iven them of God, and the Lord would reward their faith and honor their
obedience. To them was to be intrusted the work of heralding to all
nations the glorious gospel of their risen Lord. It was to prepare them
for this work, that the experience which seemed to them so bitter had been
permitted.

After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples on the way to
Emmaus, and "beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto
them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself."(580) The hearts
of the disciples were stirred. Faith was kindled. They were "begotten
again unto a lively hope," even before Jesus revealed Himself to them. It
was His purpose to enlighten their understanding, and to fasten their
faith upon the "sure word of prophecy." He wished the truth to take firm
root in their minds, not merely because it was supported by His personal
testimony, but because of the unquestionable evidence presented by the
symbols and shadows of the typical law, and by the prophecies of the Old
Testament. It was needful for the followers of Christ to have an
intelligent faith, not only in their own behalf, but that they might carry
the knowledge of Christ to the world. And as the very first step in
imparting this knowledge, Jesus directed the disciples to "Moses and the
prophets." Such was the testimony given by the risen Saviour to the value
and importance of the Old Testament Scriptures.

What a change was wrought in the hearts of the disciples, as they looked
once more on the loved countenance of their Master!(581) In a more
complete and perfect sense than ever before, they had "found Him, of whom
Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write." The uncertainty, the
anguish, the despair, gave place to perfect assurance, to unclouded faith.
What marvel that after His ascension they "were continually in the temple,
praising and blessing God." The people, knowing only of the Saviour's
ignominious death, looked to see in their faces the expression of sorrow,
confusion, and defeat; but they saw there gladness and triumph. What a
preparation these disciples had received for the work before them! They
had passed through the deepest trial which it was possible for them to
experience, and had seen how, when to human vision all was lost, the word
of God had been triumphantly accomplished. Henceforward what could daunt
their faith, or chill the ardor of their love? In the keenest sorrow they
had "strong consolation," a