Online Devotions: Jesus takes away our sins

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Best News Ever

September 16 (1 John 2:1-2)

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world. (NLT)

You will not read anything better today than these two verses. Absolutely nothing. Take them apart bit by bit and see what I mean. First, the Bible gives us guidance so that we will not sin. This itself is pretty good news, because no matter how smart we think we are, we are not always going to get things right. Proverbs 14:12 makes clear what our own experience has proven time and again. We may think something is right, but in the end we are proven wrong, often disastrously so.

Yet even when we know right from wrong, we will still sin, and when that happens, all is not ruined. We have someone who will plead our case with God, and that someone is Jesus. Now, Jesus is not going to say, “Father, cut her some slack. She was just having a bad day.” He won’t say, “Don’t count this sin against him, Father. His own family acted that way, and he didn’t have any good role models.” No, Jesus will go before His Father and ours and say, “This one is one of mine. This one had a perfect lamb to cover all sins with its blood, and I was that lamb.”

The other day I was reading those verses and could not take my eyes off those words. Just sit with them for a few moments. Don’t read anything else for a moment and let the incomprehensible, monumental, reality-changing truth of the gospel of Jesus wash over you and penetrate deep into your heart and soul and mind. This is the essence of the Christian faith, my friends, and there is nothing…nothing…even remotely like it.

O God, when I read the words of Your promise to forgive my sins and when I think of the blood of Jesus that made that possible, my heart is so filled with radiant love from You and for You that I can think of nothing else. My face can do nothing but smile, and my mouth can do nothing but declare Your praise. May the glorious light of my transformed and transforming life point others to You. In the name of Jesus, my Savior, I pray. Amen.

Sunday, December 18, 2016

The Lamb of God

December 18 (John 1:29)

Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (ESV)

It is the central truth of the world. Earth was visited by One not of this planet, yet this planet was of Him. In fact, Earth is not only of Him; it is His. And He did not come for sightseeing. He came to redeem and to claim. He came to take away the sin of the world.

If that is not the focus of our minds and hearts, our calendars and checkbooks, at this time of year, then we have let department stores and popular media shape our lives more than God. Incredibly, God will let that happen. The image of Jesus as a lamb has a twofold reminder for us. He is the perfect sacrifice to take away our sin, but He is also humble and gentle. He will not force the gift of His love and grace on anyone. It is free to all, but He will not make us take it.

This week leading to Christmas will be full…full of last-minute tasks to complete and things to buy, houses to clean, food to prepare, emails and texts to make travel arrangements, excitement and anticipation about being with family and friends. These are the moments to savor and with which we make the memories that form the beautiful tapestry of our lives. Yet in our thoughts, our prayers, and our conversations, we do well to remember that this baby came to die for us. We owe Him absolutely everything.

Jesus, You are my all and all. You knew me before I was born. You loved me, Your creation, enough to be born a helpless baby and to die for me. Your love has continued my whole life, in moments I could see and in times I could not. May You be honored this Christmas not by my decorations, but by my faithful obedience to You. Amen.

History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.