S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
John 11:23
And in that place many believed in Jesus.
O-bservation:
This chapter in the book of John gives us the story of Lazarus dying and being raised to life again by Jesus after being in a tomb for four days! When Jesus arrived in the town after Lazarus’ death, Martha said, “If you would have been here, he wouldn’t have died.” Immediately Jesus said, “Your brother will rise again.”
A-pplication:
When I read this verse, all I could think is that’s my “Positive Jesus.” If you take the time to read the Beatitudes, in Matthew 5:1-12, it’s all POSITIVE. Even when something bad happens, Jesus turns it positive. At one point Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33b). Once again, all you can say is “Positive Jesus.” In Luke 24:7 He told His Disciples He would be turned over to sinful men to be crucified, but that he would be raised to life again! Think about that! And here He tells Martha, who is overwhelmed with grief, “Your brother will rise again.” Whatever sorrow or mountain of impossibility you are faced with today … Jesus’ way of answering you is always, “I have a plan, I have a purpose, and it will get better in time.” That’s the way Jesus always responds. “Positive Jesus!”
P-rayer:
Dear Jesus,
With You by my side, why do I doubt? I’ll believe You this AM no matter what the indicators say. Amen
Comment (1)
Hello: I think the perspective that you put forth that Jesus is overall “positive ” is enlightening and very perceptive. It makes perfect sense that Jesus is positive in His outlook given that He well knows the power of God His Father and the fact that He is well acquainted with God’s love toward us. Therefore, He encouraged His disciples to understand their importance to the Father with the assurance that “evey hair on their head is numbered, ” thus expressing good reason for us to be positive as well. I don’t know why I didn’t see that sooner.
Thanks for sharing.