30 Mar 2021 Devotion Series Part 6: “Looking Ahead”
Full Scripture Passage: John 17:20-26
Key Verse: “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one”
Think back for a few moments to Easter 2020. The pandemic was a new and constantly-shifting reality. What were some of your biggest challenges? What plans were you letting go of? How did you commemorate and celebrate Holy Week? At a time when looking ahead felt like looking into a thick fog, we needed the hope of our risen Christ more than ever – a reminder to hold on in faith to our God Who Sees. Journeying from Lent through Easter connects us to death and to life, to hardship and hope, to deep sorrow and to eternal joy.
This year, looking ahead may feel a bit less foggy. We see hope on the horizon for post-pandemic life, and we hold onto that hope for our brothers and sisters in East Africa as well. As Rice & Beans Month comes to an end, our focus shifts to sharing, and we anticipate what will be made possible because of this communal journey. Children’s plates piled high, increased stability and decreased hunger, families sleeping with bellies full of food and hearts full of hope.
In John 17, during the final moments before Jesus’ arrest, we get a precious glimpse into the vision that made his suffering worth it. With all that was stirring in his heart and mind, he too was looking ahead. He prayed for a united family of God, a living embodiment of the love of the Trinity. He saw us bearing evidence that God is real and God’s love is powerful and transformative. We tap into this vision as we direct our savings not only toward physical nourishment, but toward restorative, meaningful impact that draws the global family of God into deeper unity.
As we look ahead this year, can we align our choices more and more with Jesus’ heart in John 17? This challenge is even greater than a global health crisis, and yet when Jesus faced the immense suffering of the cross, he held on to the hope “that they may be one as we are one.” May his love live forever in us!
Our God Who Sees, we are captivated by your heart and your vision for all of us, your children. We are looking ahead, yet we can’t see all that you see. Open our eyes, widen our perspective, and continue to pour out your grace. Thank you for being enough to meet all of our needs, and for sharing out of your abundance so that we are able to give. Amen.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES:
As we celebrate Easter while LOOKING AHEAD toward the hope we are promised by God, reflect on these scriptures this week:
- Galatians 6:9-10
- Hebrews 12:1-3
- Isaiah 2:1-5
- Psalm 126
- Revelation 19:5-9
Sign up to receive the rest of our new devotional series (along with updates, recipes, and stories) delivered to your inbox throughout the month. Click here to join the email list.