Family: Genesis 28; Matthew 27. Secret: Esther 4; Acts 27.
When I read today’s passages, I quickly realized my post was going to cover the crucifixion and burial of Jesus captured in Matthew 27. Mike Baker’s sermon at Eastview this past Sunday covered John’s account of this story. As a result, I start with a great sense of inadequacy. Nevertheless, the greatness of God’s plan is on my heart as I meditate on today’s passages.
Romans 11:36 says, “For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory”.
The central theme of God’s plan for mankind is salvation through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yesterday, we read about Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane. As he is praying before his arrest, he cries out to the father. Admitting the weakness of his flesh, he asks God if there is another way to accomplish his will. Nevertheless, he closes his prayer in submission, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”
Every detail of Jesus’ betrayal, crucifixion and burial in Chapter 27 are part of God’s plan. Throughout his conviction and crucifixion, Jesus endures challenges to defend himself and/or to save himself by the chief priests, the elders, the crowd, and even one of the other men on a cross. Yet he does not give in. Knowing, “…everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory”. Jesus was committed to being part of God’s plan, for God’s Glory.
In John 10:17, Jesus says, “I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.”
Think about your own circumstances today. Knowing God will accomplish his purpose with or without you, are you choosing to submit to his power? Are you living for his glory?