Transformative Grace: Finding Hope in Brokenness

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Mortal Vulnerability

In the season of Lent, individuals are invited to confront the reality of their mortality and the illusion of control they often feel in their lives. This period serves as a poignant reminder that despite the advancements and conveniences of modern life, there are elements, such as life and death, that remain beyond human command. Lent is a time for introspection and for acknowledging one's dependence on the divine. It is an opportunity to strip away the superficial sense of power and to seek a deeper connection with God, recognizing His sovereignty and the fleeting nature of earthly existence. This humbling realization can lead to a more authentic faith, rooted in trust and surrender to God's will. [26:24]

"For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more." - Psalm 103:14-16 ESV

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the illusion of control in your life, and how can you use this Lenten season to surrender those areas to God?

Day 2: The Blinding Effect of Grief

Mary Magdalene's profound grief at the tomb of Jesus serves as a powerful example of how sorrow can obscure our recognition of God's presence and work in our lives. Her initial inability to see Jesus, even as He stood before her, illustrates the way our expectations and pain can blind us to the miraculous. It is a poignant reminder to remain open to the unexpected and to be vigilant for the divine, especially in moments of deep despair. By doing so, one may find comfort and hope in the midst of suffering, as God often reveals Himself in ways that defy human logic and understanding. [32:36]

"And they said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping?' She said to them, 'They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.'" - John 20:13 ESV

Reflection: Can you recall a time when your grief or pain made it difficult to sense God's presence? How might you seek to perceive God differently during such times?

Day 3: Beauty in Brokenness

The Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, is a profound metaphor for the way God can take our shattered pieces and create something beautiful. Our scars, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, are not merely reminders of past pain but can become testimonies of God's restorative power. They symbolize the journey from brokenness to healing and the transformative grace that can make our lives even more beautiful and resilient. This perspective encourages individuals to view their past and their imperfections not as blemishes but as integral parts of their unique story, lovingly mended by the Creator. [39:57]

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." - Psalm 147:3 ESV

Reflection: Reflect on a scar or past hurt in your life. How can you see it as a place where God's grace has brought, or can bring, beauty and healing?

Day 4: Unity and Remembrance in Communion

Communion is a sacred act that transcends denominational lines, inviting believers to share in the body and blood of Christ. This sacrament is a profound reminder of the forgiveness and new life offered through Jesus' sacrifice. It is a communal experience that not only commemorates Christ's death and resurrection but also unites participants in their shared faith. As individuals partake in communion, they are called to remember the cost of their redemption and the hope of restoration that is found in Christ. This shared meal is a powerful symbol of the love and grace that binds the community of believers together. [49:04]

"The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" - 1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV

Reflection: How does participating in communion connect you to the larger body of Christ, and what does it mean for you to remember His sacrifice in this way?

Day 5: The Transformative Power of Being Called by Name

The intimate moment when Jesus calls Mary Magdalene by name is a testament to the personal nature of God's love and the transformative power of being recognized by the divine. This act of calling by name is an affirmation of individual worth and a call to a deeper relationship with God. It is a powerful reminder that each person is known and cherished by God, and that this personal recognition can have a profound impact on one's self-understanding and faith journey. Being called by name by God can break through the noise of life and the barriers of doubt, offering a sense of belonging and purpose. [35:01]

"But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" - Isaiah 43:1 ESV

Reflection: How does knowing that God calls you by name shape your identity and your relationship with Him? Can you think of a time when you felt personally recognized by God?

Sermon Summary

In today's sermon, we concluded our series on Holy Week, focusing on the silence of God and the hope that this silence will eventually end. We explored the season of Lent, a time of preparation and reflection on our mortality and our lack of control over life. We live in a world that offers instant gratification, from streaming movies to overnight deliveries, which can make us feel powerful. However, when faced with health issues or the sickness of a loved one, we are reminded of our powerlessness and the temporary nature of life.

We delved into the story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb on Easter Sunday. Mary was a dedicated follower of Jesus, present at crucial moments of His ministry, yet not one of the twelve disciples. She was the first to arrive at the tomb and witnessed the empty grave and the angels. Despite these miracles, her grief was so profound that she did not recognize Jesus when He appeared to her. It was only when Jesus called her by name that her grief was pierced, and she recognized her Lord.

