He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. 1 Peter 2:24a
I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. As such, I continue with one of the recommendations from the post to prepare for Holy Week, which is to read John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #30: That We Might Die to Sin and Live to Righteousness. In this devotion, Piper describes how Christ's death on the cross means that not only does Christ die but those who put their faith in Him as Savior also die - Piper then clarifies how this means that believers' old way of life is put to death and we are given new life - reborn. See also Romans 6:5, 2 Corinthians 5:14, and Galatians 2:20. Piper continues by sharing how baptism is a portrait of this death and rebirth of our new selves - see also Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12. Piper summarizes this for us: "[t]herefore, becoming a Christian means death to sin. The old self that loved sin died with Jesus. Sin is like a prostitute that no longer looks beautiful. She is the murderer of my King and myself. Therefore, the believer is dead to sin, no longer dominated by her attractions. Sin, the prostitute who killed my friend, has no appeal. She has become an enemy." As believers "put on our new selves" (see Ephesians 4:24), submit to Christ, and His desires become our desires (sanctification), we "live to righteousness." Piper concludes the devotion by referring us to Romans 6:13 where believers are commanded to become "instruments for righteousness." Rejoice in Him who died for us, taking our sin and old sinful way of life on the cross with Him so that through sanctification we could become more like him and "instruments for righteousness."
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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me, and who took my old sinful way of life to the cross, giving me new life. Thank You Father God. I am not deserving of such a gift and the many blessings You pour out for me. My sin continues and it is daily. Please forgive me 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. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
