Personal Space
True satisfaction is in Christ alone. ec magazine jul 2009 | 23
2 tuesday > 7 / 14
Here’ s how to get a life.
why do you think some students live to get a“ rush” from things like drugs, adventure, and relationships with the opposite sex? Do you think these things will bring true and lasting pleasure? Where do you look in life for true enjoyment and fulfillment?
Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men.— John 1:4
Read John 1:1-5. What does verse 4 mean to you? � who is the Word in these verses? � How was He involved in creation according to verse 3? � according to these verses, what is life? From where does it come?
Who gives it? � does it surprise you that physical and spiritual life come from the Word of God? Why or why not? � Where have you found yourself searching for life other than from Christ?
Do you love the latest thing in technology? You will soon discover that you are fighting a losing battle. Just when you think an iPod ® could not possibly hold any more songs, they come out with a new one that holds twice as many. Your iPod then becomes an ancient artifact. Many people take this same approach to life.
Because of our sinful nature, we are always looking for something or someone other than God to satisfy us. You’ ve seen it in yourself and your friends, in that constant search for meaning through money, sex, popularity, whatever. But the One who created us offers true life.
Jesus is referred to as the Word of God in today’ s passage, and it is through Him that God created the world. Both our physical and spiritual lives depend on Him. Other things may offer us a short-lived sense of security and excitement, but eternal life comes only through Jesus Christ. Only He truly satisfies us forever.
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Personal Space
wednesday > 7 / 15
He’ s Got power.
when was the last time you went to the doctor? Have you ever felt like you needed more than physical healing? Does it ever seem like no one can handle all the problems that overwhelm your life?
So that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:“ He Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases.”— Matthew 8:17
Read Matthew 8:14-17. Reflect on verse 17. � what does this passage teach you about Jesus’ attitude toward those who are physically sick? Toward those who are spiritually sick?
� what does this episode in Jesus’ ministry tell us about His mercy and His power?
� is there a sin in your life that seems too great for Jesus to overcome? � how does this passage speak to that?
It is rare that we see someone who is both powerful and merciful. But this is exactly what we see in Jesus Christ. Matthew 8:17 refers to Isaiah 53:4, an Old Testament prophecy about a man to come who would take upon Himself the sickness and sin of His people. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 8:14-17, the situation surely seemed grim. However, Jesus’ healing touch was more than just a“ hang-in-there” pat on the back. It was a touch of divine mercy and power. In fact, the woman was completely and instantly healed! Jesus Christ has power and authority over all of creation, but His greatness does not mean that we are insignificant to Him. He cares for the weak and sinful. He has the power to deal with sickness— physical and spiritual. He can free us from the spiritual effects of our sin.
True satisfaction is in Christ alone. ec magazine jul 2009 | 23