Lingering

He had shown himself alive to them after his Passion by many demonstrations: for forty days he had continued to appear to them and tell them about the kingdom of God.

Ac 1:2–3

The New Jerusalem Bible (New York: Doubleday, 1985)

This lingering for forty days is the crowning proof of Christ’s tender regard for His little flock. He who had laid down His life for them is loath to leave them. Though they had forsaken Him, and doubted Him, they had not wearied, much less had they worn out, His love. He stays to look again, and yet again, and yet again, upon them, as if turning back and lingering to bless them. It is all of a piece with His life of love. Everywhere He meets them without a touch of upbraiding, without recalling a single memory of all His bitter suffering, revealing Himself to the disciples with a tenderness and blessedness indescribably beautiful.

How can He go till He has healed the Magdalene’s broken heart? He must linger till poor Peter can venture near to have his forgiveness assured. He must stay to strengthen Thomas’ faith. He must tarry with them till He has made them feel that He is just the same friendly, brotherly Jesus that He has ever been, caring for them in their work, watching them with a yearning pity, stooping to kindle a fire for their warmth, and to cook the fish for their meal, and then to bid them come and dine.

Mark Guy Pearse

Samuel G. Hardman and Dwight Lyman Moody, Thoughts for the Quiet Hour (Willow Grove, PA: Woodlawn Electronic Publishing, 1997)

The Lord, upon rising from the tomb, lingered to reveal the truth of His purpose and of His risen personage to those who were His followers, that they might know He is the son of God. It is not lost on us that this truth is for us as well. Even though we were not there to witness this wonderous time with them, the gospel is left by those who were there so that we may also know the truth of His love and gentle heart. He lingered among the disciples and believers as if to say "I am here and still love all. Be of gentile heart and strong faith until I return again."

May the good Lord bless you and keep you safe.

Remember to "Always Love The Details."