A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"A Comma, not a Period"

A foreign film named "Jean de Florette" is a story about a city dweller who inherits a farm. He moves to the country and attempts to learn farming by reading books about farming. Some unscrupulous neighbors want the farm for themselves, so they block up the spring that irrigates the man's farm. The new owner, unaware that he owns the spring water, prays for rain. Storm clouds gather, but the rain falls on the other side of the mountain, never watering his land. Eventually the man dies, and the corrupt men buy the farm for next to nothing. There the movie ends.

Unfortunately, this is how many view life. Evil always wins in the end. The good and righteous simply do the their best to beat off the attacks, but in the end, evil wins. Undoubtedly, on a Friday 2000 years ago there were many who felt this way. Jesus was innocent, pure, righteous, yet He was crucified. Their hopes burst. Their world crumbled. Jesus was dead and buried. It was over. Evil had triumphed. So it seemed.

Peter Kuzmic, principal of the Evangelical Biblical College just outside of Belgrade, Yugoslavia, shared a vision in 1989 about having regional theological centers located in strategic points around the world for theological research, training and publication. This way we would be able to move quickly into the Eastern bloc if the Iron Curtain ever fell. In 1991, after the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall had fallen, Peter was asked about his doubts in 1989. He answered, "Never put a period where God puts a comma."

What a grand way to exclaim the message of Easter! Evil and the world had attempted to put a period after Jesus' death. On the stone that covered Jesus' tomb they placed a Roman seal - Period! At first glance it looks as if the gospel writer John saw it this way, for in chapter 19 of his gospel he states; "There they crucified Jesus, and with Him two others -- one on each side and Jesus in the middle." (19:18) But, John did not end the gospel here. He, along with the other gospel writers, carefully recorded the glorious reality that Jesus came forth from the grave, triumphantly alive! There was no period after Jesus crucifixion. God had placed a comma there.

If Easter tells us anything, it tells us that evil does not have the final word. It reveals that when it seems evil is triumphant and there is a period, God has placed a comma. We, therefore, continue to hope for our trust is in Him. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! (Romans 8:37) With God for us, no one can stand against us! (Romans 8:31) Evil runs around creating havoc attempting to deceive us into believing that it reigns - period. But beloved, we know never to put a period where God puts a comma!

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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