The Prodigal Father

Isaiah 57:18 "I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him, creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near," says the Lord. "And I will heal them."

The extravagance of Jesus in washing the disciples' feet is just the beginning of what he is about to offer them. This verse shows the true extravagance of God. He knows man has chosen to fall away from Him and yet He offers salvation. Our healing is no simple task. The justice that has to be served is as the sin was in the beginning. Paul's words in Romans 5: "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Jesus' death shows his extravagant love to save me, to be sure. And even more so is His resurrection. That is ridiculous extravagance, even prodigal, one might say. 😊 The justice and grace I have are the biggest show of God's extravagance. It is the completion of my healing while I am on earth through the work of the Holy Spirit in me that shows the world the extravagance of my Father. And that healing, that sanctification, my friends, takes a lifetime. How much do I love Jesus for that work? Immeasurably. Do you love Him? Extravagantly? Mary did.

The Extravagant Moment

John 13:12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.

Looking at the parallels of Jesus' last supper with his friends, Lazarus, Mary and Martha and his last seder meal with the disciples, this really stuck out to me. This morning Dad made the comment that Mary had done an extravagant thing when she poured the expensive oil on Jesus' feet and wiped them with her hair. All I could think about was Jesus washing the disciples' feet and how "extravagant" that action was on his part. He washes the feet of the ones who will shortly disown him. He is serving them in one of the most demeaning positions of that culture. His extravagant behavior had nothing to do with anything they had done. He didn't ask for anything in return. He simply tells them he has shown them how to act toward one another. Incredible. This extravagant moment between Mary and Jesus was simply a precursor to his extravagant moment with his disciples. We often misunderstand the extravagance of God and try to make sense of it in an earthly manner, like Peter telling Jesus to wash his entire body. Sadly, we misunderstand the true love of a Father who simply wants to love on us and desires our acceptance of that love in return. Have you accepted His love? Mary had.

A Letter to God

Dear Lord,

How thankful I am that you understand this life! You have been here and walked these paths. I am so grateful for your continued love and support throughout my journey. You whisper words of hope in the din of fear. You bring quiet in the chaos. The peace and calm you provide while we sit together reminds me of the spirit you created me to be. You are always working and always moving. Your plans will prevail and I am beyond relieved by that. May my thoughts, words, and actions be uplifting to those around me that they may experience You through me.

With Much Love,
Me

A Little Perspective

John 18:19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Jesus' perspective of the work he will finish in Jerusalem isn't like mine. His view is from the mountaintop. This doesn't mean that it makes God's will any less painful or simplifies it in some way. No, Jesus is going to feel every hit of the whip, every pound of each nail. He isn't going to magically not feel anything because his perspective is from the victor's place. His perspective puts me directly on his mind. Every drop of blood shed reminds him of me and his love grows all the more. His compassion and mercy cannot be swayed; they only grow. The love of Jesus is a perspective I cannot fully know until I meet him face to face. What I can see now is that through his own words in scripture, I have been on his mind. He has wanted me with Him in Heaven through eternity since before I was here. He is a God of love. He is a God of hope. He is a God of compassion. He is a God of mercy. He is a God of justice and grace. Like Him there is none other. Jesus' perspective from the cross increases his mercy toward me.  My perspective from the foot of the cross humbles my soul to complete adoration for Jesus' love for me. Oh, to gain a little perspective!

Truly Suffer to Fully Live

James 5:11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

The road leading up to Jericho is difficult to pass. It is known for robbers and animals. It's not easy terrain. As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem he is trying to help his followers understand what is going to happen once they arrive in Jerusalem. All I can think at this point is that he is on his way, the road is difficult, and yet, when he gets to Jerusalem there is more severe suffering to come. I don't know that I have ever or will ever truly and completely understand the suffering of Jesus. I am invited to endure his suffering with him, but I don't know if I can fully grasp what that is. He is on a difficult path that is only going to get more difficult and painful. I don't know if I have it in me to experience his suffering. Ah, but the beauty of being a follower of Christ is the fact that He has already done it. He offers me His strength to get through it, just as the Father did for Him on His journey. I must seek Jesus and accept all He has to offer in this time of Lenten sacrifice in order to truly suffer with Him and fully live in His glory.

