LifeLink Devotional

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

It is possible that we are distracted from things of eternal value. Things of earthly value are becoming increasingly important to us as our security and health are being threatened. We must not allow the circumstances of life or the tenuous nature of things to dismay us. Discouragement is the product of placing faith in things that are not guaranteed.

However, the resurrection power of Jesus Christ to give us eternal life is guaranteed. As we approach Easter, it will benefit us to study the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is His love for us that makes relationship with God possible. For the next two weeks we will study the things Jesus said leading up to the cross, and the seven things Jesus said while on the cross. My prayer is that you will be encouraged as you refocus your thoughts and attitudes on the future glory of our eternal life with Jesus.

As Jesus prepared to show us the nature of God’s love by becoming the sacrifice necessary to satisfy the wrath of God against sin, He spoke these words:

 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. ²⁸  Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” ²⁹  The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” ³⁰  Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. ³¹  Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. ³²  And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ³³  He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.  John 12:27-33

Two points to encourage us today:

1. Jesus asked that everything he did would be for the glory of the Father. The Father’s response was that it already has been, and He would be glorified in everything that was to take place. God the Father is glorified by the sacrifice of His own Son Jesus for our sin. God’s grace is on display at the cross. The Father’s love is fully expressed at the cross. God’s redemptive purpose is accomplished at the cross.
2. Jesus declares that there is victory at the cross. Victory over every spiritual enemy. Victory over the judgment due sinners. Victory over death by defeating death. Jesus endured the full wrath of God against sin, and died. His death on the cross makes it possible for us to be drawn to Him for salvation.

As we prepare to celebrate Easter in a unique way this year, let us remember that the source of our praise is still the same. God’s glory has been revealed in the work of Jesus on the cross, and God’s redemptive purpose to draw people to Himself is accomplished when Jesus is lifted up.

Let us proclaim more boldly and loudly than ever before that Jesus is the only hope for the world.

Pastor John