Scripture: “We are pressed on every side, but we still have room to move. We are often in much trouble, but we never give up” (2 Corinthians 4:8 NLT).

I remember seeing a magazine picture of a flower growing in the most inhospitable place imaginable—a slight crack in an expanse of concrete.

First of all, concrete is not supposed to crack.  But it does.  My driveway is proof of its failure.  In fact, every driveway on my block shows scars of age and evidence of tree roots still pushing their way to life. A layer of concrete is intended to kill the life underneath it.

The picture spoke to me of Jesus’s story.  His was a culture where both Roman and Jewish government had powerfully suppressed the natural life God created—a form of cultural concrete.  Roman soldiers enforced the concrete of political power. “Submit or be killed. Cooperate, pay our demands, and live in peace.” Jewish lawyers and scribes used the words of Moses to micro-legislate and divide the nation, with respect for the well-manicured elite and disdain for the common people who had to dirty their hands for a living.

Then God sent Jesus—the Flower that broke through the concrete and, despite all men’s laws, bloomed and brought beauty into a barren, hopeless world. He showed us life as God intended and restored our hope.

Once we glimpse the beauty of Jesus, we will never settle for ugly, hopeless days again. No matter what our situation, we need never despair.

Prayer:  Lord, although I too live in a concrete culture, help me find opportunities to spread joy and life.  I want to draw attention to Jesus’s beauty and share Your hope.  Nourish me today with Your Spirit of life.  In Jesus’s name.
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