Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 6, 2015
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. John 19:19-20
Very practical people can miss the bigger idea embedded in a challenging circumstance. Instead of seizing the moment—they are seized by the moment. Recently, our ministry was in a taxing situation caused by shifting expectations in the marketplace. Our customers couldn’t afford our traditional services, but they would embrace an easily accessible and affordable option. After much prayer and collaboration with our team—we saw the bigger idea of online education as an opportunity to enhance our mission. Bigger ideas require bigger faith in our bigger God!
Jesus found Himself surrounded by small minded leaders, who thought the expedience of death was the answer to His threatening life. In the middle of their cultural upheaval they missed God’s bigger idea of salvation in Christ. Pilate had a sign prepared and placed over Christ’s cross mocking Him as King of the Jews. He was a King—but much more profoundly—King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus was crucified for claiming to be God and thus, the cross accomplished God’s bigger idea of mankind’s redemption. Bigger ideas come to those who see beyond the expedient.
“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24).
What are you facing that requires you to think outside of the box about God’s bigger idea? If you are paralyzed by an immediate need—your faith is crippled. Bigger ideas and better options come to those who lean into Christ, not away from Him. Wisdom always looks for better ways to do its work. If a formidable competitor came on the scene, what would you do differently? See the Lord’s larger purpose in: your sickness—for His glory, your failure—to learn humility, your success—to grow in generosity, your waiting—to be patient, your relationships—to love better.
What a privilege we have to be able to go to our heavenly Father for His perspective. His bigger ideas are superior to our small mindedness. So, as we engage in the culture we are not overwhelmed by its short-sightedness. Rather we expect expediency from society, and we look for where the Lord is working. Where God’s definition of marriage is repurposed, we see the greater need to repent of our lackadaisical attitude. By God’s grace we make marriage attractive. We have access to a greater grace to overcome a greater sin. Prayerfully we seek God’s bigger idea behind a big need.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, reveal to me Your bigger idea behind my challenging circumstances.
Related Readings: Micah 4:11-12; Acts 2:23, 4:23-28; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 1:11
Post/Tweet this today: Bigger ideas require bigger faith in our bigger God! #abiggeridea #wisdomhunters
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Dear Douglas,
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