Wednesday, April 2
“Monstrance,” Christine Howson.
Certainty: Definite. Conclusive.
Certus (root): fixed, resolved, settled.
God wants a complete ordering, of every cell, to His love. He isn’t satisfied with partiality. Believing that God is who He says He is and that I am who He says I am is central to healing and living as I am called to do. I need Him and need help in this trusting. The themes of certainty in the readings today stand out and model this immovable faith and trust in God which we are called to live out.
The first example is with Peter. It is Pentecost and he is speaking to the people, “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36). Peter has followed Jesus, loved, sinned, repented, been forgiven and now he has seen the glory of the Risen Christ and the sending of the Holy Spirit. After hearing Peter, 3,000 people were baptized that day (Acts 2:41). Peter knew without a doubt, spoke the truth, and people believed. He was unshakable and certain in who Jesus was.
Help me, God, to be certain in all parts of my being so that every act and word comes from the solid foundation in You.
The Second example is Mary Magdalene in John 20:11-18. She weeps outside the tomb, focused and determined, seeking the body of Jesus. She is certain of Him and His love, and also she is sure of who she is, in His love.
Lord, help me to trust this knowing and let me run boldly to you.
The third example is Jesus and His word as He tells Mary Magdalene in John 20:17, “I am going to my Father and your Father; My God and your God.” We are children of God who is our Father. This statement by Jesus is so certain. Psalm 33:4, also in the readings today, reminds us that God is faithful to His promises and his words are true. We can believe what He says, always. The second psalm confirms that “We are Your inheritance, oh Lord” (Psalm 16:6).
Lord, let me know your words and promises as true and certain.
I pray that in whatever God has before us, we will trust and depend more and more on the certainty of His love and call which is the only true foundation.
“Do not be afraid any longer, little Flock, for your Father is pleased to give you The Kingdom (Luke 12:32).
Christine Howson writes from Saint Clair Shores, Michigan.