Day 40
Today’s passage
Colossians 1:15-20
Experience
I have never understood why God would take on human flesh for a sinner like me. What have I done that even compares to Christ’s sacrifice? And what could I ever do to live up to His standard? Obviously, nothing. I am so imperfect that I often think, I am not worthy of God’s love.
But this passage reminds me that God took on flesh so I can be free—free from comparing myself to others, free from my sins, free from my fear. My life is one of the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe that the cross puts back together. In fact, nothing makes sense without the frame of the cross. Trials, disappointments, fears, doubts, pride, persecution, faith, understanding, sacrifice, service… not a single thing makes sense without Jesus.
It’s our sincere prayer that over the past forty days you’ve grown to understand that Jesus became human for you. He walked on this earth, He cried, bled, laughed, taught, healed, died, and rose again so that you could have hope. A hope that is bigger than your daily struggles. A hope that is bigger than your fear or doubts. A hope that is bigger than your sin.
But even more than that, we pray that what you’ve learned through the life of Christ has changed you on the inside, and that you’ve allowed those changes to affect your emotions, actions, and words. We hope you’ll allow the things you’ve learned and the ways you’ve changed to extend long after you finish these devotions, and that you’ll be so overwhelmed with Jesus’ heart that you can’t help but to pursue the life God has for you—the real life found at the foot of the cross.
We know that the things Jesus taught will allow us to live successfully in the kingdom of God. We know that Jesus is the only Messiah because He rose from death. We know that we can be born again by believing in Him and accepting Him into our lives. But what does it mean to us that He returned to heaven?
Before Jesus was lifted up into the clouds, He told His disciples that He would be with them forever. Obviously, Jesus didn’t mean that He would still live on the earth. He wanted His disciples to know that His love for them would not end. He knew it was important for them to realize that, even after He returned to heaven, He would not forget them. Jesus is still watching over all the people who believe in Him and love Him.
When Jesus returned to heaven, He sat down on His throne. You see, Jesus truly is a King. He is the greatest King – the King of Kings. His throne is in heaven right next to the throne of God.
Because Jesus knows exactly what it is like to live as a man, He knows all about how difficult it can be to live a righteous life. No matter what difficult situation you find yourself in, Jesus knows what you’re going through. Because He lived as a man, He suffered all the same things. He was tempted by Satan. He was treated badly and hurt by others. He has people misunderstand Him and lie about Him. Whatever happens in your life, Jesus understands exactly how you feel.
Jesus is now in heaven with God. He loves you and cares deeply about everything that happens to you. He knows exactly what you need at all times. So Jesus talks to God about you. He asks God to send you whatever you need as you learn to live in His kingdom. How cool is it that Jesus actually prays for YOU!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Shawn Maurer. Shawn Maurer said: Pinedale Student Ministries » InsideOutXP – Day 40: http://bit.ly/b9ppFl via @addthis [...]
WOW!! Great last devo. This Bible study has really helped me the last few weeks. It reminds me that Jesus died on the cross for us and that HE HAS FORGIVEN US!! We will see him again one day, I mean how cool will it be? I’ve had questions answered, things that don’t make since cleared up, and now i feel closer to God than EVER. I thank God everyday for such a great church family, for his son, and for forgiveness. I have gone through some hard times with friends, feeling like I let God down, but now I feel so many great things it’s just crazy!! He has helped me and i won’t to thank him. God I love you and thank you, I promise to live by your words, try to live like you, and to open my heart all the way. I’m holding nothing back!!! THANK YOU !!!!!! ♥
This was SO awsome im going to miss this!
Great way to go out with a bang guys!!
AND ALL I HAVE 2 SAY IS AMEN!!! TEE 2 THE HEE!!!!!! ACKWARD TURTLE -()-
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I LOVE GOD AND U!!!!!!!
Jennifer, I HONESTLY, don’t know what to say…AT ALL!!haha
Abbie Coe