Main Point and Overview:
The coming murder of Jesus would cause the corrupt culture to celebrate, while his disciples would mourn. It seemed like all hope was lost. The popular words that we sing in Death was Arrested come to mind: “Our savior displayed on a criminal's cross. Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost. But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand. That's when death was arrested, and my life began.” Jesus challenged his disciples to remember that what appears hopeless is often just a process of waiting for the blessing. Jesus’ death…and resurrection would be the ultimate blessing! He wanted them to understand that often pain proceeds purpose, hurt proceeds happiness, and suffering proceeds salvation. In all of their struggles and misunderstandings, he encouraged them to believe that greater clarity was coming. The kind of clarity that would inspire them beyond what they could ever imagine right now. Sometimes in life, you are going to struggle to understand the “big picture,” and that is ok, because God simply wants you to take “one step of obedience at a time.” Your greater purpose, that is meant to drive your life, is not always going to be immediately revealed to you. Once Jesus rose again from the grave, appeared to his disciples, and then ascended to heaven, they finally understood their role in the mission in totality. It was then that the last part of our favorite song Death was Arrested came to life: “Oh, Your grace so free washes over me. You have made me new. Now life begins with You. It's your endless love pouring down on us. You have made us new. Now life begins with You. Oh, we're free, free, forever we're free. Come join the song of all the redeemed!” When you are in an overwhelming season, remember the priorities of Jesus, holding onto hope pushing through the pain.
The coming murder of Jesus would cause the corrupt culture to celebrate, while his disciples would mourn. It seemed like all hope was lost. The popular words that we sing in Death was Arrested come to mind: “Our savior displayed on a criminal's cross. Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost. But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand. That's when death was arrested, and my life began.” Jesus challenged his disciples to remember that what appears hopeless is often just a process of waiting for the blessing. Jesus’ death…and resurrection would be the ultimate blessing! He wanted them to understand that often pain proceeds purpose, hurt proceeds happiness, and suffering proceeds salvation. In all of their struggles and misunderstandings, he encouraged them to believe that greater clarity was coming. The kind of clarity that would inspire them beyond what they could ever imagine right now. Sometimes in life, you are going to struggle to understand the “big picture,” and that is ok, because God simply wants you to take “one step of obedience at a time.” Your greater purpose, that is meant to drive your life, is not always going to be immediately revealed to you. Once Jesus rose again from the grave, appeared to his disciples, and then ascended to heaven, they finally understood their role in the mission in totality. It was then that the last part of our favorite song Death was Arrested came to life: “Oh, Your grace so free washes over me. You have made me new. Now life begins with You. It's your endless love pouring down on us. You have made us new. Now life begins with You. Oh, we're free, free, forever we're free. Come join the song of all the redeemed!” When you are in an overwhelming season, remember the priorities of Jesus, holding onto hope pushing through the pain.
Posted in Devotional