The Wilderness and Restoration – Day 3

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” ~Psalm 118:22

The verse for today was referenced by Jesus in Mark 12:10, “Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Jesus was speaking in parables to the chief priests, teachers of the law and elders when he referenced the verse from Psalm 118:22. Jesus knew what the future held for him and that this parable foretells how His own destruction would establish the coming of God’s reign. The rejected stone becomes the foundation of God’s kingdom. It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus that we are able to be reconciled to God, Jesus who had never sinned took upon himself all sin in order to redeem us and bridge the gap between Creator and His creation. God’s response to Jesus’ crucifixion and the violence of the cross was an act of complete and absolute LOVE! Through being rejected Jesus, gave the rejected a place to belong. By Jesus giving up His life, He gave life to all. It is only through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus are we given the opportunity to become children of God and heirs to the Kingdom. I used the word opportunity because we do have to make a conscious decision to follow and believe in God and in His plan for our lives. We choose to be obedient or not, we are all created by God for His purposes. We will all eventually believe in God and bow in His presence the only question is whether we do it now or later.

As I have been thinking about Holy Week and the lessons for this week I’ve been trying to gain a better understand of “The Wilderness and Restoration.” I am leaning into the idea of (my) wilderness being my life journey as I traverse through life. Just as the Israelites faced challenges every day and as Jesus was tempted by the devil, all life in the generalist of terms has challenges; difficulties, trials, temptations, loses, grief and expectations to name only a few; however, the Word of God is Power; Powerful; Life Giving; Life Saving! Every day is an opportunity for restoration and renewal. God is always available to us 24/7/365 anytime; anywhere for whatever…God is there for you and me, ALWAYS. I hope you are finding new ways to connect with God and to seek His will. You are loved, you are God’s created child, unique and wonderful.

What does it mean that Jesus loves those who will betray him?

Jesus is perfect love, He loves no matter what, His love is unconditional!

Breath Prayer: Gracious, Glorious God, teach me mercy. ~Amen

~Blessings and Peace~

References:
https://www.biblegateway.com
Pamphlet: The Sanctuary For Lent (By: Katie Z. Dawson)