As the rain and snow

“We ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust… For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness…

“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5,7,9-12

Paul is consistent in teaching and modeling the responsibility of living for Christ. He’s generous with commendation and careful with admonition: what you are doing right, continue to do, and even more so. His was no stagnant ministry.

It’s natural to get lazy when we get good. We do things well, get affirmation, feel satisfaction, and coast. We can get on a dangerously-easy high humming along in Christian circles and service. As God’s children, we must never let up, but perpetually make effort to please God, address sin, grow in holiness and in love to others. Life in Christ and the influence of His Spirit are never static, but always dynamic. (1 Corinthians 15:58; Philippians 2:12-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:14–24; 2 Thessalonians 1:3)

Yet the flesh defaults to complacency, even spiritual sloth and idleness. D0 we have a habit of giving that’s become rote and thoughtless? Might the Lord want us to add to the amount, or to attending prayer? Do we give lip service to loving others, yet seldom extend, much less increase, genuine concern, care, help, and time? We may say we want and even pray for holiness, but how committed are we to doing what it takes to continually guard and grow? We might claim to follow God’s word, but how well do we even know it? Are we regularly studying and applying it to opinions, interactions, decisions? What godly attributes do we know, understand, and implement from the Bible better this year than last? We may grow weary doing good, but we must not grow weary in doing good. (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13)

In what God-honoring deeds have we grown stagnant, impatient, lazy? Are we demonstrating consistent increase in facets of spiritual maturity? If not, how will we effectuate regularity in spiritual disciplines, flourishing in spiritual fruit, accountability with fellow believers? How do our character, countenance, and attitudes demonstrate God at work? Where do our lives need a propulsion of growth so we increasingly display Christ? Are we seeking, serving, savoring Him? Do it more! (Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 10:23-25; 12:1-3; 2 Peter 1:3-8)

Father, keep me growing and reflecting You more and more, to Your glory.

“The Father… will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth… You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you… the Helper, the Advocate, the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

“When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.”

“It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment… When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you… I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.'” John 14:16-17,26-27; 15:26; 16:7-8,13-15,33

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:32

Jesus prepared His beloved disciples for His departure and their new way of life without His physical presence. While they could not fully understand His teaching at the time, the very promise that the Spirit would help them understand made sense after His death. His words left them with a splendid, mysterious anticipation that would come to full light after the darkness of His crucifixion and magnificence of His ascension. Indeed the Holy Spirit would abide with, guide, and empower their days going forward.

These words remind and help us also. Every day life is fraught with conundrums of thought, emotion, relationship, and decision. We struggle to make sense of plans divinely interrupted and unwanted intrusions upon health and livelihood. We cannot comprehend the whys and hows and what ifs that play out in international affairs and markets and media. Challenges without and anxieties within, we want help and peace.

For the child of God, His very real and abiding Spirit is present for every vexation. He settles the unsettled, answers the questioning soul, illuminates darkness, elucidates confusion, consoles the hurting, breathes life into exhaustion and peace over storms. How well do we know Him as Counselor, Comforter, and Advocate?

In what trying situations, relational roadblocks, stressful quandaries, or poignant heart matters do we need the Holy Spirit’s help today? Would we pause and ask Him to make Himself real in these specific areas, and watch for how He answers, intervenes, heals, assists, inspires? Acknowledging who He is and that He is nigh brings a peace only God’s children can know.

Lord, teach me reliance on Your blessed, powerful Spirit.

“Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.  She had a sister Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.  But Martha was distracted with much serving. She said [to him], ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.'” Luke 10:38-42

“A certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and Martha. It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.…‘

“When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again…’

“She went and called Mary, saying, ‘The Teacher is here and is calling for you.’ When she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him…  When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept…

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” John 11:1-3,20-23,28-30,32-35; 12:1-3

Mary treasured time at the feet of her friend Jesus. Those feet tough and dusty had walked miles and seasons bringing enlightenment, good news, and healing. She relished settling there to listen, to sooth, to weep, to anoint. It was her worthy place as His servant, her comfort place as His friend, her humble place of wonder for this God-man who spent Himself for others. The Lord understood her deepest heart and commended this posture, this place of offering and receiving, as the one thing necessary, the good portion. (John 12:7)

All of God’s children have a portion in Christ Jesus and at His feet. To situate ourselves there is to understand our relationship and value the place of learning and loving. How determined are we to make the necessary commitment of will and time? (John 13:3-5,14-16; Philippians 2:3-8)

What urgencies, what busyness, troubles, and distractions pull us from stooping before Jesus, from stopping to listen? What have we gleaned there that will not be taken away, that we can emulate? Time at Jesus’s feet relieves anxieties, renews hope, and magnifies love.

