MEMORISE: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
BIBLE READING: Isaiah 53:4-5 (KJV)
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
MESSAGE:
Salvation is the greatest gift God has given to humanity; it is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Today’s memory verse shows the depth of God’s love and His desire for everyone to experience salvation. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, people like me have received forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life with God.
The suffering and sacrifice of Jesus for mankind were immense. In the movie The Passion of the Christ, we were shown a glimpse of the brutal punishment Jesus endured for our sins. He bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, and was wounded for our transgressions so that we could be reconciled to God. Then, He healed our diseases and delivered us from the bondage of sin.
Salvation is not something we can earn; it is a demonstration of God’s unmerited favour. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV) says: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” My dear child, the only way to truly appreciate Jesus’ sacrifice is by surrendering your life to Him, if you have not yet done so, and turning away from sin. I pray that Christ’s gift to you won’t be in vain, in Jesus’ name.
REFLECTION:
Have you accepted the free gift of salvation?
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Deuteronomy 2-4