Journey to the Cross - Blessed Are Those that Mourn

Have you ever mourned? To mourn is to express grief or sorrow. Have you wailed until you thought there were no tears left? Did you wonder if your pain would ever stop? Has your body ached in response to your mourning? Could everyone see the expression of grief in your face?

Today’s devotion is about the comfort we can receive through mourning. The second Beatitude from the Sermon on the Mount says, Blessed are those that mourn. The promise is that God will comfort us.

Morning Meditation

Read Matthew 5:4.

Matt 5:4

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. KJV

• Remember your times of mourning. Allow yourself to revisit the pain.
• If you have been fighting mourning, surrender to it.
• Let God comfort you.

Morning Prayer

• If you’re in mourning, claim the promise of comfort.
• If you’ve received comfort from God, thank Him.
• If you’ve lost something or someone important but have been avoiding mourning, ask God to help you express your grief and claim your promise.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Morning Bible Study

There was a time in my life when I thought that with enough faith, people could avoid the darkness of mourning. Then, I lost a son. I found out that grief isn’t a sin. It’s a useful emotion created by God and talked about in the Bible. It’s a process that has stages. If grief didn’t hurt so much, it would be interesting.

Compare and contrast the differing translations and paraphrases of Matthew 5:4.
Matt 5:4
Blessed and enviably happy [with a happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted! AMP

You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. The Message

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. NLT

Happy the mourning -- because they shall be comforted. YLT

• What is the difference in these translations and paraphrases?
• What do you think it means to be blessed?
• What is the promise to those in mourning?

Jesus often quoted scripture when He preached. Perhaps in Matthew 5:3-4, He was quoting prophesy from Isaiah 61:1-2.

Isa 61:1-2
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, NIV

• Think about the first beatitude, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” To whom is the good news in Isaiah 61:1?
• For what purposes is the anointing?
• What is the promise at the end?
• What do you think this scripture is prophesying?

If people live long enough, chances are they will have a turn at mourning. Many try to avoid it. When it is our turn to mourn, mourning is healthy. If we refuse to mourn, we won’t find the comfort we crave. There is an appointed time for everything and as much as we’d like, we refusing these dreary appointments aren't healthy.

Read Ecclesiastics 3:1-4.
Eccl 3:1-4
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven — A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance. NASU

• What comes after a time to weep?
• What comes after mourning?

Read the promise contained in Jeremiah 3:13-14.
Jer 31:13-14
“For I will turn their mourning into joy and will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow. I will fill the soul of the priests with abundance, And My people will be satisfied with My goodness," declares the LORD. NASU

• What is the promise?
• What will satisfy us?

The ancient King David struggled with enemies throughout his life. People he loved betrayed him and broke his heart. Always, he turned to God crying out his pain and then his relief. Read Psalms 30:11-12.

Ps 30:11-12
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to You forever. NASU

• What happened to David after his time of mourning?
• To whom does he give the credit?
• What does David do in celebration?

Without mourning, there would be no joy. Let us take our turn and mourn when necessary, always hanging on to the promise that God will turn our mourning into dancing.

Application

Terry never seemed happy. She sought answers through therapy, 12 Step Programs, and church. “I don’t know what’s wrong,” she confided. “It seems like I should be happy and yet I’m not.”

One night, at a retreat, a group of us women began having one of those femininely typical philosophical late night discussions. The topic turned towards abortion. As women offered differing views, Terry grew pale and quiet. The next morning, she asked if we could talk.

We found a quiet place by the water and she shared her story. As a teenager, she had gotten pregnant. “I decided an abortion was best. It seemed easier. After the abortion, I got an infection that caused me not to be able to have children. I told myself it didn’t matter but secretly, I’ve always felt like God was punishing me. This is the first time I’ve talked to anyone about it.”

I held Terry as she sobbed. She finally grieved for her unborn child and for the children she would never have. She released her guilt and accepted God’s forgiveness. The last time I saw Terry, she was glowing. She’d married a widower and adopted his children. Her 12 Step program was finally working and she was addiction free. Therapy was no longer needed. Church became a blessing instead of a constant reminder of guilt. By surrendering to grief, God turned her mourning into dancing.

When we avoid mourning, we postpone our blessing. People try to avoid mourning many different ways, some of them deadly. For today, if it’s your turn mourn, wail and then enjoy the dance.

Journey to the Cross - Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit

Are you at the end of your rope? Perhaps you know someone who is. Do you feel blessed? Maybe not but that does not change the fact that when when we are at the end of our rope, there is less of us and more room for God.

The “Sermon on the Mount,” according to the book of Matthew, was a sermon given to the disciples and a large crowd of people. Many think it took place on the north end of the Sea of Galilee, near Carpernaum. Most consider this sermon the core tenants of Christian discipleship.

Perhaps the best-known portion of this famous sermon is the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes contain 9 statements reporting who is blessed. All but the last contain a promise for the particular group mentioned. For the next eight days, we will take the time to study each of the Beatitudes, beginning with “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit.” For purposes of this study, we will combine the 8th and 9th Beatitude. Together, we will claim the promises contained in the Beatitudes.

Morning Meditation

Read Matthew 5:3.
Matt 5:3
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and his rule. The Message

• Remember the times when you felt “at the end of your rope.”
• Ponder the meaning of “with less of you, there is more of God and His rule.”
• Allow yourself to feel blessed.

