The Benediction that Blesses Us

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God (Luke 24:50-53).

The Holy Spirit had Luke conclude this gospel with a very brief yet powerful benediction. Luke presented the same scene in much greater detail at the beginning of his letter to Theophilus that is included in the scriptures as the Book of Acts. Here we learn that Jesus simply, yet profoundly led them out, lifted His hands in a blessing, and left them for heaven. Our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, leads us into some vital everyday truth for disciples in every age that are living for Christ and awaiting His return. With the Spirit’s help, we can join the first disciples and receive the benediction that blesses us.

Jesus led the disciples. Sometimes we read the scriptures too fast. When we slow down and listen for key words we become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading us into God’s truth. Today we notice that Jesus led His disciples to the place of His choosing, where He planned to leave them and return to His Father’s side in heaven. We are always better off when we follow Jesus’ leading and keep ourselves in the center of His will, protection, and power. If we follow Jesus in the midst of our ever-changing and directionless world, we will discover and enjoy the abundant life He wants us to know now as we prepare for eternal life in heaven… “To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice” (John 10:3-4). Enjoy the abundance of a Christ-led life today!

Jesus lifted His hands and blessed the disciples. When we pause to reflect on this moment, the Spirit points out that this was God, bowing down to touch the disciples with a blessing. In the midst of being preoccupied with the details of the ascension and anticipation of the joyful return to heaven, Jesus paused and humbly touched His disciples with a blessing. We are reminded of the way Jesus lifted and blessed the five loaves and two fishes, multiplying them into food for thousands… “Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds… And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children” (Matthew 14:19-21). The Greek word for blessing means to speak or invoke prosperity and thanks into someone’s life. Let’s face it, living for Christ in an un-Christian world does not yield many blessings from other people, but every time we pause and spend some devoted time with Jesus and His Word, we position ourselves to receive His blessing.

Jesus left the disciples to return to heaven. The blessing here is a bit more mysterious. We don’t usually feel very blessed when a loved one departs from us to go to heaven. Of course, we rejoice because we know the truth and beauty of heaven, but we miss their physical presence here. With Jesus, it’s different. We rejoice that He has returned to the Father where He now intercedes continuously for the completion of our salvation… “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25), and we have the additional blessing of His spiritual presence in our heart every day… “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). As we grow in the faith, we become more sensitive to Christ’s presence and influence in our hearts and we anticipate His work in the people and circumstances that surround us.

As we grow up into Christ, just like the first disciples, we are encouraged and strengthened by…

The Benediction that Blesses Us.

The Commission that Compels Us

Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:44-49).

Jesus was about to return to His Father in heaven. He wanted to prepare His disciples to launch into the ministry that was going to establish and grow His kingdom and change the world. Time was short, the task was great, and they needed so much. He had to choose His words carefully. As disciples, we too need to hear the final instructions of our Master. The responsibility to follow Christ and to share His gospel today is no less compelling for true disciples than it was on that long-ago day of His ascension. Can you sense the Holy Spirit stirring your spirit with the same exhortation and instruction that Jesus shared with the first disciples? We can grow in the faith and become more effective witnesses whenever we trust and obey the three admonitions revealed here as Jesus commissioned His disciples. Through His words, our spirits are excited and energized to share Christ today by the commission that compels us.

Persevering disciples are persuaded by the promise of the Word that encourages us. The commission Jesus spoke over His disciples was founded on the truth revealed in God’s Word. He spoke of two great promises revealed in God’s Word. First, He told the disciples that God’s promise about the suffering, death, and resurrection of the Messiah was about to be fulfilled… “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed... they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death... when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. (Isaiah 53:5, 9-10). Then Jesus added the promise that willing witnesses in every age will be participating in the fulfillment of His promise that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations”. Be encouraged to share His gospel with someone today!

Productive disciples are provoked by the promise of the witness that engages us. The commission of all true disciples is a call to witness. Jesus reminded the disciples that would soon be witnesses of the fulfillment of every promise required for salvation. What they experienced would propel the disciples out into the world with a driving compulsion to share the gospel that had transformed them with a world that desperately needed transforming. Because we are born again, we have had the same transforming experience and therefore, we have the same call… “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). Let your salvation experience provoke you to engage your world with the transforming power of the gospel today!

