Abiding in EasterSample

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 8

For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and my year of redemption had come.I looked, but there was no one to help; I was appalled, but there was no one to uphold; so my own arm brought me salvation, and my wrath upheld me.

Isaiah 63:4-5 ESV

I’ve heard many people talk about the “God of the Old Testament” who seemed angry and wrathful, compared to Jesus, who was more of a gentle, but strong, Shepherd who had grace, empathy, compassion. What we need to understand is that God is Holy, and holiness cannot stand evil and impurity and disobedience and sin. Holiness demands punishment for iniquity. All of the wrath that God demonstrated in the Old Testament was poured upon Jesus as He suffered on that Cross. No one on earth could satisfy this requirement for holiness except one. God, Himself, had to step into the earth in the form of His Son, Jesus, to bring salvation to His creation.

APPLICATION:

Are you afraid of God or see Him as a Heavenly Police Officer, just waiting for you to screw up so he can nail you? Journal about the fact that this God allowed Himself to be killed to save you.