On Rounds with Jesus

Tag: Spiritual Reflection

  • Through Tears

    Through Tears

    Scripture reading: John 11:17-27

    You can listen to this devotional via Spotify or YouTube.

    The recent news of the untimely death of a colleague truly took me aback. You know what they say about never meeting your heroes? Here was a colleague I knew, both in word and deed — a hero in his own right — who changed my life in more ways than one. A gentle giant: kind-hearted, selfless, wise, a rising star.

    Moments like this make you wonder: why? Why would a good God allow something this devastating to happen?

    And then, in the ensuing silence, I catch glimpses of His Son on the cross. From God’s perspective, at the very moment of His Son’s suffering, He was sending humanity a love note. Jesus’ suffering was necessary for salvation. As Mary and the others wept at the foot of the cross, they were oblivious to the resurrection that was only days away.

    And so, as we stand at the foot of tragedy, we too may not fully understand. At the foot of the cross, all we see is brutal suffering. But God sees the full picture. He sees the end from the beginning. And in the fullness of time, we too will understand His purpose.

    But until then, we are reminded that death is not a full stop. The unpleasantness of the present is not the end. Without pain, there can be no relief. This is merely the part of the story where it seems the villain is winning, but the Author is not finished yet.

    This story is not a tragedy. The Hero lives happily ever after.

    And on that glorious morn, when His saints gather before His throne, Joe, I know we will see you there.

    Let Us Pray

    Lord Jesus, in moments of grief and unanswered questions, anchor our hearts in the hope of eternity. Remind us that death is not the end for those who trust in You. Strengthen our faith, comfort every hurting heart, and help us to live each day with the assurance of salvation through Your finished work on the cross.

    Teach us to number our days, to walk closely with You, and to fix our eyes on the glorious hope of resurrection and eternal life. Amen.

    Reflection

    One of the greatest comforts of the Christian faith is that death does not have the final word.

    The assurance of salvation is what allows believers to grieve with hope. Our confidence is not in our own goodness, but in Christ’s finished work on the cross and His victory over the grave.

    At the foot of tragedy, eternity suddenly feels near. And in those moments, the Gospel becomes more than theology: it becomes an anchor, comfort, and hope.

    Jesus did not only die; He rose again. And because He lives, those who belong to Him will live also.

    For the Christian, death is not the end of the story. It is the journey home.

    Do you share the same hope?

    If today’s message encouraged you, take a moment to like, comment, and share it so others can be blessed too. Until next time, remain blessed.

  • Seven Miles

    Seven Miles

    Scripture reading: Luke 24:13-35

    You can listen to this devotional via Spotify or YouTube.

    It had been a very busy weekend. Jesus Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, had been crucified—painfully and publicly. The one they had hoped would redeem Israel was dead.

    And then came the shocking news on Sunday morning: His tomb was empty. What could it mean?

    These were the weighty matters occupying the hearts of Cleopas and his companion as they journeyed some seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. These were disciples who had walked with Jesus, witnessed His works, and heard His teachings. Yet, they struggled to make sense of recent events.

    As they talked, an unexpected stranger joined them. Unrecognised, He listened as they recounted everything that had happened, even expressing surprise that He seemed unaware: “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

    Then came His piercing response: “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25).

    In that moment, their problem was not a lack of information; it was a lack of understanding and belief. And in the same way, we are called to examine our own doubts and spiritual blind spots.

    Did they truly know who they were talking about?

    They described Jesus as “a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people” (Luke 24:19). But He is far more than a prophet. He is God in the flesh (John 1:1, 14). No mere man has the authority to lay down his life and take it up again (John 10:17–18).

    They continued, “The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him” (Luke 24:20). While human hands carried out the act, this was not a tragic accident; it was for a divine purpose. As Jesus had already taught, “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” (Luke 24:26; see also Isaiah 53:5).

    Their disappointment is palpable: “But we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21). Hope, in their eyes, had died on the cross.

    Yet what they could not yet see was this: the cross was not the end. It was the pathway to victory. The resurrection changes everything. Through Christ, death has been defeated (1 Corinthians 15:54–57), sin has lost its power, and fear no longer has the final say.

    If only they could see it.

    But isn’t that often our story too? We walk weighed down by confusion and disappointment, even when the truth is right beside us.

    The journey to Emmaus became a life-changing encounter. As Jesus walked with them, explained the Scriptures, and later revealed Himself in the breaking of bread (Luke 24:30–31), their eyes were opened and their hearts set ablaze: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).

    This is the journey we are all invited into—to walk closely with the Lord, to listen to His Word, to sit at His feet, and to commune with Him until He reveals Himself more fully to us. Beyond the surface, we are called to experience a more intimate relationship with Him.

    And here is the greatest news, still as powerful today as it was then: Jesus is alive (Matthew 28:6).

    And it only gets better from here.

    Reflection

    1. Do I truly know who Jesus Christ is?
    Like the disciples, it’s possible to walk with Jesus, hear His Word, and still misunderstand His identity. They called Him a prophet, but He is Lord and God (John 1:1, 14). Is my faith based on partial understanding, or do I fully acknowledge Him as Saviour and Lord over my life? How intimately do you know Jesus?

    2. Am I slow to believe what God has already said?
    Jesus rebuked them for being “slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken” (Luke 24:25). Their discouragement came from forgetting or misinterpreting Scripture. In moments of confusion or delay, do I trust God’s Word, or do I let doubt shape my perspective?

    3. Am I walking closely enough with Him to recognize His presence?
    The disciples didn’t recognize Jesus until He revealed Himself (Luke 24:31), but their hearts burned as He spoke. Intimacy preceded revelation. Am I creating space to walk with Him daily through Scripture, prayer, and fellowship so that I can discern His voice and presence?

    Prayer

    Lord Jesus, open my eyes to truly know You— not just in word, but in truth and power. Strengthen my faith where I doubt, and anchor my heart in Your Word. Lead me daily, that I may walk with You,
    and live in the power of Your resurrection.

    Let my heart burn for You always. Amen.

    Thank you for joining us for today’s encouragement. If this message blessed you, kindly share it with someone who may also be encouraged by it.

    Until next time, stay blessed.