Potent disciples are propelled by the promise of the wait that empowers us. The commissioning words of Jesus were accompanied by an admonition to wait for the promise of power. Jesus promised an anointing directly from the throne of His Father that would clothe true witnesses in every age with supernatural power for the task of sharing His gospel with the world. Jesus affirmed this promise after His resurrection… “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Don’t start your day without seeking the fullness of the Holy Spirit that empowers us to share the gospel!

As we grow up into Christ, we are encouraged to engage our world with His gospel by…

The Commission that Compels Us.

The Appearances that Assure Us

As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate before them (Luke 24:36-43).

The disciples were gathered together and digesting the amazing report of a Jesus sighting by two brothers. Luke does not give us a clear glimpse into their hearts, but we might imagine this room was filled with a wide range of emotions. Suddenly, Jesus showed up, and His greeting shows us that He knew their hearts were filled with trouble and doubts. He set about immediately to address the dreadful condition of their hearts with both words and actions that were intended to give them peace, increase their faith, and show them His love. Here and down through the ages, Jesus Christ has always blessed troubled disciples with the appearances that assure us.

Our peace manifests when we sense Jesus in the midst of our struggle. Jesus’ first response was to restore His disciples’ peace. Let’s face it, when we’re going through a difficult trial, our primary need is peace. Troubles capture our attention and force us to focus on temporary and terrible things. They make us forget the final promise of Jesus to His disciples… “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). I like that He said “behold” because it reminds me to readjust my focus from temporary trouble to the permanent presence of the Lord whenever I am tested, and when I do, I remember His assuring words… “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Our love magnifies when we share with Jesus in His suffering. Jesus showed His disciples the marks of His suffering. There is nothing we can experience in this life that Jesus is not aware of and acquainted with… “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief… Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3-4). Maturing love is growing beyond a desire to know the power of Christ. It is a hunger to know and identify with the suffering of Christ as expressed by the Holy Spirit inspired words of Paul… “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10). The compelling reminder of Christ’s suffering is reflected to every age to at the Lord’s Table, and will forever be revealed in heaven… “And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6). True disciples are assured and compelled by Christ’s love to share His suffering and reflect His compassion to our hurting world today… “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

Our faith matures when we see that Jesus is acquainted with our sorrow. Jesus’ final action was to eat some broiled fish to confirm that He was truly raised from the dead in body as well as spirit. I believe this was to confirm His humanity to the disciples, to remind them that in every way, He was just like us… “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), and to assure us that we have the certainty of being raised just as Christ was… “in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep… For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

As we grow up into Christ, our faith matures and our witness is empowered by…

The Appearances that Assure Us.

The Heart that Sees Jesus

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread” (Luke 24:28-35).

Have you seen Him? Have you seen Him lately? I’ve seen Him often since I’ve been born again, but I must confess that I often miss Him in the moment. I look back and notice that He was there. I want to become more aware of Christ’s presence in the present. I believe today’s Scripture reveals that discerning and enjoying the presence of Christ is a matter of the heart. When Jesus met the two traveling disciples on the road to Emmaus, He prepared their hearts for a precious revelation of Himself. Today the Spirit leads us to important truth about the heart that sees Jesus.

Desire for His presence helps us see Jesus. They did not recognize Him but their hearts burned with desire to linger with Him a bit longer. I know how easy it is to fall into the routine of reading the Bible every day without really seeing Jesus. That’s why I need God’s grace to make my time in His Word a sacred place, a time and place set apart to meet with Jesus. Beyond reading His Word, I want to hear His voice, feel His touch, and know a bit more of His heart. I know it’s the born-again spirit in me that longs desperately for this intimate encounter with Christ because… “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). As we satisfy our spirit’s craving for fellowship with Him daily, we will begin to see more of Jesus’ presence everywhere.

Dependence on His providence helps us see Jesus. In staying with the disciples, in sharing conversation, and in breaking bread with them, Jesus was demonstrating the divine providence of His Father. Just as the continuing provision of the Creator sustains every part of His creation, so too, the continuing grace and care of the Son sustains the abundant life of every new creature that has been born-again by grace through faith in Him… “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33). As we increasingly trust in Him to meet our needs, we will begin to see more of Jesus’ providence every day.

