The Daily Dose

The Body

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.  John 19:38

As I read through this passage, it occurred to me that when Joseph of Arimathea asked for and took the body of Jesus to be buried, it is clear that it was only His body.  The scripture says he took the body and wrapped it and laid it in the tomb.  It does not say that he took Jesus and wrapped Him and laid Him in the tomb.  Of course, the reason is simple.  It’s because Jesus wasn’t in His body anymore.  It was simply what Jesus needed to operate in physical this world.  It was a temporary dwelling place for Him while He was here.  When He died on the cross, He (the real Jesus) left that body, His earth suit. 

There are many thoughts about where Jesus was during those three days when His body was in the tomb.  My point is that we all have these physical bodies, but they are not who we really are.  The real “you” is what makes your body move.  Your physical body is a vehicle that takes you where you want to go and does the things you command it to do.  Your spirit person is the one in charge and when you are done with your body, the real you will leave it and it will be left to be buried just as Jesus’ was.

Now we know Jesus came back for His body.  When He moved back in, His body changed into a glorious state.  His body became incorruptible and immortal.  It means it could no longer die or deteriorate.  If you have received God’s gift of salvation through Jesus’ blood and sacrifice, then one day you will have an incorruptible body too.  You will walk in a glorified body for all eternity, always to be with your Lord Jesus in your resurrected glorious home.

Today I want to encourage you to recognize that you are not what you look like on the outside.  That is simply a home that the real you lives in.  Don’t let your outside appearance be the only beauty that is seen.  Let the true beauty of your love for others shine through in your smile and kindness.  Realize that the looks you have today are only temporary and are fading away.  Don’t get caught up on trying to be the most attractive body in the room.  Instead, be the one with the kindest and most generous heart.  Let the outside world see that you are more than what the human eye can see.  There is an awesome person inside that can be the most beautiful person in the room, everywhere you go.

Today’s scripture reading:  John 19:38-42

38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 

39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 

40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 

41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 

42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

Target people

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a SERVANT TO ALL, that I might win the more;  1 Corinthians 9:19

I know I am not alone in the fact that I tend to live my life with my needs being the #1 priority.  I, like most people have a desire to take care of my family and make sure that they have the things they need, but sometimes it can be an inconvenience when my main focus is on my own activities.  It is a control issue for sure and in the past I have become disappointed when others did not do the things that fit into my plans and my agenda.  As I write this out, I can see how selfish that attitude is and I want to get far away from it.  However, this habit resurfaces from time to time because everywhere I go, there I am and so once again, “I” step into first place. 

I also have a tendency to draw back from new relationships because of past hurts.  Even though I encounter new relationship potentials, I keep my heart guarded because I might be let down or even worse, taken advantage of.  So, once again, I become the focus of my efforts and relationships.

What would happen if I put others first?  What would my life look like if I prioritized people instead of my activities and duties?  How would my heart and life be different if my main objective was to bless people and serve then in any way I can?  This would be very risky, right?  I would be taking a chance that I would not be hurt or mistreated in some way.  How could I be sure that wouldn’t happen?  I would be depending on others not to do me wrong, or would I?

In today’s verse, Paul says that he makes himself the servant to all and the reason is so he will win more to Jesus. He goes on to talk about all the different groups of people that he spends time with and how he lives life on their level.  He wants to be relatable and not give others the impression that he is super spiritual and not affected by disappointments and troubles in life.

Now, what does it really mean to be the servant to all?  Becoming a servant to all will require humility.  I don’t mean you will be humiliated; I am talking about humbling yourself.  When you put on humility and serve others, you are looking out for what they need and how you can help their cause. This doesn’t mean that you have to take on everyone’s problems and burdens or projects and priorities.  I am simply saying that you pay attention to what others are going through or working on and if you see a way you can be helpful, do it.  It will require some time and resources once in a while, but mostly it will just let people know that you notice them and what they are going through.  

