[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_SOCIAL_ICONS]
Today: Psalms 31:9-18; Mark 14:17-42; Leviticus 17 & 18
Psalm 31
Even a king has troubles in this world. I often think that the elites, the rich and famous, should be the most pitied humans alive. We little peons can always hold onto the belief that if we had more money or power, then we would be happy. If only! But people who actually ascend to the upper echelon know that is a lie. Where do you go to find the answer when you have reached the top?
Trouble in this world is certain. Every one of us will experience distress, as King David did. Everyone of us will “waste away”… “soul and body too.” (v.9) All the money in the world cannot stay death’s inevitable hand. Our “times are in [God’s] hand.” (v.15) God is our only rescue.
Mark 14
I sometimes wonder what was going through Judas’ mind when Jesus said, “One of you will betray Me — one who is eating with Me” (v.13) Judas surely knew that Jesus was referring to him. Did he deflect and protest, “surely not I?” along with the others”
Then Jesus delivers another blow when He tells the disciples, “You will ALL fall away…” (v.27) Bless Peter’s heart. He is my favorite disciple. I love his passion and spontaneity. He is adamant that He will never betray his beloved Jesus. But Jesus then tells Peter that he will deny Him three times that very night. Still Peter insists that he would never do such a thing, even if he must die with Him.
But Peter could not even stay awake for a few hours when Jesus asked him to keep watch and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane…
We are all Peter. None of us is capable of following Jesus faithfully, even those of us who REALLY want to… not even those of us who have committed our lives to Him and meant it! We mess up every day. We desperately need our Savior. Praise God for His gift of salvation and never-ending forgiveness!
Leviticus 17
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls.” Leviticus 17:11
Blood is very important to God. Blood is life. The blood of Jesus is our salvation. Life truly IS “in the blood,” the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
