Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 19:23-42 & Psalm 98
Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
John 19:30
My cousin Wayne is two years older than me. I wasn’t exactly the biggest kid on the block and one day I found myself on the receiving end of the schoolyard bully’s fists. He had pinned me to the ground, when all of a sudden—out of nowhere—came Wayne. Talk about timing! He stepped into the mess and sent the bully packing. Wayne was #1 with me for a long, long time!
Sin … Satan … the world … a condemning conscience … broken Commandments. These have all of us pinned to the ground, hopelessly overpowered. But at just the right time, “God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law” (Galatians 4:4-5). Jesus Christ stepped in, saving us from sin’s eternal condemnation. He’s got to be #1 with us for a long, long time!
Christ made Mt. Calvary our mountain of victory. God, in the person, life, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, dealt with all sin completely and effectively. Friends, know this for sure: Sin is no longer an issue with God—forgiveness is!
One day, a fierce wind toppled a farmer’s apple tree. His hired hand asked, “What do you want me to do with this mess?” “Pick up the fruit,” the farmer replied, “then burn the tree.” Many are the times we come to the Lord crying, “What am I going to do with this mess?” “Pick up the fruit and burn the tree,” our Lord answers … because of and, as a result of, the tree on our mountain of victory … It is finished!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, call us to Calvary often so we may live in the shadow of the cross of our victory, won for us by the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Response
Rest in the shadow of His cross, protected from the scorching heat of sin and guilt.