April 19, 2022 Bible Verse | Devotional Message & Prayer | Tuesday Daily Devotional Message
April 19, 2022 Bible Verse & Prayer
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TOPIC: Bearing the Cross
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY: “He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.” – John 19:17 NKJV
April 19, 2022 Bible Verse | Devotional Message
When composer Arvo Pärt left Estonia for Austria in 1980, he took with him the first sketches for what became his St. John Passion. This was an important work for him, published soon after he arrived in the West.
As a Christian, Pärt left his homeland in part so he could write music like this. He wanted to have the freedom to express what was in his heart and write about Jesus’ life and death, teachings and resurrection, miracles.
Pärt’s St. John Passion told the story of Jesus’ death using a text developed from the Gospel of John. The work lasts about 70 minutes. In amazing and subtle ways, all musical elements link back to the text and reinforce the Gospel message. Those who dig deeper can discover how the music itself helps tell the story.
Pärt began his work with an account of Peter’s denial that he was a disciple of Jesus (John 18:25). The passion ends with the crucifixion. The most extended section is the confrontation between Jesus and Pilate and the crowd’s calls for Jesus’ death. But the whole story is told.
The story of Jesus’ death has been told in many ways, styles, and interpretations over the centuries. We need to study, ponder, and share the story of why He died and what His death means for each of us.
What does His death mean for you?
PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for dying in my place. Help me to pick up my cross and follow You. In Your name, amen.
EXTENDED READING
John 19
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