Devotional: Hebrew 5:7-9
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus[a] offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
Although Jesus was the son of God, he offered up prayers and supplication with loud cries and tears in reverence—learning obedience through suffering sounds a lot like what I go through in my faith journey but the difference is that Jesus became perfect overcoming death redeeming our sins.
I am reminded that I may go through the sinful cycle (including challenges & hardships) over and over but because of Jesus’ salvation, I have hope.
Devotional: Luke 13-25
13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore punish and release him.”
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified
18 But they all cried out together, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, “Crucify, crucify him!” 22 A third time he said to them, “Why? What evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him.” 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
We know what’s right in God's eyes but our hearts get influenced by the pressure from other sources and not being able to see things clearly resulting in making wrong/bad decisions. Pilate defers making decision by sending him to Harod hoping that he will make the decision fully knowing Jesus is innocent. Unfortunately we often experience the same in our lives fully knowing what God wants us to do. We procrastinate. We are afraid to make decision fully knowing what’s right like Pilate.
God is reminding me not to be like Pilate in my life; instead of following god, going along with circumstances, pressure or my own reasons.
He is reminding me how he’s always guiding me and that trusting him is the only way.