Morning Prayer

• Thank God for the difficult times in your life.
• Thank Him for using those times to teach you.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Morning Bible Study

If you hear the expression, “at the end of your rope?” you understand what it means. We throw ropes to people when they are in deep water or on the edge of a cliff. Without rope, we could be in serious trouble. When we are “at the end of our rope” spiritually, God’s rope is just beginning.

You already read Matthew 5:3 from the popular paraphrase, The Message. Now read it from the King James and Amplified translations.

Matt 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. KJV

Matt 5:3
Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous-- with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! AMP

• What is the promise to the poor in spirit?
• What does the Amplified Bible say “blessed” means?
• What does the Amplified Bible say “poor in spirit” means?
• When you were feeling “at the end of your rope,” did you feel blessed?

The promise in the Beatitude is the “kingdom of Heaven.” In the kingdom of Heaven, we forsake everything else and let Jesus be king. Jesus talked perhaps more consistently about the kingdom of heaven than any other subject. Read His words in Matthew 13:44.

Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. NIV

• What is the kingdom of heaven compared to?
• Why would the man want to sell everything and buy this field?
• Do you want the kingdom of heaven bad enough to sell everything?

Read Jesus’ second comparison in Matthew 13:45-46.
Matt 13:45-46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. NASU
• What is the kingdom of heaven compared to?
• What do you think that means?

Finally, read Jesus’ 3rd comparison in Matthew 13:47-50.

Matt 13:47-50
Or, God's kingdom is like a fishnet cast into the sea, catching all kinds of fish. When it is full, it is hauled onto the beach, the good fish are picked out and put in a tub; those unfit to eat are thrown away. That's how it will be when the curtain comes down on history. The angels will come and cull the bad fish and throw them in the garbage. There will be a lot of desperate complaining, but it won't do any good." The Message

• What is the kingdom of Heaven compared to?
• What will happen to the “bad fish?”
• How does this apply to us?

Perhaps only the “poor in spirit” have suffered enough to be ready to forsake all other kings. Only after other kings have failed us, are we willing to let Jesus be our king. Jesus issued an invitation to the “poor in spirit” in Matthew 11:28:30.

Matt 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. KJV

• Who is the invitation to?
• What is the promise?
• How does Jesus describe Himself?

The yoke of King Jesus is easy and His burdens are light. Crown Him the King of Kings and find rest for your soul. Forsake all other kings and enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Application

I met Jack and Carolyn on my first missionary trip across America. I was camping in a small city called Lakeside, Montana. God sent Jack and Carolyn when my ego was suffering from a job loss and I was fretting about money. I was definitely “poor in spirit” and struggling to let Jesus be king.

I’d been traveling for a month and felt God calling me into fulltime ministry. My plans were to return to corporate American when the journey was over and I was struggling with letting go of the salary attached to these plans. I also wanted to prove to myself and others that I could get another job and was battled the need for ego gratification. That particular morning, God woke me early so I walked down by the lake to pray.

God, I argued. I hear your call but I want to go back to work. I like what I’m doing but I’m spending money instead of making it. Bob wants to go return to school. Will he be able to do that if I don’t get a job? As I walked back, I passed Jack and Carolyn’s camper.

Jack and Carolyn were strolling hand in hand down to the lake. Their deeply tanned faces and callused hands indicated a life of hard outdoor work. Their lined smiling faces spoke to the passing of contented years. They introduced themselves and I found out they were from Georgia. “I have to come all the way to Montana to meet someone from the state right next to me,” Jack laughed.

When they found out I was Christian, they wanted to tell their story. “We were exhausted,” Jack began excitedly, sounding like he was in the middle of a story. They went on to tell how they worked seven days a week on their chicken farm.

“We had a houseful of small children and everyone worked hard. On Sunday,” Carolyn said, “We would wake up early, rush to feed our chickens, and jump into the car to race to church. I was too exhausted to stay awake for the sermon. Every day was harder than the day before. I knew it couldn’t be God’s will for us but we didn’t know what else to do. We had a family to feed and a mortgage payment to make.”

Carolyn and Jack began praying for God’s will. “Be careful what you pray for. Our chickens caught a virus and all died. We thought the world had come to an end,” Jack laughed. “For a little while, it certainly seemed as if it had. We were financially devastated. We couldn’t see God but because of our prayer, we knew God was in it.”

They began looking for jobs. “No one is more unemployable than two broken down farmers,” Caroline said. Caroline had a high school education and Jack had only been through 8th grade. “All we knew was farming,” she continued. “Our payments on the farm were huge and no one was willing to pay us enough to even come close to making those payments. We came up against a hard deadline and we thought we were going to lose the farm. It was Friday and we had an $11,000 payment due on Monday. We took it to God. On Saturday, a man showed up on our doorstep with a cashiers check for $16,000 dollars. He wanted to buy a remote section of our land. It wasn’t for sale and we hated selling it but when God offers a solution, you’d better listen.”

Carolyn decided to go to real estate school. In her second year, she sold a piece of property that netted her 1.2 million dollars in commissions. “I’d have had to gather a lot of eggs to make that much money,” she joked. “We figured God might know what He was doing after all.”

Jack continued to farm but took part of Carolyn’s commission money to start what became a successful dump truck business. “When we retired,” Jack said, “We sold that business and the farm. We had money enough to set aside for each child and to fund our ministry for the rest of our lives. We are very comfortable.” Now, Jack and Carolyn travel the country in their RV, planting churches. “We move into an area that is starting a new church and we do what ever we can to help. We stay as long as we’re needed and then move to help someone else.”

