We are Sometimes Hesitant

Photo by Alyson Hurt

This blog ought to have been January 3, 2017

Scripture: Matthew 28:17

When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.

Insights: In the New American Standard Bible (NASB) the  word distazō is translated doubtful.  Now the NASB is normally the most wooden and accurate word for word translation of the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts.  At times, however, it does not produce the best translation.  In this verse today, we find one of those examples.  Distazō would be better translated hesitation rather than denoting a disbelief on the part of the disciples.  Craig L. Blomberg in his commentary gives a good explanation as to what really is transpiring in this verse and this historical scene.  He wrote, “Perhaps, as elsewhere, something about Jesus’ appearance makes him hard to recognize at first.  Perhaps they fear how he may respond to them.  Perhaps their Jewish scruples are still questioning the propriety of full-fledged worship of anyone by Yahweh.  Or (more likely?) they may simply continue to exhibit an understandable confusion about how to behave in the presence of a supernaturally manifested, exalted, and holy being.”  Let us go back to the verse once again.  We see the disciples are called to this mountain location because Jesus summoned them.  Upon their arrival some of the disciples immediately worshipped Him, but others were hesitant.  This hesitation as Blomberg pointed out could have been for several reasons, but most likely because they just did not know how to interact with a “supernaturally manifested, exalted, and holy being.”  Beloved, there are times the Lord calls us to action.  This action could be worship, but it could also be service or evangelism or numerous other activities.  We are not always ready to say yes to the Lord when He commissions us.  There are times we are hesitant.  One of our goals in life ought to be to stop being hesitant when the Lord’s Spirit pricks our hearts.  Once we are pricked we ought to be zealous for immediate obedience to Him.  It is my prayer that my life in 2017, and your life as well, will represent this kind of unhindered obedience to the Lord.  May our obedience bring Him the glory He rightly deserves.

Questions:

 1. Have you ever been hesitant to obey the Lord’s commands?

 2. Why do you think you have experienced this hesitation?

Prayer: Father, I am at times fearful to be obedient and as a result I hesitate when You call me.  Forgive me for my reluctance and grant me boldness to walk in obedience with You.  Amen.

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