Overall, people will be thankful and appreciate that you took time to help.  There may be some that will try to take advantage of you, but this is the best part . . . they are not in control, you are.  When some people see your acts of serving and kindness, they may try to pull on you for more, but you are the one that has the ability to say this is the most or best I can do right now.  You can pray with them or set up a time to meet with them when you have it to encourage them, but you are the one who determines where the limits and boundaries are.

Simply put:  When you love others and have compassion on them, you will want to help them out in any way you can.  You don’t have to wonder if you are going to be hurt or let down.  Just don’t expect anything in return, and you will never be disappointed.  It is when you put your hope in others and think that you are going to benefit in some way that you can be emotionally wounded.  Make the decision that you are going to love and serve others to bring them closer to Jesus and that is all the reward and recognition that you are looking for.

Today I want to encourage you to become the servant to all.  Put aside your concerns of letting the wrong people get close to you.  Do not look at every relationship as what you can get out of it.  Instead flip that perspective to see connections by what you can contribute and help with.  When you put yourself in position to notice others, you are the one pursuing people and now others are your target to be hit with God’s goodness!  Then God’s blessing will fill your life in the form of satisfaction and fulfillment that you are making a difference and impacting the world around you.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;

20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;

21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;

22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Share the Harvest

Who goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?  1 Corinthians 9:7

We have a garden.  It’s just a small one, but I enjoy having the fresh vegetables when they are ready to be harvested.  I don’t feel guilty about eating from the garden and I don’t feel shame because I enjoy my fresh veggies.  You would think it strange and even ridiculous if I did have these feelings about eating from my own garden.  I don’t begrudge anyone who plants a garden to eat of their own produce.  Even if they have planted different crops than I have, I relate and like to hear and learn about the secrets of gardening.  When the full harvest comes in, there is way too much for one household to consume, so we love sharing with extended family and friends.  Others that we know appreciate it when fresh veggies come their way and they get to share in the blessing of our abundance.

In 1 Corinthians 9, the apostle Paul was a bit irritated.  It seemed that he had been accused of taking gifts or offerings.  I believe he was well within his rights to do so.  Most churches support many missions and especially when a missionary personally comes to minister to the congregation.  Why would they be upset with Paul, the founder of their church, for accepting support for his labor.  As you read further on, Paul admitted that he hadn’t taken any funds and in fact said he would rather die than to have lost the ability to boast about preaching without charging for his time and words. 

Paul continued in this chapter to say that he willingly preached and built the church.  He recognized that he had an eternal reward coming and was happy to preach without charging, so he did not abuse his authority as an apostle.

How does this translate into today’s world?  It is our part to care for and bless our ministers, pastors and teachers that preach the gospel in our church and those that we grow spiritually from.  It makes my heart so sad to see a minister struggling to make ends meet.  Many people think it is wrong for preachers to have money.  The truth is, they should be continually blessed by their congregations because they are gifts from God to His people.  Our hearts desires should be to make sure our pastors are overflowing with as much goodness as we can give them.

Today my encouragement to you is to first of all set aside some time to just pray for your pastor and church staff.  Thank God for their life of ministry and serving.  Send a card or message out to tell them how much you appreciate them and how thankful you are that they are God’s great gift to you.  Lastly, send a special offering or gift their way to bless them for giving their life to full time ministry.  You may have to save or set aside funds for a couple of weeks or so, but God’s ministers are worth any sacrifice you have to make.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-18

1 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?

2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 My defense to those who examine me is this:

4 Do we have no right to eat and drink?

5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?

7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?

8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also?

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about?

10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.

11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?

12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.

13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar?

14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.

16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with stewardship.

18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

You can’t change it

For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” John 19:36

I feel like I have made a lot of bad choices in my life and many times I ignored the warnings that the Holy Spirit tried to give me.  As a result, I often experienced disappointments and setbacks not to mention the other lives that my choices influenced.  Sometimes when I look back, I sense a sea of casualties that were left in wake of indiscretion.

The passage today helps me to not live in perpetual regrets or remorse.  I know that despite everything I have done, God can still and is still turning things that happened years ago into a good work that He will do until the day it is complete.  God’s plans and His design cannot be undone.  No matter what destructive acts I have done in my life, God’s purpose will still be fulfilled.  What He has ordered will come to pass.

I can see this so clearly in the scripture reading today.  As the end of the day was coming, the custom of crucifixion was to break the criminal’s legs to speed up the execution process.  Even though one of the main purposes for hanging someone on a cross was to set an example of suffering for the crime that was committed, there were times that it was necessary to end the suffering early.  Because Jesus was crucified the day before Passover, it was one of those occasions.  The priests did not want the bodies to be left overnight in their suffering.  No one would not be responsible to discard the bodies on the Sabbath.

When the soldiers came to break the legs of the criminals, they found that Jesus had already passed. In another reference of this account, it was noted that some were surprised that He had died so quickly. (See Mark 15:44)  Even though His suffering lasted most of the day, He left His body before any of His bones would have to be broken.  This was no accident and verse 36 states that it was to fulfill the prophecy that none of His bones would be broken.  What God had spoken centuries ago would come to pass, just as He said it would.  That could not be changed.  Even though it looked like Jesus was taken, beaten and hung by the authorities, it is clear that no one took His life but that He laid it down freely according to the plan, and then left it be

Today I want to encourage you that no matter what you have done in the past or what has been done to you, God can turn it all for a good work.  As you commit and trust Him with every detail of your life and follow His path going forward, He will bring your life into agreement with every plan that He has established for you.  His plan and His purposes will come to pass, but it is up to you to be a part of that design.  Jesus obeyed and followed every detail of the blueprint and even when it looked like things were going bad, the plan of God would not be undone.

Today’s scripture reading: John 19:31-37

31 Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 

32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 

33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 

34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 

35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 

36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 

37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

Focused

When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.  John 19:26-27

This is a hard scene to look at.  A mother, standing by her son as He suffers and pays the price for crimes He did not commit.  Knowing He will be gone in just a few short hours and being able to do nothing about it.  Even though Jesus was grown, it doesn’t make it any easier for a mom to watch as her child dies.

In this moment, Jesus does something that on the surface seems responsible and thoughtful, but can you imagine going through what He was facing and being concerned with what happened to the people around Him.  So much that as He was hanging on the cross, after being beaten within an inch of His life, He still had others on His mind.  As He navigated through the crowd to the top of the hill carrying the cross, His focus was not on what He was going through but rather on who would benefit.  As the oldest son of His earthly family, He delegated His role of making sure His mother would be cared for after He was gone.  He called out that person to take over His duty to His mother and that was the apostle John.  From that moment on, John made sure Mary was loved and honored just as if her son were there doing it.  John became her son and made sure that she lacked nothing all the rest of her days.

I think about the things we face from day to day.  There are always distractions, delays and detours, but are we able to maintain the focus of why we are here in this world?  Do we recognize the mission that we have been called to as the most important part of each day?  Is the heavenly assignment we have been given the priority of obligations and responsibilities we have been given?  Or do we run around letting the external circumstances direct our steps, never even realizing that there is a plan for us to follow.

Today I want to encourage you to get your purpose back in your sights.  If you have lost your view and are following after a different way now, turn back today to the plan that you have been given.  Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you back to the place where His agenda was at the top of your life list.  Get a new perspective today on the purpose you were given breath in this world and when the storms of life are blowing, keep your eyes fixed on the mission you were given.  Don’t let even the slightest breeze blow you off course.  Focus on your Father above and get His strength and power to accomplish every detail He has put on your path.

Today’s scripture reading: John 19:25-30

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 

26 When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 

27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” 

29 Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 

30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

He Was Determined

He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.  John 19:17

I have heard many messages about how Jesus sweat drops of blood in the garden the night before His crucifixion.  It certainly was one of the most difficult moments of His life here on earth.  The anxiety He experienced as He anticipated the events that were about to take place was outwardly and obviously expressed in His sweat drops of blood.  As He pleaded with His Father in His last minute alone with Him to remove this cup if there was any other possible way to accomplish God’s plan.  He finished that conversation by declaring “Not my will but Yours be done!”   Even as I write these words my heart is heavy with sorrow, but also filled with admiration and great gratitude for Jesus’ sacrifice for me, once again.