As I was leaving, Jack reached into his pocket, pulling out a $10 bill. Fidgeting, he seemed embarrassed. “I don’t know why but God just told me to give you this.”

I was stunned because I hadn’t told them about my financial fears or morning prayers. While my well-worn camping shorts and tank top might have given the impression I was destitute, we were standing next to my Suburban packed with expensive camping gear. I’d talked about my home and husband so they didn’t think me homeless.

I felt tears come to my eyes as I humbly reached for the money. I knew God was answering my prayers and would take care of the money. I told Jack and Carolyn about my earlier prayers and together, we stood awed by the power of the King of Kings. Blessed are the poor in spirit because they shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. I relaxed into God’s kingdom of rest.

If you’ve been feeling at the end of your rope, claim your blessing. Give your cares to God. Open your eyes and look for the kingdom of Heaven. God doesn’t break promises.

Journey to the Cross - Blessed Are The Poor In Spirit

The “Sermon on the Mount,” according to the book of Matthew, was a sermon given to the disciples and a large crowd of people. Many think it took place on the north end of the Sea of Galilee, near Carpernaum. Most consider this sermon the core tenants of Christian discipleship.

Perhaps the best-known portion of this famous sermon is the Beatitudes. The Beatitudes contain 9 statements reporting who is blessed. All but the last contain a promise for the particular group mentioned. For the next eight days, we will take the time to study each of the Beatitudes, beginning with “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit.” For purposes of this study, we will combine the 8th and 9th Beatitude. Together, we will claim the promises contained in the Beatitudes.

Morning Meditation

Read Matthew 5:3.
Matt 5:3
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and his rule. The Message

• Remember the times when you felt “at the end of your rope.”
• Ponder the meaning of “with less of you, there is more of God and His rule.”
• Allow yourself to feel blessed.

Morning Prayer

• Thank God for the difficult times in your life.
• Thank Him for using those times to teach you.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Morning Bible Study

If you hear the expression, “at the end of your rope?” you understand what it means. We throw ropes to people when they are in deep water or on the edge of a cliff. Without rope, we could be in serious trouble. When we are “at the end of our rope” spiritually, God’s rope is just beginning.

You already read Matthew 5:3 from the popular paraphrase, The Message. Now read it from the King James and Amplified translations.

Matt 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. KJV

Matt 5:3
Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous-- with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! AMP

• What is the promise to the poor in spirit?
• What does the Amplified Bible say “blessed” means?
• What does the Amplified Bible say “poor in spirit” means?
• When you were feeling “at the end of your rope,” did you feel blessed?

The promise in the Beatitude is the “kingdom of Heaven.” In the kingdom of Heaven, we forsake everything else and let Jesus be king. Jesus talked perhaps more consistently about the kingdom of heaven than any other subject. Read His words in Matthew 13:44.

Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. NIV

• What is the kingdom of heaven compared to?
• Why would the man want to sell everything and buy this field?
• Do you want the kingdom of heaven bad enough to sell everything?

Read Jesus’ second comparison in Matthew 13:45-46.
Matt 13:45-46
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. NASU
• What is the kingdom of heaven compared to?
• What do you think that means?

Finally, read Jesus’ 3rd comparison in Matthew 13:47-50.

Matt 13:47-50
Or, God's kingdom is like a fishnet cast into the sea, catching all kinds of fish. When it is full, it is hauled onto the beach, the good fish are picked out and put in a tub; those unfit to eat are thrown away. That's how it will be when the curtain comes down on history. The angels will come and cull the bad fish and throw them in the garbage. There will be a lot of desperate complaining, but it won't do any good." The Message

• What is the kingdom of Heaven compared to?
• What will happen to the “bad fish?”
• How does this apply to us?

Perhaps only the “poor in spirit” have suffered enough to be ready to forsake all other kings. Only after other kings have failed us, are we willing to let Jesus be our king. Jesus issued an invitation to the “poor in spirit” in Matthew 11:28:30.

Matt 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. KJV

• Who is the invitation to?
• What is the promise?
• How does Jesus describe Himself?

The yoke of King Jesus is easy and His burdens are light. Crown Him the King of Kings and find rest for your soul. Forsake all other kings and enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Application

I met Jack and Carolyn on my first missionary trip across America. I was camping in a small city called Lakeside, Montana. God sent Jack and Carolyn when my ego was suffering from a job loss and I was fretting about money. I was definitely “poor in spirit” and struggling to let Jesus be king.

I’d been traveling for a month and felt God calling me into fulltime ministry. My plans were to return to corporate American when the journey was over and I was struggling with letting go of the salary attached to these plans. I also wanted to prove to myself and others that I could get another job and was battled the need for ego gratification. That particular morning, God woke me early so I walked down by the lake to pray.

God, I argued. I hear your call but I want to go back to work. I like what I’m doing but I’m spending money instead of making it. Bob wants to go return to school. Will he be able to do that if I don’t get a job? As I walked back, I passed Jack and Carolyn’s camper.

Jack and Carolyn were strolling hand in hand down to the lake. Their deeply tanned faces and callused hands indicated a life of hard outdoor work. Their lined smiling faces spoke to the passing of contented years. They introduced themselves and I found out they were from Georgia. “I have to come all the way to Montana to meet someone from the state right next to me,” Jack laughed.

