Matthew 26: 20-21 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”
When you think of opposites what comes to mind? Positive would be the opposite of negative. Light the opposite of dark, expensive the opposite of cheap and so on. When you think of characteristics of Jesus, what would be the opposite of His attributes?
Let us continue on with the self examination. We who are broken look at ourselves and plumb the depths of our character during Lent. When we look inward, what do we see? When God looks into our hearts, what does He see? Psalm 139 1-4 remind us that God knows us thoroughly. O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. We have no secrets from God. Jesus, in speaking to the disciples in Matthew 26 is very upfront in His assessment of the future. And while they were eating, he said, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.” One would step away from being a disciple, a follower and part of Jesus’ legacy to be the one to betray Jesus. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:8&9 that we, the living legacy are we are called to a holy life. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. How are we to live our lives? We need look no further that 1 Peter 2:1 for that information. Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. And 1 Peter 2: 9-12 sets out a course for us to follow. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. How are you measuring up? Remember no one is perfect, all fall short.
We do these things out of love for Christ and love for others because we are saved by Christ. God sent His perfect and precious Son to die for each and everyone. Not just the good ones, every one. The proof is found in the empty cross and empty cross. Remember our brokenness and embrace the grace that abounds in the love of Christ. That love is what we need to share in our lives.
PRAYER: Father, we who are broken look to You for strength in our worship and ministry to this broken world we live in. Give us the faith to be courageous in reaching out to this world. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
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