As difficult as that moment of prayer in the garden was for Jesus, I believe the turning point or most difficult steps were at the point He fell down on the road, carrying the cross.  Someone else had to come and carry the burden of the cross for Him.  At that point, Jesus showed His true determination to accomplish God’s plan to carry away the curse of sin in the world.  When He could no longer take another step, God stepped in and brought help for Him to get to the top of the hill to be that sacrifice.  It was at that point when Jesus could have said, “That’s all I got, I cannot take another step.  I cannot get up and move any further on this path.  I have been beaten until there is no strength left in this body and I will lay down here and die.”  I’m sure He could have died right there if He hadn’t gone on. 

However, He was determined to make it to His destination.  There was nothing that was going to hold Him back from getting to the place He was assigned to be.  He set His eyes on the top of that hill at Calvary and thought within Himself:  just a little further, just another step.  I imagine at that point He was probably down on hands and knees fixated on that spot where He was to be crucified for me.  He was obsessed to get there for us all, to carry away our sin, our sickness, our disease, our pain and suffering and reconcile us to our loving heavenly Father.  Thank you LORD Jesus for being determined to succeed in the purpose for the breath You were given here on earth.  Your purpose was to be beaten, suffer, die, be buried, get the keys of hell and death, raise up from the dead, and ascend into Heaven to be with your Father at His right hand, to be the head of His church, to rescue us from an eternity of suffering and separation from You.

Today I want to encourage you to be thankful once again for your salvation, for the price that was paid for your freedom and abundant life.  Then become determined to succeed in the plan that He has for your life.  If you do not know what the plan is, ask and He will show you and begin leading you in that direction. He promised in His word that: “you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart”.(Jer. 29:13)  If you have never accepted the gift of salvation through His sacrifice for you, do it today by praying this prayer: 

Pray:  _{God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive me for my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him form the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  Thank you, Jesus for Your grace that has saved me from my sin and has given me eternal life.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father. I also ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus name, Amen}

  Now ask Him to make His plan and path plain and clear so you can follow Him from this day on.

Today’s scripture reading: John 19:17-24

17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, 

18 where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the center. 

19 Now Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

20 Then many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.

21 Therefore the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘He said, “I am the King of the Jews.” ’ ”

22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. 

24 They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things.

What will you do?

Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” John 19:5

All of the people in Israel knew who Jesus was.  Everyone knew He did miracles and was a teacher with a good message.  Of course, there were many who were jealous of Him. Mostly that was the religious leaders of the day.  They were afraid that Jesus would become more popular and also that He would turn the Hebrew people away from the synagogue.  They didn’t want to lose their fame or funding.  They all knew who Jesus was and some of them even spent time in His presence, but only to look for excuses to shut Him down.

In today’s reading, Jesus was handed over to the entire unit of Roman soldiers to be beaten and mocked.  Here was a group of people who again knew who Jesus was but did not know Him personally.  Some of them may have seen Him before that time and surly some of them were there when He was arrested.  However, none of them knew Him personally or spend time getting to know His heart of love for people especially those who were hurting.

The point is, this is still happening today.  Most people in our country have heard the name of Jesus and maybe even that He was a person in history that was crucified.  Most know that He is worshiped by Christians and even that He is the Savior of the world.  Yet, many still mock Him and do not see any need for Him in their lives personally. 

Then there are those who love Him deeply.  Those who spend time not only learning about Him, but also getting to know Him better each day personally by spending time talking with Him.  Those who have turned to Him for help when they were going through a crisis and then begin to walk with Him daily to point their life away from destruction.  Those who worship and honor Him because He is the One who paid the penalty for sin and bridged the gap that was between us and our Heavenly Father, and those who press into Him for strength and wisdom to help others who are going through struggles.