When they found out I was Christian, they wanted to tell their story. “We were exhausted,” Jack began excitedly, sounding like he was in the middle of a story. They went on to tell how they worked seven days a week on their chicken farm.

“We had a houseful of small children and everyone worked hard. On Sunday,” Carolyn said, “We would wake up early, rush to feed our chickens, and jump into the car to race to church. I was too exhausted to stay awake for the sermon. Every day was harder than the day before. I knew it couldn’t be God’s will for us but we didn’t know what else to do. We had a family to feed and a mortgage payment to make.”

Carolyn and Jack began praying for God’s will. “Be careful what you pray for. Our chickens caught a virus and all died. We thought the world had come to an end,” Jack laughed. “For a little while, it certainly seemed as if it had. We were financially devastated. We couldn’t see God but because of our prayer, we knew God was in it.”

They began looking for jobs. “No one is more unemployable than two broken down farmers,” Caroline said. Caroline had a high school education and Jack had only been through 8th grade. “All we knew was farming,” she continued. “Our payments on the farm were huge and no one was willing to pay us enough to even come close to making those payments. We came up against a hard deadline and we thought we were going to lose the farm. It was Friday and we had an $11,000 payment due on Monday. We took it to God. On Saturday, a man showed up on our doorstep with a cashiers check for $16,000 dollars. He wanted to buy a remote section of our land. It wasn’t for sale and we hated selling it but when God offers a solution, you’d better listen.”

Carolyn decided to go to real estate school. In her second year, she sold a piece of property that netted her 1.2 million dollars in commissions. “I’d have had to gather a lot of eggs to make that much money,” she joked. “We figured God might know what He was doing after all.”

Jack continued to farm but took part of Carolyn’s commission money to start what became a successful dump truck business. “When we retired,” Jack said, “We sold that business and the farm. We had money enough to set aside for each child and to fund our ministry for the rest of our lives. We are very comfortable.” Now, Jack and Carolyn travel the country in their RV, planting churches. “We move into an area that is starting a new church and we do what ever we can to help. We stay as long as we’re needed and then move to help someone else.”

As I was leaving, Jack reached into his pocket, pulling out a $10 bill. Fidgeting, he seemed embarrassed. “I don’t know why but God just told me to give you this.”

I was stunned because I hadn’t told them about my financial fears or morning prayers. While my well-worn camping shorts and tank top might have given the impression I was destitute, we were standing next to my Suburban packed with expensive camping gear. I’d talked about my home and husband so they didn’t think me homeless.

I felt tears come to my eyes as I humbly reached for the money. I knew God was answering my prayers and would take care of the money. I told Jack and Carolyn about my earlier prayers and together, we stood awed by the power of the King of Kings. Blessed are the poor in spirit because they shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven. I relaxed into God’s kingdom of rest.

If you’ve been feeling at the end of your rope, claim your blessing. Give your cares to God. Open your eyes and look for the kingdom of Heaven. God doesn’t break promises.

Journey to the Cross - I Commend My Spirit

Luke tells us one more thing about Jesus’ last moments on the cross. Jesus said the words, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.” Jesus had spoken to the world as He said, “It is finished.” He then spoke with His Father as He commended His spirit.

The definition of commend that applies here is to “commit to the care of another.” (www.dictionary.com) Some Bible translations say “commit” instead of “commend.” In the Biblical paraphrase, The Message, the words are “I place my life in your hands.” Placing our life into God’s hands is our final discussion topic in the series, The Seven Last Words of Christ.

Morning Meditation

Read Luke 23:46.
Luke 23:46
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. KJV

• Close your eyes and place your life into God’s hands.
• How do His hands feel as they surround and protect you?
• Give Him everything that concerns, confuses, or upsets you.
• Trust in Him alone.

Morning Prayer

• Ask God to reveal to you anything you haven’t placed entirely in God’s hands.
• Ask God for the willingness to trust Him with everything.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Morning Bible Study

In Jesus’ final moments, He prayed scripture. Read David’s prayer for protection in Psalms 31:5.

Ps 31:4-5

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. KJV



• What does David ask for?

• What does he offer God?

• How is Jesus’ prayer similar to this Psalm of David?



Read David’s instruction in Psalms 37:5.

Ps 37:5

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. KJV



• What two things does David tell us to do?

• What promise is made?



Throughout this Easter devotional series, we have prayed for knowledge of God’s will and the power to carry it out. God will always make a way for His will if we are willing to carry it out.



Read Proverbs 16:3.



Prov 16:3

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

KJV



The same verse in The Message, says Put GOD in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place.



• What is the instruction?

• What is the promise?



King Solomon obviously knew the secret of turning his life over to God. Read Proverbs 3:5-6.



Prov 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. KJV



• How much are we to trust the Lord?

• What are we not to do?

• To whom do we give all credit?

• What is the promise?



Close the Bible Study portion of this devotion by praying the prayer in Isaiah 12:2.



Isa 12:2

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. KJV

Application

What is the hardest thing you have had to turn over to God? For me, it was my children. I’ve always had an interesting collection of children. In 1975, we took in a foster child, David, who we later adopted. In 1976, I had Christopher, who was the only biological child my body would produce. In 1979, we sponsored a child, Kevin, from the Baptist Children’s home until his mother regained custody. In 1980, God sent us a precious infant girl, Kelley, who we adopted from the Children’s Home Society. Other children have lived in our home when they were in need of brief respites. In response to how many grandchildren she had, my mother-in-law said dryly, “I never know. They collect children.”



