Savior | Jesus
Monday— For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:6
There’s a guy in Australia claiming to be Jesus. His live-in lover is Mary Magdalene. (Eye roll) They’re not unique. Throughout history, many have made similar claims and some people believe them. “He’s changed my life,” sobs an adorer. Another cries, “I’ve lost everything to follow him, but he’s worth it.” Really? Does that immoral, foul-mouthed, arrogant deceiver resemble the Son of God? Not to those who know their Bibles. That’s what this verse means by “at the right time.” God had to first prepare mankind to recognize His Messiah. So He placed a checklist in the Old Testament and only Jesus has checked every box.
The Old Testament is NOT irrelevant as some false teachers are claiming. Without its foundation, we have no clear basis for distinguishing God’s Messiah from other world leaders who made similar claims. But woven within God’s story are details about the coming Savior that could not be humanly manipulated, details such as the circumstances and place of His birth (Is. 7:14; Micah 5:2), and the manner of His death (Ps. 22; Is. 53). So why did humanity need a Savior? Because our sin creates distance between us and a holy God. He can’t accept us just like we are; we need a heart transplant and the only authorized physician is Jesus Christ. Only the blood of a perfect substitute could atone for our rebellion. We don’t need a better version of ourselves. We need a total transformation that only the perfect Son of God could perform, the only One who checks every box.
Challenge: For more on Messianic prophecies, see this link: gotquestions.org/prophecies-of-Jesus.html
Prayer: God, I’ve had doubts that Jesus is who everyone says He is, but when I realize you foretold His coming hundreds of years before it happened, it could only be one Person. Jesus Christ. I welcome Him as my Savior. In His name, amen.
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Tuesday— 1st Century: To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector…’ But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.” Luke 18: 9-14
21st Century: “God, have you noticed I’ve been having a regular quiet time and going to church a lot? I’m not like those Recovery addicts or cheaters. I’m a faithful spouse, if you don’t count a little porn every now and then. I despise drugs and drinking and those welfare bums. So here’s my prayer list…” Across the aisle, a 3-days-clean hooker wipes her running nose on her sleeve and can’t even look up as Pastor Rick concludes the service. “God, I’m a mess,” she whispers. “But I need you. I need a Savior, so I give you my life, for what it’s worth. If you’ll take me, I’ll live for you from now on.” Which prayer does God hear and answer? He doesn’t want self-absorbed groveling. But only when we agree with Him about our condition can He get to work transforming us into the people He designed us to be. Self-righteousness slams a door in God’s face.
Challenge: What do your prayers sound like to God?
Prayer: Lord, I’m ashamed when I think about some of my self-centered, self-righteous demands aimed toward you. I have no right to anything; yet, you’re gracious to me. Have mercy on me, a sinner, so I can bring honor to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Wednesday— As many as received him to them He gave the right to become the children of God… John 1:12
Hot Malibu wind whipped the pink hair of a woman on roller skates as she slid to a stop beside a man with a clipboard. He smiled at her. “I’m conducting a survey,” he said. “Would you mind telling me who you think Jesus Christ is?” She wrinkled a sunburnt nose. “Um…I guess the Savior of the world or something like that…” She shrugged. A burly man joined her and gave his answer. “I used to go to church…uh, He’s like the Savior, died on a cross, made us God’s children. That about right?” A small crowd had formed and each shouted an answer: “God’s Son…He’s nice…was good to the poor… takes the good people to heaven…taught about love…said we should be tolerant… said nobody should judge…” What would you have said?
Jesus as Savior is usually acceptable to the general public. After all, who doesn’t love a superhero swooping down to save us? But this verse clarifies what Savior means. Jesus IS the Savior—of those who receive Him. Only those. To “receive” means we fully buy into the whole thing: His claims to be God, His resurrection, His miracles, and His Bible. We don’t get to pick and choose between Social Justice Jesus, Tolerant Jesus, or Free-Stuff Jesus. We receive Him as He is and for what He claims to be—or we don’t have Him at all. Jesus offers salvation to everyone who receives it. But we receive it on His terms, not ours. Receiving Him as our Savior is the required ticket into God’s throne room. No one enters without that ticket (John 14:6).
Challenge: Only by receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord are we given the right to be called children of God.
Prayer: Jesus, you are the only way into the Father’s presence and I receive you with my whole heart. I need a Savior because no way can I be good enough to earn your salvation. I believe. Thank you for making me your child. Amen.
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Thursday— … for our hope is in the living God, the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1 Timothy 4:10
A whopping majority of Americans—even professing Christians—believe that there are many ways to God or Heaven. If they believe in Jesus at all, they also believe He died to save the whole world and all good people end up in heaven. Even bad people get a second chance after death. They read verses like this one and say, “See there? It says God is the savior of all people! The end.” And they close their Bibles with smug satisfaction. But is that what this verse means? Are all people saved in the end? Do we get to decide who is a good person and deserving of Heaven? Let’s consider this in a different light.
A new resort in the Bahamas is offering a great deal for a limited time. During the month of February, anyone who calls a particular number gets a voucher for a free week at the resort anytime they want to use it. The offer is available to everyone during February. But March 5th, Joe calls the number and demands his voucher. He is told, “We’re sorry sir. You didn’t follow instructions. The offer is closed.” Furious, Joe roars, “But I’m a busy person! How dare you! I thought this was for everyone!” The operator answers, “The offer was open to anyone, but will only be enjoyed by those who called in February.” God offers a great deal for a limited time only. During our lifetimes, we can call on Him any time and place our faith in Jesus as our Savior. Once we’re dead, deal’s off. Jesus is the Savior all people need, but He’s only the personal voucher for those who believe.
Challenge: Do you assume all “good people” end up in heaven? No one is good enough, nor do we get a second chance.
Prayer: Father, thank you for saving me when I placed my faith in your Son. I hoped I was good enough, but no one is. I need Him just like everybody else to make me right with you. Help me deliver that message to my world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Friday— For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already… John 3:17-18
Helicopter blades sliced the air inches above Jesse’s head. He surveyed the ground far below and his heart lurched. Dense forest. Rocky, unforgiving terrain. Few hikers who invaded it came out alive. “You sure you want to do this?” shouted the pilot. Jesse nodded. “Got to,” he called back. “My…my son’s in there.” Rescue teams had given up days ago, but Jesse wouldn’t. His son’s group had been foolish to tackle this wilderness. They’d disregarded warning signs and ignored advice. They were so sure of themselves, but now they were lost. Jesse knew this forest—and its dangers. But whatever the cost, he’d find his son.
God the Father sent His Son on a rescue mission. It would cost Him everything, but it was the only way to save foolish people who disregard His warning signs and ignore His advice. We’re so sure of ourselves. “I’ve gotta be me!” we cry. “I was born this way…all paths lead out of the forest…I’m a good hiker…don’t worry about me…” And now we’re hopelessly lost with no chance of stumbling onto the right path. So Jesus came after us. At great personal cost, He sacrificed Himself so we could be found. He did not come to show us how to be nicer. He came on a rescue mission because we’d never find home without Him.
Challenge: In what wilderness were you wandering when Jesus found you? If you’re still there, look up. He’s coming for you.
Prayer: Father, I can’t fathom the kind of love that would prompt Jesus to leave the glory of heaven to come down here. But I thank you for sending Him. He didn’t come to condemn me, but to rescue me from myself. I’m ready to be found. Amen. Jesus