Mar 17 2022

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

In his first letter, Peter delivers the solemn message that suffering is inevitable in the Christian life. We will face trials and difficulties of many kinds, but we can endure because Christ will give us strength. Indeed, as Paul writes in today's verse, Jesus was no stranger to suffering—He stepped into it so that we could be redeemed.

Peter's letter reminds us that we should not be surprised when suffering comes. Sometimes, the shock of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. However, if we are expecting—not with anticipation or dread as much as through an acknowledgment that we are not immune to the brokenness of this world—to encounter suffering, we will be more prepared to handle it in a godly way.

Jesus lived a perfect life. He was blameless in every respect. However, His life ended with one of the most painful methods of execution ever devised: crucifixion. He did not deserve this, but He took it upon Himself willingly. He had a long view of His suffering, knowing that three days after the nails pierced His hands, He would rise again. In the same way, when we endure suffering, we can take the long view of it. We can remember that while it may not be redeemed this instant, the Lord will work everything for the good.

Finally, in times of great pain, it is easy to feel as though we are all alone. It can feel like no one could possibly understand what we are going through, and it seems like the whole world is against us. Jesus knew what this felt like. He willingly stepped into suffering and endured horrific pain. He knows what it is like to be unjustifiably abandoned, rejected, and physically wounded. He did not step back and avoid suffering, but instead entered into our world and the multitude of suffering it contains. He did not spare Himself because He loved us deeply.

If you are suffering, think about Jesus. Reflect on the love that He has for you, and remember that He knows from first-hand experience exactly what you are feeling. Even if no one else knows how to comfort you, He does—and He will.

Dear Lord, I thank you for loving me so much. I do not deserve your love, and yet you give it freely. Thank you for the goodness that you have shown me day after day. Help me to endure the many trials I have in my life. Make me like you, and help me to hope in you. In Jesus's name, amen.

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.


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