Jesus’ Life: Chapter 8 – Jesus’ Ministry In Galilee (Part 3)
Over the centuries, people have suffered greatly from many natural disasters.
Earthquakes, tsunamis and flooding have alone, accounted for millions of deaths and incalculable damage. Countries and nations have been wiped out overnight. Personal and family suffering has often been very great.
Today, large loss of life and damage to infrastructure, through natural disasters, is often avoided or at least reduced. We have a better understanding of natural dangers and have created early-warning and barrier systems. People place their trust in them. They follow set procedures and vacate their homes in advance.
Such evacuation procedures often stipulate that people move quickly to designated assembly points or buildings. Interestingly, Churches are often used. It may be because they are large, strong or built on high ground or because people believe they offer Spiritual protection.
The day after Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people, he promised not to lose a single soul, he said, “I have come down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me – that I should not lose one person…, but raise them all up at the last day. For this is the will of my Father…”.
As well as feeling safe spiritually in times of danger, we can also rest in the knowledge that Jesus, by his death and resurrection, has created an eternal place of safety for you and me when we live by his teachings. A place that no disaster warning system or man-made barrier can ever be compared to. (John 6:26-59)
Thought
Have you visited your local Church recently? It offers a safe haven for all who enter.
Enjoy life, enjoy doing Jesus’ work, enjoy eternal happiness with Jesus.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, bless me with your gift of peace. Remove all anxiety and fear from my thoughts, knowing that you hold me firm. Thank You, Jesus.
Prayer: Footprints
One night I had a dream.
I dreamed that I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
one belonging to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times of my life.
This really bothered me
and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints;
I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me”.
The Lord replied, “My child, my precious, precious child,
I love you and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you”.
