Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.
BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."
Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.
Understanding to grow in
Mark's account of the resurrection is the briefest. Some think its abrupt ending means the original end may have been lost. Mark notes first, that there was no mistake as to where Jesus was buried as the two Mary's were there. Second, he notes the heavenly significance of the events, by the miraculous removal of the "large" stone and the intriguing man dressed in the uniform of heaven (16v5 with 9v3). Third, Mark stresses the reassuring fact that this fulfilled what Jesus had said would happen. So the disciples need not fear in facing life post-crucifixion, as they will see Jesus again. Finally, we see the women nevertheless left "trembling and bewildered." This is the right first response to the resurrection - a response that should move us to consider the events and then come to rejoice and respond to their significance. As Mark told us at the beginning of his gospel, Jesus is "the Messiah, the Son of God" (1v1). He has come to put our world right - to rescue us from the sin and death that dominiates this present order. As you read note the significance of the fact that Jesus is risen.
Mark 15:42-16:8
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.
Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.