What about you?  What are you doing with Jesus?  Are you a mocker like those in Jesus’ day who saw His good works, but ridiculed His methods?  Are you among those who believe they have no need for Jesus to be in their life? Or are you a follower who desires to walk closer with Him each day? The good news is that you are the one who decides just what to do with Jesus.

Today I want to encourage you to consider what type of relationship you have with Him.  Is He Lord and Savior over your life?  Is He your best Friend that goes with you everywhere every day? Or is He someone you have heard of but never stepped into that intimate relationship of love that He wants to walk in with you?  Decide today to accept Jesus into your life as the One who rescues you from the darkness of the world.  Walk in the light of His love and His light.  Step away from the mockers of the world and make the decision to step into His arms of love.  Start the conversation today by praying this short prayer from your heart and keep that conversation going until you finish your course in this life.

Pray: _{God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through His salvation in Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to do the things that You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen}

Today’s scripture reading; John 19:5-16 

5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!”

6 Therefore, when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.”

7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God.”

8 Therefore, when Pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid, 

9 and went again into the Praetorium, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer.

10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?”

11 Jesus answered, “You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given you from above. Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.”

12 From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.”

13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called The Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. 

14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!”

15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him! Crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!”

16Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.

I am Barabbas

Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.  John 18:40

This is one of the clearest scriptures about what Jesus came to do.  He came to the world to save sinners and He did that by trading places with them.  On the day Jesus was crucified, the people were offered a choice.  They could let Jesus go or they could free the well-known criminal, Barabbas.  Barabbas was a sinner for sure.  He deserved the punishment he was scheduled to receive, but Jesus stepped in and took his place.  It doesn’t look like Jesus had a choice, but He most certainly did.  He could have prayed to His Father and God would have given Him more than twelve legions of angels to protect and rescue Him. (See Matthew 25:53) Jesus chose to pay Barabbas penalty for his crimes the same way He chose to pay the penalty for my crimes.

He did it for you too.  I like to call it the great exchange.  2 Corinthians 5:21 says that He became my sin so I could become His righteousness.  Jesus took my sin, your sin and the sin of the whole world and in exchange, He gave me a right relationship with God.  He opened the door for me to enter into the presence of my Father in heaven by bridging the gap that was between us. Now that door is open for me to walk in and spend time with Him each day and walk out my life in His wisdom and direction.  Jesus died to set me free from the bondage of sin and the prison of a sinful lifestyle.

Barabbas was free to go back to his life before prison the day Jesus took his place.  It’s the same for you.  The day Jesus died was the day He made provision for your life of freedom, you only need to invite Him into your life and enter the door He opened to have a right relationship with the God and Father that created and loves you!

Today I want to encourage you to consider the choice Jesus made to free you from the grip of sin.  Recognize that He traded places with you and paid your penalty for being a person far from God.  Thank Him for bridging that gap and opening the door for you to enter into salvation and press into your Father in heaven to walk out the blessed life He planned for you before the foundation of the world, before the world fell under the curse of sin.

Today’s scripture reading: John 18:39-40 & John 19:1-4

39 “But you have a custom that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Do you therefore want me to release to you the King of the Jews?”

40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this Man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him. 

2 And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. 

3 Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.

4 Pilate then went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.”

You are an example

But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak.  1 Corinthians 8:9

As a Christ follower and child of God, you are an example.  Not only to the outside world, but also to other believers.  This is why it is so important to consider your actions and who they will influence.  It’s easy for those who are outside of the faith to look and pick at what they feel you are doing wrong, but what about a new Christian that is beginning their new life of obedience?  What are others seeing when they look at your life?  Do they see someone who is consistent in their words and in their actions? Or do your actions and speech change depending on who you are around?  The truth is you never know who is going to pick up on something that you may not have wanted to get back to your church family.  This is why it is so important to live your life the same way you would if you were following Jesus like one of His 12 disciples.  Not because you are focusing on keeping a set of rules and regulations, that is just religious behavior.  It is because you want to be an example of what it means to not only be a follower, but also being part of the family.  You love your heavenly Father and want the world to see that God’s people are different because you have been crowned with His loving kindness.