Devotion to His precepts helps us see Jesus. The disciples’ eyes were blind to Jesus because their hearts were slow to believe what the Scriptures said about Him… “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!” (Luke 24:25). But as He conversed with them on the road and opened the precepts of the Scriptures to them, the tiny spark of faith that remained in their hearts caught fire and their understanding was ignited. The busyness and trials of this temporal life can distract us from the study of God’s Word, but the Spirit within us exhorts us to imitate the appreciation Peter had for the precepts of Jesus… “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God’” (John 6:66-69). As we devote ourselves to the precepts of God’s Word, we become more sensitive to His presence and we see more of Jesus in this busy life.

As we grow up into Christ, our anticipation and awareness of His presence grows as He develops in us…

The Heart that Sees Jesus.

The Savior that is Always with Us

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:13-27).

Two disciples were leaving Jerusalem for Emmaus in the evening of that tumultuous Sunday. The Spirit inspired Luke to let us in on their conversation. They were discussing the events of the day so loudly that their conversation could be heard by passersby. They were disappointed and frustrated because their hoped-for Redeemer of Israel had been crucified. The depth of their disappointment had disabled their ability to believe the report of the women that said Jesus was alive. Worse, overwhelming discouragement crippled and made them “slow of heart” and blinded them to the very presence of Christ Himself, with them there on the road. But the fact that Christ was the topic of their conversation revealed an unconquered longing that still lingered in their hearts. “Jesus himself drew near and went with them” and the Spirit of truth gives us a glimpse of the Savior that is Always with Us.

Christ is present in our brotherhood. The perfect plan for making everything right had gone terribly wrong at the crucifixion of Christ in Jerusalem. For at least two disciples, there was no reason to hang around. They left town, but they left together. Perhaps it was because misery loves company, or maybe because there was safety for nighttime travel in pairs. God has made us to need and be connected with each other, especially in the trials of this temporal life… “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

Christ is present in our backsliding. They temporarily lost sight of Christ’s promises, but together, these two disciples shared their grief, focused their conversation, and Jesus showed up! Let’s follow their example and the Spirit’s exhortation to encourage one another… “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Christ is present in our Bible. His first action during this impromptu meeting with the two disciples was to redirect their focus to the sure promises of the Scriptures because they testify about Him... “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39). When we obey this exhortation to fellowship together around God’s Word, we experience the fulfillment of one of Christ’s most precious promises… “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20).

As we grow up into Christ, in our fellowship together around His Word, we are encouraged by…

The Savior that is Always with Us.

The Resurrection that Inspires Us

And returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened (Luke 24:9-12).

The women that so humbly loved and served the Lord by seeking to care for His body returned from the tomb with an astonishing report. They shared the words of the angels that met them at the empty tomb… “He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:6). The Spirit inspired Luke to record three different reactions to the report of Christ’s resurrection, and each response is filled with encouraging truth for disciples in every age about the resurrection that inspires us.

To some, the resurrection is impossible. Even the apostles, who witnessed His miracles and heard His promise considered the report of Christ’s resurrection to be an idle tale. For most, death is the end of life, but God’s Word is very clear about the certainty of life after physical death… “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus gave His disciples a clear prediction of His resurrection… “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22). The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to encourage us with the promise that true believers will follow Christ, and we all will die and be raised just like He was… “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:22-23). True disciples see life and death differently than others. We anticipate following our Lord and Savior through the door of death that opens to a glorious resurrection and eternal life with Him in heaven.

To some, the resurrection is inviting. While others stood still in unbelief, Peter was compelled by the report of the resurrection to get up and run to the tomb. There he saw the evidence that confirmed the women’s testimony. God’s grace was at work in Peter’s life, stirring up his interest and giving him eyes to see what others could not. The Holy Spirit inspired Isaiah to prophesy about this eye-opening grace… “In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see” (Isaiah 29:18). God’s grace has given all true disciples eyes to see Christ and His kingdom clearly, and this is encouraging evidence that we are truly born again…  “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). As we share His gospel, we encounter those in whom God’s grace is at work, inviting them to see and know the resurrected Christ.

To some, the resurrection is impressive. Peter examined the evidence that confirmed the women’s’ report and he “went home marveling at what had happened”. The Greek word for marveling here means to admire or to hold in wonder. Have you ever beheld something that was beyond your understanding, yet compelled your admiration and wonder? That’s how we should behold the truth that God humbled Himself to death and rose again that we might live… “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). One day, every living creature will be overwhelmed with wonder and admiration, and all will be compelled to verbally marvel at Jesus Christ the risen and reigning Lord… “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11). As our faith grows, the resurrection is more marvelous, and we become a stronger reflection of the resurrected Savior that we love and serve.

