Apr 25: Insight Post by Karen Heal
Weekly Reading: John 19:30, Matthew 27:45–50, Mark 15:33–37
Friday Reflection
God’s Power in Weakness: The crucifixion shows that in what seemed like defeat, God’s greatest victory was achieved. Through Jesus’ apparent weakness, God demonstrated His ultimate power and strength. This teaches us that God often works through our weaknesses to accomplish His purposes.
Friday Verse
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
Friday Questions
How can I allow God to work through my weaknesses and trust that His grace is sufficient for me in all situations? In what ways can I embrace my vulnerabilities, knowing that God’s power is made perfect in my weakness?
Friday Insight Post
by Karen Heal
Jesus, on the day of your crucifixion, your Holy Spirit left you. Somehow while still being God, you were profoundly alone. Back when John baptized You and Your Spirit came upon You, Your ministry began. It was completed when You took on thean time as both God and tortured man sins of all hum. Without the Living Water–Your Holy Spirit–You were forsaken (Matthew 27:46). You are the Living Water (John 7:37–39), yet on the cross, you were thirsty. You tasted vinegar to fulfill a prophecy (Psalm 22:1), and you died.
Yet the backwards truth? At your “weakest” moment, you destroyed death, the world’s most intractable foe. You descended into hell to defeat the devil forever. And now, because of Your sacrifice, we can share your Spirit, the same Power who raised you from the dead (Romans 8:11).
Your power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). How perfect for us, since we have no hope of being strong. You even promise us that the weaker we are, the more apparent Your strength will be. Just by us being our own puny selves, You glorify Yourself more and more.
You created a way into your kingdom that doesn’t rely on our cleverness, sacrifice, or a complete to-do list. Instead, You ask us to trust Your Spirit and follow You. You use these rebellious wills of ours that have caused us such grief to do Your ministry on earth.
With Your Spirit, we are never alone, and we will join You in Your Father’s house. You did this for us on the cross. Thank you, Jesus.
Karen Heal
Small Group Leader and Unbound Prayer Team Member
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org