My Shallow View of Deliverance

Today’s reading is Matthew 27.

I learned something I don’t like about myself from today’s reading. At the foot of the cross, the scribes and elders mocked Jesus saying, “He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him.” They thought that if God were really there, if God really cared about Jesus, and Jesus really were God’s child, then God would have to bring Him off the cross right then. I realize I often think in that very same shallow way about deliverance. Surely if God is really there, really cares, and I’m really His, He’ll deliver me from every hardship. However, Jesus really did trust God, God really was with Him, and God let Him die. Why? Because God’s plans for Jesus were greater than bringing Him down from the cross. When God is not delivering me on my time table from some hardship, I need to remember it is because God’s plans for me are greater than simply removing that particular hardship from me at that time. Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow’s reading is Matthew 28.

Why Do You Wait!

Today’s reading is Acts 22.

“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16, ESV). Have you been baptized, washing away your sins, calling on His name? What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for someone to prove you have to? Look at that verse again. Are you waiting to fix your life? It won’t happen without Jesus. Are you waiting for a more opportune time? It won’t get any better than right now. “Why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.”

Tomorrow’s reading is acts 23.