ODB: olympic extravaganza
October 13, 2009
READ: 1 Kings 10:4-10
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16
The opening ceremony of the Beijing Summer Olympics on August 8, 2008, impressed the world. I saw it on TV as more than 90,000 people watched it live in the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing. It was inspiring to hear about China’s 5,000 years of history and the inventions she had contributed to the world: paper-making, movable-type printing, the compass, and fireworks.
The Queen of Sheba was greatly impressed by what she saw during her visit with Solomon (1 Kings 10:4-5). The sights of Jerusalem so overwhelmed her that she exclaimed, “The half was not told me” (v.7). Above all, she was impressed with Solomon’s wisdom (vv.6-7). She was convinced that the subjects of Solomon were happy because they continually stood before him and heard his wisdom (v.8). She concluded by praising Solomon’s Lord for making him king so he would “do justice and righteousness” (v.9).
Solomon’s impact on his people made me wonder about our contribution to the world. We’re not concerned about impressing others with our possessions or abilities, but we all should want to make a difference in the lives of people. What if there was one thing each of us did today that caused people to praise the Lord? — C. P. Hia
Christians are windows through which Jesus can shine.
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Loading ...ODJ: deep waters, dark nights
“Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage! I am here!” (v.50).
READ: Mark 6:45-51
In the film The Perfect Storm, a captain and crew head out for what they hope will be an uneventful fishing expedition. In their quest for a bountiful catch, they motor far past their normal fishing location. There they find great success, but as they turn for home they encounter the horrifying combination of two powerful weather fronts and a hurricane. The crew struggles as they attempt to cut through deep waters, a dark night, pounding waves, and shrieking winds. Ultimately, the fierce weather overwhelms them.
As the disciples made their way across the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida, they too found themselves in a ferocious storm—experiencing turbulent, deep waters and a dark night. They struggled to sail through pounding waves and shrieking winds. Though they could not see Jesus, Jesus could see them (Mark 6:48). He saw their exhaustion, desperation, and even their lack of progress. Not only did He see them, He came to them in an unexpected and powerful way, walking on the water (vv.48-49). When Jesus walked on the water, He gave them a glimpse of the unlimited power of God. Though they couldn’t speak, Jesus spoke to them: “Don’t be afraid. . . . Take courage! I am here!” (v.50). His words and presence gave them courage.
If you’re experiencing deep waters and dark nights, remember three things: (1) When you can’t see Jesus, Jesus sees you. He sees your hard work, exhaustion, sorrow, fear, and your lack of progress, and He cares deeply for you. (2) When you can’t come to Jesus, Jesus comes to you—in unexpected and powerful ways. His coming is not always to deliver us, but to remind us that He’s still in control and will not let us be overwhelmed. (3) When we can’t speak to Jesus, Jesus speaks to us. He speaks powerful words of assurance: “I am here!” —Marvin Williams
What price did Jesus pay to bring you under His wings? How will you live out the compassionate, redeeming nature of Jesus today?
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