Today’s reading is all about eating meat that was offered to idols.  We don’t really see much of this today or at least I don’t.  However, the passage can still be applied to the example we are setting for others.  We live a separated life, not because we are putting on a show, but because we are dedicating our life to be an imitator of God our Father.  He said in Ephesians 5 to imitate Him as a child imitates their parents in this world. 

This is truly what our goal in life as a Christian is: to be more like our Father.  We are not trying to obey a set of rules, but we are here to help others along the way.  How unnecessary it is for others to fall away from their faith simply because of a “mature” believer not taking their relationship with God seriously.  It is serious and it is the only thing that will last beyond this lifetime.

Jesus took this very seriously.  In fact, in Mark 9:42 He said if you cause a new believer to stumble, it is better if you were drowned in the sea.  That is very strong, but it gets the point through that He wants us to look out for the weaker believers and not be selfish in our behavior.

Today I want to encourage you to take a step up in imitating your heavenly Father as His dear child.  Press into Him and learn more about how to help those who are new in the faith.  Look seriously at the example you are setting to those around you and be the same loving and serving child of God no matter who you are with.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.

2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),

6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.

7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols?

11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.

13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

This world is passing

Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 1 Corinthians 7:31

I like nice things.  I know that some of them do not matter in the grand scheme of things.  Whether it is a nice home, vehicle or clothing, it makes this life a little more enjoyable when you are blessed with some of the good things this world has to offer.  The problem is that many people get caught up in things and start to believe that life is all about what you can possess here in this world.  Having the biggest home or the latest fast car.  Owning the most expensive clothes and furniture with just the right names on them can become a top priority in life.  However, these things are only temporary and to work your entire life just to purchase the current comforts is a fleeting goal at best.

The key verse for today talks about the things in the world.  They are for our use while we are here, but it will all pass away.  Sure it is great if you can afford nice things and enjoy them, but not so great if you have all your resources tied up in these temporary things.  In fact, the text here in 1 Corinthians 7 says that we need to be free from the concerns of life and not tied down to the obligation of hours maintaining possessions we will only be using for a short time.

This message is not to condemn anyone for having things.  It is only sinful when the things take first place in your heart.  If all your focus and desires in this life is to have the latest and greatest of all this world has to offer, then you have crossed the line.  Especially if you are willing to go into a pit of debt to possess them.

The solution is to keep your heart fixed on God’s plan and purpose and maintain an eternal perspective.  Keep in mind that as the things in this world break, fall apart, deteriorate and turn to rust, that we are here on an eternal mission and that is where our investments should be.

Today I want to encourage you to begin to downsize any temporary area that has become a priority or distraction from your eternal perspective.  Reduce the importance of having the biggest and the best of what the world has to offer.  Eliminate debt that has accumulated because of a worldly desire that has gotten out of control.  Turn your heart back to God and His perspective and keep in mind that this world is fading, and it will not be much longer that we live here.  Lastly, start rejoicing that we don’t have to cling to these temporary comforts but that we have an eternal kingdom as our true heritage in the family of God.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

25 Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. 

26 Because of the present crisis, I think it is best to remain as you are. 

27 If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married. 

28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.

29 But let me say this, dear brothers and sisters: The time that remains is very short. So from now on, those with wives should not focus only on their marriage. 

30 Those who weep or who rejoice or who buy things should not be absorbed by their weeping or their joy or their possessions. 

31 Those who use the things of the world should not become attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away.

32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 

33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 

34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 

35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.

36 But if a man thinks that he’s treating his fiancée improperly and will inevitably give in to his passion, let him marry her as he wishes. It is not a sin. 

37 But if he has decided firmly not to marry and there is no urgency and he can control his passion, he does well not to marry. 

38 So the person who marries his fiancée does well, and the person who doesn’t marry does even better.

39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. 

40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.