Tonight's Word 🌱

"He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His stripes we are healed." 

- 1 Peter 2:24

Have you ever done something wrong? I guess we can all answer a sheepish 'Yes' to that question. How about have you ever done something wrong and watched someone else suffer or be punished for it, instead of you? Now this is where it gets sticky. Not many folk would feel comfortable admitting that they allowed someone to suffer because of their actions, and even worse, that they did nothing about it. It doubles the guilt. After all, it is the general in-built moral compass in most if not all of us, that accepts that the person who does wrong is the one who should experience their own consequences. Somehow though, through this life, we come to the realization that our actions not only impact us, but affect others also. 

The Bible gives the following account. Jesus, innocent of any crime, is presented together with the well-known criminal named Barabbas, and the Jews are asked which of the two prisoners they choose to have released and freed of judicial punishment. The Jews choose Barabbas, the violent insurrectionist, to be freed, and to have Jesus, the just advocate for love, self-governance, rejection of sin and submission to God, not only condemned, but crucified! What an interesting choice. One can only imagine the mixed feelings Barabbas felt, watching a completely innocent man take his place, while he was being freed.

Pontius Pilate placing Jesus' fate in the hands of humanity

The sacrificial system implemented by God demonstrated the effects of our sins on an innocent lamb, to the point of death. This truly teaches us the terrible impact of the very sin problem that God seeks to eradicate once and for all. The Bible says we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). It is this very sin that Christ came to be the sacrificial lamb for. However, this time, it was not only a lamb, but rather it was a man in the flesh who died for our sin, while we were undeserving of the benefits of this pardon (Romans 5:8). 

Tonight, as we reflect on tonight's word, the cross, our part in the story of Jesus, and the level of love that granted this gift of life to us, let us purpose in our heart to make the most use of this grace as possible while we have life and hope, to continue striving to a life of righteousness that pleases our Father. 

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for helping us to understand the impact of sin and how much You hate it. After all, look what it did to Your Son. We pray that as we live our life going forward, we ask You to help us in humbly making conscious decisions that honour that sacrifice made years ago. Help us give voice to that which is good, right and just through the life we live and choices we make, help us to love You, and help us to understand that in doing what pleases You, we not only help ourselves, but others too. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Do listen reflectively to the following song, which has the tendency to tug on my heart strings in the direction of my heavenly Father. Be blessed 🎧🙏🏽

How Deep the Father's Love for Us [Selah]

The devotional "Tonight's Word" is released weekly on Friday evening. Your comments and encouragement continue to be received and apppreciated. God be praised! I am humbled. May we continue to be blessed by reading and sharing with others. I pray that God does the special work that is much needed within each of us as He teaches us, patiently and lovingly grows us, prunes us, accompanies us, comforts us, disciples us, uses our humble gifts for His glory, and prepares us for eternity.

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