They Ran!

Monday, July 25, 2011: Mark 6:54 – 55 (NKJV)

And when they came out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, ran through that whole surrounding region, and began to carry about on beds those who were sick to wherever they heard He was.

Background: After Jesus Christ had brought Jairus’ daughter back from the dead, He left the region by boat. He had just returned after leaving Gadara.

Why did the people run? They had an appointment to keep! A sick person is indoors in the family’s care. When the people knew Christ had returned, they made haste to bring sick their friends and relatives for healing to the Lord before He left for parts unknown.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011: Luke 15:20 (NKJV)

“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.

Background: Some of the Lord’s parables were analogies. This one was a real incident.

Why did the father run to his son? Love and longing! The father simply loved and missed his son: money did not enter the picture.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011: John 20:1 – 2 (NKJV)

Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.

Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”

Background: Resurrection Day! Mary goes back to the tomb after the Sabbath.

Why did Mary come back running? Excitement and wonder! Things were just not adding up. The stone was rolled away. They went in but nobody (no body) was there.  Someone had to be told. Who, but His disciples?

Thursday, July 28, 2011: Matthew 28:5 – 8 (NKJV)

But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.”

So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word.

Why did the women run back? Fear and joy! They could not contain their fear and joy. They had seen and heard an angel who declared Christ risen from the dead.

Friday, July 29, 2011: John 20:3 – 4 (NKJV)

Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb.

So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first.

Why did one disciple outrun the other? Intense curiosity! They realized that something strange had occurred. They were running flat out!