Throughout Lent, we’ll be publishing daily devotionals written and narrated by members of our congregation. This year, our theme is Transformed in Christ. Today's episode is narrated by Becky Pittack, and features a reflection written by Roger Theimer, followed by an application written by Becky Pittack.
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Thanks for listening!
Hello! I am Becky Pittack and welcome to King of Kings’ Lenten Devotions, “Transformed in Christ”
Today is April 15th and this week we are reminded to Follow Jesus to the Cross.
Today’s truth that transforms is: Consider the Depth of God’s Love
Our reading is from Matthew 27.
45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,[c] lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).[d]
47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[e] went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”
How are we “Transformed in Christ” and shaped to be more like Him?
If we could only see fully the spiritual realities happening as Jesus took the punishment of our sin on Himself while He suffered the cross. How great was the separation from the Father when He cried out, “My God, why have you forsaken me.” How complete was our redemption when the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom to give access to the presence of God, the Holy of Holies. How awesome was creation’s response of darkness and earthquake when Jesus took the darkness of sin on Himself. Finally, how complete is our faith now as we join the centurion in confessing, “Surely He is the Son of God.”
“ I see this ‘Truth that Transforms’ working in my life?
Jesus bore my sins on that cross--my sinful actions, attitudes, desires, emotions, habits, thoughts, and words. A holy God cannot look at sin. Jesus was forsaken that I might never be. He bore my hell that I might share His heaven. The price was paid, and the path was made. “At that moment the curtain was torn.” Through faith in Jesus as my Savior and Lord, I have eternal access to God. I don’t have to wait until I die. I can come to God anytime in prayer.
I was raised in the church, but only had prayed, read or recited prayers. I did not know the blessing of true heartfelt prayer that ushered me into God’s presence. I was in my late twenties when a specific need prompted me to pour my heart out to God. In His gracious love, He specifically answered that prayer. I knew God’s love for me was real. He heard and He cared.
Then He moved me past coming to Him solely for what He could do for me to more fully experiencing His presence. One morning as I cried out to Him in prayer, I sensed His presence. It was such an overwhelming sense that I was moved to tears. It was a feeling that I did not want to end.
“What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.”