Read: Mark 8:1-8
Reflect: Out of this entire passage, the phrase that stands out to me and brings me such hope is found in the latter part of verse 7: “But go, tell His disciples… that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”
I can empathize with the three grieving gals going to the tomb that morning to anoint Jesus’ body with spices for burial. After all, they had not only witnessed His brutal suffering and death on the cross just a couple of days before, but they must have felt the pains of bewilderment, terror, shock, loss, and the like. I, too, can relate to such pain. Most of us can. Disappointment, failure, abandonment, divorce, illness, suffering, death of loved ones, and the list goes on.
When life doesn’t go the way we expect it to, what we see happening all around us can grip us, grabbing our attention and focus, even paralyzing us emotionally, and many times rendering us faithless. In times of pain, it’s easy to lose sight of His words.
And yet, His words of hope remain steadfast. Wow.
On three occasions, Jesus foretold His own death, burial, and resurrection:
- Matthew 16:21—After their time in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus explained to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be killed, and be raised on the third day.
- Matthew 17:23—Again, in Galilee, Jesus shared with His disciples that He would be betrayed, killed, and raised on the third day.
- Matthew 20:19—Journeying on a road to Jerusalem, Jesus, one more time, told His disciples He would be delivered to the Gentiles, be mocked, scourged, and crucified, but on the third day, He would rise again!
Has God spoken words of hope to you, but the circumstances of life have clouded your vision? Has hope dwindled, and your light dimmed? Oh, be encouraged, fellow sojourner! The miracle of Jesus’ resurrection is not just a one-time event… It is for us today. Like the women at the tomb that early morning, we too can experience the resurrection power of Jesus!
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)
Next Step: Has God spoken His words of hope to you? Have life’s circumstances caused you to doubt? This week, as you reflect on your own journey, take time to recall and write down His words of hope, regaining your focus… allowing your faith to be restored. It’s not too late! Don’t stop believing. The miracle-working power of the resurrection is in you… “as He said to you!”
Pray: Heavenly Father, help me remember Your words of hope and restoration through the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and renew a right spirit within me!
Michelle Brown
Senior Pastor Liaison
Email Michelle to share the meaningful impact or insights you’ve encountered after engaging with our devotional readings.