PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:55-56
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“This has taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” (Matthew 26:56)
Jesus sees His life as a part of what God is doing in and for the world.
He has a sense of purpose, so that even bad things fit into the overall plan.
Do I have this sense of purpose, that my life is part of God’s overall plan?
This is much harder to accept, especially when life gets really hard.
It may seem harsh or unhelpful to say injustice or suffering fit in to God’s plan.
But is it better to say that your suffering is totally pointless… ‘sucks to be you’?
Or to call it karma, and blame you for sins of the past, or a previous life?
Somehow behind the challenges there is the mystery of God’s eternal plan.
“Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Do I make myself available to God, like Jesus, for God’s purpose?
If that involves risk, discomfort, sacrifice, suffering, will I still be available?
The disciples ran away scared, but Jesus stays put.
I sense the Lord encouraging me to see my life as part of the big story too.
Thinking about the COVID-19 situation, can I say “this has taken place so that…”
PRAYER
Lord, help me to see my life in light of Your kingdom and Your purpose. Help me to stand firm, and not run away.
Jesus makes the point – they are not arresting him because he is a rebel or because He has done some crime – no He is arrested because the prophets predicted that this would happen- Jesus fulfills the prophecies about HIm! It is all part of God’s plan! It may be that we too are wrongfully convicted and accused in the service of Jesus – may it be out of a desire to serve Jesus and not because of a crime that is deserving of conviction. Is speaking the truth about the Gospel a crime? It can be when it is forbidden – yet we know how the apostles responded when they were forbidden. I too am part of God’s plan – help me to stand convicted for Jesus!
Lord thank you for reminding me that this is all part of your plan. We are in your hands, regardless of how we choose to act. Lord give us wisdom and courage to lead wisely and compassionately.
God is at work at all times . . . also today. All these things have taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Where will I see God at work this day for every day is the Lord’s day. And when God is in charge how do I meet the challenges of the day? I need to go forward in trusting that He will guide me in the way I should go this day as I walk in His SonShine, confident that as His child He will take care of me.
Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.
Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.