Luke 23-24 (ESV) by Wordles*

Today’s reading is Luke 23:1-24:53.

“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. 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…’Why what evil has he done?’…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 23:14-19, 22, 23-25).

Perhaps it should read more like this:

“And after examining Jesus before you, behold, I did not find your Son guilty of anything. Neither has anyone. Look nothing deserving of death has been done by him. I will therefore punish and release him. But the Father said, “Crucify my Son, release to me Edwin’–a man who had been brought into judgment for lusting, lying, selfishness, arrogance, immorality, and a host of other sins. ‘Why, what evil has he done?’ But the Father was firm, demanding that Jesus should die. And His voice prevailed. So Pilate decided that the Father’s demand should be granted. He released the man who had been guilty of all manner of sin, for whom God asked, but he delivered Jesus over to the Father’s will.”

Do I need to say more?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading? You can provide your input by clicking here.

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*Today’s illustration was generated by the creative tool at Wordle.net. You can find all my wordles here.

Today’s reading is John 19:1-20:31.

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31).

A disciple’s testimony. Evidence submitted for review and consideration. But submitted for an ultimate purpose. John, as tradition tells us, wasn’t simply telling us stories about some man. He was telling us about a Savior. He was telling us about the hope we might have of life. Over and over again he talked about the life we might have through Jesus. In fact, Jesus is the life.

I have been dead in my trespasses and sins. There is only one way to have life. That way is not to somehow pay for my sins. In fact, the only way I can pay for my sins is through my death. But Jesus has paid for my sins that I might have life if I will simply believe Him.

As John had just written, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading?

Today’s reading is Philippians 3:1-4:23.

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own” (Philippians 3:12).

I’m in good company. I’m not perfect, which means I’m a lot like Paul. This passage provides me some of the most comfort I’ve had in a long, long time. This apostle who claims imperfection is the very same apostle who in Philippians 1:21-23 claimed that death would be better for him because it meant going to be with Jesus. He was going to be resurrected and spend eternity in the presence of His Savior.

WOW! He wasn’t perfect yet. That is, he still sinned. But, he was perfected by Jesus Christ (cf. Hebrews 10:14). But if he died that day, he was convinced he was saved. I’m so glad to hear that. I’m not perfect yet, but I have been perfected by the sacrifice of Jesus. If I die today, I don’t have to fear. I will be saved.

No, this doesn’t mean sitting on my backside. Because Paul knew this, he continued to press on. So will I. But it is sure a comfort to know that my imperfection doesn’t have to scare me anymore. I am free to keep pressing on because my mess ups don’t destroy my salvation.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

PS. What struck you in today’s reading?

Today’s reading is Revelation 5:1-6:17.

Yesterday, I saw that the Father was worthy of worship because of His creative power. Today, I see the Son. He is also worthy. The text says, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:12). The text goes on to say, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13). Then the elders fell down and worshiped. In context, they were worshiping both of those they claimed to be worthy of honor and glory. They worshiped Father and Son. The Father is worthy of worship because of His creative power. The Son is worthy of worship because of His life giving work on the cross.

Revelation 5:9-10 says, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.”

Jesus didn’t die to save the Jewish nation. He was sacrificed so people from all tribes and nations could be saved through Him. I’m thankful. That includes me. 

Today, I need to honor and glorify Jesus because of the life He has given me. I need to acknowledge Him. I need to thank Him. He is worthy.

***Question: What do you do to honor Jesus every day?

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC