Today’s Scripture Threshing for Monday, May 13, 2019
Today’s Text: Luke 23:26-38
Key Verse: Luke 23:34 (ESV): “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.”
Charles Sheldon in his In His Steps describes how our world may be if and when members of an ordinary American church are challenged to not take a single action without first asking themselves the simple question, 'What would Jesus do?' in any circumstance. Of course, what better example do we have than Jesus, who loved us while we’re yet sinners and His enemies. In this text, even when ill-treated, He becomes our perfect example of how to suffer graciously, leaving us a model of how to respond to grief, tragedy, pain, and injustice.
We naturally tend to fight back when we are victims of injustice. Jesus was punished by ignorant, cruel, deceitful and deceived men for sins He didn’t commit; yet He spoke only kind and merciful words. He forgave and pray for them despite the wrong He suffered. A natural man is primarily inclined otherwise. We are taught by society and peers to strike back, claim rights, and hold people up to account. Yet, our perfect example, who is also the only truly innocent person shows us just how to respond to injustice and cruelty — speaking kind words which are born out of genuine pity and pardon, and praying for the abusers.
Quote for the Day: “Jesus went ahead and was gracious to us on the cross so that we too can follow in His steps and be gracious to others because of the cross.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be like your blessed Son in my actions and in-actions. Give me the spirit of grace, and help me to be so kindly affectionate and forgiving to those who abuse me — in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),
2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,
Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA
Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org
BBMme: E3F988D2
[Today’s Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]
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