Lord, keep me loving and learning at Your feet.

“From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, ‘If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.^‘ So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat… It was the day of Preparation of the Passover… He said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!^‘ They cried out, ‘Away with him, away with him, crucify him!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Shall I crucify your King?’ The chief priests answered, ‘We have no king but Caesar.^‘ So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.” John 19:12-16

“Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at him.” Mark 12:17

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:1-2

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

“The fear of man lays a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Jesus knew well the fickleness of His hearers and their convoluted handling of authority. They were persnickety about the slightest rule and parsing laws, yet abandoned justice because of crowd persuasion. Governor Pilate wanted to do right, but wanted to please (or placate) the masses more. Of course the Sovereign had set both Caesar and Pilate in place, but God alone was supreme. Only a clear mind could get priorities right and know who was due what.

We get upturned in our thinking about allegiances. The scriptures are clear about headship and authority, but the pressures and entanglements of work demands, peer approval, an impressionable culture, and heated emotions muddy the landscape and mess with our hearts. Fear draws us one way, salacious desires another, and the order and devotion we feel in private moments with the Lord falls to the wayside. When worldly pressures abound, we must keep our allegiance bound to Christ. (John 18:15-17,25-27; 1 Corinthians 11:3)

Are there places or situations where we straddle the place between Christ and the world? Where we’re committed in word but not in desire or deed? Do we know from the Word our responsibility to Caesar, and fulfill it with care? How are we practically honoring those in authority over us for Christ’s sake, not only with fickle submission when we feel like it? Where do we give too much allegiance to the world, at the cost of fidelity to our Savior? When do we succumb to worldly fear more than fear of God?

How do we esteem the greater worthiness of God almighty, and submit to His demands that we lay down our lives for Him? How do our obedience and priorities evidence Him as preeminent Ruler? Reordering allegiances to God first magnifies His supremacy. (Romans 12:1; 1 John 4:3)

Lord, help me keep, honor, and obey You first.

“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
    consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
    my King and my God,
    for to you do I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
    in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
    evil may not dwell with you.
The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
    you hate all evildoers.
You destroy those who speak lies;
    the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
    will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
    in the fear of you.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies;
    make your way straight before me…

Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:1-8,11-12

David relished his morning watch. There were times when his days began with a groan, a cry, a desperate prayer. Burdened the wicked and the consequences of their boasting, lying, deceit, and cruelty, he had to lay his concerns down in God’s presence. His expression found solace in the Lord His refuge, his angst in His purity. This God who welcomed him by way of steadfast, abundant love and grace was worthy of his thoughtful sacrifice- of time, devotion, affection, trust. He was the holy One, He the King. David watched, waited, surrendered in heart and mind. His soul depended on His shelter and leading, and rejoiced.

“O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You.” Psalm 63:1

It takes time and intention to prepare a morning sacrifice for the Lord, an assessment and surrender of desire, anxiety, and will to the God of the universe. It takes acknowledging Who is in charge, and yielding control. The morning watch is as much an affirmation of God’s sovereignty and holiness as it is of our unburdening of requests. The rhythm of days so begun is orchestrated music by the King.

Where do we go for refilling, renewing? How do we unburden our souls? Do we practice devotion with only a quick nod or distracted, rote check-off, a scripted prayer or wishlist? Meaningful personal connection with the Lord begins with reverence in His throne room. Self quieted and yielded, we offer our all to His welcoming presence. Will we early approach Him for love, joy, protection, and blessing?

Do we think such daily offering seems an insurmountable challenge? It requires commitment and devotion, yet is always rewarded. When it starts the order of a day it is a lifeline like no other, setting straight the eyes, steady the heart, and stalwart the will.

“Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before You,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!” ~ Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Lord, take my morning and my days, for Your ceaseless praise and glory.

“The plans of the heart belong to man,
    but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord…
The heart of man plans his way,
    but the Lord establishes his steps…

Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 16:1,9; 19:21

The wise king knew the inclinations of his own heart- the desire to plan, to manage, to control himself and everyone else. His knowledge of God’s creation and personal experience amply taught him that no insight, plan, or counsel could succeed against the Lord. As he grew in wisdom, he gratefully resigned his intentions to God’s sovereignty over all things. His rest in God’s goodness compelled him to record this wisdom for others. (1 Kings 4:29-33; Proverbs 21:30)

“His brothers came and fell down before him and said, ‘Behold, we are your servants.’  But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?  As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.  So do not fear; I will provide for you…’ Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis 50:18-21

It is in a man to consider and make plans. We are motivated by both dream and necessity, and being created with agency to think and do, we can strategize and prepare and purpose toward many an action and end. Some plot for evil, some for good. What the child of God needs to understand and accept is that we, in all this intending, are not our own masters. Certainly we can aspire and make ready and even begin to implement for what is to come, but we must know that the Lord by His hand establishes our steps. His will is where we can rest. The working of HIs will exalts His glory.

