Mark 10:33-34 - [Jesus said] "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock Him and spit on Him, and flog Him and kill Him. And after three days He will rise."
Do you want to grow closer to Jesus? Do you want a deeper, more resilient faith? The way forward is to follow His example of service and love for others, even when the going is difficult.
Facing the problems of life head on, disagreeable as they may be, increases our yearning for the Savior and His Word of grace and mercy. In serving others, even to suffer with them, we begin to understand how desperately all humanity needs a Savior. In our lives of service, God works through us as we model the Savior's compassion in our words and deeds.
That's it! That's the way to share the Good News of Jesus, even when times are tough. What are you experiencing in your life right now? Are you a parent struggling with a child? Are you a caregiver running on fumes? Are you a teacher in a tough school, underpaid and overworked? Are you a struggling minister, worn down by your congregation? Are you a social worker? A food bank volunteer? A prison chaplain? Jesus brings redemption and hope to you and through you to the people in your world. In the midst of the day's problems, throw yourself into the arms of God. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68b).
Like Jesus' first disciples, we too are walking with Him. Mindful of His suffering and death, we make our way in repentance and sorrow for our sins. "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalm 30:5b). That's promised to you and me by God. And then there are these words of Jesus: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also" (John 14:3). How wonderful are the blessed words of the Savior!
Jesus has paved the way of our salvation for us; it is now for us to trust His promises. Therefore, as the hymn tells us, "Let us ever walk with Jesus, follow His example pure, through a world that would deceive us, and to sin our spirits lure. Onward in His footsteps treading, pilgrims here, our home above. Full of faith and hope and love, let us do the Father's bidding. Faithful Lord, with me abide; I shall follow where You guide."
WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, give us strength to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
From "Thrown into the Arms of God," a sermon from Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Reflection Questions:
1. What kinds of things are you struggling with right now?
2. How do you think you would have reacted to Jesus' words in the text above if you were one of His disciples?
3. How has God worked through the rough patches in your life? Care to share?
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 99-100,102 Acts 17:16-34
To Download Devotion MP3 to your computer, right click here and select "Save Link As" or "Save Target As" or "Download Linked File As"