Day Ten: Behind the Veil

           Jesus took Peter, John, and James into the room with him to raise up the little girl from her death bed. Imagine being one of the few chosen to be with Jesus at this time. Already Jesus had chosen only twelve to be close to him but of the twelve he specifically choses only three for this particular moment. It is interesting to ponder why. I also wonder what they must have been thinking.

           Here everyone thinks the little girl is dead. There are already mourners wailing at her home. Jesus walks in with the three disciples and tells the girl to get up and she does. I wonder if Jesus was not trying to teach Peter, John, and James that things are not always what they seem to be. Don't assume you know the outcome of the situation, let Jesus walk into the situation and change it.

Kiss and Make Up

            Most of today's study is geared toward relationships. Facing the death of a loved can leave a lot of things unresolved in our hearts. Beth is reminding us of the bible's wise instruction to keep our relationships settled so you don't have any regrets.

"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesian 4:25-32)."

      

STUDY GUIDE:

 Follow along in JOHN: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore pages 47-52

 Read Mark 5:35-43

 Answer the following questions in your study guide:

         1. Being in the same room with death has a riveting effect on anyone. What do you think Jesus had in mind by asking Peter, James, and John here to witness this moment?

         2. Is there anything you've given up for dead in your life, assuming it was beyond Christ's power to reverse or transform? How could He bring life into this very situation?

         3. Among other things, this is a lesson in keeping our relationships honest and authentic-- our love expressed, our vows kept, our forgiveness current. Is there anything in your life right now that another's death could leave unresolved?

 Share a brief highlight or two from your thoughts and answers in a comment posted to the group. (Read guidelines and cautions posted August 1, 2010 before you post).

 Read the comments of others and share your thoughts and encouragement with them by replying to their comments. Identify which post you are responding to by addressing them and their subject or pasting a brief portion of their reply at the start of your post.

PRAY WITH ME:

Lord no doubt that everyone reading this post has or will at some point lose someone special to death. Even when we lose an elderly person it is difficult. Losing  a parent  at any age closes a chapter in our lives that can make us feel lost without the anchor we naturally hold onto that our parents provide. When a  young person dies, we can't help but wonder where you were, Lord. You are the protector of the innocent and the healer of the children. Lord we know  you love these young ones with a love greater than we can imagine. Lord, we know you have a purpose to the time and day that each of us will die. Help us to not take for granted any of our relationships, young or old, let us take the time to share with each of our loved ones while we can. Give us the wisdom to set straight our differences while we have the opportunity before we miss our chance.  In Jesus Name, Amen.