On Rounds with Jesus

Tag: Bible reflection

  • Comeback

    Comeback

    Scripture reading: Luke 15:11-32

    We all love a good comeback story. My favourite is the unforgettable 2017 Barcelona–PSG clash, known as the famous Remontada. After losing the first leg 4–0, Barcelona needed nothing short of a miracle. And a miracle they delivered — scoring three goals in the final seven minutes to win 6–1 and progress to the quarter-finals. It was the perfect reminder that it’s not over until it’s over.

    In medicine, I’ve also seen patients defy the odds, fighting back from dire prognoses and rising stronger. Those moments inspire awe.

    But no comeback story surpasses the parable of the Prodigal Son, because it is our story. A young man, broken and empty after squandering everything, “came to himself” and returned home. Instead of rejection, he was met by his father’s open arms. This is the clearest portrait of God in all of Scripture: a Father who waits for us, ready to welcome repentant hearts. How touching!

    The greatest comeback you will ever make is the one where you return to God. Recognise your mess. Take the first step home. And what a glorious homecoming it will be when you make that comeback. The entire host of Heaven will rejoice!

    Reflections

    • No defeat is final until you stop trying.
    • God’s grace gives us more than a second chance — it gives us a new beginning.
    • Our worst mess can become the stage for God’s greatest mercy.
    • Heaven celebrates every comeback story of repentance.
    • Your comeback is not just for you — it inspires others to return as well.

    Prayer

    Father of mercy, thank You for being the God of comebacks. Thank You that no matter how far I wander, Your arms remain open to receive me. Forgive me for the times I have squandered Your blessings and chosen my own way. Like the prodigal, I come back to You — broken, but hopeful in Your grace. Restore me, Lord, and let my life be a testimony of Your unfailing love. May I never forget that Heaven rejoices over every sinner who repents. Help me to extend the same mercy to others, that they too may find their way home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Staying afloat

    Staying afloat

    Scripture reading: Matthew 14:22-33

    Ever wonder why some things float in water and others sink? It all comes down to Archimedes’ principle. If an object can displace enough water to match its weight, it floats. That’s how boats stay afloat on water. However, if something is heavier and denser than water, such as a rock, it sinks. Gravity pulls it down harder than the water can push it up.

    Now think about this: humans are too heavy and dense to float on water, especially without help. So when Jesus came walking on the sea, His disciples were terrified. They thought they were seeing a ghost! But Jesus said, “Take heart; it is I. Don’t be afraid.”

    Science helps us to understand how the world works. But Jesus showed that He isn’t limited by the laws of nature. He made those laws, and He can step over them whenever He wants. With God, nothing is impossible.

    But here’s the key: you need to believe.

    Science works whether you believe it or not. But faith? Faith is different. Faith opens the door to the impossible, not because of who we are, but because of who we believe in.

    Peter got a taste of that. When he saw Jesus walking on water, he said, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come.” Jesus said, “Come.” And Peter actually walked on water! That is, until he took his eyes off Jesus. Peter noticed the boisterous wind and the waves and got scared. Fear crept in. He looked away from Jesus and started to sink. That’s what fear does. Fear, like gravity, pulls you down. Faith keeps you up. When life gets stormy, don’t let fear take over. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Trust His voice more than the noise around you. Peter didn’t sink because the storm got worse. He sank because his faith wavered.

    Peter may have started sinking, but the moment he cried out, Jesus grabbed him. He didn’t let him drown. And He won’t let you drown either.

    Life can feel like a storm sometimes. But if you keep your focus on Jesus, faith will keep you afloat no matter how bad it gets.

    Let us pray

    Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me that You are not limited by the laws of nature. You walk upon what should drown me. You calm what seeks to overwhelm me.


    When fear grips my heart and the storms around me roar, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You. Teach me to trust in Your word more than the waves. Strengthen my faith so I may walk boldly where You call me, even when it seems impossible.

    Help me to stay afloat in faith, not by my strength, but by holding on to You. Let fear lose its grip, and let Your perfect love carry me through every high and low.


    In Your mighty name I pray, Amen.

    Reflections

    1. What situation in my life feels too big, and how might Jesus be inviting me to trust Him through it?
    2. Where have I shifted my focus from Jesus to the storm around me?
    3. Am I letting fear sink me, or is faith keeping me up today?
    4. What limits have I accepted that God is calling me to rise above in faith?
  • Refresh

    Refresh

    Scripture reading: John 2:1-11, NKJV

    John begins his account of Jesus’ first recorded miracle with “on the third day”, almost as though he is cueing us into some kind of resurrection story. Or was he?

    Jesus, His mother, and His new disciples had been invited to a wedding feast in Cana. The next thing we read from the account is that what was meant to be the refreshment at the ceremony—the wine—runs out. This is not a good thing. Jewish weddings were a very big deal back then and could last for days. The wine was not to run out, as it symbolised joy and abundance. This was a highly embarrassing social faux pas, one that could become the subject of ridicule for years to come. Imagine the utter disgrace. The party was almost dead.

    We don’t know exactly how close Mary was to the bridal party, but she notices very early that “there was no wine,” and that timely intervention was needed. She turns to Jesus. In medical terms, you could say Mary “called a code.” This often refers to initiating a rapid response to a medical emergency, like a cardiac or respiratory arrest. Urgent cardiopulmonary resuscitation was required to save what seemed to be the dying moments of this party.

    Mary recognised the need to act promptly. But more importantly, she recognised that Jesus was there at the wedding feast— and that only He could bring whatever was left of it back to life.

    Mary says to the servants, “Whatever He tells you, do it.” And they do.

    Jesus asks the servants to fill some empty jars nearby with water. Once they are filled, He instructs them to draw some of it out and take it to the master of ceremonies. The emcee takes a sip of what is soon to be the choicest wine at the feast and cannot stop singing praises to his hosts. If only he knew that just moments earlier, it had been plain, bland water drawn from pots meant for ceremonial cleansing.

    Jesus can turn your plain, bland life into a joyous spring of fine wine, so delightful that everyone who tastes it cannot get enough. But you need to give Him the chance. You need to let Him in. You need to let Him fill you.

    Worn out, tired, waning? The refresh button you need is Jesus. Jesus is the new wine—you haven’t tasted better.

    Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

    — Psalm 34:8, NKJV

    Let’s Pray

    Pray…
    For a refilling—
    Where your love for God may be dwindling

    A rekindling—
    Where your joy may be waning

    Where the gloom of disgrace may be lurking,
    Where the emptiness of worthlessness may be surging,
    That the Lord will fill you with His new wine—
    With His divine Spirit that makes all things new.


    May the Lord make you a refreshing testimony to His glory.
    Amen.

    Reflections

    1. Who do you share your problems with? Mary shared hers with Jesus because she knew who He was and what He could do.
    2. Jesus is the only answer— never mind the question.
    3. The key lies in obeying His instructions: “Whatever He tells you, do it.”
    4. Jesus can use whatever is available— there was no wine, but there was water. What do you need? Look at what you have.
    5. When you put your trust in Jesus, it never goes to waste.
    6. “Why have you saved the best for last?” (John 2:10) What Jesus gives is built to last. What they had was water for external cleansing. He gave them wine to satisfy within. The stone jars were empty— He filled them up. What they were facing was imminent death and shame… He gave them life and joy. Tired and heavy-laden? Jesus offers you rest.