February 9
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"Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD."
all you who hope in the LORD."
The Psalms can be incredibly encouraging. It is a great thing when reading through the Bible that each day can begin with a reading from the Psalms. David here reminds us of God's goodness. He reminds us that no matter what may happen to us, our shelter is found in the Lord. Very encouraging words.
In the reading from Matthew we begin to read about the days leading up to Christ's death. Jesus predicts his betrayer and introduces his disciples to the Lord's Supper. The meal that will be a reminder for the church for thousands of years of what his sacrifice means for them. Then there is that moment in the garden of Gethsemane, a time when Jesus knows the greatness of the task before him. Nonetheless, under the greatest strain he remains obedient. As we read in Exodus of the preparations for temple worship, Jesus is here getting ready to be the sacrifice that will be the only true and lasting sacrifice that can bring his people close to his throne.
It's amazing to think that Jesus, who can do anything, loves us enough to go through the crucifiction! He is omniscient. When He prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will", he may have known in intimate detail the beatings, scourging, & hammering of nails He was about to endure. Yet He chose to go along with it, both to do the Father's will & to save us!
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