Being with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.
People never cease to amaze me! Have you ever seen a situation where someone was so sure they were right about something, but they were actually completely incorrect? As I get older, I see many people lack the ability to think objectively. They try to force a certain outcome instead of believing the truth, so much that it can even impact decision-making. You can see this played out in poor relationship choices, unwise business decisions, and or even with parents who think their little league kid is going to be the next MLB player. No matter how much information might point to the truth, sometimes we cannot or simply will not accept it.
We see this same thought process in today’s passage. An entire crowd of people have Jesus Christ in front of them. He lived a perfect life, loved them, and wanted to save them. Yet they screamed for Pilate to release Barabbas instead of Him. Has there ever been another group of people more wrong in history? Pilate wanted to let Jesus go, but they continued to yell “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” What incredible love and discipline it took for Jesus to take the punishment He did not deserve and die on the cross! But my thoughts always go to the man next to Jesus on the Cross.
Think about it. As the other criminal on the cross next to Jesus shouts insults, one of them says in Luke 23:40 “…You received the same sentence he did. Ours, however, is only right, because we are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he had done no wrong. And he said to Jesus, ‘Remember me, Jesus, when you come as King!’ Jesus said to him “I promise you that today you will be in Paradise with me.” What an incredible story of hope! A criminal who was in the process of being put to death for his crimes asks Jesus to remember him with his dying breaths. He decided to trust in Christ in his last moments, and Jesus forgave him. This is the same love our God has for us. It does not matter what we have done. It does not matter how old we are. It does not matter how much of the Bible we memorized or how many days we’ve attended church. All that matters is that we turn from sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ! Do not let your past determine your future. Do not let the evil one confuse your thoughts and make you believe it’s too late. Our God created us for a relationship with Him, and He will forgive us. Simply come to Him.
When was the turning point moment in your life when you declared Christ as your Savior and stepped into a relationship with Him? Spend time writing it out and share it with us at www.venturechurch.org/shareyourstory.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.
Reflection:
- Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
- SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
- OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises?
- APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you?
- PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.
The Way of Jesus: 7 Marks of Discipleship
As we begin a new series, we encourage you to lean into the 7 Marks of Discipleship each week. The 7 Marks of Discipleship provide a simple tool to help us identify areas where we are thriving in our calling and where we can grow. Check here each week for a new 7 Marks Challenge that will encourage you to follow Jesus closer every day.
