Mar 16 2022

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.

In this verse, Paul is speaking to people in the synagogue. He tells them the Gospel, saying that through Jesus we have forgiveness for our sins. His audience was Jews—people who were accustomed to bringing animals to sacrifice for their sins. Now Paul, once a Pharisee (a Jewish religious leader), was saying that Jesus could forgive sins. This was a remarkable statement, and many Jews came to know Jesus that day.

Have you ever thought about what a miracle it is that our sins are forgiven? It's important to reflect on what sin is so that we can realize to a greater extent the mercy that God has shown each of us. Sin cast Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden. It is a rejection of God's Word and His promises. Sin is the opposite of loving God, and it separated us from ever coming near the Lord because He is holy. The Hebrews atoned for their sins by bringing animal sacrifices. When blood was shed, their sin could be forgiven and they could talk to God.

The Lord wanted us to have a deeper relationship with Him. He didn't want it to be defined by animal sacrifice and rules and rituals. To that end, He sent His son to die for our sins. Jesus was the perfect and final sacrifice because He was perfect. He never submitted to sin. When He died, He was unblemished and innocent. His death was the final atonement, the perfect sacrifice that the previous ones had only managed to symbolize. When Jesus rose again, He defeated sin once and for all. Through Him, we can have total forgiveness of sins. As we submit to Him and seek Him, we are freed from our past ways and enter into new life.

This is the message that Paul announced in the synagogue. He proclaimed it boldly and with passion, but it was the truth of the message itself that pierced the hearts of the Jews, who converted to Christianity in droves. The Messiah had come, and they were glad.

Today, spend some time meditating on this truth. Think about the abundance of mercy that the Lord has shown you. Choose to rest in it, once and for all.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for forgiving me for my sins. Thank you for your kindness, mercy, and grace. Thank you for Jesus, who was the perfect and final sacrifice. Thank you for freeing me from bondage and for giving me true life. In Jesus's name, amen.

Mar 15 2022

And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. :

Psalm 37 is a sermon that teaches us how to respond when it seems like the wicked are prospering while people who are striving to be righteous are suffering. It reminds us that we can trust in the Lord even through difficult times, and that the Lord will always bring judgment.

Have you ever felt as though you were striving in vain? I know that I have. Sometimes it seems as if non-Christians have it so much easier. They don't have to worry about integrity, or being honest on every tax form, or not gossiping, or attending church on Sunday. Although it's wrong and we know it's wrong, we may find ourselves feeling resentful.

Today's verse reminds us that when we're experiencing feelings like that, we can trust in the Lord, who knows everything about our lives. He sees us when we're struggling to be holy in a world that mocks our efforts. He sees when we let our thoughts get out of control instead of remembering that He loves us and will make all things right. The Lord will honor those who try to do the right thing for the right reasons—but this doesn't necessarily happen according to our time frame. I like to remember the saying, The Lord settles accounts, but not every Monday. We will reap what we sow, but it will not always come when we hope.

In the meantime, we can rest in the Lord. We don't have to worry about being vindicated because we will be. We don't have to scramble to prove our righteousness to other people because the Lord sees it. We can take comfort in knowing that the Lord loves us beyond measure, more deeply than we will ever understand. As we wait, we can enjoy our relationship with Him, walking in deep contentment because we have seen and tasted His faithfulness. Because we know Him and know His love for us, we do not have to worry about our own vindication. It will come according to His perfect timing.

Dear Lord, I thank you for being so faithful, for seeing my heart and all of my motives for everything I have ever done. Help me to rest knowing that you are good, and help my heart to find peace in you. I don't want to hold out on knowing you more, waiting until I'm vindicated. I trust you now, in the middle of the storm. In Jesus' name, amen.


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