A thought from John 19:17-30 is that Jesus lived a life of unwavering dedication to the divine plan outlined in the Scriptures, fulfilling every detail with profound faithfulness. Even in the face of immense pressure and unimaginable suffering, He exhibited remarkable composure and grace, willingly offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice. His selfless act of love bore the weight of humanity’s sin, bridging the chasm between us and God. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus provided the way for redemption, paying the debt we could never settle on our own. It is a testament to His boundless love and obedience to God’s perfect will.
Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. – Revelation 22:12
The big takeaway from “The Truth” is that the prophecy was fulfilled in Christ and the reward is with Him. This truth provides the victory and a champion for God consistently applies the essentials which God provides for a successful life.
As the song No One Like Our God by Lincoln Brewster gives us questions like “Who set the sky upon the hills and told the waters to be still”, we have questions and no one can answer like our God.
One day Jimmy got home early from school and his mom asked, “Why are you home so early?” He answered, “Because I was the only one that answered a question in my class.” She said, “Wow, my son is a genius. What was the question?” Jimmy replied, “The question was “Who threw the trash can at the principal’s head?” [1]
This day with God, we will use the questions below to stimulate our thoughts about today’s passage.
Questions for Reflection
What does God challenge the idols to prove? What is God’s proof? How is He going to carry out His proof (See 41:2, 15-16, 25)? How can you give glory to God today? What is the reward for following God’s plan?
In today’s passage, God gives a challenge for the idols to prove they are greater. He challenges them to tell them about the future or do something either good or bad to create fear. It is explained that the works of idols are worthless and whoever chooses idols to worship is detestable.
Explained is that God sends Truth, but idols send disinformation. Their deeds amount to nothing, and their images are but wind and confusion (v.29). On the other hand, God brings good counsel and provides direction. He will carry out what He says so we need to share with others and relate His judgment upon Israel to each nation today. If the world continues to resist God, there will be consequences so our hope should always be in God when facing trouble.
This day with God, give Him glory. Let us pray for His assistance in designing our life plan and how we can help others. Let us all dream about how rewarding it will be to carry this plan out. Let us be servants and dedicate this day to the Lord by producing the fruits of the Spirit like love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We Pray today to be prepared for the challenges ahead. To stay strong and never stop being inspired by the victory that Christ brings. Our momentum grows because of the prophecy fulfilled in Christ and the reward is with Him. This truth provides victory and a champion for the Lord consistently applies their faith as they step ahead along the way. Amen.
So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10
Explained in “Courage to Make a Stand” it was noted that with God, we have the courage to say no. We have the courage to face the truth because He will take care of us. We strive to do what He wants because being on His side is the key to victory. He will help deliver from the adversary and transform our circumstances. This day with God, get others to be on His side by sharing the Good News of grace, hope, and healing.
The picture above of the United States Marine Corps War Memorial was taken by my daughter when she went to Washington D. C. on a class trip years ago. Making a stand against those that oppose takes courage. The courage to lead, the courage to do what’s right, the courage to start towards a better future.
Reading in Isaiah 41:1-20, this theme of having the courage to make a stand is also highlighted. The one who comes from the east is Cyrus who was king of Persia (current day Iran) from 559 to 530 BC. There was fear building up as he would come from the west to destroy Israel.
Think of current times. Secular thinking is to want God out of our schools, our government, and our lives. Rather than worship the ONE true God, idols are worshiped. Sometimes God allows things to happen to teach a hard lesson.
In our battles throughout life, we can make a difference with courage. There will be times when life is difficult. The adversary will frighten and scare but remember, Christ will be there to bless with courage. We may not win all our battles, but we can certainly set an example or start the process to help others in the future.
Rather than worship idols of materialism, there is a need to worship the ONE true God to get protection and blessing. It takes courage to make a stand against those that want God out of our schools, our government, and our lives.
If we are on God’s side, He will protect and support. We can trust in His strength and presence. With God, we have the courage to say no. We have the courage to face the truth because He will take care of us. We strive to do what He wants because being on His side is the key to victory. He will help deliver from the adversary and transform our circumstances. This day with God, get others to be on His side by sharing the Good News of grace, hope, and healing.
This day with You God, we can make a stand. We can continue to fight for justice even when others criticize and go against us. Give us courage to do what brings glory to You. To share the Good News of grace, of hope, and healing. The world is a very troubling place at times, but we can make a stand by following the example of Jesus who stood up to the enemy. This day, we boldly step ahead following the Way taught by Jesus. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 