Text: John 19:28-42, Revelation 21:1-4
John, the beloved, stood and watched His Savior and friend bow His head. He saw the simple autopsy of Jesus and watched as Joseph of Arimathea carried away the Son of Man to be buried. He witnessed all of it and I can’t help but wonder if it felt like the end of a horribly sad story.
A huge part of me wants John to have written a sidebar right here, to see his humanness. I wouldn’t mind a “And guys – I was SAD. It did NOT look good” right around John 19:43. John must’ve known tears, right? He knew and saw death. And while I’m sure the events that would occur three days later brought a massive spring to his step, he’d know pain and hurt again in his life.
We catch up with John years and years later, now an old man, as he’s exiled on the island of Patmos. While we might be tempted to feel bad for him – let’s peek in on the picture He’s experiencing in Revelation 21. John the Beloved got to see things he could barely describe and things we can hardly dare interpret. A new heaven, a new earth, a resurrected and returning King wiping away all the tears.
Do you know pain? Do you know someone who knows pain?
Does it feel like the end or the middle or the beginning of just another sad story?
Don’t for a second let the enemy of your heart leave you in John 19.
Ladies, He rose from the dead – compelled by love and grace and power – instilled and enlisted by His Father, to defeat sin and death and tears and pain. For the glory of God and for our restoration. And like John saw before he took his last earthly breath, He’s coming back. All the old sad stories will be weaved like beautiful vintage threads into a tapestry of grace and glory and Good News.
Where is your hope today? Is it in a life without tears that you couldn’t muster up if you tried, or are you simply hoping for another story to begin that isn’t quite as sad as this one?
Let’s hope in a fresh start. A beautiful, true, eternal story. One that never began and never ends, but climaxed on a sad Friday over two thousand years ago and will see us through to this beautiful new place – where our tears are no more.
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43 thoughts on "the end of the beginning + the beginning of the end"
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He, Messiah, is our Blessed Hope. For that reason I rejoice! It was His triumph over death, hell and the grave. He came to give us life, and life more abundantly; seated us together with Him in heavenly places. He has given us the kingdom–that is, all things that pertains to life and godliness!
Thank you Teresa! I will be praying for your family that God may open their spiritual eyes to Him and that the lies the enemy tells them may dissipate and no longer hold them captive!
Time and time again these past couple of days I have found myself in revelation and other parts of the Bible talking about Jesus’ second coming. My husband is a non believer as is most of his family and the other night his mother and I were just sitting alone with a lag in the conversation. All of a sudden I got this urge to jump up and scream “Jesus is coming again! He’s coming!” I tried to start conversation about faith to get the ball rolling to tell her but to no avail. A couple of days later I saw her again and just took her aside and told her! I planted a seed sisters! A seed God really wanted me to plant! Nothing outright happened next, just a really confused mother in law! Prayer for my family and pray for each other! Good things are happening this year and Our Father is working fast!!
Praying Stacey! Most of my siblings and their families are non believers so totally understand! Praying for that seed planted will burst and sprout and grow.
That's wonderful! Praying that Jesus would grow and protect that seed as you continue to share with her!
Oh my! This brought me to tears. Oh that we would follow the leading of the Holy Spirit! Good for you. We are not responsible for the increase-God takes care of that. You planted the seeds! Praying for a great harvest.
I have read and heard this story of Joseph and Nicodemus for years! This morning it made me very emotional. Perhaps it had much to do with some recent losses in our own life but I thought how hard it would be for these men to take down Jesus body and prepare it for burial and then close up the tomb as though it were the end. This was their friend, their mentor, their Saviour. He had loved them like no other and now he was gone. And then yahoo! 3 days later!!!
There was hope! I am thankful for the scripture in Revelation this morning as a reminder we have that hope and how awesome it is that God is with us, now and forever, and there will be no more pain or mourning or crying or pain!!! Yay!!!!
I love basking in God's Presence!!!
One of the most beautiful and reassuring moments in my life was one night, just recently, when I was just unable to sleep. I sat down and read Revelation 21 aloud (very loud, I might add – thankfully my neighbor works night shift, or I might have awakened him) to my quiet apartment. THe peace of God which passes all understanding overwhelmed my soul that night, and I will never forget it. Never underestimate the power of reading the scripture aloud, my sisters!