A Fellow Human

Micah 1:4 The mountains melt beneath him and the valleys split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope.

Jesus is beginning the climb into Jerusalem from Jericho. He is headed up a very steep and dangerous path. I chose this verse from Micah because it reminds me of who God is. It reminds me that He is the Creator of all things. He is in charge of the entire universe and it all responds to Him with reverence and obedience. He is able to make the mountains melt and calm the raging seas. There is nothing that makes Him fearful. Jesus is on the way to Jerusalem. He knows the path he is on very well. He isn't surprised by what is coming; he's actually trying to tell his followers. When I'm climbing the steep path with him, what am I thinking about? Am I thinking about what comes at the end? Am I considering what it is Jesus will have to do when he gets to Jerusalem? He is. I need to consider this with him. I need to recognize that even though he is fully God, he is also fully man. Jesus isn't able to complete this journey because of his divinity. He is making this journey as a fellow human on earth, through the strength of his Father in Heaven. This is why He can now come alongside me in my time of need while I climb my steep mountain and provide me great peace and strength. He's been here.

Turn Toward Home

John 12:1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

After crossing the Jordan, Jesus begins the final part of his journey to Jerusalem. He has turned toward home. I absolutely love this thought. There is so much to those words, turned toward home. Jesus is on The Jericho Road to climb his way to Jerusalem to the temple for the Passover. He is going to the place he knows so well. He is fully aware of what will happen and he is not deterred. He is ready to go home. He is visiting friends. He is sharing his peace. He is making His Kingdom visible, yet no one is really getting it. Jesus is on His way to ensure my place in Heaven with Him, and no one understands what that is going to take. It must have been a lonely place for him. He was trying to tell the disciples, but they were so hyped up on defeating Rome that they couldn't truly listen. They were distracted by the worldly kingdoms. Alas, I do not want to be distracted by a worldly kingdom. I want to live in Jesus' Kingdom through Him and not let the world keep me from His truth. Jesus turned toward home. I want to turn toward home with Him.

Glory In the Trial

Joshua 5:15 The commander of the Lord's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy." And Joshua did so.

Jumping back into the Old Testament, back to the moment when the Israelites had crossed the Jordan. Crossing the Jordan was not the battle. They had another battle on the other side, the city of Jericho. Once they are there, Joshua realizes he is in the midst of the Holy One. Jesus, hundreds of years later is going to experience a similar situation. He's going to cross the Jordan, but the battle for him is still ahead...in Jerusalem. Jesus is leading the way to battle, a battle that none of them was expecting. They are walking where the "greats" have walked, yet they are on a very different journey. In all of Israel's history it has been God going before them, leading them. And now that God is on the planet with them, He is leading them again. What battle am I experiencing right now? Have I asked Jesus to go ahead of me? Have I found a place where God is inviting me to experience His holiness and remove my sandals? This is what I seek. I want to look ahead to where God is moving and follow Him. I don't think the disciples really understood the battle that was coming. I think they had missed it completely, and I don't know that I blame them. However, there is no excuse for me to miss it. I have so many historical, Biblical, and personal references to see God's moving. Lord, don't let me miss the Your glory in the trial!

Twelve Stone Marker

Joshua 4:9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.

This is very likely the same spot where Jesus crossed over the Jordan into Jericho just before he heads into Jerusalem. Many amazing things from Israel's history are in this very spot. It's as if this spot is the marker of a "new day" and Jesus is crossing with the same intention. The twelve stone marker was something the Jewish people knew well. It was a way for God's work to be remembered and told. I've been thinking about my own "twelve stone marker" today. What markers do I have in my life that are a remembrancer of the amazing things God has done? They are things like a particular Bible, a rose, a photo, a ring, and so on. I find these to be important reminders of the work God has done in, around, and through me. With that, I'm thinking about where Jesus wants to walk with me on this journey to Jerusalem. What is He inviting me to remember during this Lent? I want to be aware of His movements.

