Friday, March 18, 2011
END TIMES READING PLAN: Isaiah 61-63
SCRIPTURE READING
John 9:15 Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. (NKJV)
John functioned in ministry as a friend of the Bridegroom; this speaks of having a specific message and spirit in ministering to people. The message is to make known Jesus’ desire, beauty and commitments as the Bridegroom God and to call people to love Him with all their heart. As believers, we seek to excel in our dedication and ministry calling, both of which can be a struggle for us. John’s life was found in encountering the Bridegroom and we are called to live as John did to see that we are desired by Jesus. This passage also gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ coming death. Notice that this revelation was made in the context of revealing Himself as a Bridegroom. He died to purchase His Bride. Jesus passion as a Bridegroom was expressed in His passion on the cross.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Our calling in ministry must be solidly built upon our understanding of the bridal paradigm. We must encounter God daily, in our hearts and minds. Ask the Lord which area you need to grow in when it comes to encountering Him – heart or mind? Ask Him to give you a few strategies to get you growing in that area.
2. Ask God to reveal to you a specific ministry calling that He has placed on your life. Spend some time listening in prayer for a word, thought, picture or scripture passage. Ask God to confirm this ministry calling for you in the next few months.
3. Spend some time praising and thanking Jesus for purchasing us on the cross, thank Him for His willingness to partner with us, weak humans. Thank Him for being an extraordinary God.