Only being able to have one biological child was a disappointment. I had pictured birthing at least four, but on Chris’s first birthday, I had an emergency hysterectomy. To add insult to injury, on the day I returned home from the surgery, Chris was demonstrating his new walking skills, collapsed in front of my eyes, and stopped breathing.



As our gracious God would have it, the railroad had trained Daddy in CPR only a week before. Daddy was downstairs working on my car and heard my screams. He rushed upstairs and used his newly acquired CPR skills to bring his grandson back to life. We later learned that Chris had severe allergies that could cause him to stop breathing at any time.



For the next 2 years, I hovered over Chris. I was frightened to leave him with anyone and wanted to stand over his crib while he slept. This was before baby monitors, so the sleep I did get was fitful. When I awakened, I rushed into his room to check his breathing. I lived in constant terror that I would find my only biological child lifeless.



The problem with living in terror is that it takes over your life. Chris was allergic to dust, so we moved into a house with no carpet. He was allergic to cigarette smoke, so I was afraid to take him into public places. I watched his diet carefully, protecting him from the evils of all his allergens. We removed corn, shellfish, apples, and many other things from our diets. I was doing everything humanly possible to protect my precious child but could get no peace.



Finally, in desperation, I prayed, God, I can’t live like this. I’m doing the best I can but it might not be enough. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in 2 years. This fear is ruling my life. What shall I do?



I don’t know what I expected from God. It had something to do with Him revealing other ways to protect Chris or promising Chris would live to a ripe old age. Instead, I felt God whisper, Let go and trust me with your son. I don’t have any grandchildren. He’s my son too.



But God, I argued. I want guarantees. Before I trust you, I want to know he isn’t going to stop breathing.



God gave no guarantees. He just asked for my trust. That was when I learned about what I call the “Best Case/Worst Case” test. When I truly have something turned over, I can accept the worst imaginable outcome along with the best imaginable outcome. That afternoon, beside the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, I gave my son to God. I accepted that God might choose to take him home. I hoped God would let me keep him for a while longer.



I went home that afternoon, at peace. I still protected my son from his allergens but I slept at night. I took reasonable precautions about taking him in public, but we began going out. Once I had done my best, I trusted God with the rest.



Chris turned 30 years old this week. God has given me 30 precious years with him and I thanked God every day for that gift. I also know that if the outcome had been different, I would have trusted God with it. My prayer is that my faith will one day be so great that I will be equally satisfied with what I consider the worst case or the best case. For now, I still tell God how I think it should turn out, but I accept His answer.



Examine your life. Is it completely surrendered to God or are do you worry? I heard a speaker say that when we worry, we have low-grade atheism.



For today:



• Think about what you worry about and ask God to help you surrender it.

• Take the “Best Case/Worst Case” test. Imagine the best and the worst scenario and give each to God.

• Pray Jesus’ prayer of, “I place my life in your hands.”

Journey to the Cross - It is Finished

Have you ever known when something was finished? I have. I remember the moment my first book was finished. I’d been working on Pocket Full of Quaters for almost 2 years and as I typed those last few words, relief flowed through me because I just knew.

I needed to tell someone so I called my sister-in-law, Susan, and said, “I just finished my book!” Technically, the book was a long way from complete. There were many edits and drafts and it wasn’t published until almost a year later but those were just clean up. I knew when it was finished. Finishing my book was the beginning for my readers.

Jesus' work was harder than anything we have to do on earth. He did it willinging and knew when it was finished. He shared it with the world by saying, "It is finished." The finish for Him was the beginning for us. The sixth message of the Seven Last Words of Christ is about being finished.

Morning Meditation

Read John 19:30.

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. KJV

• Let yourself wonder what the world would be like if Jesus hadn’t finished.
• Quietly bow your head and enjoy what He finished.
• If you are struggling with anything, bow your head and “give up the ghost.”

Morning Prayer

• Thank Jesus for finishing His work.

• Ask Jesus to help you finish your work.

• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.

• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Morning Bible Study

Lest you think that Jesus’ words were a silent whispering, read Matthew 27:50-51 and Mark 15:37-39.



Matt 27:50-51

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. NASU



Mark 15:37-39

And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last. And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!" NASU



• How did Jesus utter the words?

• What happened as He breathed His last?

• What impact did it have on people watching?



Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could get to the end of our life knowing we’d fulfilled our assignments? When Paul was close to dying, he knew he was finished.



Read 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

2 Tim 4:6-8

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. KJV



• What did Paul say he had done?

• What was he anticipating?

• How could he have such confidence?

• Why do you think he shared that confidence?



Often when the work of others is finished, our work begins. As the ancient Jacob lay dying, he charged his sons with their assignments. Jacob was dying and the work of his sons was beginning. Read Genesis 49:33.



Gen 49:33

When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. NASU



Perhaps more importantly, often when God finishes, our work has begun. While Jesus breathed His last breath, the disciples were being prepared to spread the gospel message. We see examples throughout the Bible of our work beginning when God’s work is finished.



Read Exodus 31:18.

Ex 31:18

When He had finished speaking with him upon Mount Sinai, He gave Moses the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written by the finger of God. NASU



• What did God do when He finished speaking?

