Meditations in the Time of the Virus

Truth: Part 2 (From Curses to Blessings)

Jesus makes some pretty huge claims: to be God; the only Savior; and eternal. He makes claims about His words. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35) And everyone who hears His words and builds on them “will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24)
 
Jesus’ words are the word of God, and they have power. There are amazing things that happen when He speaks:

• “I will. Be cleansed.” – and the leper is healed. (Mark 1:41-42)
• “Come.” – and Peter, invited, steps out of the boat and walks on the water. (Matthew 14:29)
• “Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” – and the paralyzed man walks. (Mark 2:11)
• “Peace. Be still” – and the storm ceased. (Mark 4:39)
• “Young man, I say to you, ‘arise.’” – and the young man came back to life. (Luke 7:14-15)
• “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” – and the one thief received eternal life. (Luke 23:43)
• “Lazarus, come out!” – and the dead man came out. (John 11:43-44)

Jesus changes things by the power of His word.
 
But did you ever notice:
The first sermon of the Old Testament starts out: “… cursed are you …” and continues “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing …. [and] cursed is the ground because of you …. You are dust and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:14-19)
The first sermon of the New Testament begins, “Blessed are …” (Matthew 5:3-7:27)
The change between curse and blessing is nothing else than Jesus; Jesus born for us, living for us; crucified for us and rising for us.

Jesus’ words change things. More important than the miracles, they change our relationship with God. They bring forgiveness. 

• Jesus says “Your sins are forgiven.” – and the paralyzed man has everything changed even before he is healed. (Matthew 9:2)
• Jesus says, “Father, forgive them, …” and “Why have You forsaken Me.” and “It is finished.” – and our sins are forgiven. (Luke 23:34; Matthew 27:46; John 19:30)
• Jesus says, “Mary.” – and Mary turns, sees Him and believes. (John 20:16)
• Jesus says, “Put your finger here and see My hands …” – and Thomas says, “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:27-28)

 
Jesus changes us from being cursed and separated from God, to being the beloved children of God and His own friends. And He gives promises: “You will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” (John 8:32)  When we have our souls filled with the eternal Word of God, we have eternity within us. And Jesus says, “Because I live, you will live.” (John 14:19)  His promises are more powerful than any problem, trial, or misfortune that could happen to us. He hears our prayers and is with us every day, “to the end of the age.”
 
Lord Jesus, fill my soul with Your promises. Fill my mind with Your words. Connect me to You that Your life may fill my life, Your heaven may be my home, Your resurrection may be my great hope, and Your eternity may become my future. Amen.

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