Today, when reading Revelation 21:1-4 in my C.S. Lewis study Bible, I noticed a quote from him that is particularly applicable to this study:
"God is not merely mending, not simply restoring a status quo. Redeemed humanity is to be something more glorious than unfallen humanity would have been, more glorious than any unfallen race now is (if at this moment the night sky conceals any such). The greater the sin, the greater the mercy: the deeper the death, the brighter the rebirth. And this super-added glory will, with true vicariousness, exalt all creatures and those who have ever fallen will thus bless Adam's fall." – from Miracles, by C.S. Lewis
How glorious is that prospect?
Good for you for reading out loud…there is something very powerful about that!
if i were John, i would have had so many doubts; i would have questioned everything that i had been taught. But God's grace is amazing, His promises are true. When he says he is going to do something, HE DOES IT. fast forward to revelation 21:4- The lord returns. GOD IS GOOD.
This is exactly what i needed this morning !!! As Christians we tend get so overwhelmed with the mountains that we face , and they don’t seem to be moving and we can’t see a way around it no matter how hard we push , that we lose sight of the real mountain mover. That he loved us so much that he died with us in mind , that we maybe able to live a full life. I think Pastor Judah Smith said it best “the three most powerful words ever put together to make a sentence: GOD LOVES YOU”
My heart is full this morning! This past few days the theme of God’s love for me has been playing in my heart. God creating the human race with the foreknowledge that we would betray him, that He would go to the cross for our sin, just blows me away! My favorite verse from today’s reading is Revelation 21:3- “The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God!” Awesome! He wants to dwell with us! How foolish of we turn Him away!
Our God is so big, so sovereign, and so GOOD. In every single way, in every single situation, always. He is so faithful! So patient and kind, so gentle and firm to be what we need in all times! To know that Christ died a heartbreaking, excruciating death with ME in mind– to know that I, that we, were on His heart as he descended Calvary with His cross– makes me feel the love of God so hugely that it's indescribable. Lord, thank you for placing us in your heart from the time we were born. Thank you for always having our walls engraved on your hands. Thank you for PROMISING that we will one day be made new and perfect forever; thank you for promising us that there, we will never be apart from you, but will always be in your intimate, beautiful presence. Thank you, papa! Feeling so loved today.
Blessings, sisters. I thank God so much for all of you. I love you, and am sending hugs all of your ways. Thank you for being such great sisters in Christ and letting God use you where He does here on SRT.
He is coming back! How wonderful that day will be!
Beautiful words today…..uplifting and hopeful. We can never as humans comprehend the end, but trusting in the Lord, we are assured that it will be spectacular. Praise be to God!
Christina, I am right there with you! I have three daughters four and under and am home with them, homeschooling them, day in and day out. Although its rewarding, its so very tiring and I also struggle with depression and anxiety. I am so thankful for this community of women, its a beautiful thing to come together as sisters all over the world to encourage each other. Praise Him from whom ALL blessings flow!!
I am praying that the lord lifts your depression and anxiety!
I also encourage you to seek out someone who van help you overcome both of those if you feel led to do so. I am studying to become a therapist, and I just wanted to let you know that depression and anxiety are the two most common things people struggle with, but that means that almost everyone in the field can help you overcome the struggle also!
Have a blessed day, sister!
Ladies, I am so moved by these passages today. I feel so encouraged that no matter how much pain I'm feeling here on earth (be it emotional, physical, spiritual, etc.), it CANNOT compare to the pain that Jesus bore on the cross for me. Not only did he bear the physical pain of being hung on a cross, but also the emotional pain of anticipating separation from his holy Father. We NEVER are separated from our God because of what Jesus did. This is how he will wipe all of our tears away, because He knows our pain better than we do. Beacause His was worse. All done for love of us and who we are and who we will be. All praise to the One who saves!! Bless you all today.
Katie, what a wonderful thought – we will never be separated from our God because of Jesus. So simple, yet so encouraging!