• Think about what you know about the Ten Commandments. What did Moses do with them?

• How are the Ten Commandments being used today?



As you probably know, after breathing His last, Jesus returned to earth 3 days later. Before returning to God, He left us with orders. His work was finished but ours had just begun. Read Matthew 28:18-20.



Matt 28:18-20

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen KJV



• Who had the power?

• Where are we to go?

• What are we to do?

• What is Jesus’ promise to us?

Application

For 17 years of our life, my husband Bob and I ran a custom software development company. I was the Chief Executive Officer and Bob was the Chief Technology Officer. Bob was famous for asking the developers, “Is it done yet?” Over the years, I grew to understand that Bob and I had different definitions of done.



In the role as CEO, my definition of “done” meant the software was ready to deliver to the customer. When we were “done,” I hoped to hand working software over so the customer could “begin” their work with the software. I understood little about the nuances of the development phases but I understood finished.



To a Chief Technology Officer, “done” meant ready for the next stage of development. When technologists said the software was “done,” they really meant that it was ready for the next software developer to complete their phase of development. The final delivery of the product could be weeks or months away. Bob, who did understand all the nuances of the development phases, celebrated every completed victory as finished.



After being disappointed with software delivery timelines, I began teaching a class about what “done” meant. I found that if we communicated our definition of finished, everyone’s expectations were met. At our company, when developers were asked if something was done, they learned to ask what you meant by “done.”



The interesting thing about being finished with software is that the work is never really “done.” If a software developer has “finished” their task, the next software developer’s task may be just beginning. If our company delivered “final” software, our customer’s work was just beginning as they learned to use and apply the software in their business environment. As the customer’s business environment changed, the software had to change right along with it and often they handed the software back to us for changes.



When Jesus used the word “finished” on the cross, He was referring to His “pre-resurrection” work - the fulfillment of prophesy and the sacrifice He made for the sins of the world. He had other earthly assignments, which He fulfilled during the 40 days following His resurrection. When He ascended into heaven, He left assignments for us to fulfill during our time on earth.



Every earthly assignment we have connects to another assignment. When I talk to people on the streets of America, the words may or may not have a visible impact but I have a feeling of completion at the end of every conversation. I know that I am one small part of what God is working out for each person. God may have to send many more people and circumstances before someone surrenders to Him or they may never surrender. My work may be finished and someone else’s is just beginning.



The only thing that is important for us to know is our own personal assignment. We don’t have to know why or how it all fits into the grander plan for creation. If we don’t know our assignment, we can’t know when we’re finished. Each assignment has a beginning, middle, and an end. Like the differing definitions of “done” Bob and I used in the software world, perhaps our definition of “done” is different from God’s.



If, when I travel, I used a global definition of “done” for my ministry, I would be constantly disappointed. Personally, I want the people I meet to turn their life and will over to the care of God by the end of our conversation. I would like to see the results of the finished product. But alas, I’m like the software developer who has to hand their work over to someone else. My task may be small but it’s necessary. I may never see the results but I have to trust that they’re there. God is my CEO and His definition of “done” is bigger than mine is and it is the only one that counts.



What is your assignment today? Are you frustrated because you’re not “done?” Perhaps you need to redefine the word “done” and accept that your assignment may be smaller than you imagined. Ask God for knowledge of His will for you today and the power to carry that out. He will answer that prayer.

Journey to the Cross - I Thirst

Have you ever been really thirsty? When my nephew Bill was 4 years old, he made what we all called “The Bill Noise.” Bill could whine better than any child I’d ever met. He also could negotiate. One day, he said, “Aunt Cheryle, why don’t you take me on the trips with the other nephews?”

I said, “Sweetheart, you’re still pretty young. Besides, I have a couple of rules before I take children anywhere. You have to be able to swim and I don’t allow whining. You haven’t learned to swim and you love to whine.”

Bill pondered the words carefully and finally said, “I’m not ready to swim yet but I think you should take me on trips where there is no swimming if I promise not to whine.”

I agreed. The next trip we made was to Cypress Gardens in sunny central Florida. We were standing in line for a ride when Bill said, “Aunt Cheryle, I’m thirsty.”

I said, “I’m thirsty too but we’re going to ride first.”

Bill repeated, “I’m thirsty.”

“I know honey but this is a long line. We’ll buy a coke right after we finish the ride.”

Bill struggled with this news and paused for a few seconds. Finally he said, “Aunt Cheryle, I’m really thirsty and it’s making me want to whine.”

I hugged him as I said, “Yes but you’re not going to.” He didn’t whine and as soon as the ride was finished, we bought drinks for everyone.

None of us likes to be thirsty. When Jesus was on the cross, baking in the hot sun, his body cried out for a drink. The words, “I thirst,” both indicated his physical need and fulfilled prophecy.

Morning Meditation

Read John 19:28-29.

John 19:28-29
After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. KJV

• Imagine Jesus, on the cross in the hot sun.
• Imagine the feel of vinegar on His cracked parched lips.
• Let yourself thirst for God the same way Jesus thirsted for water on the cross.

Morning Prayer

• Thank Jesus for fulfilling the scriptures and being our Savior.

• Ask Him to help you thirst for Him.

• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.

• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Morning Bible Study

If you read the above scripture carefully, you will notice that both the thirst and vinegar had a purpose and fulfilled prophesy.



Read Psalms 69:20-21.

Ps 69:20-21

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. KJV



• How was David feeling?

