The First 15

Tuesday April 5, 2022

by Jan Davis

Today is Tuesday, April 5 and this week we explore what the Bible says about justification.

Opening Prayer

Today I seek to draw near to the presence of God. I take a moment to relax, slow my breathing and silence my scattered thoughts as I focus on the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I seek you in the quiet stillness of the day. I treasure these precious, intimate moments with you and long to hear the message you have for me. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

Scripture Reading

I rejoice in the wonders of God’s loving salvation and praise him with the words of Psalm 103.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12

Pause and Pray

In the first century, Paul and Barnabus traveled into the interior of modern day Turkey to a large Roman colony and Jewish settlement called Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath day they entered the synagogue and sat down. The synagogue rulers invited them to share a message of encouragement for the people. Paul preached to the Jewish audience highlighting sections of their redemption history from the time of Moses, Samuel, and David. He gave them a message of salvation through the coming of the Messiah. He explained that what happened to Jesus fulfilled the words of the ancient prophets. The suffering death and resurrection of Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament scriptures. Jesus is the Messiah of God.

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.” As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:38-43

Reflection

I imagine myself seated in the synagogue alongside the worshippers looking for a word of encouragement from this traveling preacher named Paul. He proclaims that through Jesus there is forgiveness of sins for all people. Through Jesus I am set free from every sin. This justification was not possible under the Old Testament laws and regulation. I am only to believe in Jesus to find justification – complete righteousness before God. This is found through faith and not merit. What an amazing, wondrous thing. Along with the people of Pisidian Antioch, I would like to hear more about these truths and pray I am able to continue in the grace of God. I believe, Lord. Strengthen my unbelief.

Ask: Do I believe that I am set free from every sin and justified before God because of Jesus? When have I been a “scoffer” who wondered and did not believe?

Pause and Pray

Merciful and holy God, thank you for the forgiveness available through Jesus Christ my Savior. I want to be set free from every sin, justified and made righteous in your sight. I have utter faith in the power of Jesus to save me – to the uttermost. Please speak to me further about the truth of the gospel and enable me to continue in your grace. I read the words from Acts again and listen for the message you have for me.

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.” As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:38-43

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the words that grab my attention today. Which words resonate with me the most – scoff or believe, doubt or faith, sin or forgiveness, perish or freedom? Perhaps God wants to speak to me regarding my own justification and my need for holiness. Maybe God wants to reveal what I am lacking and my need for supplication. Perhaps God wants to encourage me to continue receiving his grace to grow in maturity. Maybe God wants to remind me that I cannot earn his grace, but must accept it like a beautiful gift.

Pause and Pray

Come Lord Jesus, speak to my heart regarding the truths and mysteries of God. Expose the places of doubt, disbelief and uncertainty, shore up my knowledge and strengthen my conviction. Awaken the faith of my soul to believe in you, and only you, as the source of righteousness and justification before God. Amen.

After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:11-12

Closing Prayer

As I leave this time of prayer, I go as a justified believer in Jesus Christ to love others, show mercy, and demonstrate kindness to a hurting world.

Amen

The First 15

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