READ

Isaiah 60-61

Proverbs 29

Weekend Reflection

We read this week one of the most incredible chapters of prophecy about the life, work, and sacrificial death of Jesus: Isaiah 53! For your faith and joy at the beginning of this new year, meditate this weekend on the truths we see in Isaiah 53. In particular, consider 53:10. “It was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief.”

There were many who wanted to kill Jesus, and they did very specific things to make it happen. Judas betrayed him. The Jews arrested and “tried” him. The religious leaders stirred up the crowd to pressure the Roman Governor, Pilate, to sentence him to death. Pilate gave the order. The Roman soldiers did all of the execution dirty work.

Yet, above all of those things, it was the will of the Lord that was accomplished in the death of Christ. Truly, as Jesus said, “No one takes my life. I lay it down of my own accord.” Jesus was not in the wrong place at the wrong time, or swept up into unfortunate circumstances. He knowingly and willingly sacrificed himself for you and me. God willed it to be. Ponder his love for you!

PRAY

Take some time to commune with the Lord in prayer using part of The Lord's Prayer as a model.

"AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL." - Seek God's guidance in every aspect of your life. Ask him to guard you against the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world. 

SING

Throne Room Song - Charity Gayle