Everyday Miracles: 20 Day Journey With Elijah And Elishaنموونە

Jesus took the wrath of God against your sin so that you can be assured God is utterly, forever favorable to you. 

When the disciples learned how the Samaritans had rejected the messengers of Jesus, they wanted to call down fire the way Elijah had famously cast down fire on the mocking soldiers of the wicked King Ahaziah. But, instead of endorsing the disciples’ Samaritan-rebuking plan, Jesus did the opposite – He rebuked the disciples. It wasn’t that Jesus wanted to overlook the Samaritans’ (or anyone’s) sin. In fact, Jesus elsewhere declared that He, indeed, came to cast down fire. 

But the fire of God’s wrath that Jesus cast didn’t fall upon the sinners who deserved it. The fire fell on Jesus as He hung on the cross. Jesus took the wrath of God on behalf of all who would receive His grace. Your sin was imputed to Jesus and punished on the cross. Jesus’ righteousness was imputed to you through your faith and, thus, God favors you. The implications of this great exchange are glorious.

First, it means that you can live free from condemnation and fear. There is no sin left for which you can be punished. It would be unjust for God to punish two people for the same crime. So you can be sure that the God of all justice will not treat you unjustly by punishing you also. 

Secondly, it means that justice is now on the side of every believer. Before you accepted Christ, justice was against you. You were guilty and on the wrong side of the law. But, when you were born from above, justice turned. You are no longer a sinner, you’re the righteousness of Christ. It means justice is on your side. 

Thirdly, when you experience such lavish grace, it changes everything in your life. Grace changes everything. And that’s the Gospel! 

Questions for Reflection: 

1) What past sin (or current sin pattern) is the hardest for you to believe that God has forgiven? Why do you struggle to believe God has forgiven that particular sin or flaw?

2) Think about the radical Gospel truth that assures that justice is on your side. What are the implications of such good news? How does the assurance that justice took place on the cross empower you in your stand against the wiles and accusations of hell? 

3) Journal about some of the ways grace has changed you. As you continue to grow in the knowledge of God’s perfect love, how are you fears lifting? How are your priorities changing? How is your life mission emerging?

Prayer for the Day

Lord, help me accept the glory of the Gospel more richly today. You died the death I deserved and took the punishment due me. Let this glorious truth invade all my thinking. Lift from my soul all fear and condemnation and grant me fresh confidence that shields me from all the accusations of hell. Your grace has changed me; change me all the more. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.