Daly Focus Blog
Have your children been infected with a case of spring fever? Many school kids are already focused on one thing: summer vacation!
But wait. Not just yet. There’s still over a month to go in the classroom, even though in many homes the natives are growing restless. My wife, Jean, calls this stretch of time the “craziest” of the academic year. I think she’s right.
What’s a parent to do? How can you help your distracted student finish the school year strong?
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Do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen!
HAPPY EASTER FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS!
Blessings, Jim, Jean, Trent and Troy
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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ
The Seventh Words
“And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit’” (Luke 23:46).
At the time of the crucifixion, it was typical for Jewish parents to teach and recite with their child a single prayer (Psalm 31:5) at bedtime. (This is much like many parents do with their children today, as in “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray my soul to keep…”) This final statement on the cross from Jesus was that very same Psalm and prayer parents were saying with their children – with only the word “Father” added to it.
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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ
The Sixth Words
“When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.”(John 19:30).
Dr. Earnest Campbell, the former senior pastor of Riverside Church in New York City, once observed that “popular Christianity passes from the poinsettias of Christmas to the lilies of Easter, conveniently bypassing the thorns of Good Friday.”
Sadly, I think he is right and I understand why.
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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ
The Fifth Words
“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, ‘I thirst’” (John 19:28).
Of all seven cries from the cross, Jesus’ fifth statement is the shortest. Christ has now turned from the emotional and mental pain of abandonment (Mark 15:34) to the physical pain of His torture. But in doing so, He is accomplishing far more than trying to quench a physical thirst.
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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ
THURSDAY AM: The Fourth Words
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is, being interpreted, ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’” (Mark 15:34).
Jesus’ Passion on Calvary is now drawing to its sad and seemingly tragic end. The skies have been dark, despite the fact the crucifixion occurred during the day in Jerusalem.
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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ
WEDNESDAY: The Third Words
“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, ‘Woman, behold thy son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (John 19:26-27).
We now learn that Jesus’ mother is witnessing her own son’s six-hour execution.
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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ
Tuesday: The Second Words
“And Jesus said unto him, ‘I say unto thee, Today thou shalt be with me in paradise’” (Luke 23:43).
A lot has been written about bad things happening to good people. But it is equally jarring for many in our world to reconcile, accept and embrace the truth of our faith that tells us in the end, good things can happen to “bad” people.
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In observance of Holy Week, I have decided to use this space to offer a devotional series that I have prepared and which I have entitled:
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Meditations on The Seven Last Words of Christ
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MONDAY: The First Words
“Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” (Luke 23:34).
In some ways, at least from a worldly perspective, these first recorded words spoken by Jesus on the cross are the most startling of all seven of His final statements captured in the Gospels.
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Karla Dial is our talented editor of Citizen Magazine. In this month’s issue she penned a wonderful profile piece on the History Channel’s epic miniseries The Bible. Since its debut on March 3rd, over 68 million people have tuned in to watch this magnificent dramatization of God’s Word. Many of them have been people curious about Christianity. I hope they (and you!) will continue to watch this coming Sunday.
Because I’m so eager to encourage people to watch, I want to share with you a brief excerpt from Karla’s cover story in Citizen about the show.
Continue ReadingTopics: Current Events Tags: entertainment, faith, pop culture
Jim Daly is a husband, father and President of Focus on the Family and host of its National Radio Hall of Fame broadcast. His blog, Daly Focus, is full of timely commentary and wisdom designed to help you navigate and understand today’s culture. His latest book is Marriage Done Right.Home
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