Bright City - Still, Vol. 2Sample

Jesus’ resurrection from the dead means we can have hope in every situation. 

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”

JOHN 19:25–27 (NIV)

The picture on the front cover of the album Still: Volume 2 is of the remains of the West Pier in Brighton, UK. The skeletal ruins of the Pier have become an iconic feature on Brighton’s seafront. It has beauty in its brokenness which makes it one of the most photographed places in the city. 

The Pier was destroyed in an arson attack in 2003 and with no hope of funding for its restoration, it has been left to the sea. For now, it is still standing. It reminds me of so many situations, or issues in our city that humanly seem beyond repair. But God has not finished yet. 

The cross of Jesus Christ, and importantly His resurrection that followed, mean that wherever there is brokenness, despair and devastation, He hasn’t finished yet. The resurrection means there’s always hope. No situation is too hard for Him, no life is too lost, and no chain is too strong. There’s always hope. Jesus died so hope could live. 

We read in John 19 of Jesus’ mother standing at the foot of the cross. The promises given to her when Jesus was born appear to have failed.  She’s seeing her son unjustly punished and suffer before her eyes.  Her life is possibly in danger, and her association with Jesus should bring shame. 

But she’s still standing at the foot of the cross.  

She is still hoping.  

She is still there. 

There may have been all kinds of emotional turmoil within her, but she doesn’t move from the foot of the cross.  She is still in her pain. 

And Jesus is still looking out for others and bringing people together at the cross, as He does here with His mother and John. 

With Jesus, wherever there is brokenness there is also hope of resurrection. After the events of that Friday, and Mary standing still in her despair, we see Mary Magdalene, Peter and John running at the news of resurrection (John 20:1–9). There is stillness at the cross and running at the resurrection. 

Are there areas of your life that are broken? Where if you’re honest, you have lost hope? God’s not finished yet. Stand still at the cross.

Do you have friends or family members that are struggling, or caught in situations that seem hopeless? God’s not finished yet. Stand still at the cross.

Do you see issues in the place where you live or the wider world, where it seems all is lost? God’s not finished yet. Stand still at the cross.

Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

Check out our instrumental worship album here: www.integritymusicdirect.com