Looking through eyes that have cried

 

"There are many things that can only be seen through eyes that have cried." - Oscar Romero

One of the most moving passages in the scriptures (for me) is where John records how Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus. There are so many sermons one can write on this encounter, but the truth is that tells us that Jesus cares and Jesus feels our pain. 

When Jesus looks at a broken world, he sees us, not with eyes of condescension, but through eyes that have shed many tears. 

"My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God" - Job 16:20

Living in Grace

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The road to freedom

We all want to experience Freedom. 

Being 'free' can be expressed in a variety of ways - from having the freedom of speech, freedom to vote, freedom to live and work where we want, freedom to practise our faith and so on. However, what many people forget is that freedom always comes at cost. It is ironic that Freedom is never Free!

"...the road to freedom is via the cross." - Albert Luthuli 

When Jesus died on the cross, God invited humanity to receive his forgiveness and to be set from from the bondage of sin. Our freedom comes at the cost of Jesus' life. 

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." - John 8:36

"Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin." - Acts 13:39

Living in Grace

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Inspired by Tiro

Marcus Tullius Tiro was born a slave around 104 B.C., and lived in the household of Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero for nearly 50 years. Tiro become more than a slave to Cicero - they became close friends and Tiro accompanied him where ever he went. Tiro's role was mainly as a scribe and without his gifted writing skills, we wouldn't have valuable resources concerning the events surrounding Cicero's life. 

Tiro was given the family name of Cicero and thus held the same first names as his owner, even after he was granted his freedom - Marcus Tullius Tiro. One of the greatest legacy's of Tiro was his incredible version of short-hand (Tironian Notes), which lasted for over 1000 years. Some traces of his remarkable skill still lived on into the 17th Century. 

I share these thoughts today, as we celebrate Freedom Day in South Africa on the 27th April. This day is a milestone in our country, as we remember our past and the first democratic elections held in 1994. 

“To be ignorant of what occurred before you were born is to remain always a child.” - Marcus Tullius Cicero

Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Living in Grace

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Love that will never let me go

"O Love that will not let me go;

I rest my weary soul in Thee;
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine oceans depths its flow
May richer, fuller be."  - George Matheson

It is rare to find someone who is willing to love us through the depths and darkness of our shadow selves. Thankfully God is one of these people and He will never let us go. We can never plumb the depths of his love and grace.

Ephesians 3:17-19 - "...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Living in grace

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The scars are there for a reason

Mark Davis - "I consider it one of the gifts of the Christian tradition that every gospel account of the resurrection includes Jesus' scars."

I find it very moving that Jesus is not afraid of his own scars. He is willing to show them to his disciples, not as a badge of honour, but as I sign of his 'over-coming.' 

We can learn a lot from this action and remember that God is not afraid of our scars either. Whether our scars are hidden or visible, Christ still loves us.

John 20: 27 - Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Living in Grace

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In every situation

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all." - 2 Thessalonians 3:16

There was something about this verse that struck a chord with me this week. It relates to circumstances involving the church in Thessalonica, but it can so easily be speaking into our lives today. As you read through this verse ask yourself how these words offer you hope right now?

Matt Redman -  We can always find a reason to praise. Situations change for better and for worse, but God's worth never changes.

May the Lord be with you today.

Living in Grace

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Magnificent failure?

"If Jesus could enter this world and be unflinchingly courageous in this extreme adversity, be such a magnificent 'failure', then I can also live with meaning and love in whatever comes my way." - Eugene Peterson

When we look to Jesus we see in him so many moments of inspiration for our lives. 

We remember that He is our salvation and our strength, but Eugene Peterson offers us fresh insight into something else. When we note that Jesus appeared to be a 'failure' in the public eye, but still showed unflinching courage in the face of his death, I hope we feel renewed encouragement to keeping going. Life can throw us many curve balls, but with the resilience of Christ, we can persevere. 

Mark 16:6 - But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.

Living in Grace

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