Today’s scripture: Luke 20:20-26 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
They were always after Jesus, weren’t they? Here, it was the scribes and chief priests who tried to trap Him with their crafty question, hoping that by His answer they could accuse Him of treasonous statements. It’s amazing to think about how they were convinced He had a demon (John 8:48) and wanted to catch Him at that very moment (Luke 20:19).
What about you? Has someone ever falsely accused you of wrongdoing in order to hurt you and get what they want? A co-worker, parent, sibling, or soon-to-be ex-spouse or friend? Sometimes the pain of betrayal is almost too much to bear.
But, there is gloriously good news to report! Hebrews 7:25 proclaims Jesus Christ lives to make intercession for us! Romans 8:33-34 ask “Who will bring any charge against God’s elect?” and “Who is to condemn?” (NRSV). It then says it’s GOD who justifies us and CHRIST JESUS who died for us, was raised, and who intercedes for us. This intercession is now — current — present tense! We have our eternal High Priest Jesus Christ to make restitution for us! Yet another courage-booster is knowing that Jesus Christ is fully able to give us wise answers to shoot down false criticism, just as He did that day.
One word or caution, though: since we are all flawed beings who sin, I need to be aware that, even though I may be falsely accused at times, I still have areas in my life where I sin. When that happens, I need to examine myself, face the fact that I’m off the mark, and begin the difficult process of repentance (determining that I’m going to stop my wrongful behavior, and start doing the right thing).
God sometimes reproves and corrects us, similar to how a coach will honestly tell his or her players where they are “missing it” — all for the purpose of building their skills so they are better equipped to face the opposition. As challenging as it is, this is part of our Christian walk, too!
Thought for the day: God will deliver us from the trap of those who hunt us down as prey, either in this life or in Heaven. (Psalm 91:3)
* Psalm 18:3 reads, “I call upon the name of the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be saved from my enemies.” (NRSV)
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.