Luke 24:2-6 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!
He IS risen and He lives today! The victory Jesus had over death was not temporary and it was not for a select group alone. All of our sins placed the nails in His hands. He endured the agony of the cross and the separation in the grave so that those sins could be forgiven. With His resurrection, He purified all to have the authority to approach the throne of God, in confidence, to receive His grace and salvation. Today is a perfect day to accept that gift if You have never received it. If you accepted long ago, but wandered away, it’s a great day to come home. If the cross doesn’t seem personal to you, imagine His exit from the tomb as He calls your name to the Father as, “Forgiven!”
Forgiving Father, I am so humbled by the sacrifice of Jesus. It pains me to know what He endured for me. Please prick my heart to be more aware of my sin and quickly repentant. Help me to never take the cross for granted. I call upon the resurrection power that Jesus made available to me that day to help me overcome the grave my sins want me to stay in. Because He is risen – I too can rise above where I am to be who You have called me to be! Thankful…Amen
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Friday, April 10, 2020
Daily Dose 4-10-20
What's your choice this Good Friday?
John 18:39-40 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”
Was there a glimmer of hope on that day so many years ago? Jesus had prayed so fervently to avoid the cross the night before, yet accepted the will of His father. But at this instant–when Pilot offered the people a choice–did the vision of possibility run through His head? As He looked among the crowd, did He see those He had healed and ministered to with hope? Was He like a child for a moment waiting for the kickball team captain to choose Him? He was omnipotent. He knew in His heart the choice that would be made but He also knew the God He served, His Father, was able to make another way. For a split-second did He think this could be the way? The people He loved so dearly would choose Him over a common criminal? God could make that work! It didn't take long for the answer. The people shouted, "No!" We often desperately long for acceptance, friendship and love from people–often times, we are rejected. Our rejection may lead to sadness, disappointment or frustration. The rejection Jesus experienced that day led Him to cruel torture, a horrific death and most sadly, separation from His Father. Have you accepted that sacrifice? He still looks among the lost today saying, "Choose Me!" Will you do as the crowd did that day?
Precious Jesus, I chose You so long ago and that choice has made such an impact in my life. However, You don't ask for a one-time acceptance. Your sacrifice is worthy of my daily choice. I choose You over the sins that seek to condemn me knowing Your sacrifice that day paid the price for my escape. Thank You seems inadequate. Let my thanks be choosing You and Your ways all day, every day. I love You!
John 18:39-40 But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!”
Was there a glimmer of hope on that day so many years ago? Jesus had prayed so fervently to avoid the cross the night before, yet accepted the will of His father. But at this instant–when Pilot offered the people a choice–did the vision of possibility run through His head? As He looked among the crowd, did He see those He had healed and ministered to with hope? Was He like a child for a moment waiting for the kickball team captain to choose Him? He was omnipotent. He knew in His heart the choice that would be made but He also knew the God He served, His Father, was able to make another way. For a split-second did He think this could be the way? The people He loved so dearly would choose Him over a common criminal? God could make that work! It didn't take long for the answer. The people shouted, "No!" We often desperately long for acceptance, friendship and love from people–often times, we are rejected. Our rejection may lead to sadness, disappointment or frustration. The rejection Jesus experienced that day led Him to cruel torture, a horrific death and most sadly, separation from His Father. Have you accepted that sacrifice? He still looks among the lost today saying, "Choose Me!" Will you do as the crowd did that day?
Precious Jesus, I chose You so long ago and that choice has made such an impact in my life. However, You don't ask for a one-time acceptance. Your sacrifice is worthy of my daily choice. I choose You over the sins that seek to condemn me knowing Your sacrifice that day paid the price for my escape. Thank You seems inadequate. Let my thanks be choosing You and Your ways all day, every day. I love You!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
