“And while they were gathering together in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be handed over to men; and they will kill Him, and He will be raised on the third day.” And they were deeply grieved” (Matthew 17:22-23).
Jesus tells us before it happens so that we will not fear. We often confuse our own ideas with truth. Jesus said it plainly. God has a purpose in everything. Why do we fear death? We will all die. Is a few more moments in this age worth giving up your immortal soul? Live your life and trust the One who has come to join you with Him in eternity. Do not be grieved by your sinful society but lament the rebellion in this age.
Lord, You have said that we are blessed if we mourn. Help me to not be grieved. Things will come to pass just as You have told us they will. Lead me in faith to trust You above all things. Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to leave behind my anxieties to come to the place where I do trust You and believe that all things You direct me to do are possible. Lead me to live a life of faith.
Lord Jesus, I do grieve when things do not go the way I planned. I imagine them one way, but then, they go in another direction. Guide me to always look to You, the author and finisher of my faith and follow Your lead. Lift me up to obey all that You have commanded and lead me in the Gospel way which You have set before me. In You alone is there hope. Help me to abide in the hope You give me. Amen.
