GOD’S BEST OUTDOES SIN’S WORST
John 11:35-45
Can a thing be worse than the worst? You’re pretty apt to think so when it touches you. The “only daughter” had just died— humanly a hopeless case. The “only son” was being carried to his burial—one step further in hopelessness. This “only brother” has been buried four days—the very last degree of hopelessness. But Jesus’ restoring power is unfailing. And his love is greater yet. He can, and he will, if he may get our consent.
THE TIGHT CORNER JESUS’ OPPORTUNITY
Luke 7:11-18
Things were at their worst here. A woman had lost her life-friend. Yet she had a son left; only one; more precious because just one. Then he slips from her clinging grasp! She is utterly alone. Her heart is bleeding itself out through her eyes. Things are desperate. But man’s tightest pinch gives Jesus’ love its best chance. And the worst is turned into the best. That’s Jesus’ way—then, and still.
FRESH SUPPLIES
Mark 5:21-23; Mark 5:35-43
The sore hurt of sin is everywhere, though it’s often hard to trace connections. It robs the body of vigor, the mind of peace and poise, the heart of purity, the life of purpose. Jesus is ever on the heels of sin, restoring what has been lost. He re-stores till the overflow reaches others. Vet it took his own life to do it. And it takes our lives, gladly yielded, to get all that he gives.
HEART SOVEREIGNTY
Philippians 4:4-9
God’s peace “passeth understanding,” but it does not pass appreciation. It’s too deep for our brains, but not for our hearts. It can’t be analyzed and explained, but it can be accepted, and yielded to, and enjoyed. You don’t get it; it gets you. It does sentinel duty over your thoughts and imaginations, keeping worry out and trust and obedience in. Paul’s threefold rule of peace is simple: Worry about nothing; pray about everything; be thankful for anything.
THE JESUS MUSIC
Mark 7:31-37
Some things can’t be hid. Jesus couldn’t be. Music can’t. The sweet peace of God in the heart can’t be hushed up. The face tells it—the quiet eye, the glad smile, the gentle word. The step has a spring to it. The hand does its work differently. And those we’re touching know it, too. Sometimes it irritates them; the inner smothered conscience hurls. This is the chiefest plan for winning men to Jesus—having his peace rule our hearts.
2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
Think about these questions as you meditate on the verse. What does this verse teach me? How does this verse apply to my Life?
