“By His Blood” 2020 Lent devotion #33
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. (Luke 13:1)
Boy, that’s a gruesome headline, isn’t it? Imagine traveling to Jerusalem to worship. But as you bring your sacrifice to the temple, there is pushing and shoving, a fight breaks out, swords are drawn as soldiers step in and before you know it, there’s more than the blood of bulls and lambs to clean up. Some of those from Galilee died that day, too.
Why did that happen? Were these Galileans worse sinners than those who lived to worship another day? No. Stuff happens. All the time. Jesus then adds, “But if you don’t repent, you will all likewise perish” (15:3). It could happen to you!
For those who gather to worship, it’s not about who is better or worse. In the mirror of God’s law, we all sin and fall short of his glory. We all deserve the wages of our sin, not just a messy death but eternal separation from God himself.
In repentance, we realize it’s only by God’s grace that we stand. It’s only because of his mercy that we live. It’s only because of Christ that we have a chance. His blood, shed on the cross, becomes the atoning sacrifice for our sins. For my sin. And for the sins of everyone in the world.
You and I have to get past comparing ourselves to others. Comparisons will never give you the security that Christ can. And nothing compares with Him!
Lord, be merciful to all caught in the crossfire of sin in this world. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Amen.
Waite for it... 