Mark 16:14 Disciples’ Literal New Testament (DLNT) And later He appeared to the eleven themselves while they were reclining-back [to eat]. And He reproached [reprimanded] their unbelief and hardness-of-heart because they did not believe the ones having seen Him arisen.

I chose the DLNT for this devotional for one specific reason. Other version simply state as they were eating or eating at a table but the Greek word used is much more revealing than just having dinner.

Anakeimai – to recline (as a corpse or at a meal)

If you look at unbelief and hardness of heart in the context of a corpse it brings into mind the issues of reverting back to the grave, dead in your sins, and dead faith. It is a lax attitude which was as far from the teachings of our Lord to these disciples as you can get.

If you have a recliner, kick back and relax, get all the way back. Now, imagine Jesus walking into the room.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

Here are eleven men who heard our Lord tell them He was going to rise from the dead and when the first witnesses reported seeing Jesus they kicked back in their recliners and fed their faces. The image is not one of being exactly ready is it?

Now let us move forward two thousand years or so and address those who have heard the Word, been taught all the things that Jesus said and did and yet are Anakeimai, reclined as a corpse, dead in your sins, not having exercised any faith towards Jesus. When Jesus comes, don’t bother trying to get up, it’s too late. His next coming isn’t going to be to rebuke disciples.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

People get ready.