As we grow up into Christ, we are empowered and prepared for our transition to eternity by…

The Resurrection that Inspires Us.

The Resurrection We Remember

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words (Luke 24:1-8).

Life is not easy. Everyone experiences broken promises, dashed expectations, circumstances and people that defy reason and challenge our understanding. But there should be a difference in the reaction of maturing disciples of Jesus Christ to the challenges of this temporal life. We have a hope that empowers us to live above and beyond temporary trials because of the resurrection we remember.

We can remember the resurrection in morning’s first light. The precious servant-hearted women began the first day of the week seeking to serve Jesus. How do we start each day? Where is our focus? The weather, our agenda, a review of yesterday’s failures? There is a plaque in the center of our bedroom wall that invites my wife and I to begin each day by setting our focus on our resurrected Lord. It says in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus! Consider starting each day with a reminder that Jesus lives in you… “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Because He defeated death and rose above anything and everything that might come against us, each new day can be another day of victorious living for born again, growing disciples… “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5). Let’s remember the resurrection at the start of each victorious day!

We can remember the resurrection in moments of death. The ladies’ search for Jesus began in a tomb, a place of death. There are many places of death in this temporal world. Have you been there? The end of a relationship or friendship, death of a dream, failure of a business or ministry, termination of employment? Death comes in many forms, but our Good Shepherd, the risen Lord Jesus Christ promises to be present and walk with us through the valleys of death… “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Even more, because of the resurrection we have the assurance that in Christ, we shall overcome all the consequences and effects of the many deaths we face here, on our way to eternal life in heaven… “’Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Let’s remember the resurrection as we walk with Christ all the way through whatever temporal trial we are facing today!

We can remember the resurrection in matters of perplexity. Because their focus was on the physical facts that confronted them in the tomb, the women were perplexed. Unexpected events and surprising people tend to capture our attention and consume our hearts. The first evidence of Christ’s resurrection was the angels He dispatched to resolve the women’s perplexity with the announcement of His resurrection and exhortation to “remember” His words. Truth-seeking disciples have the Holy Spirit to remind us of the written and spoken words of Christ whenever we are distracted and perplexed… “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). Let’s remember the resurrection when we need help to understand and rise above life’s perplexing circumstances and people.

As we grow up into Christ, we live above and beyond life’s temporary trials because of…

The Resurrection We Remember.

The Grace that Gives us Rest

Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment (Luke 23:53-56).

Life can become very busy. There are too many seasons where it seems there are not enough hours in the day. We sometimes begin each day with a long to-do list and end the day feeling frustrated or defeated because of how much we did not accomplish. There are infrequent seasons of rest that are cut short by catching up activity. During His ministry here on earth, Jesus was not immune to the pressure of busy-ness, as there were times when He and the disciples were so busy they could not even stop to eat. But our Teacher made a point of providing rest for His disciples… “And he said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat” (Mark 6:31). At the climax of His ministry, the time between the cross and the resurrection, Jesus maintained the proper balance between busy-ness and obedience as He provided a vivid illustration of the grace that gives us rest.

Jesus left this world in the same way that He entered it. The body of Christ was wrapped in cloth just as He had been at His birth… “And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). The body of Christ was laid in an unused tomb, just as the body of the Christ child was conceived and nurtured in a womb that had never been occupied… “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us)” (Matthew 1:22-23). In between, Jesus lived a life of faith and trust in the sovereignty of His Father that is worthy of imitation by all true disciples… “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). Jesus rested because He trusted God’s sovereign grace that never rests.

We leave this world in the same way that we enter it. We enter the world naked and emptyhanded, and we leave the same way… “As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand” (Ecclesiastes 5:15). God does not want His children consumed with worry and toil that produces no lasting fruit… “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27). As we rest in God’s grace to work on temporal things, we are freed to invest in eternal, kingdom-centered things, like growing our faith, sharing His gospel, and fulfilling the great commission.

Through it all, we are to rest in the grace of God. Following Christ’s example, we increasingly rest in His grace working in and through us as we stay focused on His kingdom and pursue His righteousness… “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Because we are His children, we are blessed to enter and experience true rest in His grace today as we prepare to enter His eternal rest in the near future… “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:9-11). We get a taste of eternal rest as we trust His grace to work in and through us each day.

