DEVOTION. 1/9/2021

He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works (Titus 2:14, Christian Standard Bible).

Jesus gave Himself for us on the cross to redeem us; to cleanse us from lawlessness by forgiving all our sins. We love the idea of forgiveness, but there is more. When we place our trust in Jesus, we become His possession. He is our Lord. He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep who now live to do His bidding. We no longer belong to ourselves. We have been bought with a price (the sacrifice of Jesus) and we are now under new management. We are “eager” to do good works. The Greek word is “zealous.” The zealots were sort of fanatics. They were totally committed to their cause. The Jewish Zealots were committed to resisting Rome.

Christians are probably more than “eager” to do good works. We are “zealous” to do good works. Our commitment to Jesus is our first priority. We live to serve Him and to bring honor to His name.  That is the ideal. Yes, we fall short of the ideal and need additional forgiveness, but if we believe Jesus is the Son of God and Savior, we do strive to obey Him. We learn His commandments and endeavor to follow them.

The verse begins “He gave Himself for us…” Should we not give ourselves back to Him in faithful service?

Father, thank You for graciously giving Jesus to us to redeem us from our sins. I owe Him everything. When I am not zealous in my service to Him, help me to see the folly of my ways. Lead me ever back to obedience to the One who gave Himself for me. In His blessed name I pray, Amen.