Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 19 of LENT Wednesday, March 29 God's Dream Following God's dream is, at the least, an incredible journey. The three lives represented in our scripture passages for today bring this reality into sharp focus. Joseph, John and Jesus, realized a call from God to impact His people. In the pursuit of God's plan and will, each demonstrate commitment, allegiance, determination and willingness to see it through, even at their own personal cost. Joseph in pursuing God's dream was betrayed by his own brothers into years of slavery. Through it all, God proved faithful. John the Baptist, called to prepare the way for "Thee Christ", literally gave his head to stand on the truth. Yet through it all, God was faithful. Jesus instructed John's disciples to tell what they had seen and heard, then John could decided if I am the Christ. With all decisions made, John was faithful. Jesus, born to die for a sinful world, both ungrateful and undeserving, did not retreat even though it would cost Him more than His life. The price of faithfulness for Jesus was to take upon Himself the very thing that was opposite of His nature. Sin was at the root of family betrayal with Joseph. Sin was the force at work when John was called to die for truth. It was sin that called Jesus to the cross to once and for all pay the sacrificial price sin required. Lent is the time at which we remember that our sins were a part of the why, Jesus died. During lent we revisit the why of Christ and His cross. We examine the rightness and wrongness of our current relationship with God. Lenten focus provides great opportunity for repentance, renewal, and revival for those who would pursue Christ. When life seems its hardest and family and friends seem to leave us hurting, we must remember our examples. God is always faithful and He will fulfill His dream for us if we remain faithful. Garry W. Edwards Wayne, Michigan Heavenly Father, As I look forward to Easter, may I look inward and focus on this reality. You love me so much that You have provided everything I need to be successful in living out your dream for my life. Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalm 119:97-120] [Gen. 45:16-28] [ I Cor. 8:1-13] [Mark 6:13-29] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Page designed by: Yvonne Edwards Prayer by: Garry Edwards Background set provided by Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.