Great movies like Titanic, Avatar and Ben Hur are often referred to as Epics, partly because they are long, but mostly because they contain enduring stories, great characters and important themes that challenge and inspire us all. “The Greatest Story Ever Told” is another Epic movie that has been a big influence on my life, ever since I went to see it with my school in grade 6 (1967). It tells the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When I watched it again recently, I found myself being moved again; especially when the Hallelujah chorus was played both for the raising of Lazarus and later when the disciples realized that Jesus had risen.
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world” at a time when the darkness of oppression under Roman rule covered much of the known world. His teachings brought light and understanding into those dark times, and they continue to do so today.
Sometimes life can be really stressful, like driving in the dark with no lights, as I experienced recently - I thought a fuse must have blown initially, but quickly realized I’d accidentally turned them off while pressing the left-turn indicator. Fortunately, I was driving on a straight and familiar stretch of road - so it is comforting to know that we serve a Lord who knows how we feel. After all, He experienced those same types of feelings (and worse) in the Garden of Gethsemane, and on the cross.
But, as His resurrection demonstrated, there is always hope when God is involved.
Now, He invites us all to come into the light where we can know the peace and the power of His resurrection in our own lives. His claim that ONLY through Him can we become reconnected to God and so fulfill our destiny, may seem arrogant to some. Then again, the truth always seems that way when people want to seek answers in other places.
Only two questions really need to be answered. “Was Jesus telling the truth?” and “Are you willing to seek Him to find out?”
Make Jesus the Lord of your life in 2013 and discover your best life.
Happy New Year.
Mark Trodd
troddsy@bigpond.com
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Hey Mark.
Really enjoyed your devotional. I thought the opening was good, and you kept the writing tight. It really came off to me as a polished piece; something that could be published in a devotion magazine. My only word of critique is that I think you should have ended the article by bringing back around the EPIC theme you started with.
I'll be looking out for more of your writing.
God bless.
