Feb 26 2022

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Jesus is the only human who has ever lived and never sinned.

We read in the New Testament that Jesus had half-brothers. Imagine what it must have been like to be the brother of Jesus! If we think it's difficult to live up to the pristine example of an older sibling, think about the implications if Jesus, the Son of God, was your brother.

He always told the truth, never made a bad decision, didn't give in to temptation, and the list goes on. Jesus was perfect.

However, this afternoon's verse in Corinthians tells us that this perfect man took on our sin when He died on the cross. Our mistakes and sins died with Him. Because He was raised to life, we have the opportunity to have a new life in Him.

It's interesting that Jesus' own brothers didn't believe He was the Son of God at the time of His death (John 7:5). They saw that Jesus was different from everyone else, and they knew Him in a different way, but still, they didn't believe.

Later on in Scripture, we read that at least two of His brothers became believers. Today, we can choose to follow the One who lived a sinless life and died for us so we can have a relationship with Him for eternity.

It takes faith for us to believe that Jesus was who he was and is. But God can increase our faith if we take the first step to trust Him.

Jesus, thank you for taking my sin so I can receive your righteousness. I choose to accept the life you have offered to me. Remove the sinful parts of me that keep me from knowing you. I didn't deserve the sacrifice you made for me, but I am forever grateful. Help me to honor you in the way I live, Jesus. In your name, amen.

Feb 25 2022

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. :

For ten years, Florida took monumental steps to eradicate citrus canker and failed. This bacterial disease has been responsible for destroying tens of thousands of citrus trees. Canker affects the leaves, stems, and fruit of the trees and can only be stopped when it's destroyed.

Florida's efforts have continued to be in vain because rain carries the bacteria and causes the canker to spread rapidly. Once a tree contracts this disease, it begins to destroy the tree quickly. The diseased parts must be removed immediately. Otherwise, it will destroy the entire tree and spread to nearby trees.

Citrus canker and sin are similar in their effect and end result. Once sin enters our lives, it spreads quickly, affecting our hearts and minds. Without repentance and forgiveness, it will destroy us, ultimately leading to death and eternal separation from God.

Unlike canker, however, there is a solution to our sin disease. In this afternoon's verse, we read that God has already provided a sin removal system for our lives.

Because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we can come to God in prayer and ask for His grace in our lives. Sin and its effects on our lives will not just go away on its own. It has to be dealt with.

Sin doesn't have to destroy us. But without God's help, it will lead to death and hurt those around us. Through God's mercy, we can receive new life and eternal life with God.

I have a sin problem. There are places in my heart that wander from you and seek to do their own thing. I know that when I stray from your Word, I will do things that pull me away from you. Please remove the sin in my heart. Make me strong and able to withstand the temptation of sin. I know that you offer me a better way of living. Help me to follow you. In Jesus' name, amen.


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