But oh, how we can chafe! In the flesh we resist another Master, in passionate desire we push to make our will come to pass. The Lord watches, allows, upends, intervenes, all according to His goodness and perfection. His high thought supersedes our thinking, His high ways override our limited ones. We make the choice to keep maneuvering to escape His roadblocks or detours, or to accede to His supremacy and trust His hand to guide and carry to the best end. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

What plans and efforts is God calling me to relinquish gladly to His sovereignty? In what situations do we kick against the goads, attempting to quench His Spirit, stubbornly intent on our wants and dreams? Where will we entrust our hearts, safely and expectantly, to His hands? (Acts 26:12-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:19)

“Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth;
shelters thee under his wings, ye so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been
granted by what he ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who dost prosper thy work and defend thee;
surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty will do,
if with his love he befriend thee.” ~Joachim Neander (1680)

Father, into Your hands I commit my heart’s best plans, that Your will be done.

“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.  And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.  It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:1-8

Paul knew how to compose a letter that had great impact. The status of his heart for God’s people was at once communicated, setting the tone for whatever encouragement, admonishment, or hard truth needed to be conveyed. He began with grace because that was his platform and their adjoining need. He affirmed their spiritual standing as fellow saints, settling their souls. He expressed gratitude, and the love and humility and yearning that accompanied his truly grateful heart. Surely these set the scene for his messages and adorned his care. (Galatians 1:1-5; Ephesians 1:1-2; Colossians 1:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:1-2; Titus 1:4)

Grace is always welcomed. Grace ushers in an atmosphere of mutual respect and affection. Grace begets humility. Grace unites hearts and minds under the umbrella of Jesus because it points to Him and His unmerited provision. Grace effectuates receptivity. Grace prompts holy desire and empowers prayer.

Are we astounded by grace extended to us? Do we recognize it? Do we value it enough to desire to begin our day’s worship with thankfulness for it, our decisions with the filter of it, and our interactions with the loveliness of it? Does God’s grace received compel us to extend it to others? (Ephesians 4:32)

What would have to change in our mindset for us to begin every moment, every communication, every greeting, every answer, every message, with grace? How would it shape our expression, affections, and words? How would it fuel gratitude and humble dependence on the Lord for how to proceed? How might it stoke deeper love for others also saved by, or in desperate need of, grace?

When we see and appreciate the amazing grace expressed to and enveloping us every day, we cannot help but be affected by it. The more its beauties seep into our souls and perspective, the more we are filled to overflow. Grace becomes our beginning.

“We give thee but thine own,
whate’er the gift may be;
all that we have is thine alone,
a trust, O Lord, from thee.

May we thy bounties thus
as stewards true receive
and gladly, as thou blessest us,
to thee and others give.” ~William How (1858) (PEB)

Lord, at the beginning of every day and every budding opportunity, help me thank You for, and extend, Your glorious grace.

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,  complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.  Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:1-8

Paul has just urged the Philippians to let their manner of life be worthy of the gospel, even when for the sake of Christ, they would suffer. Then he reminds them of the blessed gifts that come in such a believing, salvation-enveloped life. Since they have experienced encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, participation in the Spirit, and affection and sympathy with other believers, he now directs them to be unified in mind and love. This takes stepping back to second place, counting others as more significant than themselves, conceding to and preferring others’ interests. These are not natural, yet were perfectly exemplified in their Savior and therefore, through His resurrection power, possible. How to have full accord and joy? Be like Christ! (Romans 12:9-10; Philippians 1:27-30)

We are called to have His mind, which always chose for the ultimate good of others over His own immediate wants. His thinking, talking, and responding were filtered in truth and love. How will we count ourselves nothing, though we might be something mighty special in our own eyes, or even the world’s? We don’t have to be first, assert our rights, get our way. Having all things in Christ bids us fix thought and treasure in heaven and relinquish earthly privilege. (Matthew 6:19-21,24; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Colossians 3:1-2)

