Scripture for Today: Luke 24:25 “He said to them, ‘How foolish you are and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken.'”

These sloths move so slowly they can seem to be holding still even when on the move!  It is said that “a rolling stone gathers no moss.”  However, this slow moving animal can actually grow algae on their fur, turning a greenish hue and blending in with their surroundings.  Contrary to popular belief they do not sleep all day but only ten hours.  They move at such a snail’s pace to conserve energy as their diet of mainly leaves digests slowly and is low in calories.

Today’s verse is a reproach from the resurrected Jesus for two of His disciples while walking on the road to Emmaus.  These men were sad and discouraged, their hopes being dashed that Jesus would redeem Israel.  They misunderstood the prophets and they did not believe the testimony of the women and disciples who saw the empty tomb (verses 22 & 24).  They were slow to believe.  But rather than leave them in that state, Jesus opened their spiritual eyes to His Word and later to His identity (verse 31).

How personal Jesus is to meet me exactly where needed!  Just like those two disciples I can be so slow to believe.  With infinite patience Jesus answers my doubts and questions.  He reassures me through His Word.  He makes His presence felt.  And each time He does this, He gives me another opportunity to grow my faith and trust.  It is better to be slow than to be at a standstill.  But my prayer is that I can respond to keen disappointment with firm belief in His control and goodness a bit sooner each time.  He is giving me this opportunity now.

Lord, may I quickly respond with belief!

(Look familiar? This is a repost from earlier this year.)