As we grow up into Christ, we live above and beyond whatever we face today when we trust…

The Grace that Gives Us Rest.

The Grace that Keeps Us Holy

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus (Luke 23:50-52).

I like the way the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to introduce Joseph of Arimathea as simply “a man named Joseph”. This makes it easy for us to relate to this ordinary man that was chosen and empowered by God to be a part of His extraordinary plan. Today, the Spirit of Truth introduces us to three virtues that reveal the work of God’s grace in Joseph’s life, grace that prepared him for a holy work of service to our Lord Jesus. The Spirit inspired Paul to teach that God’s grace also works in us, to set us apart from our unholy world and to keep us prepared to engage wholeheartedly in His holy work… “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). Joseph reminds us that as we mature in the faith, we can know and participate in the holy work of God because of the grace that keeps us holy.

God’s grace prompts and protects a holy heart in us. Joseph is described here as “a good and righteous man”, even though he was surrounded by evil and unrighteous enemies of Christ. One of the undeniable marks of a true disciple is a hunger for holiness, a growing desire to live above and beyond the lure and temptation of the unholy world around us… “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:14-16). God’s grace is at work in every true believer, perfecting our heart in holiness as He prepares us for His Son’s return… “so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:13). God’s grace keeps our heart holy until Jesus returns.

God’s grace produces and preserves a holy mind in us. It was not easy for Joseph, a “member of the council” to resist the peer pressure to go along with the false accusations and cruelty the Sanhedrin threw at Jesus. But God had placed Joseph in this position for a holy purpose and God’s grace kept his servant’s holy reason and critical thinking set apart from the crowd. The Spirit promises that this same grace is available to us to, to empower us to avoid conforming to the anti-Christian culture that seeks to overwhelm us and to distract us from knowing and pursuing God’s perfect will… “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). When we study and apply the truth of God’s Word, His grace is released in us to renew our mind and transform our reason so we can resist the world’s empty traditions and philosophies. God’s grace gives us a holy mind.

God’s grace provokes and propels a holy purpose in us. Joseph was… “looking for the kingdom of God”. Looking beyond the chaos and confusion of these present events, he remembered that Jesus had said… “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22). Either Joseph was sure, or He sincerely hoped that the tomb would be a temporary home for Jesus. In every trial that comes our way we too can experience the grace of God increasing our faith and empowering us to look beyond the physical circumstances and to see the spiritual realities of His kingdom at work… “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). God’s grace keeps our focus on His coming kingdom and helps us see His holy purpose in every person and circumstance.

As we grow up into Christ, we are being set apart and prepared for God’s sacred work by…

The Grace that Keeps Us Holy.

The Miracles of the Cross

It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!” And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things (Luke 23:44-49).

The Spirit inspired Luke to record three supernatural events at Christ’s crucifixion. As maturing disciples, our testimony can be a growing reflection of the miracles of the cross.

The sun’s light was trounced. The true identity of the Son of God was affirmed by the literal defeat of daylight by the power of darkness. This was compelling confirmation of the sovereignty and divinity of Christ… “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17). It is also an encouragement to true disciples in every age that Jesus Christ is willing and able to deliver us from all physical, emotional, and spiritual darkness… “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). As maturing disciples, we are called to walk in His light… “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). We are also exhorted to reflect His light to a dark world… “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Do we bring the light of Christ into the lives of those we touch each day?

The Temple’s curtain was torn. This curtain prevented access to the presence of God in the holiest place in the temple… “And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy” (Exodus 26:33). Only the High Priest could enter this Presence once a year, after some extensive purification rituals. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, provided once and for all atonement and purification for believers through His sacrifice at Calvary… “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:19-22). Do we regularly take advantage of the new and living way provided by Christ, to build and nurture a growing intimacy with our Father?

The Centurion’s heart was transformed. The Spirit compelled Luke to record that the Centurion assigned to oversee the crucifixion of Christ declared… “Certainly this man was innocent!” The same Spirit inspired Matthew and Mark to write the centurion’s further exclamation… “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54). There is clear evidence here of the amazing grace and infinite mercy of God. While so many others reviled Jesus, the chief Roman officer-in-charge of His execution was freed to see and believe that an innocent man was dying here for some other sin… “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). The centurion’s further declaration that Jesus was the Son of God provides evidence that the Spirit of God had taken up residence in his transformed heart… “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:15). Does our daily profession confirm that our hearts have been transformed by the grace and mercy of Christ?

