“God presented Him [Christ] as the atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.

He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.”

— Romans 3:25-26

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

— Romans 12:1-2

“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

— 1 Corinthians 5:7

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

May our faithful, loving and sovereign God lead your way all your days.

Jesus came to earth at His expense for the good of all. He lived with and died for fallen, sinful humankind. He exposed evil and demonstrated righteousness. Jesus’ broken body hung on the cross, but victorious over death, He rose. Jesus offered Himself as the required atoning sacrifice for all humankind. Because of Jesus, we enjoy a renewed relationship with God Himself. Jesus longs to cleanse us from anything that dishonors God. His regenerating power reveals sin and offers us the power to yield to Him in obedience compassionately. He will graciously transform us from the inside out.

Our faith in Jesus Christ is the key for us to truly experience the internal transformation only God can produce and to sense the new life the Holy Spirit generates within us. We will see that God revives and changes our thinking, priorities and actions as we look to Jesus our source of hope. Jesus can work through our ordinary moments of life to reveal His extraordinary power and authority. Let’s draw near to Jesus, be open to Him, seek Him out and trust Him.