April #jammed: Grace Studies.
Day 117: Slow is OK.
The only thing on earth slower than my first-born than the sloth itself. She proudly wears 
it as her nick-name, and prides herself in her pace. I’m sure one day I’ll be really glad she’s not one to rush into things, but for now, I wish she’d allow us all to be on time without the vein in my forehead paying a visit.
Today’s verse talks about the perfect pace of hope. Jesus is the first-fruit of the resurrection, and what we know about fruit is that it’s not always ready to be picked off of the tree. What are “first-fruits?”
first-fruits -Offerings of the produce of the land, being the first and best of the crops, given in acknowledgment of God’s abundant blessings. The term is also used metaphorically to indicate the first of a much larger group that is to follow, such as those who will be raised from the dead.- Dictionary of Bible Themes
In Jesus, we have hope that we will be raised with Him again on the last day. But the pace of this hope is different than earthly hope. This hope is promised hope. Paced hope. Coming hope. Here hope. We were built to ponder, question, and discover …but we were never meant to doubt God’s Truth.
” His resurrection is the pledge that ours will follow.” NIV Notes
Jesus was, is and ever shall be. The cross set the pace for our hope, but His timing can be traced all the way back to Genesis. There, with the Father, knowing when time would be ripe for His birth on earth. Knowing when “the last day” will be. It seems like a painfully slow pace for us, but in time …we’ll be glad He didn’t rush into things. #spreadtheword #JesusisTHEway
Father, praise You for Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Thank You for the promise that we will rise with Him on the last day. Forgive us for doubting Your Truth, and not cross-checking world thinking to Your Word. Help strengthen our faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace!
#greatgrace17
Happy Pacing,
Megs
Get the #jammed Daily Devo sent straight to your inbox each morning, by subscribing to Sunny&80.
+ view comments . . .