#JESUS2020 - Daily DevotionalsSample

At the heart of the gospel lies a scandal. Yes, what could be more scandalous than the torture of an innocent man who never did the slightest wrong? Yet that is precisely what befell Jesus: He was spat at, mocked, flogged, punched and tortured to death. He who was perfectly blameless suffered the atrocities we reserve for the worst criminals!

However, it is precisely in this scandalous event that God reveals His justice and love. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV). To purify our conscience, to wash away our faults and to redeem us from the grip of evil, the Father gave His most precious possession: the life of His own Son, and the Son made the costliest offering one can make - His own life.

Jesus’ sacrifice puts an end to all sacrifices. No other sacrifice can compare! No transgression is so big that even Christ’s blood cannot blot it out. No sacrifice we give can be precious enough to add to the worth of this precious blood. As He said Himself, “It is finished!” (John 19:30 NIV)

“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” (Colossians 1:21-22 NIV)

Do you sometimes try to add to what Christ accomplished for you in order to gain His affection? Do you realize how futile it is to try to gain His love and forgiveness when He has already made you holy and righteous by faith? “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves … If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9 NIV)

ACTION STEP:

Take some time today to thank God for the wonderful gift He has given us through His Son.

Ruben Binyet, ICF Geneva