(The following is the February 6 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Matthew 27 and pay close attention to verses 50-53.)
In his final moments on the cross, Jesus cried out and “gave up his spirit” (v. 50). He willingly gave his life. Nobody took it from him. Many sought to kill Jesus leading up to the cross. His teachings and popularity threatened religious leaders. Satan tempted him to sin, which would have nullified his qualification as a sinless sacrifice if he had yielded. Judas betrayed him. Jesus repeatedly escaped evil plots for his demise. Despite those attempts, Jesus’ time for death didn’t come until the cross. Now was the time for the perfect Lamb to shed his blood for sinners. The Father planned it this way from eternity past. Before this moment, no earthly force could take his life; now, nothing could stop Jesus from willingly giving it up.
Christians will never do what Jesus did in dying for the sins of others. There is no need because Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all who surrender to him. We do, however, need to give our lives for the cause of Christ daily. Distractions can prevent us from serving our Lord as faithfully as we should. Many interests, causes, and passions are worthwhile endeavors; others are not. Some may be sinful. Sadly, believers can succumb to the temptation to devote their lives to pursuits without eternal significance in God’s kingdom.
We should work at our jobs diligently, but we are not to give our lives primarily to them. We should gladly serve civic organizations but not to the exclusion of gospel work. Consider carefully where your time, talents, and treasures go. Give your life beyond all else to the cause of Christ in the world, primarily through his church.
Next Step:
If an outside observer studied your life – how you allocate your time, what you talk about, where you spend your money, etc. – what would they conclude is most important to you? If it isn’t Christ, what can you change to live your life for Christ in response to him dying for you?
