LS-13-When They Saw The Lord
When They Saw The Lord The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.--John 20:20.
Through closed doors He came. They had not closed the doors against Him. They were afraid of the Jews, perhaps the more afraid because of the news coming in that the grave was empty and Christ Jesus had risen. Mary Magdelene had brought tidings that He was alive. Peter and John had seen the empty grave. Two men from Emmaus had come with thrilling news of a meeting with the Lord. We can imagine the feelings of the disciples. They had been cast into the depths of despair by the death of their Master. Now a new great hope was struggling into being, that after all, in spite of death, all the wonderful things they had looked for might still be true. But fear was awakened too--fear of the malignant enemies who had done their Master to death, fear perhaps of another fiery trial to test their loyalty which had failed so miserably before. Then it was that, though the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood In the midst of that group of men who were alternating between fear and joy, and spoke the word of peace-the word above all others they needed that night. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord.
We may not be unfamiliar with the experience of having Christ come through closed doors to bless us. Our necessary contact with the world of things is often sufficient to close the doors against the spiritual influences we so much need. It may that, like the disciples of old, we have had dreams die from our hearts and visions fade from our minds. Perhaps we have become baffled and confused because of the strange outworking of our life’s problems, often so different from all we had hoped for and planned. Disappointment and grief may leave the heart hard and apparently incapable of faith. Indeed, sometimes sin takes possession of these hearts of ours, and the doors are closed against Him. But through all such closed doors He may come. We know He can. We have gathered together today awaiting His coming in blessing. We meet expectantly, even though some of us may be aware of barriers that would seem to obstruct His coming. As we partake of these emblems that speak of His love, we shall pray, "Through every closed door come, Thou risen Christ, and stand in our midst, saying Peace be unto you." So shall we be glad, when we see the Lord.