I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. John 12:24

Thank You, Father, for a solid good night’s rest! I pray for Your infilling as I take on this day with all its many components. May my recollection be complete in my training and may my heart be guided by You in my preparation for Sunday. You are my guide and stay. Amen.

Matthew 26:1-5 (<<click to read the passage)

It begins… In reality, it began before the beginning and if you think it all through what may seem like the end is just part of the story that has no beginning or end…much too deep a thought for this early hour!

God has always been and always will be. If we think that the story of Christ is just a young, rogue prophet life taking a turn for the worse then we are sadly mistaken. It – everything – was a part of God’s plan to redeem us – to rejoin us, His crowning achievement of Creation back into His family. There was no arbitrary chance involved. It was strategically, meticulously laid out before all the “nothing” become something – before the first breath was breathed into the first man.

I love the synopsis that my study Bible* places before chapter 26 begins.

After facing much opposition for his teaching, Jesus is betrayed by Judas, denied by the disciples, crucified, and he dies. Three days later he rises from the dead and appears to the disciples, confirming that he is indeed King over life and death. The long-awaited King has brought in his Kingdom, but it is different than expected, for he reigns in our heart until the day he comes again to establish a new and perfect world.

Several times John, in his Gospel, states that Jesus’ “hour had not yet come” (John 2:4, John 7:6, John 7:30, John 8:20). But as we transition into Matthew 26 that changes, “his hour had come” (John 13:1, John 17:1, Matthew 26:18).

Lord, all praise goes to You! Where, oh where, would we be if it were not for You! You knew from the very beginning what we would do but Your desire to love us and have us love You in return was so strong You did whatever it took to do just that!

*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation

Nov 1st, 2018, Thurs, 6:45 am