The verse we are going to be looking at for this blog is John 19:14. I have been studying through John over the past few months and spending time reading about the wonderful story of Jesus. The parables he taught, the healings he did and the miracles he did so willingly.
Reading through John made me more grateful to know my saviour who loves me and cares for me. He does not see a woman who is covered in sin rather a precious daughter drenched in grace.
“The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before.”
John 19:14
I find this verse so powerful, because it contains a mixture of sadness and the beauty of something new.
I want you to know that wherever there is hard times, grief, and sadness, there will always be hope for a new day, for fresh love, for deep love to be felt.
Greater days are ahead.
When I read this it captured my heart. I have been personally going through such a hard battle for over a year. The past year or two with this pandemic has been hard for us all mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. I guess in part it has felt like a crucifixion because many of us had to grief the loss of so many things and you can relate to this as it tore our hearts apart. Plans were cancelled, we are still losing loved ones and we have to stay indoors and have done for such a long time. It was and is still hard.
But, just like it says in the verse at the top where Jesus was crucified, it was near a garden.
To me personally, gardens are a place of growth, a place of new starts, new blossomings, a place filled will peace, love and joy.
What I am trying to get across is that throughout all trials, storms and battles there is growth. Just like it says in the verse above about the death of Jesus, there is crucifixion (hard times) however, there is also a garden (growth).
There will never be anything new unless we go through seasons of difficulty.
Within hard times, new and fresh fruit will start to grow in our minds and hearts as our Heavenly Father refines us into the image of his son.
We will never be perfect like Jesus is and I know as humans we crave perfection, but we can rest in the knowledge that we belong to a Heavenly Father who loves us the way we are. We are His and that will always be enough. All he wants is our hearts.
Like Jesus we must surrender everything we are finding difficult to our heavenly father for we know he has overcome the world.
Every trial, storm and battle belongs to him for our Jesus is victorious.
I want you to know wherever you feel you are at with your faith, your position of work, your feelings about lockdown, the uncertainty of the future, God, our wonderful counsellor, our helper in times of trouble, our restorer will help us. You do not have to be afraid for the future because it is in his hands. There is a fresh start on the horizon.
He knows what tomorrow will hold, He knows where we will be in 10, 20, 30, and 40 years time. All we must do in this season is trust him in that truth. We don’t need to know why we go through hard times and battles, but I can assure you by knowing Jesus and keeping our eyes on Him the reward in heaven will be more than rewarding.
He is a waymaker, promise keeper and a light in the darkness.
It even says in this verse in John that there was a new tomb near where Jesus was crucified. He was placed there as it was closer. This to me symbolises the new life we get to receive through salvation in Jesus Christ. A tomb is considered in this life to be covered in sadness and grief, but in the mind of Christ it is a new way that leads us directly to him. A new opportunity to know the creator of the universe and the saviour of the world.
Jesus is the greatest gift and valentine we could ever receive and have the privilege of knowing. My life hasn’t been perfect but I know in him, I am safe.
We are safe in the arms of our father.
I want to remind you that you will get through this. There is joy, peace and deep love available to you. Jesus is with you.
My wonderful friends, I want you to know and keep in mind that there will be an end to what you are suffering with and finding hard. There is a fresh start available to you. But remember,
A new tomb brings new opportunities.
New opportunities bring new growth.
New growth brings us closer to Jesus
We are new creations in Jesus Christ, created and made for greater things.
DONT FORGET WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL INHERITANCE AWAITING US IN HEAVEN.
So no matter how hard the trial, the storm or the battle. God has got you. He won’t leave nor forsake you. We have a new life, a new tomb, and new growth to look towards in our saviour Jesus Christ.
If you want to know who this Jesus dude is then please send me a message or if you are struggling with anything I want to pray for you. Don’t hesitate my loves, we are all in this together and you are not alone.
Remember Jesus loves you and you are His precious child.
Much love and God bless you!
Lois (Founder of The Art of Everyday blog.)
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