March 20: Harmony
When life feels delayed, wait on the Lord. Harmony doesn't work like we expected sometimes.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus are certainly a story of Jesus' delayed action. For example, while Jesus raised Jarius’ daughter by speaking a word and stopped a funeral in the middle of its processional, He specifically waited until Lazarus had been dead in the grave for four days. [The four days have a Jewish significance.] This contrast in timing draws our attention to the different ways Jesus works in various situations.
The heartbreak was real. Jesus wept. Yet this story highlights Martha’s resilient faith in Jesus. She moved beyond simply saying, "If you had been here, Lazarus would not have died." This builds on Jesus’ remarkable timing.
John 11: 22, “Even now, I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give You.”
Previously, Martha served and insisted that Mary help, but Jesus said, "Mary is doing a good thing." It is helpful to see how Martha’s actions fit into her journey of faith, her gift was hospitality, service and administration. She keep things running.
But, Martha’s faith was not lacking; Martha was about her natural gifts and talents in serving God. Her faith was just as deep, her love was ever true. This deeper understanding sheds light on her character that I did not understand until now.
Martha displayed ‘even now faith. A faith that trusted Jesus despite not understanding God's plan or purpose, affirming her belief in Him even in sorrow.
This lesson on 'even now faith' shows that even when the sorrow is so heavy, faith can remain steady. Martha’s resilience is an inspiration drawn from her actions amid grief.
Initially, it seemed that Jesus rebuked Martha, but He actually redirected her. Her ‘even now faith’ shows how to keep trusting even in the face of heartbreak and not knowing God's plan or purpose.
Politeness: Tradition vs Heart
In Matthew 15, the Pharisees were upset that Jesus' disciples did not wash their hands before they ate. Today, I learned it wasn't that they did not wash their hands, the disciples did not follow the correct procedures for washing their hands- a traditional method established by the religious elite.
Instead of focusing on tradition, Jesus used scripture to reveal their true heart. He pointed out that children were breaking the commandment to honor thy father and mother by failing to care for them as they age. Rather than fulfilling this duty, they would say, "I am giving it to God," thereby nullifying the commandment
V. 5-6: 'Whoever shall say to his father or mother, "Anything of mine you might have helped by has been given to God," he is not an honor to his father or his mother." Thus, you invalidated the Word of God for the sake of your traditions.
Peter asked Jesus to explain what He meant. Later, in a vision described in Acts 10, Peter recognized that his heart should be grounded on the solid rock of God's Word, not man's traditions.
Today's perspective: Examine the way I follow God's word or traditional church thinking, or cultural perspectives. Am I silent when I should speak, is what I say steeped in God's Word and not my own point of view wrapped in traditional thinking?
Fresh Voice: In the midst of the chaotic world, God reminds us in Isaiah 30:15, ‘In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.’ Even if I cannot grasp all the world’s turmoil, I know that by seeking Jesus daily, I gain a new perspective. No matter the season of life, it is God who prepares the heart for salvation and discipleship.
Benediction, a word of layered meaning, with the story of Peter and becoming fishers of men. The miracle of a catch that nearly sunk two boats wasn’t its end but the beginning.
Benediction and Fishers of Men
Simon Peter returned from an unsuccessful night of fishing. When a crowd gathered to hear Jesus, He got onto Peter's boat to teach while Peter and his companions cleaned their nets. Peter listened.
After the fruitless night, Jesus told Simon, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." It was midday, the nets were already cleaned, and fishing was not typical at this hour. Still, despite skepticism, Peter replied, "I will do as You say."
They caught so many fish that two boats began to sink. This miracle prompted Peter to recognize Jesus, marking his salvation, and from then on, Peter was called to be a fisher of men. This moment transitions us from witnessing Peter's transformation to reflecting on its broader significance.
Reflecting on these events, we must ask: Do we fully grasp the meaning and importance of this miracle as the beginning of the church age?
These questions lead us to examine our own responses.
Building upon this reflection, consider how Jesus stood on Peter's platform as a foundation. Can He also work through your life? Yes, He can.
Given this foundation, how many people have come to faith across the church age because Peter said yes to Jesus?
With these thoughts, can we fully appreciate the magnitude and layered meaning of this miracle for the future?
What other mysteries can we uncover or see, if we only have eyes to see?
Buried Deep: Facing Depression after a magnificent victory/ Elijah
Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. When Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah fled. 1 Kings 19 details his journey from depression to restoration. Verse 4 chronicles his desperation: "It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers."
Rest, Eat, Pray= Healing and the Restoration of Peace
1. Elijah rested, then rose to eat (Jesus is the Bread of Life), repeating this until he was strong enough for God's next journey for him.
2. Elijah prayed three times, seeking God's help. Though angry and pitiful, he told God how he felt. God's voice was not in the strong wind, earthquake, or fire, but came as a whisper.
3. After the drama on Mount Carmel, God wanted Elijah to hear His whisper.
4. God told Elijah to anoint Hazael king over Aram, Jehu king over Israel, and Elisha as prophet—replacing Ahab and Jezebel.
5. God reminded Elijah of the 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. Elijah was not alone.
Share your burdens with God and listen for His whisper.
Bury Deep in the Cold- Beauty Rises
Scampering about
it's own bucolic beauty,
idyllic daffodils
prelude to butterflies,
dancing with the wind
Narcissus Poeticus
next to its cousin
Gravetye or snowflake daffodils
welcoming spring
#HaikuSaturday #poetry
backyard beauty,
early spring arrival
Winter's bow
My daffodils are in full bloom,
loving the weather, surviving,
soaking up the sunshine.
God's Word is our sunshine.
brontebrown2 
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