• When he asked the world for help, what did the world give him?

• How was this foreshadowing of the cross?



Throughout the Bible, thirst is a metaphor for needing God. Read Isaiah 41:17-18.



Isa 41:17-18

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. KJV



• What happens when the poor and needy seek water?

• The people want a drink. What abundance is God promising?



In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He used the same metaphor of water. Read Matthew 5:6.



Matt 5:6

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. KJV



• What are we to thirst for?

• What is the promise?



Jesus is our Living Water. Read John 4:14.

John 4:14

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. KJV



• What is the promise?

• Describe the water Jesus gives.



Perhaps the most exciting part of this Living Water is that it flows through us and on to others. Read John 7:37-38.



John 7:37-38

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. KJV



• What is the invitation given?

• What is the promise if we accept this invitation?



The people who crucified Jesus were His enemies and yet He offered them Living Water. We are to do the same. God gives us specific instructions for dealing with our enemies.



Read Romans 12:20-21.

Rom 12:20-21

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. KJV



• What are we to do if our enemy is hungry and thirsty?

• What happens to our enemy when we return evil with good?



We look at the cross to see how difficult our world can be. Disappointments, loss, and confusion threaten our peace. Often, like Jesus, we cry out in agony, “We thirst.”



Read Revelations 7:16-17.

Rev 7:16-17

They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. KJV



• What will heaven be like?

• Who will feed us and lead us into fountains of water?

• What will happen to our tears?



Read Psalms 42:1-2 and offer it as a prayer.

Ps 42:1-2

As the deer pants for the water brooks, So my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; NASU



Let yourself pant for the living God as a deer pants for water. Feel your soul thirsting for God and fill it with Living Water.

Application

While on my first missionary journey across America, I decided to walk a trail at Hovenweep National Monument. Hovenweep is the site of six Puebloan-era 1,000-year-old villages that run along the rocky cliffs of the Utah/Colorado border. I didn’t know it then, but the park covers about a 20 square mile area.



It seemed easy enough. I looked at a map and marked out a trail that led past some ruins. I thought about going into the Visitors Center and getting directions but it looked straightforward. While the terrain was rocky and rugged, it was also flat. The temperature was well over 100 degrees but it was late in the afternoon and hopefully cooling off. There were at least 3 cars in the parking lot so I shouldn’t be alone on the trail. I grabbed 1 small bottle of water and set off on my journey.



The first hour was lovely as I meandered past the multistoried crumbling buildings perched on canyon rims. As I passed the ancient kivas or Puebloan ceremonial buildings, I imagined the people that worshipped and lived there. I read the signs, hungry for information about this primitive society. I sipped the water slowly, hoping to make it last. I regretted not wearing my newly purchased hat as the western heat beat down on my head.



Suddenly I realized the trail should have only been a mile long. I normally walk a 20-minute mile but had stopped along the way to look and read so I wasn’t surprised it had taken longer. Still, I thought about where I was and realized I should have been back to the Visitor’s Center by now. I panicked. Where was I? I looked around but couldn’t see anyone. By now, the water was gone. I was hot, thirsty, and ready to be back at the car. Where was the car?



I looked at the map and calmed down as it looked like all the trails were linked. I wasn’t sure what trail I was on but hoped that if I made all right turns, it would eventually lead to something familiar. I was in a rocky desert so I could see for miles and the trail looked endless. As I trudged across the rocks, my hiking shoes grew heavy and in my weariness, I stumbled. I was thirsty and dreamed about the water in my small refrigerator. Why didn’t I bring more? I wondered at what point I would start seeing mirages. My head ached from heat so I rested a moment trying to cover the top of my head with my hands.



Ruins lost their charm as my need for water grew desperate. How had the Pueblo people lived in this hot, rocky, barren land? Now that I thought about it, I wondered what I was doing there. God, give me wisdom, I prayed.



I felt Him whisper back, You should have asked for wisdom before you left with so little water, no hat, and no directions. Or maybe that was my guilty conscious talking. I reminded God that He protected the foolish and felt His sigh as His hand gently guided me. If I’d had the energy, I’d have danced a jig when I finally came to a sign that said “Visitors Center” and pointed left. I still had quite a walk in front of me but at least I had hope.



I arrived back at the Visitors Center, after a 2.5 hour walk in 105 degree weather. I felt foolish as I gulped the tepid water from the fountain. Nothing had ever tasted so good. I reminded myself to drink slowly. Never again would I leave my car without enough water, good directions, and a hat. When I got to the car, I opened a bottle of the deliciously cool water and thanked God for leading me home.



Our souls long for God the same way my body was longing for water. In our search for God, we often find ourselves suffering on the wrong trail. Our God longings may be masked by our insatiable cravings for more – more money, fame, attention, alcohol, drugs, food, love, or what ever. When we get what we thought we wanted, it is never enough. A popular saying is that we have a God shaped hole in all of us where nothing else fits. We may try to put other things in that hole but until we fill it with God, we don’t get that satisfied sigh of relief that comes from relaxing into what our soul craves.



Today when you find yourself dissatisfied, forget what you think you want and assume that dissatisfaction is a longing for God. Fill that hole in your soul by seeking God. Follow the longing to the Living Water of the cross.