Make Heaven a Reality

Jesus, our world is in great need, as we have always been. But Lord, in this time, we are struggling to find the answers to difficult questions that connect all of us in an undeniable way. Our world seems to be upside down, and yet, that's exactly how your Kingdom is. Lord, give us eyes to see the hope in the darkness. Shed light on the path, that we may understand. Help us to know You are present. Let us see the beauty in the design of the world, the way it works together, cells, people, and universe. Father, I know you are in control. I know you have a greater plan than any of us can fathom. You are working. You are seeking to get closer to each and every one of us. May I make time to let you in. May I give my energy to the things that put me in Your presence. Meet me here. Show me Your Kingdom. You have already brought Heaven to earth in Christ; Holy Spirit, make Heaven a reality for us here. Amen.

He Seeks Me

Mark 9:24 Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

I have been in this same spot, believing, but stating it in a "God if you can" kind of way. I don't know that this is so much a faithless statement as it is an uncertainty of what I think I know that God is going to do. Did you get that? One of the hardest parts about following God is knowing what you know. Ya know? 😉 It's not giving in to the the fatalist life where everything is just going to go as it goes, and I have no control anyway. Or...giving in to the sovereignty of God in a way that makes it appear that He has none of my interest in mind, just His own. Neither of those is a good place. God's sovereignty, simply put, is that God has control over all of His creation...always. He is in control...always. It does not mean that He is running us like robots and making us do whatever He wishes, not even close. God has set the world in motion. It got off course very early with the original sin in the garden. Now, God intervenes as He sees the need for my betterment and my growth toward Him. Sometimes His intervention is coming to me in my time of need, not fixing my need. Sometimes His intervention is a miraculous healing. If I am to know the will of God and understand what actions He will do, then I have to be talking to Him on a regular basis. I have to know that voice. I have to understand that individual. I have to become friends with Jesus. It's not that God has certain things He can't or won't do. He can do anything. It's that He is always, I mean always, seeking to be closer to me, and will do whatever that takes to make it happen. Even to death on a cross.

Savoring His Last Moments

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

During Lent waiting seems to be a part of the journey. Jesus is on the road to finish the work he was sent to do, but it doesn't just take him a day or two. He spends time with people and in places that are significant from his own journey. He takes the long road for reasons I cannot fully understand. He spends time with his disciples and in prayer. He is taking his time. Is it to prepare himself? Is he not quite ready? What is the purpose behind his waiting? There are so many verses about waiting, so there must be some positive to it. The longer something takes the more we get a clear view. We learn more information. We find others who are in the same experience. We seek understanding in the long term rather than the quick fix for the short term. It's as if Jesus knows what the long term effects of this journey will be. He knows that I will be reading his Word in 2020 and finding new life in it. He knows that his impact is far more reaching than just those people with him on his trip to Jerusalem. He is savoring his last moments on earth for my benefit. He is showing me His Kingdom here on earth. Waiting on God is not about growing your patience. Waiting on God is about experiencing His Kingdom here and now.

Faith Made Visible

Exodus 33:15 Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here."

I have a feeling that this was the same statement Jesus made when he started his journey to Jerusalem. It seems that every step he took on that trip was led by a very particular Holy Guide. He crosses the Jordan into the edge of the wilderness. He will cross back just as the Israelites did years before him. It's such an interesting journey with so many parallels to the nation of Israel. Jesus is leading the way. Yes, he is the very Presence of God this time, but he still needs the Father. When I think about my life and how I look at new ventures and new paths, how do I handle them? Do I work to get up enough gumption to make the change on my own? Do I find all of the information to be sure I am making the best possible decision and then move forward? Do I check my feelings to see if I am happy with the change and then move on? All of these are important steps in the decision-making process, but the most important one I have overlooked. Is God going before me? Has God prepared the way for me, and is He pressing me to move forward? Faith becomes visible when God goes ahead. His peace becomes my guide. There may be chaos outside, but seek first His Kingdom and peace will reign within.

