Have you ever wondered why the disciples worshipped Jesus and returned to Jerusalem with “great joy?” Would you have been so joyful to see Jesus return to the Father? Perhaps they understood something that we do not. That His Ripple Effect continues and is even greater through His ascended reign.
A Ripple Effect does not only go forward but it also goes backwards and sideways. The death and resurrection not only forces us to look forward into eternity but also look backwards to recognize His faithfulness in the past. Some of the greatest blessings in life are found when we look again.
The name Gethsemane means oil press. Here in the garden, the pressure of the cross had reached the point where blood is pouring out like sweat. Under such intense pressure, Jesus declares, “Not what I will but what you will.” His commitment to bearing your cross has caused an eternal Ripple Effect.
How rude! Can you believe that Jesus came into Jericho and ignored everyone else but Zacchaeus who was not only a tax collector but the chief tax collector. It almost seems as if Jesus doesn’t care about them – but wait! Look at the Ripple Effect Jesus left in Jericho – one that impacted everyone in town. Perhaps this is how Jesus chooses to impact people. Could that still be true today? Could Jesus be working through you the same way He worked through Zacchaeus?
Let’s face it, evil has a Ripple Effect as well. Paul was pursuing his passions to persecute Jesus and His Church. The Ripple Effect Jesus creates is one that flips our passions and directs them according to His purpose. How has or is the Lord Jesus flipping your passions?
By definition, a Ripple Effect causes disruption. As a follower of Jesus, we are called to continue His Ripple Effect not by maintaining who others say Jesus is but by confessing Him for who He is. How might your confession of Jesus as Lord continue His Ripple Effect?
The presence of Jesus in the Decapolis caused the people to be “astonished beyond measure.” Was it only a result of Him making “the deaf hear and the mute speak?” Of course, this is astonishing, but could there be more to the story?
A Ripple Effect starts at the center and moves out from where it began. While Jesus was in Nain, He raised a young man from the dead. This is what we see. This is what makes His time in Nain worth telling. But where did the Ripple Effect begin? With compassion! Maybe you’re not able to bring the dead to life, but what Ripple Effect is the Lord beginning through your compassion?
On Independence Day, we celebrate the sacrifice of men and women who were willing to do whatever it takes for freedom. As a follower of Jesus, are we ready to do whatever it takes so that people can find freedom in Jesus?
At different points in our life, we will be confronted with one of two options – Start it Up or Wrap it Up. A wrap it up attitude says, “I’m too old. I’ve already done my part. I can’t risk it. We’ve never done it that way before.” On the other hand, a start it up attitude saves the best for last. Wrap it up attempts to stop or prevent moving forward but start it up is about continuing the Ripple Effect. Do you have a Wrap it Up or Start it Up attitude?