Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 8, 2023
Matthew 27:38-46
38 They crucified with him two outlaws, one on his right side and one on his left. 39 Those who were walking by insulted Jesus, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “So you were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, were you? Save yourself! If you are God’s Son, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way, the chief priests, along with the legal experts and the elders, were making fun of him, saying, 42 “He saved others, but he can’t save himself. He’s the king of Israel, so let him come down from the cross now. Then we’ll believe in him. 43 He trusts in God, so let God deliver him now if he wants to. He said, ‘I’m God’s Son.’” 44 The outlaws who were crucified with him insulted him in the same way. 45 From noon until three in the afternoon the whole earth was dark. 46 At about three Jesus cried out with a loud shout, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani,” which means, “My God, my God, why have you left me?”
Good Morning, O Love divine, what hast thou done?
I can’t quite imagine seeing someone hanging on a cross, slowly dying as they writhe in pain. I feel like I would be overcome with emotion and unable to speak at all, but we read the accounts of those passing by who chose to hurl insults at Jesus. Even the outlaws who hung on either side of Jesus were having a conversation.
Sadly, we have seen too many examples of mob mentality either in person or in the movies. During Jesus' time, spectacles were held at the Colosseum in Rome, where the accused might be set before wild beasts while the crowd watched in excitement. Now, fast forward to the wild west, when people would bring their picnic baskets and gather for a good hanging of the local outlaw. It is easy to scoff and belittle such gathers as barbaric.
If we do, we have to claim ourselves as barbaric as well. In our modern times, you don’t even have to leave your home to join in the “merriment.” Viral videos of violence fill our airwaves and social media. We want to believe that we have moved beyond barbarism, but what would we do if a stranger came to town and started spouting all kinds of ideals that violated all that we know and love? Would we talk and gossip in our homes, offices, and even our churches? Who is this person?
If Jesus wandered into our lives dressed in dirty, torn clothing with unkempt hair telling us to change our ways, would we recognize him as the Messiah, or would we call him a heretic? Are we, or is our world really any better than we were two thousand years ago? I have more questions than answers this morning.
What I know: God loves us. We are sinful, broken children of God who are promised eternal life. The price of admission has already been paid, and our tickets are waiting at the will-call window.
Are we ready to step up and claim our gift? Can we boldly walk through the crowd of nay-sayers and say, “Forgive me, Lord. I have sinned against you and my neighbor. I accept you as my Lord and Savior.”?
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. You promise us eternal life, but You ask us to do things that make us uncomfortable. Help us stand strong in the midst of our enemies. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Even when it is difficult, I will do what God has called me to do.
Reach out and claim the gift of God’s love! Pastor Liz
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