A Purposeful Way of Life Devotional - Day 2
A Purposeful Way of Life Devotional - Day 2
A Purposeful Way of Life Devotional - Day 2
Save the Best for Last
John 2:10 Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.
Why does a gymnast put her most impressive skill at the end of the routine? Why do fireworks designers put the big burst at the end? Why is the fourth movement of the symphony the most powerful one? Why do stand-up comics like to end with their strongest material? Why does the climax come at the end of the movie instead of the beginning? Why do we eat dessert last? Why do sports movies and documentaries fetishize games that are decided in the final seconds? Because the best should be saved for last for lasting impact.
Sports fans may be familiar with Kobe Bryant, an American professional basketball player who retired in April of 2016 after a stellar 20-year career. In his career finale he scored 60 points in one of the greatest final game performances in the history of the game.
Jesus sometimes saves the best for last. He delights in delivering the unexpected to the unsuspecting. He waits until there is opportunity to show up where the needs are rampant but the solutions are few. Then He meets the need unconventionally and boldly. Many times, this is His method because Christ is counter-intuitive. He wants others to ask “Why?” Why did Jesus save the best for last? One reason the Lord saves the best for last is to honor the recipients. Those who persevere deserve the best. For example, in relationships, the fruit of long-term commitment produces the best experience. Trust, contentment, and fulfillment all earn their right in relationships that resolve to remain true.
God blesses those who wait: “Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land.” Psalm 37:34a
The best is yet to come! Jesus always saves the best for last!
Questions:
1. What’s an example of Jesus saving the best for last in your life?
2. Have you ever settled and then realized that what Jesus had was better if only you had waited?
John 2:10 Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.
Why does a gymnast put her most impressive skill at the end of the routine? Why do fireworks designers put the big burst at the end? Why is the fourth movement of the symphony the most powerful one? Why do stand-up comics like to end with their strongest material? Why does the climax come at the end of the movie instead of the beginning? Why do we eat dessert last? Why do sports movies and documentaries fetishize games that are decided in the final seconds? Because the best should be saved for last for lasting impact.
Sports fans may be familiar with Kobe Bryant, an American professional basketball player who retired in April of 2016 after a stellar 20-year career. In his career finale he scored 60 points in one of the greatest final game performances in the history of the game.
Jesus sometimes saves the best for last. He delights in delivering the unexpected to the unsuspecting. He waits until there is opportunity to show up where the needs are rampant but the solutions are few. Then He meets the need unconventionally and boldly. Many times, this is His method because Christ is counter-intuitive. He wants others to ask “Why?” Why did Jesus save the best for last? One reason the Lord saves the best for last is to honor the recipients. Those who persevere deserve the best. For example, in relationships, the fruit of long-term commitment produces the best experience. Trust, contentment, and fulfillment all earn their right in relationships that resolve to remain true.
God blesses those who wait: “Wait for the LORD and keep his way. He will exalt you to inherit the land.” Psalm 37:34a
The best is yet to come! Jesus always saves the best for last!
Questions:
1. What’s an example of Jesus saving the best for last in your life?
2. Have you ever settled and then realized that what Jesus had was better if only you had waited?
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