Theme: Love Redeems
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Let the Praises Ring - Lincoln Brewster, The Time Has Come - Hillsong, From the Inside Out, Before the Throne of God - arr. Shane & Shane
Read: Genesis 3:13-15
Think: In this age of completely full planes, intrusive security checks, and rising baggage fees, the best thing about flying has got to be looking out the window. I especially enjoy looking down at a city during takeoff or landing, and trying to understand more about the place. Why did the city develop here? A seaport? A river? Why are the roads where they are? From the air, we gain a whole new perspective.
Perspective can change our view about the events of our life, too. Day-by-day, there seems to be so much about life that is random. We set goals, and work to achieve them. But we are quickly thrown off track as life intervenes. Two steps forward, then three back. As the old joke goes: “Do you want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans!”
The truth is, only God has the perspective to make sense of everything that happens in our lives. He understands the good we desire, and the obstacles we face. He knows what has brought us to this point, and where we will go from here. God knows the end from the beginning. Even better, He acts to bring about His own purpose.
The scripture reading for today contains what most bible scholars consider the first reference in Scripture to Jesus, the offspring of the woman who will crush the serpent’s head. God announces His intention that Satan will be defeated. Even though thousands of years passed before Jesus’ death and resurrection, we can see now that God brought about what He planned from the beginning.
Pastor Dave taught us that the big picture of life will reveal that life isn’t as random as we think because God is at work. He is at work in the whole of history, and in our individual lives. We would do well to look for where God is working, and join Him.
Do: What’s the biggest news in your life recently? Now, try to change your perspective a little. How will your big news look in 100 years?
Pray: Heavenly Father, on my own, my perspective is limited. I find myself focusing on just what is in front of me today. Show me more, God. Help me understand that your love and your plans encompass my whole life and the entire world. Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.