Acts 7:37-60 – Happy Ending

Read Acts 7:37-60

Were you expecting a happy ending for Stephen in the second part of chapter 7? He had been doing such a masterful job of telling the story, connecting his fellow Jews. Surely, Stephen would have found favor with them. That is, until his tone changed and he began accusing his audience.

You may be wondering how I could say, “happy.” Think of it. Seeing Jesus and being in his presence is always a happy ending. It’s the ending I pray for all my loved ones, minus the stoning part. We are all going to die one day, and knowing Jesus makes death the beginning of our happy ending. Stephen saw Jesus in all his glory, and I imagine he was able to look past what the world was doing to him. Continue reading “Acts 7:37-60 – Happy Ending”

Ezekiel 27:26-36 – Missing the Happy Ending

Read Ezekiel 27:26-36

After our last reading almost applauded the seaport of Tyre, we see the true fate of this key city. This message of God’s doom for Tyre comes in the form of a poem or song of lament. The people of Tyre missed out on their happy ending.

The perspective of these observations comes from outsiders looking in. What do they see? Signs that a bustling city has been destroyed and has vanished. I think of how storm surges these days level cities so that only foundations remain. Evidence that life once thrived in this place. Continue reading “Ezekiel 27:26-36 – Missing the Happy Ending”

Mark 5:35-43 – Trust Jesus

Read Mark 5:35-43

I love a happy ending, don’t you? We first met Jairus, the girl’s father, in our last reading. Do you think he felt pushed aside or marginalized when Jesus got sidetracked with the woman who had touched his garment? Our passage starts with news of the passing of Jairus’ daughter. Jairus’ emotions had to be all over the place.

Thankfully, Jesus overheard the news. We’re not told how Jairus was responding to the message, but Jesus’ words had to have been a bit confusing. Jesus told Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.” Do you think Jairus even heard Jesus? I can just imagine a father’s wailing cry after hearing his precious daughter had died.

Continue reading “Mark 5:35-43 – Trust Jesus”
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