Video of the Day: Clip from the 2002 movie “Joshua”
Bible Verse of the Day:
At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” Matthew 11:25-30.
Biblical Connection:
Human beings all have moments when you feel like your life is broken or simply falling apart. I was a high school sophomore, running 6 miles at a cross-country practice when I had a nervous breakdown. Although I went to church, I didn’t know Jesus. The next 2 months were an emotional roller coaster until a teacher bought me a ticket to hear Christian athletes take about faith in Jesus.
Jesus talks to a group of adults who think they know more than they really do. This is why Jesus stresses the importance of having faith like a child. Within a genuine and innocent child, there is a belief that God will take care of you. The conclusion of today’s passage is for the Maggie’s of this world. The promise of pouring your heart out in prayer so that God will make your life whole again.
Closing Song:
The lyrics of Pray are a modern-day expression of pouring your heart out to God. Some prayers take years to receive answers. I’ve had a few prayers come back to me with a still small voice “wait” and guts feelings that reveal not right now. Yet, for people like Maggie in Joshua, when you lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus in prayer, some answers come quickly like a day or two. As long as you don’t give up hope like Persistent Widow in Luke 18, you will be made whole in God’s timing.
by Jay Mankus