As we grow up into Christ, may our lives become a clearer reflection of…

The Miracles of the Cross.

The Faith that Leads to Paradise

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:39-43).

Many witnesses were confronted by Christ on the cross. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit the gospel writers have provided a vivid picture of the crucifixion that still confronts us today. The Spirit moved Luke to record here the response of the two criminals that were executed along with Jesus. Both desperate men knew who Jesus was and believed He could deliver them from their common fate. But only one received forgiveness and the assurance of Paradise. What made the difference? There is a faith that saves… “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). When we receive God’s grace, profound saving faith becomes as simple as ‘ABC’. While both men believed in Jesus, only one expressed the faith that leads to Paradise.

God’s grace convicts us to Admit the truth about ourselves. One criminal “railed at Him”. The word means to defame, revile, or speak evil. He demanded that Jesus show His alleged power by freeing them all from their crosses. There was no remorse or repentance, only rude railing, and there was no response from Jesus. The other man acknowledged his sin with a public confession… “we are receiving the due reward of our deeds”. God’s grace frees us to respond to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit that we might be saved… “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). His grace continues to work in us after we are saved to compel us on toward holiness… “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). As we grow in the faith, we are ever more convicted of the truth that we are sinners saved by grace.

God’s grace compels us to Believe the truth about Jesus Christ. One criminal demanded evidence about the claims of Christ. He wanted action that would personally and immediately benefit him. The other, humble man recognized and publicly affirmed the innocence of Jesus despite His sentence… “this man has done nothing wrong”. God’s grace reveals the real truth about who Jesus is… “But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9). As we grow in the faith, God’s grace works in us to see and reflect His glory and mercy more clearly.

God’s grace causes us to Confess the truth before God and others. One criminal accused Jesus of being the Christ. He challenged Jesus to prove His claim. The other, repentant criminal confessed the messianic claims of Christ… “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom”. The word confess means to assent, acknowledge, or covenant with someone. We are reminded here of the promise Christ made to those who will publicly confess Him… “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8). God’s grace makes the connection between faith and confession in our salvation… “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved” (Romans 10:9-10). As we grow in the faith, God’s grace empowers our confession that Jesus is the Christ to grow with us.

As we grow up into Christ, God’s grace works in us to nurture and grow…

The Faith that Leads to Paradise.

The Humiliation that Confirmed Christ's Royalty

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:32-38).

Today we gaze upon a most precious and provoking sight, the humility and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here we see a clear example of a virtue worthy of imitation by true disciples. As we journey through this temporal and trying world on our way to our true home in heaven, we will encounter in various ways the same kind of rejection Christ endured for us. He took on himself all manner of reproach for our sake. He was reviled from the lowest to the highest. No one pitied him, no one had compassion on him, no one comforted him. Instead, egged on by the Jewish rulers, the crowd raged against him cruelly and without mercy. Yet his goodness was not overcome by their malice. Nothing could hold him back from the work of our salvation which he had begun. I fact, every mockery and taunting merely confirmed His rightful office. His humility in the face of the cruel words and evil attacks at Golgotha served to confirm that Jesus is the Christ of God… “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:8-11). As we journey through a hostile world and mature in the faith we are challenged to follow in His footsteps and imitate the humility that confirmed Christ’s Royalty.

He was settled as chief among criminals. The rulers sought to denigrate Christ as the leader of thieves and murderers, but it was God’s sovereignty that placed the Son of Man at the center of the collapsing worlds of two desperate sinners. True disciples are called to live among and love the desperate and lost souls of our generation so they might be prompted to ask us about the reason for the hope that marks us… “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:13-15). Trust Christ to be right there with you in those tough relationships with those who are not yet saved.

He was stripped of His earthly clothing. The soldiers sought to disgrace Christ by stripping Him naked, but God was preparing Him to be clothed with royal, heavenly raiment. What a beautiful picture of the transformation that awaits every enduring disciple… “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:2-4). Learn to look past the infirmities and weaknesses of today and keep focused on the glory that approaches in eternity.

He was saluted as the King of the Jews. The rulers and soldiers sought to dishonor Christ with a sign that identified Him as the King of the Jews, but God incited them to proclaim the eternal truth that Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be the King of all kings… “which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Let the sign on the cross remind you that Jesus Christ is sovereign over whatever trial you are facing today.

