Beyond the Weekend

November 8 | Anger Over Death

November 8, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“… God said, “[Adam] … must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. Genesis 3:22-23

Read: Genesis 3:17-23

Listen: Genesis 3

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Death was not a part of God’s plan. When God created Adam and Eve, he placed them in the Garden of Eden where they had eternal life in the presence of God. There was no death on the horizon. However, that all ended when they chose to disobey (sin). From that day forward, all creation has suffered under the burden of sin and death (Romans 8:19-22).

In the story of Lazarus, Jesus is furious about death. When he arrives in Bethany, he experiences the pain death has caused his friends.  Death is the enemy of God and people. Jesus knows the price he will have to pay with his life to defeat it. And, it was defeated when he died and rose again in the flesh. His resurrection is the guarantee his followers will also be resurrected and have a place with him in his future kingdom (1 Corinthians 15: 20-26).

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Jesus was angry about death, and it’s okay for us to be angry about death too. The emptiness left from losing loved-ones hurts. In your journal, write a lament to God. First, share your emotions. Then thank him for a future where all Jesus-believers will dwell with him for eternity (1 John 5:11-12).


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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