March 20: Following His Guidance.
HIS REVITALIZATION.
And when the doors were shut...for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."--John 20:19
I was astonished to see the high-water mark on the wall. In June 2013, in the beautiful German city of Passau, the flood waters reached the highest level in more than five hundred years. Due to the rising waters in the three rivers, the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this section of the old city, with its beautiful architecture and tourist attractions, was underwater up to the third floors of its buildings. It was a tragedy! Then I saw photos of the residents of the town coming together in order to rebuild their city. It was amazing! When I visited Passau in 2018, it was as beautiful as ever. How does God guide us in rebuilding our lives after tragic events?
The crucifixion of Jesus was the darkest moment for His disciples. From their perspective, the pounding of each nail and the eventual death of their beloved Master had totally crashed their dreams for the redemption of Israel. Yet from heaven's perspective, the exact same events were the ones that secured eternal salvation for all! Jesus had taken upon Himself the punishment of our sins, and He rose from the dead on the third day! In the evening, the disciples were gathered with doors shut for fear of the Jews. They didn't know how to begin to rebuild their shattered lives! What could possibly revitalize their minds and hearts for them to go on? That's when Jesus showed up and stood in their midst. His first words to them were: "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). After a tragic event, when God is rebuilding our lives, it is helpful to understand the way in which Jesus, after His death, revived the hearts of the disciples with His presence, His peace, His revelation, His joy, and His purpose (verses 19-21). He personally came and stood among them to reveal Himself in a new way and to speak peace. They rejoiced seeing Jesus in this new light, as He reminded them of His purpose for them: "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (verse 21). When tragedy strikes, we won't always understand, but God will guide us with His presence, peace, joy, and purpose; and He will always reveal Himself to us in a new and deeper way.
My Response:________________________________________________________
HIS REVITALIZATION.
And when the doors were shut...for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."--John 20:19
I was astonished to see the high-water mark on the wall. In June 2013, in the beautiful German city of Passau, the flood waters reached the highest level in more than five hundred years. Due to the rising waters in the three rivers, the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, this section of the old city, with its beautiful architecture and tourist attractions, was underwater up to the third floors of its buildings. It was a tragedy! Then I saw photos of the residents of the town coming together in order to rebuild their city. It was amazing! When I visited Passau in 2018, it was as beautiful as ever. How does God guide us in rebuilding our lives after tragic events?
The crucifixion of Jesus was the darkest moment for His disciples. From their perspective, the pounding of each nail and the eventual death of their beloved Master had totally crashed their dreams for the redemption of Israel. Yet from heaven's perspective, the exact same events were the ones that secured eternal salvation for all! Jesus had taken upon Himself the punishment of our sins, and He rose from the dead on the third day! In the evening, the disciples were gathered with doors shut for fear of the Jews. They didn't know how to begin to rebuild their shattered lives! What could possibly revitalize their minds and hearts for them to go on? That's when Jesus showed up and stood in their midst. His first words to them were: "Peace be with you" (John 20:19). After a tragic event, when God is rebuilding our lives, it is helpful to understand the way in which Jesus, after His death, revived the hearts of the disciples with His presence, His peace, His revelation, His joy, and His purpose (verses 19-21). He personally came and stood among them to reveal Himself in a new way and to speak peace. They rejoiced seeing Jesus in this new light, as He reminded them of His purpose for them: "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (verse 21). When tragedy strikes, we won't always understand, but God will guide us with His presence, peace, joy, and purpose; and He will always reveal Himself to us in a new and deeper way.
My Response:________________________________________________________
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