March 2 – Bible reading for today from the One Year Bible:
“They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear.” – Mark 10:32
Why would the disciples be filled with awe? Why were others overwhelmed with fear? I mean, this is Jesus we are talking about! Most people were filled with hope when Jesus was walking by, but this day was different. Jesus was walking into Jerusalem—the place where the religious leaders wanted to kill Him. He knew it… the disciples knew it. They were in awe because of the amazing courage Jesus displayed. He wasn’t walking behind them to hide. Instead, He was walking ahead of them, right toward the cross!
Here’s the thing—that same courageous Jesus lives inside you! In the face of everything that is overwhelming to you, during times of deep discouragement when it feels like everything and everyone is against you, TAKE COURAGE! Rise up, lift up your head! Fix your eyes on what lies before you. Do not be sidetracked by the challenges that lie in front of you. Press into the presence of the Lord. He is a warrior, and it’s in these moments that He wants to rise up on the inside of you with a bold courage.
Renee and I were talking last night about how a mother bear, when provoked, comes out fighting. When it comes to protecting her own, she is willing to fight, even if it means her own life. Something happens when we need to protect our children… when we feel pushed into a corner. We tap into a strength that we didn’t think we had. We become fearless, courageous… it’s the very nature of God inside of us! Moses declared:
“The Lord is a warrior; Yahweh is his name!” – Exodus 15:3
Jesus had courage to walk toward His death because He knew it was not going to be the end of the story! He knew that three days later, there would be a resurrection; it would be the beginning of a new and better covenant. Take courage, my friend – it’s not the end of the story for you. It’s the beginning of something brand new!
Blessings!
Your Pastor and Friend,
Kevin Berry
