Devotional
for the Week of 19 May 2008
Sermon Title: The Third Day
Scripture Text: Mark 16: 1-16
Introduction
Our pastor recalled a Christian classmate who had once shared this quote with him “Life with Christ is an endless hope. Life without Christ is a hopeless end.” Somehow this quote had made an impression on him. Indeed, it has valuable truth in it.
Believe There Is Hope
Hope is so important to life that it seems meaningless and directionless without it. The Miriam Webster dictionary defines hope as “a desire with expectation of something that is to come” – it is a desire for, with the expectation of a better tomorrow.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus was welcomed as King and there was great jubilation among the people. On Good Friday, however, presented a totally different picture – Jesus fell into the hands of His enemies, was framed and crucified on the cross. It looked, to the disciples, as if their hope had been dashed to pieces with the death of Jesus. They might have hoped that Jesus could have saved Himself, but that had not happened. They might have questioned themselves as to whether their three-year journey with Him might have been in vain. Have you ever been in a similar situation when things seem to worsen and you begin to lose hope?
On Easter Sunday, the women had gone to the tomb questioning who was going to roll the stone away from the entrance for them. When they reached the tomb, they were surprised to see that the stone had already moved – by angels sent by God. In our lives, God is our “stone-mover” Who will be able to help us with our problems when we pray and come to Him with a sincere heart. He loves us and cares for us
When Mary Magdalene saw the resurrected Christ Jesus and conveyed the good news to the disciples, they did not believe her. The disciples still could not believe that Jesus had appeared to the two disciples who he had met on the road. It was only when Jesus personally appeared to the remaining eleven disciples that they believed Him. Jesus rebuked them for not believing the testimonies given them.
Conclusion
What is it that makes a person move from unbelief to belief? It is the turning point where the unbelieving person suddenly realises that he/ she could possibly be wrong. We could choose not to believe in the Christ – but if there is the slightest possibility that we could be completely wrong in this – I urge you to reconsider and explore Christianity for yourself to discover the truth.
Who knows? You might discover that the Stone-Mover is just waiting to move that stone in your life and help you move from unbelief to belief.
Prayer Response
Dear Lord Jesus, I pray that I would look unto You as my author and finisher of my faith. Let me never doubt You or give up hope when I go through difficult times. I know that I can come to You just as I am and unload any problems or situations I am facing now. You know all my needs even before I ask You. I give you all praise and glory as You are my Stone Mover. Amen
Devotional based on sermon by Rev Joel Yong