An Encouraging Word- Still the Greatest Story Ever Told (2/8/26)

An Encouraging Word-  Still the Greatest Story Ever Told!
February 8, 2026

For the last few weeks the students in Mrs. Jenkins’s 8th grade literature class has been reading through the novel Ben-Hur written by Civil War Major General Lew Wallace. They have had me come in as a guest reader and I have enjoyed experiencing the story with them.  Last week we finished the book , with the last chapter being the healing of Ben- Hur’s mother and sister from leprosy and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I was so moved reading this to the students! My eyes were blurry with tears and my voice was barely able to read the words of Christ from the cross, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do (Luke 22:34)”.

I did not know until reading the author's background that Lew Wallace gave his life to Christ while writing this book. He had set out to write a book that would debunk the story of Jesus Christ but while researching and writing he came to the conclusion that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. The book became a written testimony of Lewis’s own return to peace with God.
The 1959 movie with Charleton Heston is fantastic! I had to come home and watch it again this weekend. When I taught middle school we would watch it every spring, right before Easter.
I encourage you to watch it. Beautiful storytelling.  Still the greatest story ever told!

I have thought about these words of Christ and this book and movie all weekend. “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do”.  Me, in my selfish human state, not one time have I prayed this prayer for people that hurt me, yet my Savior asked God to forgive all of us,  and offered himself up for us on the cross. Our sins for his life. We have knowingly turned away from God. We have chosen to satisfy our own wants and needs rather than surrender our hearts and lives to our Heavenly Father. Yet , Jesus prayed for each of us, in fact, he pleaded with God on our behalf, for God to forgive us- the ones who did not even acknowledge it or want this gift. Why would any of us choose to reject such a life-changing thing in our lives? 

Jesus showed such strength!
Such sacrifice!
For me.
For you.
Forgiveness.
Grace.
Restoration.
Paid at a great price.

Don’t wait!
Meet him at the cross.
Surrender.
Let Jesus do the work of salvation and healing in your heart , mind, and soul. 
It will be the greatest decision you ever make!

Scriptures to Hide In Your Heart:
Luke 15:3-7 (English Standard Version)
“So Jesus  told them this parable:  “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”


Matthew 11:28 (English Standard Version)
“(Jesus said) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”


1 Corinthians 6:20 (King James Version)
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”


Ephesians 1:7 (English Standard Version)
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”


Songs to Encourage You:
Make Me New 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N68AA9arbuU&list=RDkur3yn1-r0w&index=13


Run to The Father (Cody Carnes)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcpeLDp0Foo&list=RDHcpeLDp0Foo&start_radio=1


Prince of Peace (Josh Baldwin)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfUSiAKnz0E&list=RDVAZd3EWu8tg&index=2


Clips From the Movie:
Ben-Hur Meets Jesus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDoyywKt1_0


Ben-Hur at the Cross
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDoyywKt1_0








Praying for you this week. You are loved beyond measure!
Melissa Boggs
Christian Life Academy 

​

---