Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
August 29, 2021
Read John 19:17-30
17 Carrying his cross by himself, he went out to a place called Skull Place (in Aramaic, Golgotha). 18 That’s where they crucified him—and two others with him, one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 19 Pilate had a public notice written and posted on the cross. It read “Jesus the Nazarene, the king of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. 21 Therefore, the Jewish chief priests complained to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The king of the Jews’ but ‘This man said, “I am the king of the Jews.”’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I’ve written, I’ve written.” 23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and his sandals, and divided them into four shares, one for each soldier. His shirt was seamless, woven as one piece from the top to the bottom. 24 They said to each other, “Let’s not tear it. Let’s cast lots to see who will get it.” This was to fulfill the scripture, They divided my clothes among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing. That’s what the soldiers did. 25 Jesus’ mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene stood near the cross. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that time on, this disciple took her into his home. 28 After this, knowing that everything was already completed, in order to fulfill the scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar full of sour wine was nearby, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it, placed it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When he had received the sour wine, Jesus said, “It is completed.” Bowing his head, he gave up his life.
Good Morning! Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me
Wow! God put on quite a fireworks show in Charlottesville last night. It started with lightning way off in the distance lighting up the sky with brilliant colors. As it moved closer, I started to hear the thunder, and then the rain arrived. The “show” went on for what seemed like hours, and then it started to slowly move off. Thank you God for some much needed rain.
Whenever I read the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, I marvel at God’s love for us, but also at the details that were listed in order to fulfill the prophecy and validate Jesus. The cross has become a symbol of God’s love for us, and many wear or display the cross. The cross that we bear can take many forms. We each have a cross to bear, and our cross represents whatever our afflictions are. What we must leave behind when we choose to follow Jesus. Jesus died on the cross to take away the sins of the world. When you take up your cross, you are saying no to the evils of this world, and yes to Jesus. Have you chosen to carry your cross and follow Jesus?
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. It is easy to follow the crowd and do as they do. We are called to leave these ways behind and follow Jesus. Help us remember when we are weak! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God loves me more than I could ever imagine.
Walk with Jesus! Pastor Liz
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