Look Death In the Face

John 18:37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

I often wonder at what point Jesus understood who he was. Did he know when he was a teenager? Did he know in his twenties? When did it start to become clear to him? And what must that have been like? He would have understood so many things before they happened, and I still don't understand them on this side of it. As Pilate questioned him, Jesus did not waiver in who he was or why he was sent. He was on a mission. He knows what's coming. He knows where this conversation is going to take him. He isn't clueless about any of it. He knows all too well. He also knows the final victory, but I'm not really sure if that was even able to be in his mind at this moment. He's going to have to go through some horrific moments to get to that victory. What kind of man can do that? What kind of man can look death in the face with peace and calm. He doesn't shout. He doesn't get tough. He doesn't "man up" to use today's vernacular. He doesn't need to. His Kingdom is not of this world, and it is about to overcome the world. He is going to look death in the face with Authority and remove its hold on humankind. There is no fear, only peace. There is no anger, only love. There is no discouragement, only hope. That's the Kingdom I long for...peace, love, and hope. And it's offered to me here. How incredible!

Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Oh, the flaming arrows of the evil one...tiresome...annoying...discouraging. All of my responsive words there are not words from God, and that is exactly what Satan is hoping for. He is hoping that when he throws his little darts at me that he pierces me enough to get my attention, to remove my focus and put my attention on my little wounds. I don't like to say it, but it often works. I find myself focused on the little things going on that seem to be frustrating or binding. I look at the inconveniences of a situation. I check out the small problems that are truly miniscule but many. I pay attention to how I'm adjusting my wants to take care of my needs and am frustrated with not getting my way. Jesus dealt with these flaming arrows too, although I think the arrows he dealt with were way larger than the small dart-like ones I deal with. What I need to remember is that Jesus never lost focus. He never took his eyes off the Father. When Satan tempted him in the desert, he responded with the Word. He didn't lose focus as he walked the way to Jerusalem, even as people started to question his authenticity and authority. He didn't pay attention to the petty earthly things, which take my attention. No. He stayed the course with steadfast love and Kingdom eyes. His mind was set. He fixed his eyes on Jerusalem for my sake and there was no discouraging him. We were his joy and there was no distraction that could remove us from his mind. His shield of faith was fully in tact, fully placed. He was not going to be deterred. I have access to that same shield. All I have to do is call on the One who wields it and He will put it in place. Focus on Jesus and let His armor shield you.

The Wrong Side of the Jordan

Luke 9:56 and they went to another village.

This is the point of Jesus' journey where he is headed to Samaria and the rejection of His Kingdom begins. Jesus makes the decision to cross the Jordan, and take the long way to Jerusalem through the valley, literally. It's definitely not the simplest or fastest way to get to Jerusalem. God seems to do this often. We want there to be a quick, easy fix, but that doesn't seem to be God's plan. He seems to take His time and not fix the hard things in our time. Jesus does that here. He heads to the "wrong side of the Jordan" and takes the disciples with him. He's taking his time. He's not choosing the easy road. He's choosing the path that draws him nearer to God and nearer to us. When I have circumstances that I think have a quick and easy fix, I'm always a little leery. I've learned to give God time to do what He has planned. I've learned His plans always prepare me for something bigger down the road. It's never about the moment I'm in; it's always about the moments to come. That's what Jesus is focused on now. He isn't concerned about being rejected in Samaria. He's concerned about my rejection of God and my redemption in Him. My redemption isn't a quick and easy fix for Jesus. It's an arduous battle that he's preparing for. He knows it. He knows exactly what I need. Sometimes I need the longer, difficult road, but He's been there with me before.

