Showing posts with label Funeral. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Funeral. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

All In!

For Wednesday, February 28, 2024:

Mark 14:8 NLT, Jesus speaking: “The woman has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.”

Jesus was finishing dinner when a woman entered, broke open a jar of expensive perfume, and poured it over Jesus. Most considered it a waste of resources. The perfume could have been sold, and the money used to buy food for the poor. But already, Jesus had his eyes on the cross. He knew what the future held.

Dead bodies stink after a short time, so the custom was to drench them in perfume. This was a part of the funeral ritual at the time. So Jesus approved what had happened. Her timing was a little off, but the effort was genuine.

The principle here is that, just like the woman, each of us should do all we can for Jesus while we’re alive. We are told to do the best we can with what we have.

Jesus said that wherever the Gospel is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed. We’re doing that right now. The woman didn’t have much, but with the resources she had, she was all in for Jesus – 100%!

She had given her all for Jesus, just as he will give his all to rescue mankind. Jesus never does anything halfway. It’s all or nothing, always doing his best!

Thank you Jesus for pulling us out of the sin-filled mire!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

Sunday, November 13, 2022

I Live, You Live!

For Sunday, November 13, 2022:

john 14:19 NLT, Jesus speaking: “Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live.

Jesus was speaking to his disciples, trying to make sense of what was difficult for them to understand. Back then, whether there was life after this life was a topic of debate. Jesus wants to clear up this question. There IS a life after this life! Jesus knew he’d be returning to the Father, and intends to prepare a place for each of the believers. “Since I live, you also will live,” is telling us that we’ll be alive again after our earthly demise!

Many churches refer to a funeral as a “Celebration of Life!” Yes, it’s the end of life on earth, but it’s also an opportunity to live in paradise alongside Jesus and his Father. It doesn’t get any better than that! Believers get to see heaven from the inside!

Surprisingly, if you’re a believer, the end of life offers hope!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406