Praying Pair Of Hands
October, 20 - Daily Devotions
October Scripture Portion: Matthew chapter 1 - Luke chapter 22 including the Gospel according to Mark.
Chapter 15 begins with Jesus being sent before Pilate. The story is a familiar one. The people preferred Barnabas being released, rather than Jesus. One week before they had welcomed Jesus into the city with palm branches and loud hosannas, but now they cried, "Crucify Him!".
In verses 16-23 Jesus is led away. A crown of thorns was placed upon His brow. He was mocked, spit upon, and beaten beyond recognition. Why did He allow this? Because He loved a lost and dying, sinful, hell-deserving world. Jesus Christ, Son of God, God's only Son, suffered as no man has suffered--the just for the unjust. He made the way for this sin-laden world to be forgiven. He is the only way to forgiveness of sin. He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." A little saying that I may have told you before is appropriate here: "Life is short, death is certain; sin is the cause, Christ is the cure." Christ is the cure for all sin to all men who will simply believe.
Jesus tells His disciples what they are to do in chapter 16:15. He commands us to "go." He tells us where-- "into all the world." He tells us what we are to do-- "preach the gospel." We have many preachers today who are involved in everything except preaching the Gospel. What is the Gospel? It is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15). Jesus also tells us to whom we should preach this Gospel--"to every creature." We need to see this lost world with a burdened heart. It is my prayer that God will give us the grace to do what we should do, for His honor and glory.
Chapter 16 tells us we serve a risen Saviour. Though chapter 15 recorded the saddest day in history, chapter 16 tells us that Jesus did not remain dead--He arose! His resurrection made the hope of eternal life with Him possible for everyone!
Yes, He lives! Christ lives today! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY: Man now can be: Forgiven.
Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.