Prayer to My Lord

Lord, today I invite You to sit with me. Come near that I may draw near to You. Father, Your justice and mercy have been an ever-present Light in these days. You have shown Your truth through the Word. You are in control and have made all things possible. Jesus, friend, I am humbly grateful for the sacrifice You made on my behalf. You took my penalty in the form of pain and anguish because of Your love and compassion for my brokenness. By Your blood I am redeemed. Holy Spirit, you renew and restore my soul daily. My entire life is being transformed through Your grace. You lift me to heights unseen and from depths untold. Lord, you are my everything. You are the reason I am who I am. You are the One who continues the good work You began. You will complete it because You have spoken it to being. You are enthroned as the Holy One. All praise and glory to You, Sovereign Lord. For you reign over all of Heaven and Earth, and Your will is being accomplished. So be it!

The Sober Truth

Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?

I get it, Mr. Psalmist. I feel your pain and frustration. I know your hurt and loneliness. I understand this place. We all get here at times. We have moments where our prayers seem to be unheard. We have circumstances that appear to be unseen. "How could a loving God not answer me when I'm in agony?" And people quickly jump in and say, "Yeah! Where's God? He doesn't even care!" Interestingly enough, the psalmist follows his words with praise and adoration of God. I don't often think to follow up these words with that sentiment. So what question is appropriate when God seems to have gone MIA. What if it has more to do with where I am than where God is? The question isn't, "Where is God?" The question is, "Where am I?" I have to look at myself with sober judgement. God's probably not the issue, but I definitely could be. I have to take a serious look at my intentions. What am I seeking? Ease... Simplicity... Happiness... Satisfaction... Jesus will say these same words years and years later, but his groaning is a reality. His battle is for my life. He is left on the cross to bear my sin and to experience life without the Father on my behalf. My groaning is nothing. God has not forsaken me and He never will. It was finished by my friend and Savior, Jesus. Where am I, when it seems God has left? Who am I trusting, when it seems God has failed? Maybe praise and adoration is something I can learn from the psalmist when these words seem to find me.

Through the Valley

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

The psalmist begins the 23rd with the beauty of being with the Lord, "I shall not want...He makes me lie down in green pastures...He leads me beside still waters..." Then this verse. There is no going around the hard stuff. The psalmist walks through the valley. Ah, but there is goodness there too, "I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." Jesus is heading to Jerusalem. The road is not easy to travel to get there. He is going to take the long way, to revisit those places he's been before. He's going to walk the crooked path in order to make my path straight. He's going to fight the battle so that I can claim the victory. He isn't going to shy away and say, "Been there, done that." No, he's going to finish what he began. He's going to take the long road so I can have zero distance between God and me...even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Jesus has been there, done that for himself and for me. He knows and understands it all, and He will comfort me. Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and through eternity. The psalmist understood this even before Jesus walked on the earth. God's incredible.

Soul Knowledge

Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

This can be a difficult verse to handle with the "share in his sufferings" line. Why do we struggle so much with suffering? I have asked this question in the past, but this Lent it is really sticking with me. I think it is because during Lent everything related to Jesus and his journey to the cross all seems to be about suffering. Now, of course I know about the hope that comes in the end, but if jump to the end then I write off the suffering even quicker. In today's culture we avoid suffering and it isn't healthy. So I'm going to go there a bit, because I know Jesus did. I'm thinking back on those things that have caused suffering in my life, but I must admit that the first thing that comes to mind with the suffering memory is the work of the Holy Spirit in that time. Mom's illness is a big one for me. I will always remember the specific grace afforded me when we would go to church on those Sundays during her long battle. The way the Holy Spirit would envelope my spirit to walk alongside the church family through the difficult days. The soul knowledge of that feeling is with me to this day. I haven't physically felt it since, which is a bit of a bummer for me. Does that mean I wish for more suffering? Gosh, no! It just means that I view suffering with the mindset that I know God will be present in it, and that makes all the difference.

