The Lord’s people are found in various circumstances. The state of many may be described by the lines, "For some are sick, and some are sad, and some have never loved Thee well, and some have lost the love they had". There is a cause for every condition. What will fill our souls with spiritual joy? One thing only will transform us, namely, "Jesus showed himself again to the disciples" (Jn 21.1).
He showed Himself to the grieving Mary Magdalene at the sepulchre. She was filled with overwhelming grief, but when He came and she heard Him say, "Mary", the grief was banished (Jn 20.14-17).
On the evening of the first day of the week, ten fearful disciples assembled with the doors closed for fear of the Jews. Suddenly "Jesus…stood in the midst" (Jn 20.19) and bewilderment was mingled with joy. All fear was gone!
One week later eleven disciples were in the same room, doubting Thomas now being with them. What a state of mind was his. Again, in manner as before, came Jesus with the same greeting. Thomas’ doubts were dispelled as he exclaimed, "My Lord and my God" (Jn 20.28).
Seven of the disciples had gone fishing, returning to what they had done before they had left all for the Lord. After a fruitless night, as the morning dawned, they saw Jesus standing on the shore and soon they were dining with Him (Jn 21.1-13).
As with the mourning, the fearful, and the doubting, these wandering servants were restored when the Lord showed Himself to them.