As we grow up into Christ, we are encouraged and strengthened whenever we consider…

The Humility that Confirmed Christ’s Royalty.

The Cross that Incites Us

And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:26-31).

After Pilate declared Him innocent of any guilt worthy of death, he turned Jesus over to the Jews who immediately led Him away to be crucified. They could not dispose of this troublemaker fast enough. He was abused and beaten so badly that the procession toward Golgotha was slowed by His weakness and inability to carry His own cross. A Gentile visitor was seized and forced to carry the cross for Him. Because the Holy Spirit inspired all of the Gospel authors to record the vivid details of the journey of Christ and His cross toward Calvary, we too are part of the crowd, and we get a compelling view of the same cross that provoked anger, confusion, and mourning in the hearts of the diverse crowd that followed Him. We remember Christ’s call to take up His cross… “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). How true that there have been many crucifixions throughout history, but this one cross still stands out as the cross that incites us.

The cross irritated the reason of the Jews. Taking up the cross will disturb our old way of thinking. We are to be renewed in our minds… “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). We do not see shame and humiliation in the cross. We see victory and the consummation of God’s plan of salvation… “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). As born again disciples we are incited by the cross to exchange our unrighteousness for the righteousness of Christ.

The cross interrupted the life of Simon. Taking up the cross will disrupt our life plan. We will have to refocus our priorities… “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We will have to discard our temporal life plan and replace it with God’s perfect, eternal life plan… “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). As maturing disciples, we are incited by the cross to follow the example of Simon, and exchange our impure priorities and plans for the perfect purpose and will of God every day.

The cross inspires the heart of true disciples. Jesus taught that taking up His cross will demand our whole heart, to the point of self-denial… “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:38-39). To make such an exchange, we have to let God circumcise our heart… “And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live” (Deuteronomy 30:6). The Spirit inspired Paul to share how the grace of God had enabled him to be crucified with Christ, counting the old selfish nature dead in Christ and living a new life in and through Him…. ”I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). As diligent disciples, like Paul, we are incited by the cross to exchange our old life for new life in Christ every day.

As we grow up into Christ, we learn to imitate Him by abandoning the world and taking up…

The Cross that Incites Us.

The Grace that Provides What We Really Need

But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” A third time he said to them, “Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will (Luke 23:18-25).

The people preferred the freedom of a political rebel and murderer over the freedom of the One who could give them true freedom from guilt and sin. The response of the people provoked an echo from the lips of Pilate who declared again… “I have found in him no guilt deserving death”. But this matter was already out of Pilate’s impotent hands. It was and has always been God’s will to give us what we need, not what we want. While on this temporal journey here on earth from birth to death we need political, financial, and other basic human freedoms, but we who are born again know that life here is temporary and preparatory for eternal life… “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). As we mature in the faith we learn that what we really need is freedom from sin and guilt, increasing intimacy with Jesus Christ, and preparation for life in eternity. Nothing in this world can satisfy any of these needs. That’s why we know that in every circumstance and trial here on earth, is our opportunity to look away from the world and toward Jesus Christ, the One who grants to us the grace that provides what we really need.

God’s grace provides freedom from sin and guilt. Jesus Christ made it very clear that there is truly life after life and death here on earth for everyone… “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment’ (John 5:28-29). He preceded this declaration with the revelation that He was God’s appointed Judge over the eternal destiny of every living person… “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man” (John 5:26-27). What makes the difference between life and judgment in eternity? There, true born-again believers will look into the eyes and recognize the heart of the One who already judged and atoned for our sin… “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2). All others will fearfully come face to face with the Loving Judge they rejected.

God’s grace provides fellowship with Jesus Christ. Again, Jesus Christ made clear that the primary purpose of eternal life is knowledge and fellowship with His Father and Himself… “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). The reason God removes sin from our hearts and adopts us as His children is so the Spirit of Christ can live in us… “And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God” (Galatians 4:6-7). Encouraging confirmation that we are born again is an increasing hunger for fellowship with Christ and a longing to be with Him forever in eternity.

God’s grace provides fitness for life in eternity. Jesus said His disciples will reign with Him in eternity… “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21). Maturing disciples are preparing for rule in heaven by learning to overcome the trials of this life with the same grace and mercy Christ has shared with us.

As we grow up into Christ, He faithfully cares for us and prepares us for eternity with Him through…

The Grace that Provides What We Really Need.

The Guilt that Was Ours

Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him” (Luke 23:13-16).