You Are Loved

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is one of my absolute most favorite verses. The world hands me some crummy stuff at times, as it does to us all, but this verse is a great reminder of the love of God in those moments. There is nothing in all creation that can keep God from loving us. Satan tried with sin, but even that was not enough to separate us from God for eternity. Yes, there was a separation that had to happen, but once Jesus came to fulfill the law and redeem us, we now have blessed assurance that we are fully, completely, and eternally God's. There is no longer anything or anyone that can come between my Creator and me because I am in Christ Jesus. This is true for all of us. We are loved to the cross, through our redemption, and into resurrection. There is no greater love than this, and that, my friends, is what makes Christianity different from anything other "religion." The world and everything in it, including you, is powerless against God's love. Surrender to it today.

The Third Miracle

Matthew 14:30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

I've been there. Not walking on water, but you get my meaning. I've asked God to lead me to a particular place. I head in the direction He has called from and, suddenly, I realize I am in the midst of chaos. I lose my sense of direction, and feel as if I am completely in the wrong place. The only one I can turn to is the One who led me there. I have cried out to God, just as Peter did, and God has been faithful to pull me back to the surface. It doesn't mean I wasn't sopping wet, get my water analogy there. :-) There is always a little something that stays with you after those moments, but that's what brings us closer to our Savior. It is just the thing we need to do. Ask Jesus to call us to Him when it seems impossible, like walking on water, and then we need to go to Him when He says come. Those are moments when we can grow closer to Him through the chaos that seems to be around. We can find salvation in the hand of the Savior reaching out to us on the journey He has called us to. Peter did, and look at what He was able to do through Christ. Amazing.

His Story In Mine

Psalm 71:16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone.

Today I am challenged to consider my personal memories of Jesus. He is on The Jericho Road remembering his years of ministry on his way to Jerusalem, reflecting on each and every individual and place he has known and touched. I want to do the same on my "Jericho Road." I want to reflect on the people in whom I have experienced Jesus. I want to think on, and go back to, the places where He and I have met. I want to revisit those moments of His power, His compassion, His holiness, His hope, His glory. Those are the things I want to remember this Lent. As I walk this Lenten Journey with Jesus, I want to consider where He and I have been together. I want to see how He has prepared every step and continues to move with me. I want my life to be about His story woven into mine.

A Sunday Prayer

Lord, You are the Great Healer. You bring hope to the broken world. My life is changed by the love I receive from You every day. Thank You for continuing to heal and transform me through our time together. May my life be a reflection of You. Amen.

By His Wounds

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

The Jericho Road is a time when Jesus is not only remembering the great moments of his ministry, but also gathering all of my ick, and your ick, to take it to the cross. Jesus is going to carry the heavy load of the sin of the world, all in the name of justice and love. I can't even carry my own ick, let alone that of someone else. My need for a Savior is obvious when I'm alone and consider what it would mean to answer for all of my mistakes. Jeepers, I know I don't even know them all, so how could I even begin. However, they are all paid for. I get to claim the finished work of Jesus. My unworthiness in my own eyes doesn't change the unconditional love I receive from my Savior. That's a lovely, life-changing truth.

A Focus Adjustment

Mark 10:27 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

What a different viewpoint! This is one of the most difficult things to relearn...unlearn...I don't know how to say it. I find it incredibly difficult to look at the world through the eyes of Jesus. I know He does not see things from my earthly perspective, nor does He do things with an earthly perspective. The disciples found themselves doing some crazy stuff: healing, walking on water, and eventually dying for the One they believed in. I am sure they would all tell us that the only way they were able to do any of this was due to the power of Jesus, either through Him personally or through the Holy Spirit. Their focus, as we often read, had to be on Jesus the entire time or they failed miserably. We have the same issue, or at least I do. When my eyes are focused on the world, I feel overpowered and defeated. I panic in the storm. As soon as I focus on Jesus, He changes my perspective and reminds me of His Kingdom and His Sovereignty.  It is His strength and power He offers me, so I can experience Heaven now. I don't need my circumstances changed, I need my focus adjusted. I fix my eyes on Jesus and all I need is available to me. I find I truly can do all things through Christ.

