For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
As I continue my preparation to lead worship at the Gardens and The Lodge on Sunday 30MAR (pausing on my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume), I march forward in my use of DesiringGod.com's 40-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. This morning I read reason #8: To Become a Ransom for Many. The devotion first explores Satan's role in the ransom Jesus paid on the cross, and it shares how Satan did not receive this ransom as there was not victory for Satan - only defeat. God was the one who received this ransom. We are referred to text in Ephesians 5:2 and Hebrews 9:14 as just two examples where it is described how Jesus gave Himself up and offered Himself to God. The devotion then moves to implications for believers and how once Jesus made this offering of Himself, there is no condemnation for believers in Christ (Romans 8:1). The devotion highlights how scripture refers to Christ as the Son of Man over 65 times - suggesting a "ring of mortality" for the incarnate Son of God. This ransom and price was not coerced - it was offered willingly (John 10:18) and we should recognize that the offer for all (1 Timothy 2:5-6) even though not everyone will be ransomed. Rejoice in the amazing grace Jesus is and pours out for You as He paid the price for yours and everyone else's sin!
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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who paid the price for my sin - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such an act of mercy and love. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message fro me today and every day.
