you talk with others who can sympathize with your struggle, listen to their stories, and let them comfort you – not to mention you might get some pretty solid advice to boot!
WRAP-UP
Kim Damon and I were talking a week or so back about a song we have been singing; “Everlasting God.” The song speaks about us mounting up with wings as eagles. Kim said that as she was singing that song one Sunday she discovered a “new perspective.” The bird’s eye view of an eagle is much different than that of us earth-bound creatures. When we wait on God, He mounts us up with eagle’s wings, we get a bigger perspective and confusion begins to fade.
That’s good insight. I like that don’t you?
Please remember, times of confusion are not a sign that God has abandoned you. Let’s face it, Jesus’ resurrected presence brought confusion to his followers and sometimes God’s activity catches us flat footed too. Confusion is not a bad thing. It is an uncomfortable thing but not a bad thing. Confusion leads to discovery. Confusion leads to new truth or new applications of truth. Confusion can be … CAN BE … healthy. It can be God breaking into your world with a new perspective or a new interpretation.
The disciples (1) listened to God’s Word (2) took advantage of the presence of Jesus (3) comforted each other -- and it sure paid off! It will for you too.
We cannot see the whole picture. Hence –confusion. But our Father can grasp the big picture He is faithful to guide us.
The issue is not confusion’s worth; it is our response. I would recommend reading the Gospel’s accounts of Holy Week and the resurrection stories looking for confusion’s appearances. Then look at how God approaches and teaches His followers through the fog. Then look at the new day that finally comes when His people are filled with the Spirit and faith is renewed.
May the peace of Christ be with you this week.
+++++
This sermon is provided by Dr. Kenneth Pell
Potsdam Church of the Nazarene, Potsdam, New York
www.potsdam-naz.org
+++++++++++++++
Comfort in Confusion
Psalm 91 {Portions}
Leader: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
PEOPLE: I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, “HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS, MY GOD, IN WHOM I TRUST.”
Leader: Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
PEOPLE: HE WILL COVER YOU WITH HIS FEATHERS, AND UNDER HIS WINGS YOU WILL FIND REFUGE;
Leader: His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
PEOPLE: YOU WILL NOT FEAR THE TERROR OF NIGHT, NOR THE ARROW THAT FLIES BY DAY,
Leader: If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge
PEOPLE: THEN NO HARM WILL BEFALL YOU, NO DISASTER WILL COME NEAR YOUR TENT.
Leader: For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
PEOPLE: “BECAUSE HE LOVES ME,” SAYS THE LORD, “I WILL RESCUE HIM; I WILL PROTECT HIM, FOR HE ACKNOWLEDGES MY NAME.
Leader: He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
PEOPLE: WITH LONG LIFE WILL I SATISFY HIM AND SHOW HIM MY SALVATION.”