Selah Moments

Mark 7:33-35 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue. He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!"). At this the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

For Jesus, every step on this last trip to Jerusalem, the Jericho Road, has deep meaning. He is walking through memories of people and places, collecting them, as it were, stopping and pausing to praise God for the work he was sent to do. "Selah Moments" if you will.  I'm sure every healed person's name came to his mind: the Centurion's son, the bleeding woman, the demon-possessed boy, the man with his mat, the blind man, the deaf/mute. The compassion of Jesus for His creation had to be deepening with every step he made. This wasn't just about getting to Jerusalem. It was so much more. There were relationships built and lives changed. There was hope revealed and peace gained. Jesus is stepping purposefully as he journeys to the cross.

It's a Head Shaker

Psalm 91:11-12 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

I'm thinking back to an earlier post today. In Hebrews 12:2, when Paul talks about the joy set before Jesus and he endured the cross and so on, I'm thinking once again about me being the joy of Jesus. Who is this God? What must He be that man/woman is His joy? There are so many verses in the Bible that talk about God's protection over us. He is for us time and again, even when we are not for Him. It's a head shaker. The love of God far outweighs anything we as humans could ever accomplish. It's a love that moves Him to die for the very people who want to kill Him. I don't have that in me yet, but I want that same love to radiate from me. I want to know this love from Jesus so deeply, to depend on His mercy and experience His grace so fully that my only response is gratitude, adoration, and affection for my Savior. Who wouldn't want to be loved like that?! God isn't a big overbearing know-it-all. He is a compassionate friend of man/woman. He's personal. Have you met Him?

That's What Love Does

Luke 9:51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

Dad made the comment that as Jesus begins his journey to Jerusalem for the last time, there is a carpenter building the cross he will hang on. That is a sobering thought. No one knew what was coming, and yet, I'll bet if you asked the disciples or Mary, they would have told you something in Jesus had changed. He sets out for Jerusalem and he will not be deterred. He knows exactly why he's going. He knows the outcome. His death is imminent. So why go? Why would he have such resolve to get there, to go through with what is coming. Jesus knows he is the only one who can do anything about condition. Jesus knows me. He knows you. He knows the winners and losers, so to speak. He knows our struggle with ourselves and our desire to be in relationship with God, even before we realize it. Jesus knows he is the only one who can make this relationship happen. He is the only one who can fulfill the necessary judgment that must be had. He knows he is going to have to take our place because we couldn't do it. That's what Love does.

Humbling and Empowering

John 17:20 "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message."

Jesus' prayer in the garden is a stark reminder of who was on his mind before he was arrested. I was. You were. Every one of us crossed his mind as he prayed. Jesus is taking his last moments of solitude to pray His strength, His glory, and His love onto us. The intercession of Jesus on my behalf has long been something I have dwelt upon. The interesting thing to me today is the fact that I never really thought about his intercession for me while he was walking the earth. I tend to think of it as happening now, as He sits on the mercy seat and I live out my life on earth. But the truth is, He has had me in His mind from the very beginning. What a humbling and empowering thought! The Lord of Life and my personal Creator has been thinking of me and praying for me before I ever came to be. His purpose has always been for me. What a loving God!

A Sabbath Prayer

Lord, on this day, may I find rest in You. Help me to stop and be still. I want to experience Your peace and Your solitude as I quiet myself. This is not a simple task for me, Lord. My mind races with all of the tasks I need to complete. My body attempts to do the work that needs to be finished. Help me to set those things out of my mind and get my body into a resting position. I will put my trust in You, that You will help me to remember and do those things after I have rested in You. Rejuvenite my mind, body, and soul during our sabbath together today. Amen.