Thursday, April 12th, 2018

As the world anxiously awaits what will be done in Syria after the terrible chemical attacks, hope for peace in the Middle East seems impossible. It is such a complex and brutal situation that has gone on for far too long. But in Jesus, we all have everlasting hope. Consider what it must have felt like for John, the youngest disciple of Jesus, watching the man he had followed for three years, sacrificing everything to be with and placing his hope within, hanging on the cross. John’s gospel places him right at the foot of the cross with a first-hand view of his hopes being dashed to bits. If there ever was a hopeless moment for humanity, that was it. John’s gospel tells us how weak Jesus appeared on the cross, saying, “[Jesus] said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” When unspeakable tragedy strikes our world, or our individual lives, it can seem like Jesus was powerless to stop it. However, when Jesus looks his weakest he is actually doing his greatest work. We must have faith that the third day is coming! Today, pray for Syria as well as those people around the world who are hurting, broken, or enduring a trial. Pray that they may have faith that the third day is coming!

“Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” – John 19: 28-30 NLT