John 12:1-36

40 Days of John

Day 21: John 12:1-36

In today's reading, the tension is rising among the Jewish religious leaders.  Word has spread that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  While many more have come to believe in Jesus, many also want Him dead.  And even with all of that tension happening, God's Word is coming true for the world to see as Mary anoints Jesus, and Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey for Passover.

God is proving through Jesus that He is who He says He is, that He keeps His Word and His promises.  

I don't know about you, but I can certainly relate to the disciples lack of understanding as things are happening with Jesus in the moment...

"At first his disciples did not understand all this.  Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that these things had been done to him."

John 12:16

How many times have I seen God's divine plan after the fact, but struggled so much in the middle of whatever mess I am in?

Think about God's work in Your life.  Can you name a time in which God met You in the middle of a mess, but you didn't realize how He had His hands in things until much of it was said and done?  

That's part of God's promises for us as we read today.

Jesus reminds us that if we will serve Him, in the ways He came to serve, in the ways He has showed us, we will find Him and God will be glorified even in the middle of the mess.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for drawing me closer to You as I read Your word.  Thank You for reminding me that Jesus died so that I am free to be with You now and for eternity.

Help me focus on You, Lord, and Your presence that is with me every single moment of every single day.  Show me how You need me to serve others for Your glory.

I pray for all those who need to realize Your promises in their lives, those who are in the middle of a mess, those who are struggling, those who are hurting, those who need understanding, those who need to draw close to You.  

You are my Savior, both now and forever.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.