IN THE BEGINNING...THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, MARCH 26, 2013
LIFT HIM UP
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. John 12:32
In John 12:32 we see that Jesus is telling his followers that he will die the death of the cross. For in crucifixion the body is raised from the earth. This cursed and horrific act is the means by which God brought salvation to "all those who would believe" on Jesus. In fact, the criminal on the cross positioned next to Jesus was the first to be drawn by this lifting up as written in Luke 23: "And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise."
Jesus knew that if man crucified Him, the power of God would be released for all of eternity. This power is capable of raising man from the dead, erasing, forgiving every sin the worst sinner has ever committed. This power opens graves and lets the dead live. It opens prison doors and sets the captive free. Jesus knew before they crucified Him, that if they did, the plan of salvation was set for eternity. The devil meant it for evil but God meant it for good! Lift Him up!!
Today, we thank God for the beautiful plan of salvation and we preach Christ crucified!
