Quick Conclusions
Scripture – John 20:1-2: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What terrible thoughts must have run through Mary’s mind? The stone which would have been covering the entrance to Jesus’ tomb had been removed. We don’t know if she went up and looked inside or not. We only know she jumped to a most logical conclusion – someone had removed His body. One thing I keep learning and re-learning in my walk with Christ is to be careful about reaching conclusions too quickly. God still does amazing things. Many times I’ve believed I had someone “figured out.” Then the Lord brought something brand new out of them and showed once again that no person is beyond His ability to transform. If Mary stopped to think, what other possibilities could there be to explain what she found?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As much as I want to jump ahead in this story, I will continue to go slowly. I’ll wait to see what tomorrow’s reading reveals. I will avoid jumping to quick conclusions today as I encounter people. I will trust the transforming power of Christ – in me and in them.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Keep me open today, Lord. I’m learning that’s a key aspect of being Christ-like – to welcome people into my life as they are. To listen to them with love and understanding, rather than with judgment. Help me do that today. And when words are appropriate, teach me what to say and how to speak.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What terrible thoughts must have run through Mary’s mind? The stone which would have been covering the entrance to Jesus’ tomb had been removed. We don’t know if she went up and looked inside or not. We only know she jumped to a most logical conclusion – someone had removed His body. One thing I keep learning and re-learning in my walk with Christ is to be careful about reaching conclusions too quickly. God still does amazing things. Many times I’ve believed I had someone “figured out.” Then the Lord brought something brand new out of them and showed once again that no person is beyond His ability to transform. If Mary stopped to think, what other possibilities could there be to explain what she found?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) As much as I want to jump ahead in this story, I will continue to go slowly. I’ll wait to see what tomorrow’s reading reveals. I will avoid jumping to quick conclusions today as I encounter people. I will trust the transforming power of Christ – in me and in them.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Keep me open today, Lord. I’m learning that’s a key aspect of being Christ-like – to welcome people into my life as they are. To listen to them with love and understanding, rather than with judgment. Help me do that today. And when words are appropriate, teach me what to say and how to speak.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
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