This past Monday, my Pastor passed away and his sudden death left me and the whole congregation in shock. He was pastor of our church for 31 years and I've known him for 6 of those years. Upon the news, "Why did this happen? What are we supposed to do?" filled the minds and hearts of all affected by this great loss. Questions and no answers met us in our sorrowful places and we have had to really seek God for comfort and peace. This week, She Reads Truth has been such a guide and help for me. It's so amazing how God placed the devotionals of this week to match my situation. And as I read about God as an entity of hope and comfort and renewal, its comforting. It emphasizes just how amazing God is as Alpha and Omega and how although we (my congregation and myself) may not know the next turn in the story for my church, God knows all and can do all. Like Revelation 4:5 says, "[Jesus] is making everything new!" Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
Neish, praying for you and your church this morning! May the Lord continue to love you and give you strength during this time of grief.
Praying for you and your hurting church family.
Your post had me crying after the first paragraph. The thought of being at the Cross at that time leaves me speechless. I know the suffering I go through these days is not special, as there is so much much pain in the world; but my hope, yes my rock solid hope, is in our Lord and Savior and His beautiful place of "no more tears". I will keep you in my prayers Christina, He truly is faithful.
I have read some of the beginning chapters of Revelation but it was so scary and hard to read. I loved reading this happy ending today and that's what it is about. Our happy ending with The Lord! There is no pain, no suffering worse than what he went through for us, and it brings great joy and comfort to know we will be with him again!
I grew up in a home with parents who explained this story to me (in simpler terms) at a very young age, so it has always been something I have heard and knew about. Over the course of my childhood and teen years, the story began to touch me differently and I would be affected differently as the years went on. Now that I am really immersing into the Word daily and surrendering all to God, this is bathing my heart in a different way this morning. I did not expect to be as emotional moved this morning as I was, but I am very grateful that the changes that God has been making in my heart and mind are responding to this in a deeper and more intense way. The words in John cut like a knife this morning, reminding me of what Jesus went through for me, you, and everyone. Jesus died so that we may live. I think sometimes I forget the weight of that truth, and how he paid for my sins before I was ever born – before my great great great grandparents were ever born even.
Ladies, we are so truly blessed. We are so very loved. We get to be in a relationship with God. He prepared for us thousands of years in advance so that we can have the choice to live with Him forever in an unbroken place. I hope you all have a great day! I know that I will be holding these words close to my heart today.
Your words are so beautiful, Kyla! God is so good, so full of unfailing love and kindness for us! So full of patience, goodness, and strength. Lord, thank you for your wonderful faithfulness! Thank you for being so good to us, that you would die, and create a place for us where there is NO death. Praise Jesus!
I agree! I'm so thankful for the rest of the story. For if the resurrection were not true, our faith would be worthless and our hope would be in vain! And THAT WOULD be something to cry about. So thankful our God is the great restorer and has the ability to make all things new.
Hi there I have been interested in joining this group for a while! Im finally here. I am a Mom of 2 boys ages 2 and 2 months. I battle anxiety and depression daily but am continuing to keep goin no matter what. I so desire to be healed of this pain. I have never been thay disciplined in Bible reading but am here to take another step in getting to know God more. I was browsing through past posts and the one using Psalms passage about rest penetrated my heart. I would love to experience His rest in the midst of taking care of my little ones and the stresses of life. Any other Moms who battle this on here? Id love to encourage you to keep pressing on!!! The Lord is faithful and will always help you through!
Praying for you, Christina! Being a mama is HARD!
Praying for you right now. I've travelled the same road, so I completely understand what you're going through. Start memorizing the scriptures that speak to you, and pray them as your weapons against the lies satan is telling you. It will be your best weapon. :) Sending you hugs!!
Hi, Christina – my full name's Christina too! I was where you are over a year ago – only I have 2 boys AND a girl :) I just want to share that God led me to my solution to the depression by getting me off wheat. It may sound crazy, but an aunt recommended the book Wheatbelly, I cleaned out my pantry, and was my old self in 2 weeks. I was still tired, but not the crushing depression, fatigue, and anger I had been dealing with. I know it's not the solution for everyone, but it was for me and a friend before me. I will pray that God will lead you and your family through and heal you.
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So glad you found this site Christina, welcome! While I am not a mother, I have battled depression and anxiety for over 10 years now. Sometimes pouring my heart to God and seeking his scripture is the only thing that helps me, even when it's the last thing I want to do. It sounds like God is fighting for you by giving you a will of perseverance. I pray that you find complete rest in Him!
