All age groups are needed in any organization. The wisdom of the experienced and the energy of the young are needed. Each can do what they do best and fit into the plan. This poem is about sticking to God’s plan for you to bring Him glory.
Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.’” – Ezekiel 37:4-5
When Jesus was crucified, it was a common occurrence in that society but there was something different about that Friday as pointed out in the post “Light Shines Brightest in the Dark”. God wanted those who witnessed the event to know that something of great significance occurred.
Jesus cried out in a loud voice at three in the afternoon and some thought that He was calling Elijah and Elijah would take Him down from the cross. We know now that Jesus breathed His last shortly after but as the song Rattle by Elevation Worship points out, the disappointment they felt on Friday turned into great excitement on Sunday when they found out the tomb was empty!
This day with God will be amazing because we will see that light shines brightest in the dark. With God by our side, we start each day doing what is necessary and then we do what is possible. Suddenly, the impossible is being done with God’s help and we then share the incredible story with others.
Crucifixions were common in society during the time recorded in Mark 15:33-47 but there was something different about the crucifixion of Jesus. It began at nine in the morning and then some supernatural events occurred at noon which made this crucifixion uncommon. Darkness fell over the whole land until three in the afternoon when Jesus breathed His last. At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom symbolizing that there was no longer a separation between God and believers.
We all have faced dark times of loss, anger, and broken relationships but it is these experiences that give us opportunities to illuminate the power of God in our life. The death of Christ on the cross made possible spiritual healing with amazing grace so God is with us to help communicate the good news of Jesus’ death on the cross. With God, we are blessed beyond measure with a very great power inside that transforms our darkness into light so that this light not only blesses our life but those around us.
Lord, we all have faced dark times like in today’s passage when we think it is over when Jesus is crucified on a Friday but then something of great significance occurs on Sunday that changes everything. The events of life give us opportunities to illuminate Your Light. We are thankful for Your amazing grace that has made Your presence with us possible today … in Jesus name. Amen.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. – Mark 11:24
The take away in the post “Awesome Wonder” is that when facing difficulty, don’t get discouraged but remain hopeful. The Bible tells us who wins so place your bet on Jesus, be inspired by how Jesus suffered and ultimately became victorious, don’t get angry, don’t blame others for current difficulties, or worry but have hope and claim a bright future.
After college, I traveled for three weeks in Europe with a high school buddy and took this photo of the Swiss Alps. Our Creator produced a master piece when He made the Swiss Alps. Thinking about this photo, I’m reminded of the song Greatness of Our God by Newsboys. Some of the lyrics go like the following:
In awesome wonder,
He reigns forever.
No one can stop Him;
His power is endless
And He lives within us.
As we continue the adventurous journey today through the book of Mark, we see in Mark 15:16-32 that Jesus didn’t try to affect the outcome of the trial but let nature take its course. In so doing, He was on the way to fulfilling His purpose on the Cross. Jesus would face pain and humiliation as the soldiers put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him (v. 17). They struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Then after mocking Jesus, they led him out to crucify Him (v. 20).
While being crucified, those who passed by hurled insults at Jesus and made fun of Him because he did not come down from the cross to save himself (v. 30). The soldiers and people misunderstood what “seeing and believing” is all about. They were not patient until the finish much like criticizing a painting before the final draft has been completed. What is ironical is that Jesus would ultimately save himself and today He saves you and me too!
I’m reminded of a trilogy of movies that came out in the late 1980’s called “Back to the Future”. In “Back to the Future Part II”, Marty and Doc traveled to the future to prevent Marty’s son from sabotaging the family’s future. While in the future, Marty bought a sports almanac that had all the sports scores. He bought it so he could use the historical record and place bets on games when he got back into the present. Our almanac on life is the Bible and it tells us what will happen and who will win.
The take away in today’s passage is that when facing difficulty, don’t get discouraged but remain optimistic. The Bible tells us who wins so place your bet on Jesus, be inspired by how Jesus suffered and ultimately became victorious, don’t get angry, don’t blame others for current difficulties, or worry but have hope and claim a bright future.
Lord, you have a future that is more awesome than we could ever imagine. Today you are with us to carry out Your purpose in our life. This purpose is a great adventure and each day we build memories that we will see forever and a bright future because we see your awesome wonder and believe in Your greatness that brings victory. Amen.
