Daily Devotional

The Bible tells us in John 3:16 that God loved the {sinful, rebellious} world so much that He gave us His only {most precious, beloved} begotten Son {to die as a ransom for this world}, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Gods love for you was so unconditional that He sent His Son not only to die for you, but to be persecuted first, then dragged for hours around the city, and finally dying a humiliating death on a tree. But, how great was the Fathers love for each one of us? Consider this. If you knew that your son was going to be in grave danger if he played on the road, would you encourage him to do it? Yet, so great was Gods love that, even though He knew what His Son would endure, He sent Him anyway ... so that you could be reconciled in a relationship with God the Father.

Jesus Christ was betrayed by a friend. Our Saviour was sold for a mere thirty pieces of silver — the going price of a slave. Our Saviour was sold into slavery; became a prisoner so that He could set the captives {you and I} free.

Our Redeemer was rejected by His followers. Peter denied him three times. They smote the Shepherd, and the sheep were scattered. They brought false accusations against Him, yet He muttered not a word. And that was only the beginning.

He was rejected, and died alone. He was wounded for our sins and transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities. They spat on His face and struck Him. "I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide my face from humiliation and spitting." They pierced His hands and feet; He was unrecognisable by the people.

You have been set free at a very expensive price — by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. He destroyed the shackles in your life, and gave you the liberty. He loves you, and nothing will change that.