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Day 20: John 20/Psalm 39
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Monday March 15, 2004
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…He saw and believed.
John 20:8 (New International Version)
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Seeing is
believing
The scene is set in the 20th chapter of the book of John. Everything
needed for new life is there:
• 1 big stone rolled away
• 2 burial garments neatly folded
• 3 confused disciples
• 2 angels
• 1 risen Lord
Everyone reacts
differently when the reality of Jesus’ death and resurrection hits them
for the first time. John walked home believing after seeing the empty
tomb. Mary bawled her eyes out. Jesus was able to calm Mary’s tears
because she knew His voice.
Isn’t that just
like God? In the midst of our confusion, grief, and fear Jesus calls us
by name. He’s so close to us even when we can’t see Him. He’s right
there with us. And just when we have said “I believe” to ourselves and
to a Lord we can't see with our eyes, He says, “Go to my brothers and
tell them.” And like Mary off we go.
We’re sure they
won’t believe us. “No really, He has risen!” we say. “Look at me, I’m
proof. What will it take for you to believe?” we question. The same
thing it takes for any to believe, a face-to-face encounter with the
resurrected Jesus.
Some want to see
the folded burial clothes of history; others the pierced hands and side
of theology. Many examine the hapless follower of Jesus for evidence.
Like Mary, all we can do is tell His Story and our story -- and pray
for Jesus to be “revealed.”
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“But these
are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
John 20:31 (New International Version)
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Today’s
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to believe in you more. Let me see you. Holy Spirit,
send me in your power to be a witness of Jesus’ love to my friends,
coworkers, neighbors. Give me courage to tell your Story through my
story. Help them to believe.
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Memory Verse of the Week:
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you
wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that
you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:7-8 (New International Version)
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For a complete
listing of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day
Experience," click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the
following links:
o
John
20
o
Psalm
39
Chris Griffin, griffin@cincyvineyard.com,
Pastor of 5th & 6th Grades and Jr. High Ministry at VCC
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