Day 289

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The Ascension!

Scripture

October 15—Mark 14-16: Suffering of the Servant

Observation

Mark does not slacken the tempo of his action-packed gospel as the sacrifice of the Servant of God approaches. In a climactic crescendo, the plan of God blends with the plot of the enemies of Jesus. Even the peaceful evening in Bethany and the delightful fellowship of the Passover supper are saddened by the overtones of impending death. Betrayal, arrest, trial, denial, physical abuse, crucifixion, death and the mission of the servant is at last accomplished. Redemption has been achieved, a fact confirmed by Christ's resurrection and ascension.

Application

Have you ever faced a situation where you felt you stood completely alone? Perhaps you took a stand for something you were convinced was true and right, but at the crucial moment when the opposition appeared at its strongest, you found yourself forsaken and alone. It's a terrifying feeling, perhaps a feeling you've experienced in the past or are wrestling with today.

Take courage. You are not alone. Your Lord and Savior went through a similar experience during his arrest, trial, and execution It seemed his cause was lost and his enemies had won. In fact, just before he died, even his heavenly Father turned away from him. And yet, his victory (and ours) over sin and Satan, death and hell, was confirmed by his triumphant resurrection on Easter morning.

If you have never done so before, begin today to collect a stockpile of verses for those times when you feel all alone. Verses like Hebrews 13:5—"I will never, never, fail you nor forsake you." Or Matthew 28:20—"Be sure of this that I am with you always." Or Hebrews 4:15-16: 12:3. Begin you collection today. Keep it handy. Use it often!

Prayer

Here we are Lord, your servants, on our knees before you. Use us to touch the souls of people in need of you. We pray for more laborers to be sent into your harvest because your Kingdom come is fast approaching. Thank you for chosen us before the foundation of the world to be filled with Christlike compassion and Christlike power for such a time as now to pray for dying people and for needy souls to meet the needs of earth and the purposes of heaven. We pray for help because the harvest is plenty but the workers are few. In Jesus' name we pray! Amen!

The Harvest is Plenty




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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