Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 5 of LENT Monday, March 13 I Would Have Screamed for Him to Run Just a few months ago our homes glistened with the lights, sounds and smells of Advent and Christmas. The parties, food, shopping and programs filled our calendars. With the arrival of Lent, the reality is that Advent and Christmas is neatly tucked away into boxes and we have resumed our daily schedules and agendas to get ahead and be successful. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of life, something holy is still going on around us. Many times we try to ignore the continual religious journey of the Babe of Bethlehem. The continual journey isn't pretty, majestic or fun. The desire is to leave the Babe of Bethlehem in the manger of Advent. No longer a Babe He has grown. His life has changed day by day, and so have the lives of those He has interacted with on a daily basis. His influence has been felt whether He is in the carpenter's shop working along side His dad or in the temple debating with religious scholars. No Longer a Babe Days become weeks, weeks become months and months roll into years. Soon, all too soon, it is time for Him to leave His home and become a man. No Longer a Babe His mother's heart continues to watch as He moves in and out of crowds. Her heart continues to listen as stories of His wisdom and love travel through the market-place. Her heart ponders as she becomes aware of the ones who are angry with Him. No Longer a Babe His Heavenly Father is watching, as well. His heart is also watching, listening and knowing what is to come. His Son was sent for a mission and purpose. No Longer a Babe This mom's heart wants to protect her sons from pain, rejection and humiliation. The stark reality of words like...love, mercy, grace.....take on a whole new meaning. This mom has so much more to learn. I would have screamed for Him to run. Sorry, your browser doesn't support Java(tm). With special permission from Painter Danny Hahlbohm Yvonne Edwards Wayne, Michigan USA Heavenly Father, I thank You for the pain you endured by giving Your Son so that I may live with you when Your plans for me on this earth are over. Help me to appreciate more fully the emotions felt by the women as they stood by and watched Mary's Son and their Friend experience pain and eventually death. In my life today, make me to understand that pain is often necessary for my growth . Help me not to shrink from the pains I experience so that I may depend upon You more completely. Father, I also ask you to enable me not to overprotect my sons so that they may grow from a "twig" to a strong "oak tree" capable of withstanding the storms of their lives. I ask these things with a grateful heart for giving your Son as a sacrifice for me and for us all. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms41,52] [Gen. 37:1-11] [I Cor. 1:1-19] [Mark 1:1-13] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Page designed by: Yvonne Edwards Prayer by: name withheld by request Background set provided by Symphony Graphics Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.