Monday, March 16, 2020
Text: Mathew 27:41-44 “The chief priests, the leaders, and the teachers of the Law of Moses also made fun of Jesus. They said, “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the king of Israel, he should come down from the cross! Then we will believe him. He trusted God, so let God save him, if he wants to. He even said he was God’s Son.” The two criminals also said cruel things to Jesus.”
Memory Verse: Matthew 27:46 “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud [agonized] voice, “E LI, E LI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” that is, “M Y GOD, M Y GOD, WHY HAVE Y OU FORSAKEN M E?”
As smooth as life can sometimes be, situations encountered in life can be so overwhelming, they have their ways of putting you in a shock mode and setting you back. Usually, the first human response to sudden changes can be daunting, while the human sense is trying to physically work things out, the confused mind just keeps wondering on how things will play out and ways to remain calm through the storm.
While some may feel they have the strength, boldness and confidence to go through challenges, the story at the beginning does not always corroborate with the results at the end. Thinking they have life all figured out is good, but the scenery changes when the unexpected happens and unfortunately become the first to crumble at the slightest challenge.
Challenges of life are no respecter of persons hence when disaster strikes, even the wealthy can’t be saved. Some situations in life are just always greater than us and the wealth we accumulate, not everything can be controlled or taken care of. Having a well-paid job is a very common example of a man who seem to have had life all figured out. Not only does he have a good relationship with God, he also has an enviable family, but then life suddenly happens, it shakes his balance and the promising picture starts looking blurry, you can only imagine his state of mind at this point. According to the scriptures, Job never sinned against God, for a fact he was a faithful wealthy man, but at some point, life became so overwhelming, he caused the day he was born Job 3:1.
Zachariah and Elizabeth were both recorded in the bible as “righteous” in Gods eyes. The Amplified translation of the scriptures called them “approved”, As approved as they were by God, they were faced with a situation that made even an unbeliever mock them. This was the situation with Jesus when He was to be crucified for our salvation, the people made fun of Him, blasphemed Him and even the worse was that He was hung in between criminals who also insulted God in His life, yet He is and remained the son of God.
If the only son of God can be mocked by situations He was faced by, then it should be no news to you that you will face challenges in life too. It’s not about if, but when! Not just challenges that you can control, but some which could even make unbelievers mock the God you serve. Jesus cried to the father “Why have your forsaken me” because the agony was unbearable. This is what real pain feels like, it’s like God has forgotten you and the wicked think they have won the battle. But then I have good news for you, God has never in any case let evil prevail over light because He is the Father of lights and when light appears, darkness disappears and gets thumped.
All things will certainly work together for your own good for this is the promise of God for you. Yes, you may be mocked now, but the glory ahead is way bigger than that of the past or the present situation overwhelming you. You have to believe in the promise for it to be activated in your life. I want you to speak with confidence this morning like you mean it “My tomorrow is greater than my today because my life is ordered by God”.
PRAYERS:
- Father I thank you for another wonderful week just starting
- I pray for the grace to face challenges when they come and prevail over overwhelming situations
- Father every time I am mocked, I receive the grace to remain confident in you and not to give up
- I believe I am victorious in You Lord and will always win over circumstances of life
- Forgive my iniquities Lord and let your mercy prevail over judgement
- Thank you Father and in Jesus Name I Pray, Amen.
I’m reading the YouVersion plan ‘Bible in One Year 2020 With Nicky Gumbel’. Check it out by clicking on the caption below.