The two highest political leaders of the region examined Jesus Christ and declared… “nothing deserving death has been done by him”. Pilate and Herod vigorously questioned and humiliated Jesus but found no death-deserving guilt in Him. That should have been the end of the matter, case closed! But this case was not to be settled by compromise, beating, and release. There was tremendous guilt involved here. Jesus Christ was not on trial for His own sin. He had no sin of His own… “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). God was at work here, judging the sin of the whole world. God was dealing with our sin… “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). In truth, Jesus Christ was on trial and willing to assume the guilt that was ours.

Guilt is an after-effect of sin. Sin is disobeying God’s law… “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Sin disables us from fulfilling our chief purpose, glorifying God… “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). When we are consumed by guilt caused by our sin, we are not free to reflect the glory of the One who created us to project His image into the world. As part of His handiwork, our primary purpose is to glorify God… “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). We have added responsibility to glorify God because we’re created in His image… “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5). For born-again disciples of Christ, the immediate consequence of disobedient sin is debilitating guilt.

Guilt is an abhorrence to God. Guilt disrupts our fellowship with God… “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer” (Psalm 32:3-4). David’s guilt provoked a powerful plea to restore his fellowship with God… “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12). Guilt is what we feel when we become aware of our sin and of our broken fellowship with God… “Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, “We see,” your guilt remains’” (John 9:41). God does not want us to live with guilt. Although our relationship with God is secure, sensitivity to the distance guilt creates in our fellowship with God is evidence that we are truly born again.

Guilt provokes atonement from God. Forgiveness destroys the distance between us and God… “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Because of the finished, atoning work of Christ on the cross, truly repentant disciples have the assurance of victory over the debilitating and distancing effects of guilt whenever we humbly approach Christ… “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Because He bore and paid for our sin at Calvary, Christ promises to remove its guilt and to preserve and promote a growing, intimate fellowship between us and His Father.

As we grow up into Christ, we are ever more thankful that He took upon Himself…

The Guilt that Was Ours.

The Grace that Empowers Us

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. (Luke 23:6-12).

Jesus’ steady march toward Calvary’s cross took a brief but poignant detour through the court of the tetrarch Herod. This is the puppet ruler who, in a drunken stupor, cruelly and unjustly beheaded John the Baptist to please his party guests… (see Matthew 14:1-12). Luke notes here that Herod… “had long desired to see him because he had heard about him”. We might imagine that Jesus wanted this meeting even more. What a grand opportunity to avenge the death of His cousin and faithful servant John! But Jesus left vengeance to God, who would deal justly with Herod. He was accused by a nephew of conspiracy against the Roman emperor Caligula and ended his days in exile in Gaul. Jesus quietly and submissively trusted God’s grace to use these conspirators and events to propel Him toward the cross… “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). Diligent disciples, living for and sharing Christ in a sinful world, will find encouragement here to trust the grace that empowers us.

God’s grace responds to cruelty with compassion. Herod’s cruelty prompted the compassion of Christ as instead of judging the foolish adulterer and murderer for beheading His cousin John, Jesus proceeded steadily toward Calvary’s cross. Our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, exhorts us to keep our focus on Jesus as we encounter the cruelty of the unbelieving world around us… “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2). When we imitate the compassion of Christ, God’s grace empowers us to become a clearer reflection of His mercy to our hurting world.

God’s grace answers contempt with confirmation. Herod and his soldiers’ contempt produced a confirmation of Christ as sovereign over this and every other moment that led Him to Calvary’s cross. Christ’s quiet confidence before His accusers reminds us of the attitude of Daniel’s friends in a similar confrontation… “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king’” (Daniel 3:16-17). When we imitate the quiet confidence of Christ before our enemies, God’s grace confirms His sovereignty over our lives because we are His children.

God’s grace turns conspiracy into cooperation. Herod’s conspiracy with Pilate unwittingly promoted their cooperation with Christ as the Lord turned their unholy alliance into a stepping stone toward Calvary’s cross. The Spirit inspired David to declare that the corrupt hearts of unholy rulers will always conspire against the coming rule of Christ… “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us’” (Psalm 2:2-3). When we imitate the meekness of Christ when confronted by the power of the world, God’s grace grants us a victory that gives glory to Christ, the King of kings.

As we grow up into Christ, imitating His humility and compassion, we show the world…

The Grace that Empowers Us.