Daily Devotional ~ Good Friday
Worship: If you'd like to play a song before you begin or while you read, may we recommend "At The Cross" by Chris Tomlin.
Daily Verse: “I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world. They were always yours. You gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything I have is a gift from you, for I have passed on to them the message you gave me. They accepted it and know that I came from you, and they believe you sent me. “My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
☆ John 17:6-19 NLT
Let's Talk About It: The scripture for today is long. I figured that most people who are devoted to God are going to be especially devoted today. Perhaps even since last Sunday, and more so as we move closer to the day that Christ fulfilled the Festival of First Fruits.
The world calls Sunday Easter, but the Bible mentions no such word. Rather, in Exodus, we see the first Passover. We will not see it again until the Gospels, when Christ Himself becomes the Passover Lamb.
Some people dispute the day. It's not Friday he was killed, they explain. And if you want to speak about that, that's a great convo for the comments. But I say the particulars pale in comparison to what Christ prays right before He knows He's going to lay down His life for you & I.
As you ponder these points, I have one more for you to consider. Jesus prays that God would make us holy by His truth. Catch that...not by works. It's not about what you do. It's about a choice you have to make; to accept truth, and believe...or accept a lie of the world & with it, give up a holy life with God.
Jesus is reminding us of His why today. As He whispers softly in your ear about how special you are to Him, take the opportunity to read about the Passion of Christ and give your life to Him all over again, laying all your burdens down there with Him on the Cross.
Additional Reading: John Chapters 17-19
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for today. You are a Good Father, and a holy and magnificent God. Your plan of sovereignty fir all nations is the most beautiful act of love. Today marks the day that you gave the greatest sacrifice ever, your one and only son, Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you, for giving your life so that I could find mine. Thank you for loving me, even when I don't believe I deserve it. Lord, there will never be enough words to express my gratitude, but I give my life as a sacrifice out of love for others and you, Elohim. I give my life to you Lord, and your will. Use me. Search my heart, oh God. Help me to see people as you do God. I believe Lord, help my unbelief. Thank you Jesus, for your love, mercy, and gift of grace. I love you Lord, and in your name I pray, amen.