White as Snow (Psalm 85:1-3)

Today's scripture: Psalm 85:1-3

We are so deserving of God's wrath and anger. He who is perfect and without sin created man, and in grace and mercy, He gave him the choice to follow—or to turn away. Sin entered the world when man chose to turn away.

Sin is ugly, dark, and insidious. Sin creates a chasm between us and Holy God. Sin keeps us from seeking Him.

God has every right to be angry with sin ... and with us. Yet, He loves us so very much, He made a way for the ugly darkness of sin to be covered with the blood of His Son. Instead of seeing the blackness of sin, He sees us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).

I hadn't thought about it when I chose this psalm, but it's a perfect reminder of why we celebrate this season. We celebrate the coming of the Son of God, the Lamb who came to save us from our sins. When this psalm was written, of course, Jesus hadn't yet come to earth, but there was still a means by which sin was covered by blood, the blood of a spotless lamb. How blessed we are to know the Lamb who paid the penalty for our sins.

We really are deserving of God's wrath and anger. But because of Jesus' sacrifice, which included coming to earth, taking on flesh, and living as a human, we are cleansed of sin.

And instead of wrath and anger, God showers us with love, grace, and mercy.

Amen.

Our Lord and Savior (Ephesians 4:8-10)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 4:8-10

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came to earth in human form. He grew up, experiencing the same things we did … happiness and sorrow, hunger and a full belly, fatigue and rest.

Through His teen years and twenties, He learned and plied the trade of His earthly father, constructing … well, we’re not exactly told what, but likely tables and shelves and bedsteads. He may have smashed a thumb or two with a hammer or felt the pain of sore muscles.

At thirty, He began His earthly ministry, and at the very first, experienced temptation by the lies of the enemy. He went on to heal lepers and blind men, cast out demons, and raise the dead to life. He grew intimate relationships with twelve chosen followers.

He taught love and warned of persecution. He claimed oneness with the Father, the Creator of all. He forgave sins.

Finally, He was betrayed by a close friend, denied by an even closer friend, and forced through a sham trial. Beaten. Ridiculed. Spat on.

Crucified. Buried. “… descended into the lower parts of the earth …”

Ah, but then He rose from the dead. Alive!

After spending time with His followers—some 500 of them—He ascended to the right hand of the Father. Where He sits today. Alive and interceding for us.

One day, He will return. He will gather all His followers to Himself. One day, He will set up an earthly kingdom, a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1), where “… God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Praise our Lord Jesus today for what He’s done and for whom He is.