Welcome Christina! I'm in the same boat as Molly– while I don't have children, I've suffered from anxiety and depression (most chronically the anxiety) for many, many years. I couldn't agree more with Molly. I rejoice in the fact that the Lord has given you perseverance and some sort of hope as you've resolved to keep raising your boys and to continue on. God so honors your heart in raising your children and wanting to know Him more– and pouring your heart out to God, being real and honest with Him (and with others that God has placed in your life) about how you feel and how you so wish for rest brings such healing in those moments of pain. I'm praying for you now, Christina: Father, I pray that today, Christina would hear word of your unfailing love for her. I pray she'd see and taste that you are good; I pray that you'd deliver her from this hardship, and that while this is happening in your perfect timing, you'd make it clear to her that your grace is enough for EXACTLY who she is right now and what she is going through. Hold her, love her, and surround her with comfort, joy, and peace today, father. Bless her entire family. Amen. (Psalm 143:4, 6-8; Psalm 34:8, John 16:22, Psalm 10:14).
Praying for you Hun!!! I have so been where you are!! I won't go into all the why's etc. Being a mom and the rest of life is stressful, your emotional plays on your physical, your physical on your emotional and everything on your spiritual. I am sure you can relate to the huge pit I sunk into and so desperately wanted to get out of.
During the search for solutions and direction, it made me draw closer to The Lord and thirst for His Word even more, but I couldn't shake that heaviness pressing over me the minute I woke up. I didn't even want get up!!! Life seemed to loom over me!!! I cried out to God!! He kept carrying me and directing me as I sought Him through it all.
Something else I learned was stress causes a lack of Vit B, lack of Vit B causes stress, viscious circle! I also learned because I am lactose intolerant I wasn't getting enough vitamin D, plus I live in the north where there is less sun throughout the year. After being on anti-depressants for years I was able to go off them once the vitamin situation was regulated. Your stress may have depleted your system making you unable to cope even more. If possible have some blood work done and see. It took about a month before I saw change.
Hey there, Christina! Welcome to She Reads Truth. Seriously…welcome. Make yourself comfortable. I'm a fairly new member myself, and these ladies are really, really great. The authors and the readers. A lot of them are moms (I'm not) and can identify with and encourage you in your journey with your two boys.
You are not alone in battling depression. A lot of women on here do, and I'm one of them. I had wrestled with it in the past and just last month admitted I needed help again…because uncontrollable feelings of anger and hurt towards myself and my family just aren't a healthy way to live. I don't know exactly what your battle looks like. But oh girl, can I just say that you're on the right track by having daily time in the Word! It is truly the best!
I would also encourage you to look into therapy and treatment as well. Antidepressants aren't for everyone, but there is no shame in them and there is no shame in throwing up your flag and admitting you need help to fight the battle…whatever that help looks like. I did, and it's been one of the most tangible ways Christ has brought healing into my life.
Here are two great articles on mental health:
Amanda Williams is a lovely and honest writer on SRT – http://deeperstory.com/finding-god-in-a-little-wh…
Ann Voskamp is generally just one of the best mamajama's of the Christian writing community – http://www.aholyexperience.com/2013/04/what-chris…
Christina-Welcome and big hugs to you! Have you ever heard of Holy Yoga? It is a wonderful way to combine movement with praise and Jesus. One of our big sayings is "Come meet Jesus on your mat." I can tell you that my relationship and love for my Savior has grown immensely since I started my Holy Yoga practice. There are all kinds of studies that show yoga can help with stress and anxiety. When you combine prayer, worship music, and Jesus, Jesus, Jesus-wow! Contact me if you want more information. xoxo
Was just thinking the same thing, Joanne! So thankful that John 19 isn’t the end!
With life's daily trials and pain, it is so comforting to know that "there will come a day with no more tears, no more pain." Praise God For the word in Revelation 21.
Have a blessed day!
So very thankful that John 19 isn’t the end. With all the sadness in the world, thank God for revelation 21. Praise Him!
Thank you for this today! My situation right now makes me feel hopeless much of the time. Thank you for reminding me where my hope should be! Thank You Jesus that my hope in You will NEVER be disappointed! Keep me mindful that this is not the end, but that You make all things new! I love you! In Jesus' awesome Name I pray. Amen.