May 17 – Ruth 3, Ruth 4 John 9:35-41, John 10:1-21 Psalm 62:1-12
John 10:17-18
For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
Jesus is already talking about laying down His life. As people were plotting to take it He was already saying they couldn’t do it – rather He is choosing death. Not only that He tells them that He will also rise again, because He has the authority to do so.
The cross has been rather misunderstood. Some preachers have rather erroneously referred to it as cruel or “cosmic child abuse”. That displays a massive misunderstanding. The father did not send Jesus to the cross, Jesus chose the cross of His own accord. Because He chose to set you and me free from the penalty and power of sin.
He laid it down and He took it back up again. For me. For you.
Ps 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah
How many people can you really, truly trust so much that if you pour out your entire heart to them, every dark secret, every hurt, you know they will still be a place you can turn?
I can’t imagine it’s a long list – if it contains anyone at all.
But no matter what we go through, no matter what is in our hearts – we can trust Him. He is our refuge no matter what. He sees it all and He loves though it all.
