God’s Truth for Trying Times - 4/7/20

We need God’s truth in trying times. Read the Scripture passage, think about what it is saying, then pray; by yourself or with your household. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

READ: Hebrews 12:1-2

““Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

‭‭(Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-2‬)

CONSIDER: Believers are to look to Jesus (worship, trust, believe, obey, depend on Jesus). He is the object and giver of our faith (founder); and He grows us in the faith (perfecter). For the joy set before Him (Triune God’s perfect plan, salvation secured, many believers birthed and secured, fellowship in the body of Christ), He endured the cross. He despised it’s shame. He thought little of the offense of the cross. Our great God Almighty easily overcame the shame of the cross, through great pain and at great cost.

The cross assaults our sin and pride. The cross offends because it speaks death to boastful, self-righteous pride - the kind the says “I’m so good I can be my own savior”, and the kind that says “I’m so bad no savior can save me”. God overcomes all pride in powerful mercy (holding back wrath against sin, not giving us what we deserve) and great grace (crediting Christ’s righteousness you our account, giving us what we don’t deserve). What an amazing savior we serve, who overcomes all offenses, killing our pride, humbling our hearts, saving our souls. “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but for us who are being saved, it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18). “To those who are called, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ the wisdom and power of God (1 Cor. 1:24).

 
The cross offends everyone because it tells us we cannot be our own savior and our sin condemns us. Not until we yield to Christ and surrender to Him, by faith, trust in His finished work, do we understand how beautiful it is that God would design the gospel to offend our pride and drive us to Christ. It is an act of pure mercy and grace and love.

THINK: What does this declare about God? What are God’s people being called to do? What assurance is given? How does the Word of God transform our hearts and lives and relationships?

PRAY:‬‬ Pray these verses to God as a prayer. Pour out your heart in praise to God. Pray for others. Present needs to Him.