An Encouraging Word- Blessing in Boch's Hollow (1/4/2026)

An Encouraging Word - Blessing in Boch’s Hollow
January 4, 2026


Craig Van Gelder (1999) gives background information in the article “Hearing the Gospel Again, for the First Time” about how crucifixion was used in the Roman world. Crucifixion was a common form of torture and punishment in the ancient world. The Romans had mastered it to make the person have the maximum amount of suffering, and also to keep them alive for as long as possible through the torture. Crucifixion was also performed publicly , so that the crowds were forced to come and observe it. This was quite effective in controlling the populations of conquered peoples. The Biblical Archeological Society (2025) estimates that the Romans may have crucified up to one million people in the ancient world including 6000 slaves that revolted with Spartacus and thousands of Jews when the Romans sacked Jerusalem.  This form of capital punishment was generally reserved for the lowest of society including criminals, people who upset the government causing unrest, and slaves that revolted. To be crucified was a shameful way to die. Those crucified were often crucified naked, viewed by the entire community. They were sometimes tortured by having their eyes removed or limbs amputated. Their bodies were often left for the birds to pick dry.  That the Son of God would die the worst death even the lowest could be sentenced to in Rome was appalling and is not easy to understand. Yet, Jesus chose that to bear the sins of the world, out of love for you and for me.  In fact, the Bible says that he went to the cross with JOY (Hebrews 12:2). He knew the blessing that would come from this experience. 
Jesus Christ focused most of his earthly ministry on reaching out to those that society marginalized - women, children, the sick, tax collectors, prostitutes, people from outside of the Jewish community, even Romans (their conquerors). Everything about His life was counter to the culture and did not meet religious expectations from the leaders of the day. It would be no different if he walked with us in our day and age. He would still be with the outcast and the downtrodden, the overlooked, the ones that society does not think matter. This is still our call to action for today! To get back to this discipleship focus will be what brings the change to our community and to the world. What the world needs today is for Christians to be authentic and to live out the Gospel with simplicity and truth. 
This morning in church we read the Beatitudes , beautiful words of Jesus. Each of these reminders of blessing are from a place of lack, yet Jesus calls us blessed if we are experiencing them. They are challenging and most do not fit the definition of life that we want to live. I mean, who wants to experience poverty, grief, hunger, thirst, persecution, being disregarded, being treated unfairly, being hated, being betrayed, even losing our life for our faith? Yet, many of these are things that we would experience in our life even without Christ. When we look at the life of Jesus, we see that He experienced every single one of these things. What wise and true words He left us in the Beatitudes. He reminds us that all that really matters is that we shift our focus from troubles and trials to victory. Like that old hymn- Victory in Jesus , my Savior forever!  
Part of a new year is thinking through goals and putting things into perspective.  Most of these goals are for self-improvement, which is not wrong. We all need to improve areas of our lives. This week I had the chance to take a quick road trip.  On my way home, I passed a beautiful state park called Boch’s Hollow. It has a lovely bridge over a creek with a small waterfall.  I drove past it and then about a mile down the road I turned around and went back. There was a bunch of snow on the ground and it was just too beautiful to pass up.  I snapped a few quick pictures and took time to listen to the little waterfall. It was beautiful and peaceful. The little memory has stayed with me all week. I am so glad I turned my car around and drove back. 
The Lord has been reminding me lately to take the time. Take the time to read the Bible. Ponder on it. Don’t rush. Savor it. Take the time to listen when someone needs to talk. Put down your cell phone, Melissa. Stop feeling rushed to type and work , work, work, Melissa. This life is a beautiful gift. The people that God has put into it for you are an even greater blessing. Spending time in church worshiping with other believers is a sweet blessing. Savor it. Take the time. Make room in your life and day for these things. Make room for God to work in His miraculous way in your life. It is all about priority and surrender. Living a life without regrets is a life surrendered to Him! 


Scriptures to Hide in Your Heart:
Matthew 5:1-12 (English Standard Version)
“Seeing the crowds, Jesus went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”


Philippians 2:6-11 (King James Version)
“Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”


Songs to Encourage You:
Make Room (The Worship Initiative with Dinah Wright)
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=make+room+dinah+wright


Give Me Jesus (Victory Worship)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0TMRjbKhE4&list=RDF0TMRjbKhE4&start_radio=1


Jesus, My Everything (Common Gathering)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDF9T4_4FLM&list=RDDDF9T4_4FLM&start_radio=1
Look to Me (Alysha Kyle)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu8t9D1SZys&list=RDDLBvCTV23qw&index=2


(Photos are from my trip to Boch’s Hollow this week.)
You are loved beyond measure! Praying for you this week.
Melissa Boggs
Christian Life Academy Administrator




References:
Biblical Archeological Society.  (2025).  Roman crucifixion methods reveal the history of 
Crucifixion.  
https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/crucifixion/roman-crucifixion-
methods-reveal-the-history-of-crucifixion/.  Retrieved 12/06/2025. 
Van Gelder, C. (Ed.). (1999). Confident witness and changing world: Rediscovering the Gospel 
in North America. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eermans Publishing Co.

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