The God Of The Details Is Right Here
Monday, May 6
John 19:25-30 (NKJV)
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
Devotion
Jesus at the cross, at the most pivotal time in all of history where he would change the trajectory of all our lives, showed us how mindful he is to take care of all things that concern us. The Word faithfully shows us that He is the God of the details and He is always working on our behalf.
There are a few highlights from this passage we can lean into.
In verse twenty six, although unnamed, this was certainly John the apostle. John, the apostle of love, was the only one of the twelve disciples who stood near the cross and witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, his friend and teacher. We see a glimpse here of the application of the teacher that had been taught to the disciples all along that has now been manifested through one of Jesus’ disciples in the mirroring of God’s love for us. Love doesn’t quit, run away, or hide from pain. It endures all things, overcomes all things, and empowers us in all things. John must have remembered all the times Jesus was present for him and now it was his time to be present for his Savior. John stood for Jesus. John didn’t run from the suffering of the Savior. We must be those who will stand next to Jesus even if the entire world is against us. When we stand for Christ, there is no doubt that he will stand for us and be right there with us. (Acts 7).
A second takeaway from this passage shows how deeply the care of the Lord is for all our needs, even beyond salvation. Mary, Jesus’ mother, would be nearly fifty years old and a widow in this passage. What tenderness we see with Jesus towards his mother. Moments before his death, Jesus thought about Mary and her long journey back to Nazareth and that no one would be there to provide for her. Yet God had another plan. Jesus deeply honored his mother by giving her John to take care of her. Even when it seems like there are “bigger” things going on in the world, God still cares for the sparrows (Matthew 6) and He still cares for us.
Lastly, in verse twenty eight, the Scripture said that Jesus knew his mission was accomplished to every last detail at Calvary including the care of his mother. Jesus said “I thirst.” What a beautiful insight of the Fountain of Living Water, Jesus, now thirsting for the souls of men and women to come to him. He thirsts for our companionship. The hyssop branch in verse twenty-nine points to the cleansing of our souls that Jesus paid for at the cross. He extends his healing to you today right where you are.
In just four short verses we receive a whole eternity of promises through the victory that was won at the cross for us by Jesus our great Redeemer. As he is in all the details of Scripture pointing to the finished work of the cross, God is in all the details of our lives working everything together for His great purpose and for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8).
Whether you are tired, anxious or feeling all alone, God is right there in the midst of your pain. Through the experience of the cross, Jesus understands exactly what we go through on this side of eternity. He cares so deeply for us that he would rather die on the cross than live without us for all eternity. If you are weary, come to Jesus. He’s not burdened by your needs. Let it all go and leave it in the best place it can be, in his hands. He can take it because he’s right here with you today.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I thank You for Your steadfast love that envelops my family and me each moment of our lives. I give You glory for the cross which not only provided for our salvation, which would have been enough, but also provided for all that we would need in this life. I offer up praise to You because You care about even the minute details of our lives. There is nothing too small, nor too big for You to handle. That alone brings me peace, joy, and a hope that no one can take away. I place my life in Your hands. With gratitude, in the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Read through the devotion a second time, stopping along the way to give thanks to the King of kings for everything that comes to mind when reading each detail. Think on these things often, that your hope may be renewed and remain in Him, alone.
Resources:
- If you missed Sunday’s message, “God’s Tiny Details In Our Lives”, here’s your chance to watch, and let hope arise in knowing that God knows and He cares.
- One of the names of God is Jehovah Roi, which means “the God who sees”. Read Psalm 33:13 and be encouraged in knowing that He sees you.