"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Day 122 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 3-5 Luke 23:1-26)
RELATIONSHIPS RESTORED
“And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.” (Luke 23:12 ESV)
Broken relationships have been mankind’s curse ever since the Fall. Adam and Eve’s relationship was broken because of sin. Cain and Able’s relationship was broken because of sin. And worst of all, mankind’s relationship with God was broken because of sin.
Herod and Pilate had a broken relationship with each other before Jesus came on the scene. Before their mutual “negative” contact with Jesus, they had been at enmity with each other. After meeting Jesus, they became friends. Tragically, they do not benefit spiritually from their contact with Jesus. And yet their experience is what Christianity is all about...restoring relationships between sinners and their Savior. Look at the first of Christ’s words from the cross recorded in Luke:
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:12 ESV)
God’s priceless and gracious gift of forgiveness is how we are reconciled and made right with God. And this is what guarantees our ultimate and eternal reconciliation with Him, as we see in this comforting and thrilling word from the cross:
“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43 ESV)
Jesus first post-resurrection words to His disciples are His words of reconciliation to all who repent and believe to day. Therefore, these are His words to you today too:
“Peace to you!” (Luke 24:36 ESV)
Thank You, dearest Lord Jesus, for reconciling me to almighty God by Your death on the cross. Thank You for Your gift of forgiveness, Your guarantee of heaven and Your proclamation of peace. Please keep my faith strong in You this day and always! And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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