To see Jesus is not simply to look at a historical figure,but to behold the Christ crucified for the sins of the world. Like Moses, placing a serpent on his staff and holding it high for all the people to see, Jesus is the signpost pointing us to God and to a life of self-surrender in love and service to others.
An 18-month-old baby developed a croup and was taken to the hospital. She was put under an oxygen tent and given antibiotics, but died an hour later. A young pastor called the mother to get control of herself. The mother responded, "Don't take my grief away from me. I deserve it, and I'm going to have it."
As this Lenten season comes to a close, we ask ourselves once again … and everyday … “Am I an ONLOOKER wanting to SEE Jesus; OR, Am I a FOLLOWER of Jesus DEDICATING my life to him?
Martha experienced Jesus’ power first-hand. Her faith was made rock solid because she witnessed God actively working in the world through Jesus, and she was transformed. But we also see God’s power at work in the world through Jesus every day.
Here’s the deal... Whenever you encounter kairos, whether it is in the Old Testament or the New, it is there you will find the deep and eternal love of God.
We feel the force of gravity--pulling us downward to the earth! We also feel a spiritual gravity dragging us downward into alienation and death. But by faith we recognize the power of resurrection, a spiritual force that draws us up from the dark soil of death, away from the grip of evil.
In the old days, cars came with a six-volt electrical system. That's all they needed. As cars got bigger and more powerful and loaded with all sorts of accessories, the old six-volt system couldn't handle the load. So, GM, Ford and Chrysler switched over to a twelve-volt system.
Jesus was buried like a seed in the ground. Three days later, the seed sprouted. Jesus rose from the dead, becoming the firstfruits of those who have died in Him. His new life would be only the first of many. Through the glorification of His death, He offers new life to all people.
Martha experienced Jesus’ power first-hand. Her faith was made rock solid because she witnessed God actively working in the world through Jesus, and she was transformed. But we also see God’s power at work in the world through Jesus every day.
For years, Jesus kept saying, "My hour has not yet come" (John 2:4; 7:31; 8:21). Now here in Jerusalem after this glorious parade up into the temple, Jesus finally states that his hour has come—and "his hour" refers to His death. How can death be glorious?