Aug 21

It can be tremendously painful to know the truth. Jesus sweat great drops of blood in the Garden, before his crucifixion because he knew the truth of what lay ahead.

But he was committed to his Father's will and to the truth. That commitment would allow others to know the truth as well and set them free.

Before the truth sets us free, however, it can, and should, cause us great sorrow, just as it did for Jesus. But there is a difference between this kind of sorrow and the sorrow which the world often inflicts upon us. The sorrow of this world condemns us and leaves us trapped in who we are. But the sorrow stemming from knowing the truth is godly sorrow, which leads to repentance and to freedom (2 Cor. 7:10). It is a sorrow worth experiencing for that very reason.

Many, however, are not willing to suffer any such sorrow, even for the brief time -- and it is brief, only a moment, really -- needed to show us reality. Pride is often the reason for this. Many people are too proud to admit the truth about themselves.

And then there is fear. Pilate was afraid. He was afraid the mob would rise up and cause such a disturbance that he would lose his position of authority. He was afraid of Jesus. He had heard of the miracles Jesus had done. He knew that Jesus was no ordinary man. And now these Jews were saying that this Jesus claimed to be their king. And had not Jesus just said that his kingdom was not of this world? Who is this Jesus? It is the same question every human being must answer before he dies.

Scripture for today: Luke 9:20
Thought for today: Who is Jesus to me?
Prayer for today: Jesus, you are the Christ of God, the Messiah, the Savior of the world, and I worship you.

AUG 21