2020 Daily Devotion - Day 102

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As a pastor for many years, I have been with people through some of the worst times of their lives. From time to time, I meet with someone who confesses to me some of the terrible things they have done. At this point, they are at the bottom of despair. The pain of guilt and shame is overwhelming them. And then, I share with them how Jesus Christ (God in Human Flesh) came into our world, died on a cross and rose from the dead. I tell them that because of what Jesus did through His cross, they are washed and cleansed and can now stand before a Holy God as if they have never sinned. When I finish, there is this look of confusion on their face. And then they ask how this could ever be true, even with what they have done. So, I proclaim the Good News of the Gospel again.

Often, it is much later when they say to me something like, “I thought that you were absolutely crazy when you told me this, and I believed there was no way I could be forgiven.” By that point, they have come to believe it, and it has changed everything for the good in their lives.

So, on this 4th of July holiday, as we celebrate the freedom in this great nation, we need to know there is an even greater freedom available to everyone – all around the world.   This is the freedom we have in Jesus Christ. Through Him, we can be washed and cleansed and given a new beginning. This is what Jesus meant in John 8:36.

John 8:36 ESV
So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Pray with me:
Jesus, in You, we have lasting freedom – a freedom beyond anything humans can attain. It is a freedom from guilt and shame. Help us to fully experience the freedom we have in You. In Your holy name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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