We are urged to take the form and practice of a servant, deliberately and wholly subservient to God the Master and doing for the benefit of others. Where can we humble ourselves, kneel, step in to do menial tasks, the dirty work, for the Sovereign’s sake and others’ good? How willing are we to get low in order to esteem and build up? He is King and I am not. (John 13:3-5,14-17; Romans 12:16)

No selfish ambition? Others and their opinions or needs more important than I and mine? Look out for their interests, maybe at the expense of mine? How is this possible? Wrestling with the flesh is real, and difficult. Apart from God’s Spirit, I cannot, but must remember the Christ-life is God’s work, my surrender. He grants the will and guides the doing. He must increase, and will, as I decrease to less and less. In what specific proclivities, passions, or priorities need I relinquish my will to be in fuller accord with Christ Jesus? (Matthew 19:26; John 3:30; Romans 7:15-25; Philippians 2:13)

Lord, empty me of self and fill me with Your mind and Spirit, so You are seen and glorified.

“Mary stood weeping outside the tomb… She turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him…’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him, ‘Rabboni!..’

“Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, [with] Thomas… Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ He said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands;.. and place [your hand] in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!'” John 20:11,14-16,26-28

“That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus,.. talking with each other about all these things that had happened… Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him…  Then one of them, Cleopas, [said], ‘Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened… concerning Jesus of Nazareth.., and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up… and crucified him?’… He said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe..!  And beginning with Moses.., he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself…

“When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him…  They said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, [and] opened to us the Scriptures?..’  Then they told… how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus stood among them, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ They were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. He said, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see.'” Luke 24:13-16,18-20,25,27,30-32,35-39

Mary, Thomas, Cleopas and companion, the Twelve… one by one the followers of Jesus, shattered by His cruel, unjust death, at first failed but came to recognize His resurrected body. What they’d known in part Jesus revealed anew by His power and ministry.

We can manufacture expectations for where we think the Lord should show up and how He’ll behave. We want Him on our time and terms. But the Lord Jesus, always true to His character, has deeper and more far-reaching purposes for our understanding His majesty. To the disciples, He revealed himself by knowing their names, comforting fear, explaining Scriptures, and offering His scars. For us, He meets misunderstandings, sorrow, curiosity, and doubts too, with reminders that He knows and loves us, understands our needs, died for our sins, and is personally present for every aspect of our lives.

How has the Lord recently made Himself known in His Word? My life circumstances? Other people? Do I have only past experiences but dim current expectation or recognition? What am I doing to develop and maintain a close relationship with Him?

Where am I bereft? Confused? Hungry? Anxious? Dismayed? Jesus is alive and present for every pang! How will I seek and marvel at His glorious, living presence with me? (Psalm 46:1)

Lord, may I look for and delight in Your life in mine, to Your praise. 

“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, ‘Peace to you!.. These are my words that I spoke while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and Psalms must be fulfilled.’  Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said, ‘Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.’

“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.., ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” Luke 24:36,44-53; Matthew 28:18-20

One of the very present benefits of the open tomb for Jesus’s disciples was the opening of eyes and minds to grasp all Jesus had foretold. Caught and confused in the societal pressures from the Roman government and Jewish leadership, the disciples had a hard time reconciling their perception of Jesus as both King and crucified Savior. The empty tomb shed light into their darkened understanding, and would ultimately compel their feet and open their mouths to proclaim the risen Christ boldly and abroad.

Life is rife with conundrums where we cannot know why things happen or what might be. We try to discern, and base conclusions on what we do know, yet still find ourselves curious, confused, or disappointed. We believe what the Word teaches, yet circumstances do not seem to be in synch with consequent expectations. If only we could control events, keep to our plans, and determine the future!

The open tomb of Jesus opens to us new thinking. He fulfilled His oft-repeated promise to rise again. His work on the cross was finished, and He rose from the dead victorious over sin and death. He met with His disciples and restored their faith, pledged to send His Spirit to indwell them with power, then gave them a benediction. (Matthew 16:21; John 19:30; 20:24-28; 21:15-19)

Convinced of all these, how can we see our challenging personal situations differently? Can we receive the peace He offers and allow it to calm our worries? Would we ask Him to open our minds to His perspective of things, and for His Spirit to remind us what He’s taught? How might praying that He make His promises real in our specific situations and help us apply His truth make a difference in how we handle uncertainties? (John 14:26)

How can God’s absolute authority bring stability today? How are we putting His promises and commands into practice? Christ’s blessing and power from on high are sufficient for us to do His will.

Lord, help me apply Your power and promises with the joy and praise You deserve.