Future of the Kingdom (Nov 29)
The events during the final two
days of Jesus’ earthly life carry the
shadow of the cross. Everything
He says and does foreshadows
that symbol of shame, sacrifice and
salvation: the anointing in Bethany,
the Passover observance & Lord’s
Supper, the prayer in Gethsame.
Jesus is arrested and tried, first
by the Jews then the Romans.
He is condemned, executed and
placed in a tomb. But the story does
not end there. In glorious triumph,
Jesus comes forth from the grave
in resurrection power. Indeed
the King of the Jews lives again, a
message of Good News which His
followers are commissioned to share.
The cross of Jesus Christ has been
called the fulcrum of cosmic history.
The eternal destiny of every human
being hinges on a person’s relation-
ship to Jesus & his work on the cross
Think deeply about the crucifixion
of Jesus and its significance. Say
with Paul: God forbid that I should
glory, save in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom the world is
crucified unto me & I unto the world.
Lord, we will Choose God’s Will.
Lord, we Honor U for You’re Worthy.
Lord, we’ll Make Disciples for You.
Lord, we’ll Choose God’s Will:
Going a little farther, he fell with
his face to the ground & prayed:
My Father, if it is possible, may
this cup be taken from me. Yet
not as I will but as you will. Then
he returned to his disciples and
found them sleeping… He went
away a second time and prayed:
My Father, if it is not possible for
this cup to be taken away unless
I drink it, may your will be done.
When he came back, he again
found them sleeping. So he left
them and prayed the third time
the same thing (Matt 26:39-44).
Father, more than anything I want
Your Will to be done in my life.
Even though I want You to take
away all the pain and suffering,
and I want all of Your blessings,
above all I want Your will to be done
for You are good and You know
what’s best. Reveal Your Will and
help me to pray accordingly. Amen.
Lord, we Honour U for You’re Worthy:
As evening approached, there came
a rich man from Arimathea named
Joseph, who had himself become
a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate,
he asked for Jesus’ body and Pilate
ordered that it be given to him.
Joseph took the body, wrapped it
in a clean linen cloth and placed it
in his own new tomb that he had
cut out of the rock. He rolled a big
stone in front of the entrance to the
tomb and went away (Mt 27:57-60)
Father God, we note that Joseph
used his wealth and influence to
honour Jesus in death. Lord Jesus
I want to know more of Your love
which drives out fear. And Holy
Spirit, I want to experience Your
transforming power so that others
may be touched by Your gentleness
and care as You live out Your life in
me. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord, we’ll Make Disciples for You:
Then Jesus came to them & said:
All authority has been given
to me. Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations & teaching
them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely
I am with you always, to the very
end of the age (Matt 28:16-20).
Lord, help me to be a good example
in the concern for the lost. In words,
deeds and attitudes may I be able
to stand as one who has found
the answer to life. Help me to rise
up to Your challenge to Share the
good news and Make Disciples for
Your kingdom. And thank You for
the promise of Your presence. Amen