Thursday, February 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Exodus 34:1–35:9

Matthew 27:15–31

Psalm 33:12–22

Proverbs 9:1–6

 

 

“Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’

 

“‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.

 

“When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer.  Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’  But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.” (Matthew 27:11–14)

 

 

As Jesus stands before Pilate, He speaks truth to power.  Pilate has only received the power to judge the matchless, sinless Son because of God’s sovereign choice:  “Jesus answered, ‘You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above.’” (John 19:11a) 

 

Jesus’s confident and well-deserved assurance in His righteousness stands in stark contrast to Pilate’s moral expediency.  The One from Above stands firm in His will, while Pilate squirms to channel the people’s will and bolster his own standing.  In the end, Pilate accedes to crucify Jesus, even after determining His innocence and finding some resolve “to set Jesus free.  But the Jews kept shouting, ‘If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar.  Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.’” (John 19:12)  The Jewish leaders accused this true King of blasphemy:  for having claimed the eternal “I am” status.  Matthew 27:18 acknowledges that Pilate “knew it was out of self-interest that they [the Jewish leaders] had handed Jesus over to him.”  Pilate even “washes his hands” of Jesus’s death and wishes not to claim responsibility for this popular decision.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ obediently endured this mockery of a trial and the certain condemnation that followed it in order to provide forgiveness to those who would trust in Him.  In doing so, He painted a picture of the rewards of obedience:  despite the pain and the cost, living righteously and for God’s glory will bring about God’s purposes and produce eternal rewards.

 

Have you ever experienced the calm assurance of standing firm in God’s will and His truth?  We struggle and stain to position ourselves where we might fit best, to take the most out of life.  Yet, when we submit to His purposes and direction, we may rest confidently in His provision, care, and presence.  Please note that I am not highlighting the tie between obedience and daily health for its sake alone, but rather these fruit come as a byproduct of living victoriously for the King.

 

As an illustration, consider an upcoming trip.  Often, we rush frantically in preparation for an out-of-town excursion, packing our suitcases, gathering our travel documents, and rushing to the airport or train station.  Yet, once we have sat on the train or plane or car, we may rest, knowing that the pre-set itinerary will govern the next steps.  The itinerary provides structure for the journey ahead.  Similarly, studying God’s Word enables us to order our lives around God’s priorities, in order to travel according to His itinerary for us.

 

Reading about the Crucifixion brings to mind Hebrews 12:1,2:  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  May we take great encouragement in Jesus’s obedience to His Father’s will, despite the ultimate personal cost:  to persevere.

 

 

Lord Jesus, we wish to honor You through persevering amidst the trials and disappointments of this life.  Help us to remain focused on Your good purposes.  Give us grace to count everything as gain that involves knowing You and becoming associated with Your sufferings.  Transform our hearts and minds to embrace the eternal and to view today’s world from Your perspective.  Thank You for giving Your everything for us.  We praise You and love You, our King.  In Your precious Name, amen.

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