This encounter with the risen Christ illustrates the transformative power of being called by name and the importance of personal recognition in our relationship with God. It also highlights the beauty that can emerge from brokenness. Like Mary, we may be so consumed by our grief and expectations that we risk missing the presence of Jesus right in front of us. We must be open to God's work in our lives, even when it doesn't align with our preconceived notions.

I shared a personal story of my own brokenness following a concussion that forced me to relearn many aspects of my life, including preaching. This experience taught me about the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is mended with gold, creating beauty from brokenness. This concept parallels the way God can mend our lives, leaving us with scars that testify to His work within us.

As we come to God's table, we are reminded that it is open to all. We are called to confess our sins and receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The scars of Jesus, shown to His disciples after His resurrection, serve as a testament to His sacrifice and the hope of restoration.

In closing, we prayed for God's guidance, whether it leads us to new places or calls us to be still. We asked for the strength to be faithful like Mary and to recognize God's work in our lives. We celebrated communion, remembering Christ's body and blood given for us, and we invited everyone to partake in this sacred meal.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Mary Magdalene's initial reaction when she saw the empty tomb and the angels? (John 20:11-13)
How did Mary finally recognize Jesus at the tomb? (John 20:16) [31:12 ]
What is the significance of Jesus showing His scars to the disciples after His resurrection? (John 20:20) [40:35 ]
How does the art of kintsugi relate to the concept of God mending our brokenness? [39:57 ]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Mary Magdalene did not recognize Jesus immediately? What does this tell us about the nature of grief and recognition? [31:12 ]
How does the story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb illustrate the importance of being called by name in our relationship with God? [35:01 ]
In what ways can our preconceived notions and deep sorrows obscure the miracles unfolding before our eyes? [32:36 ]
How does the concept of kintsugi help us understand the way God can create beauty from our brokenness? [39:57 ]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt the silence of God. How did you cope with it, and what did you learn from that experience? [28:36 ]
Mary Magdalene's grief blinded her to the presence of Jesus. Are there areas in your life where grief or sorrow might be preventing you from seeing God's work? How can you remain open to His presence? [31:12 ]
The pastor shared a personal story of brokenness and recovery. Can you think of a time when you experienced brokenness? How did God work through that situation to bring healing or growth? [38:00 ]
The scars of Jesus served as a testament to His sacrifice. Do you have any "scars" in your life that testify to God's work in you? How can you share these testimonies with others? [41:23 ]
During Lent, we are reminded of our mortality and lack of control. How can you embrace this season to deepen your relationship with God and prepare your heart for Easter? [26:24 ]
Communion is a profound act of remembrance and unity with Christ. How does participating in communion impact your understanding of forgiveness and new life in Christ? [49:04 ]
Jesus calling Mary by name broke through her grief. How can you be more attentive to the ways God might be calling you by name in your daily life? [35:01 ]

Sermon Clips

1) "I had to relearn how to preach. I was a preacher that had to relearn how to preach. I used to not use a single note in front of me... and now I am dependent on what is right here... the scar on my head became the most frustrating sign of the damage within... as a pastor the power of a name... and I lost them all." [38:35 ]( | | )

2) "God wants me to tell you whatever the Brokenness is that he's mended it and it's beautiful... kintsugi... the art of mending broken pottery... you take the broken and you create Beauty out of the Brokenness." [39:57 ]( | | )

3) "When Jesus came back he came back with his scars. God rose Jesus from the grave and he could have made him 100% without blemish but he brought him back with the scars of what he went through to save us... God mends us and creates something new and beautiful." [41:23 ]( | | )

4) "God speaks and acts and moves in ways we cannot imagine but if we're distracted by the grief and the fear and the sorrow and the pain we miss it just like Mary almost missed it... if we're not careful will allow the fact that we've been stuck in the season of Silence to allow us to miss the movement of God." [43:33 ]( | | )

5) "The season of Lent is... a time to reflect on our own lives on our relationship to God also to reflect on the fact that we are not in control... our world makes it very easy to feel like we have control of everything... it's easy to forget then in the end we are powerless." [26:24 ]( | | )

6) "Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them I have seen the Lord then she gave them his message... her grief pushed her into the desperation of finding Jesus so much so that she missed the real Miracle which was Jesus standing before her." [31:53 ]( | | )

7) "When Jesus called her by name and said Mary, the name broke through the grief and the pain and the tears... it reminds me that in our times of prayer when we've been dealing with silence... if we don't embrace whatever is going on inside often times we might miss when God moves." [35:01 ]( | | )

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