February 9
Ex 29:1-30:10 | PS 31:19-24 | Prov 8:14-26 | Matt 26:14-46
It's not fair! We have all said this or thought this at some point in our lives. Jesus said in John 14:6, "“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.", to which the world screams , "Not fair!". The exclusive offer of Jesus Christ seems unjust to the the world, which is odd since God is perfectly just, while we are not. This flies in the face of our being pretty good, and the ever popular notion that all roads lead to heaven. What is not fair is that the sinless, spotless Son of God had to take upon Himself the full weight of your sins and mine. That since we are sinners, every last one of us, if fairness is what we received from God, He would rid the Earth of all of us. If this seems harsh, without even bothering with the rest of the moral laws put forth in His Word, just focus on the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). We have broken every single commandment. Anything that you treasure and value more than God has been your god (spouses, children, career, education, etc.). Though our idols might not be made of wood and stone (though some are), most erect idols of their children, or celebrities, or sport's legends, etc. Have you always and only uttered God's name with the worth that it deserves? Do you set aside one day each week dedicated solely to reflect and worship God, as you rest from everything else that distracts you? Even if you have or had a good relationship with your parents, did you always honor them? Read Jesus' discussion on murder and adultery in Matthew 5:21-30, and ask yourselves if you think you are innocent. No, you might not have stolen money, but do you ever steal time from your employer, especially during this time of working remotely and in isolation? Realize there is no such thing as "a little white lie" in the Bible, and flattery is also lying. Are you innocent? Finish the sentence: my life would be better if only I had "_". Then fill in the blank and this is what you covet. I am not pointing the finger at anyone, since I am as guilty as everyone else.
We read Jesus' words in Matthew 26:39, "He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”" Jesus knew what He was about to do. Though the beating and the crucifixion would be difficult, this was not the cup He was talking about. The cup was the cup of God's wrath which must be poured out on the sins of man. Though God is perfect love, He is also perfectly just, and each sin by us must be paid for. Jesus was about to take upon Himself the wrath that we deserve, and which He did nothing to deserve. The cross is where love and justice kiss. We read His next words to His Father in 26:42, "Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”" Yes, He accepted the transfer which would soon take place. He accepted our sins, and even accepted the separation from the Father while on the cross, as the Father turned away and our Savior cried out, 27:46, "“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”"
Please pay attention to the establishment of the priesthood in Exodus 29:1-9. Notice that Aaron and his sons, are completely passive during this process, as Moses does the necessary things for them. We notice their only active part in 29:10, "“You shall also have the bull brought before the tabernacle of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bull." In that act Aaron and his sons transferred all of their sin and guilt onto that innocent animal who would then be slain for their sins. We read in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" We, those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, are now His current priesthood. Prophetically, we read of this transfer that would take place for us in Isaiah 53:6, "All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." In the process of our salvation, we are passive and Jesus is the active one. Our salvation is based on His perfect and selfless work, not our feeble attempts at self-righteousness. Our transfer took place at the cross 2000 years ago. So, may we never cry out for fairness, because God has been more than fair with us, giving us His only Son as payment for our sins. May we look at this exchange and remain ever thankful for His mercy and grace. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for going to the cross, and taking my sins upon You. I am not deserving, but You were willing. You are worthy of all honor and praise forever!
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: