DATE: August 21, 2020
BY: Pastor Bob Miller
CHAPTER READ: 1 John 2
SCRIPTURE SELECTED: 1 John 2:1-2
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
OBSERVATION: John is writing so that we will not sin. Sin is not a foregone conclusion for a child of God, but he reminds us that if we do sin, Jesus Christ is our advocate before the Father who represents us as the One who died and paid the price for our sins so that the Father will forgive us. And Jesus died not just for our sins but also for the sins of the whole world, for the sins of those who stand against us.
APPLICATION: Jesus died not just for my sin, but also for the “other guy”. John reminds us that Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was for the sins of the whole world. That means Jesus loved my enemy as much as He loved me and He died so that they can be forgiven in the same manner I am. In the same manner that Jesus is my advocate before the ‘Father, so He is my enemies advocate! Recognizing that, should change the way I treat and pray for the “other guy”.
PRAYER: Lord, Thank You for never giving up on me and for being there when I sin to provide forgiveness, cleansing and restoration. May I live today in such a manner that my life will honor Your death on the cross for me and for each of those whom You have died to forgive. Amen.
This reminds me that we need to pray for the “other guy” as well!