breathing room for my soul: Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Reverence

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Reverence

[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

The Israelites crossed the Jordan River, into the Promised Land: The people came up out of the Jordan and set up camp at The Gilgal to the east of Jericho. Joshua erected a monument at The Gilgal, using the twelve stones that they had taken from the Jordan. And then [Joshua] told the people of Israel, “In the days to come, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What are these stones doing here?’ tell your children this: ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ . . . This was so everybody on earth would recognize how strong GOD’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold GOD in solemn reverence always.”

Joshua 4:19-24 MSG

These stones from the Jordan River serve as a memorial marker for the Israelites. From Abraham first receiving God’s message of his descendants being a chosen people destined for a Promised Land until Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan River into this Promised Land spans nearly 800 years. They create this memorial just the way GOD tells Joshua. More importantly, is the reason: tell your children this: ‘Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry ground.’ Everybody is to recognize GOD’s strong rescuing hand and always hold GOD in solemn reverence. What an ongoing opportunity to share this God-story with their children, teaching them of God’s mighty power! God promises a chosen people their own land, God redeems His chosen from bondage in Egypt, God provides all they need, and then God safely makes a way for them to enter the Promised Land. This is a God-story of rescue and power, a God-story of promise.

We all have a God-story. God rescues us from sin through Jesus. Jesus redeems us from the bondage of a sinful life, provides all that we need, and then, when our physical life ends, our spirit continues to live with Him. Our Promised Land is the Everlasting Life that comes from Jesus. It is important to share our God-story with our children, family, friends, co-workers, or any soul in need. Once someone believes in the resurrection power of Jesus, the Everlasting Life begins. First, we grow more like Christ in our everyday living; in ministering to others, in sharing the Gospel, in study and prayer, we develop a deeper relationship with Christ. As you live this resurrection life, share your memorial markers; remember this holy God.

Read Joshua chapters 3-4; imagine the emotions of this event.
Do you know the resurrection power of God? Will you share your God-story with someone?

Holy One, I fall on my knees in awe of Your power, Your majesty, Your Goodness. Let me live each day remembering Your Promises. I am thankful for so much undeserved grace. – dho