Jesus is our hope

Written by Myles MacMillan.

 

The love of God is amazing and it is so well displayed in the life of Jesus. Let’s look at an example of that:

"While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (NIV) Matthew 26:47-54

If you were Jesus what would you have done in this situation? Remember that you are here to help these people and how do they repay you? By betraying you? By trying to haul you off to what you know will be your death? Instead of rage, Jesus responds with compassion, understanding how much these people need him. He even shows love to the soldier that’s there to capture him! Jesus also openly admits that he could call twelve thousand angels to rescue Him but He doesn’t because he is committed to God’s plan of salvation for us. Before Jesus instituted the New Covenant people lived under the Law of Moses or the Old Covenant. In Romans 8, this law is described as the “law of sin and death” not because God’s law was flawed but because the human beings living under the law were flawed and this lead to sin and spiritual death.

Jesus is our hope, He is our only hope of salvation. His sacrifice serves as the punishment that we deserve – He paid that for us. Romans 8:4 says we must no longer live for the flesh (that is for ourselves and our sinful desires) but we must live according to the Spirit (that is for what God wants) and that brings us to this time of devotion right now. I know our lives are busy and we have a lot on our minds but during these next few minutes let’s do our very best to put all that aside and remember Jesus' sacrifice for us. The love that has been shown for us is incomprehensible and we must not forget how blessed we are. This display of love must challenge us to take up our crosses and follow Him daily! What are you waiting for?

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