Today's devotional thought comes from the book Extreme Devotion. After you read it, please leave us a few comments and let us know how the Lord used it to minister to you.
A young Christian man in Eastern Europe, Jon Lugajanu, returned to the prison after his court hearing. His cell mates anxiously asked him, “What happened?”
He answered, “It was just like the day the angel visited Mary, the mother of Jesus. Here she was, a godly young woman sitting alone in meditation, when a radiant angel of God told her the incredible news. She would carry the Son of God in her womb.”
Curious about how this story tied in to Jon’s courtroom experience, the other prisoners listened closely. Jon went on to share the gospel of peace through the story of Mary. “For all the joy Jesus brought her, Mary would have to one day stand at the foot of a cross and watch him suffer and die for the sins of the world. God resurrected Jesus, where he now reigns in heaven. Mary knew once she was in heaven, she would be with Jesus again and experience eternal joy.”
The other prisoners were puzzled at this. “But we asked you what happened in court?” they reminded Jon.
Jon looked at them, his face shining with peace, and said, “I was given the death penalty. Isn’t that beautiful news?” Jon realized the news the angel delivered to Mary was just as bittersweet—after Jesus had suffered there would be rejoicing in heaven. He anxiously anticipated his eternal joy in Jesus’ presence.
In many cultures, death is a taboo subject. People often go to great lengths to insulate themselves from the inevitability of their own death. They like to use phrases like “passed away” instead of “died.” We resist making a will or buying life insurance, thinking, “It will never happen to me.” Corporations make huge profits selling us products that promise eternal youth. God does not give us the option of ignoring death, but he gives us the key to facing it. Mary’s angelic visitor did not shirk from telling her she would suffer great grief at the cross. However, she was also given the hope of resurrection to make her grief bearable. As Christians, God’s promise of eternal life helps us accept our own death both realistically and courageously.
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