Journey to the Cross - Woman Behold

Have you ever heard Jesus say, “Behold?” The word “behold” means to “call attention to.” Maybe He said, “Behold!” as He offered the earthly help you needed. Perhaps He said, “Behold, your neighbor. They need you.” Were you tempted to say, “Yes, Lord but…?” or did you surrender to the heavenly command of, “Behold!”

I felt Jesus whispering that sweet word on February 4, 2004 as my son Chris presented my infant grandson Noah to his waiting grandparents. The words “Yes, Lord but…” never entered my mind as I stretched out my arms to cradle this long awaited child. Other times, the word “behold’ caries with it duties I’m not always sure I want to fulfill.

Jesus uses “behold” several times in the scriptures. As He was dying on the cross, He offered us seven valuable lessons. Today’s lesson is about caring for one another. Knowing that His mother was probably the one person suffering worse than He, Jesus looked at her and said, “Behold,” as He offered her a son to care for her in her old age. He then turned to a beloved disciple, whom we believe to be John, and said, “Behold,” as he assigned him the honor of caring for Jesus’ beloved mother.

Morning Meditation

Read John 19:26-27
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. KJV

• Ponder Mary’s reaction to seeing her son tortured on a cross.
• Share Jesus’ compassion as He cared for his mother while suffering gravely.
• Listen as the Lord says, “Behold…”

Morning Prayer

• Thank Jesus for the privilege of taking care of His children.
• Ask compassionate Jesus what your assignment is for today.
• Tell God your joys, fears, and needs. Praise Him in everything.
• Pray for knowledge of God’s will for you today and the power to carry that out.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to interpret the scriptures you are about to read.

Morning Bible Study

I’ve always told my children that their home is where they are and their family is who they’re with. I wanted to insure that no matter with whom or where they were, they always felt a part of something. I longed to teach them that earthly families are temporal and God’s family is forever. That was tested for me when my husband took a job 2000 miles from my earthly family.

A natural human tendency is to cling to earthly families. We’re tempted to give them the majority of our time as we make them the focus of our earthly existence. What happens when we lose every member of our earthly family? Are we without family? Is there no one to care for and love us?

In the book of Ruth, we meet Naomi at the darkest time of her life. She had lost her husband and sons and was sending her son’s wives back to their families.

Read Ruth 1:8.
Ruth 1:8
And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother's house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. KJV

• What did Naomi say to her son’s wives?
• How had her daughters-in-law treated her?

One of the women kissed Naomi goodbye and left. The other refused.

Read Ruth 1:16.
And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: KJV
• What was Ruth’s plea?
• What promises did Ruth make?
• Whom did Ruth consider her family?
• How had Naomi influenced Ruth’s spiritual life?

Ruth stayed with Naomi and cared for her. Together, they traveled to Naomi’s home, Bethlehem where they sought out Naomi’s relative, Boaz. In one of the most romantic stories ever written, Boaz and Ruth married. Give yourself a gift and read the short book of Ruth. When Ruth and Boaz had a son, Ruth offered the child to Grandma Naomi. Can’t you just hear the words of God’s whisper to Naomi, “Woman behold, your grandson.”

Read Ruth 4:13-16.
So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. KJV

• How did Naomi care for Ruth?
• How did Ruth care for Naomi?
• What rewards did they each experience?

If we do the will of God, we are never without family. Read Matthew 12:47-50.
Someone said to Him, "Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You."

But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who is My mother and who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother”. NASU


• Who does Jesus say His family is?

What an honor it is to be brother, sister, or mother to Jesus but this honor also carries responsibility. Read John 21:17.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. KJV

• What question did Jesus ask Peter.
• What were Jesus’ instructions to Peter?
• How do we demonstrate our love to Jesus?

When we care for Jesus’ sheep, we care for Him. Read Matthew 25:40.

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. KJV

Every act of generosity to the world, every kindness we pay to a neighbor, we do for our family member, Jesus. Every lonely, broken person is a sheep of Jesus. Every opportunity of service is Jesus saying, “Behold!” Can you walk by Jesus today and ignore Him?

Application

Susan and Fred never had children but they cared for Susan’s mother up until the day she died. “My mom is my child,” Susan often joked. When Susan’s mother died, Susan clung to Fred as she looked for her new purpose in life. Unfortunately, Fred had a heart attack and in a few short weeks, he too was dead. Susan was like a lost child without Fred but her nightmare wasn’t over. Her brother and his wife both died a few weeks apart. Over the period of a year, Susan lost every member of her earthly family.

“I’ve lost everyone,” Susan cried to anyone who would listen. “I have no one left.” God heard her cries, looked at a friend, and said, “Behold!” The friend held Susan as she cried and helped her handle the business affairs involved with so many deaths. This friend became the executor of Susan’s estate and her lifeline to sanity.

Another friend heard the words “Behold” and moved in with Susan, offering companionship. Other friends responded to the call of God by surrounding her with love. Now, wherever Susan goes, people encircle her, responding to the words, “Behold.” Slowly, Susan responded to the word “Behold,” and accepted the love of her new family.

How do you think Mary responded to behold? Her season of grief was beginning. When it passed, was she able to enjoy the gift given or did she cling to the grief and spoil the gift? I suspect that when her tears dried, she relaxed into the gift and praised God for it.
As you go through your day, listen for the word, “Behold.” If God offers you a gift, accept it. If God offers to make you a gift to others, accept His honor. Look for your gifts in the middle of suffering.  Be a gift to someone during their suffering. Be a mother, brother, and sister to Jesus and feed His sheep.