Day 46: Saturday, April 15, 2017 Matthew 25:31-40
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away and the sea was no more. ²I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³I heard a loud voice from the throne say, ‘Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. 4He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be nor mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’”
Over these past 40 days, in addition to reading and being inspired by the stories in the devotional, I also committed to a forty-day retreat with Jesus. It is different from my usual daily devotions. For my usual daily devotions, my wife Jannette and I do them together. We begin by reading a scripture, writing down our observations and thoughts about the scripture, thinking about how the scripture applies to our life, then sharing our thoughts with each other and praying together. I have found this practice not only enhances our spiritual life, it enhances our married life. (Just a note—over these past forty days my wife and I also read the devotions in this booklet—thank you for this gift).
Like my usual daily devotions, the forty-day retreat with Jesus begins with scripture. Not a long narrative, just a few verses that I would read several times. Unlike my usual daily devotions, I wouldn’t write down my thoughts, observations, and application. Instead I attempted to quiet my mind and pray, “Lord Jesus, speak to me.” Then I listen, listen for what Jesus needs and wants to say to me. I wouldn’t write it down because I would get distracted and start writing my own thoughts about the scripture. I would just listen for a word from Jesus. Then like my usual devotions I would pray, thanking Jesus for speaking to me.
The above scripture is the one I am reading today. Today is a different kind of day. Jesus is wrapped in cloths, lying in the tomb. Everyone believes Jesus to be dead. Some, like his followers, are grieving. Some, like the religious officials, are rejoicing. Many others couldn’t care less. This is a different kind of day. It is the day between Good Friday and Easter. It is the time between the crucifixion that gives us the gift of total forgiveness and the resurrection that gives us the gift of total new life. What does one write for a devotion on this day? Instead of sharing with my thoughts and observations about the above scripture, I invite you to experience a different kind of devotion for a different kind of day. Start by reading the above scripture several times. The scripture is about a different kind of day—a day of ultimate triumph. Ask Jesus to speak to you. Then quiet your mind and listen for Jesus to speak a word to you. If one doesn’t come right away, it is okay. Read the scripture again later in the day and take time to listen. End you time with saying a prayer to Jesus thanking Him for speaking to you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for speaking to me. May Your word be real in my life today. Amen.
Contributed by Senior Pastor Jeff Miller
