I don’t know what to do now…

This is a very strange verse. The disciples are now standing in the physical presence of the living Lord Jesus, whom they had seen crucified and then seen raised from the dead. All that he had prophesied had come true. What possible room could there be for any ‘doubt’?

Back to the Greek original. The word translated ‘doubt’ is ‘distazo’ which actually means ‘to waver between two opinions’. In other words, the disciples didn’t know what to do now! Should they take cover while Jesus summoned legions of angels to destroy the Roman occupiers? Should they follow their Lord as He organised a popular uprising? Would the preaching-teaching-healing ministry just continue as before? Was their time all over, and Jesus would do it by Himself from now on, so they could go back to their homes and jobs? (not surprising, since they knew they had all failed and run away…) They didn’t know what to do!

So, Jesus tells them very clearly what to do now and gives them the authority to do it. Now they know.

Whenever you don’t know what to do now, be reassured. Jesus knows. Not only that, He will tell you what to do and will give you the authority do it. What’s more, He will stay on hand to help you see the task through ‘to the very end of the age’. What a Saviour!

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I am so glad that You know what I should do next! Help me to hear Your voice and obey Your instructions – and I am so glad that You will always be with me. Amen.