Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for March 2

JESUS IS RISEN, JUST AS HE SAID

From: March 2, 2024

“The Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise” (Mark 10:33-34 ESV).

As Jesus led his disciples up to Jerusalem, he told them that he was going up there to be betrayed to the chief priests and scribes who would condemn him to death and turn him over to the Gentiles for execution. Yet on the third day, he would rise again. The disciples were both amazed and afraid as they followed Jesus up to Jerusalem. “Amazed” perhaps by the determination that Jesus showed in going up to Jerusalem, knowing what manner of death awaited him. “Afraid” no doubt that what he predicted would come to pass not only for him, but for them too.

What they didn’t seem to notice at the time was the last phrase of Christ’s prediction, namely, that he would rise again on the third day. Perhaps as unthinkable as his crucifixion was, his rising from the grave was even more so. They had witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the tomb after being dead four days. But this was different. It’s as if they were deaf to this part of Christ’s claim.

However, Christ’s enemies, who were deaf to his claims of divinity, remembered his claims of resurrection. They even asked Pilate to post a guard (Matt. 27:62-67). On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead just as he had said. Neither his disciples’ doubts, nor the Jewish leaders’ requested Roman guard could keep him down.

Jesus was crucified, buried and rose again on the third day just as he had said. These are the gospel facts. How have you responded to the truth of this historical event?

PRAYER: Dear Father, we have believed the gospel. You raised Your Son Jesus from the grave just as He predicted. He suffered and died for our sins. He took our death, our sin, and our separation, so that we might by faith obtain His life, righteousness and Sonship. O what a wonderful Savior is He! Thank You Lord for our salvation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

PRAY SPECIFIC PRAYERS

From: March 2, 2023

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!” (Mark 10:51 NLT).

A blind beggar named Bartimaeus was sitting beside the Jericho road as he heard that Jesus and His disciples were passing by. He yelled for Jesus’ attention, calling Him by His Messianic title, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd’s attempts to quiet Bartimaeus only made him shout louder. Finally, Jesus called to him, asking what he wanted.

The man’s blindness must have been obvious to anyone. Jesus, who even knew people’s thoughts, surely knew the man was blind. Yet, he asked what he wanted. Bartimaeus quickly replied, “I want to see!” With this answer, Bartimaeus spoke with faith, believing that Jesus could give him his sight.

Jesus knows our needs even before we pray, yet He still listens for us to ask Him in faith. Bartimaeus faithfully expressed his need, received his sight, and followed Jesus. Pray specific prayers.

PRAYER: Dear Father, You know what we need before we ask, yet You desire that we pray specifically that our faith in You might grow. Today, we pray for sight to see where Jesus is already at work that we might follow. And we pray for wisdom and strength to be a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. The disciples were filled with awe, and the people following behind were overwhelmed with fear” (Mark 10:32 NLT).

From: March 2, 2022

JESUS HAS GONE AHEAD OF US AND FOR US

Jesus led the way up from Jericho to Jerusalem to face his ultimate purpose for coming–– the cross. The walk up from Jericho would take about 6-8 hours as they traveled the Roman road, the ruins of which can still be seen today. It was a steep climb, with an elevation increase of 3400 feet. Jesus walked ahead of his disciples and his other followers, pressing on alone with a look of firm resolve on His face (see Luke 9:51) and a determined step to his gait. Those following him were awestruck and even filled with fear as they tried to keep up with his dogged pace. After some time, Jesus finally took a break and explained once again to his disciples exactly what would happen to him in Jerusalem. From betrayal to torture to death on a Roman cross and rising again three days later, Jesus described in great detail why he was so determined to be in Jerusalem. He was about to complete his mission.

Today, we have this great hope in the One who has gone ahead of us, not only to Jerusalem and the cross, but from the grave to the Father in heaven on our behalf. As the book of Hebrews says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven, where Jesus has gone ahead of us and for us” (Heb. 6:19-20).

PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Jesus, who has gone before us, preparing the way of salvation for us. We receive this wonderful gift and ask You to strengthen us to follow Him always, walking as He walked. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“They were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. They were astonished, but those who followed Him were afraid” (Mark 10:32 HCSB).

From: March 2, 2021

JESUS HAS GONE AHEAD OF US AND FOR US

Jesus led the way up from Jericho to Jerusalem to face his ultimate purpose for coming–– the cross. The walk up from Jericho would take about 6-8 hours as they traveled the Roman road, the ruins of which can still be seen today. It was a steep climb, with an elevation increase of 3400 feet. Jesus walked ahead of his disciples and his other followers, pressing on alone with a look of firm resolve on His face (see Luke 9:51) and a determined step to his gait. Those following him were awestruck and even filled with fear as they tried to keep up with his dogged pace. After some time, Jesus finally took a break and explained once again to his disciples exactly what would happen to him in Jerusalem. From betrayal to torture to death on a Roman cross and rising again three days later, Jesus described in great detail why he was so determined to be in Jerusalem. He was about to complete his mission.

Today, we have this great hope in the One who has gone ahead of us, not only to Jerusalem and the cross, but from the grave to the Father in heaven on our behalf. As the book of Hebrews says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven, where Jesus has gone ahead of us and for us” (Heb. 6:19-20).

PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for Jesus, who has gone before us, preparing the way of salvation for us. We receive this wonderful gift and ask You to strengthen us to follow Him always, walking as He walked. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“And the third day He will rise again” (Mark 10:34b NKJV).

From: March 2, 2020

JESUS IS RISEN, JUST AS HE SAID

As Jesus led his disciples up to Jerusalem, he told them that he was going up there to be betrayed to the chief priests and scribes who would condemn him to death and turn him over to the Gentiles for execution. Yet on the third day, he would rise again. The disciples were both amazed and afraid as they followed Jesus up to Jerusalem. Amazed perhaps by the determination that Jesus showed in going up to Jerusalem, knowing what manner of death awaited him. Afraid no doubt that what he predicted would come to pass not only for him, but for them too.

What they didn’t seem to notice at the time was the last phrase of Christ’s prediction, namely, that he would rise again on the third day. Perhaps as unthinkable as his crucifixion was, his rising from the grave was even more so. They had witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the tomb after being dead four days. But this was different. It’s as if they were deaf to this part of Christ’s claim.

However, Christ’s enemies, who were deaf to his claims of divinity, remembered his claims of resurrection. They even asked Pilate to post a guard (Matt. 27:62-67).

On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead just as he had said. Neither his disciples’ doubts, nor the Jewish leaders’ requested Roman guard could keep him down.

Jesus was crucified, buried and rose again on the third day just as he had said. These are the gospel facts. How have you responded to the truth of this historical event?

PRAYER: Dear Father, we have believed the gospel. You raised Your Son Jesus from the grave just as He predicted. He suffered and died for our sins. He took our death, our sin, and our separation, so that we might by faith obtain His life, righteousness and Sonship. O what a wonderful Savior is He! Thank You Lord for our salvation. In Jesus’ name, amen.

“They were now on the way up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them” (Mark 10:32 NLT).

From: March 2, 2018

JESUS WALKED AHEAD

Jesus led the way up from Jericho to Jerusalem to face his ultimate purpose for coming–– the cross. The walk up from Jericho would take about 6-8 hours as they traveled the Roman road, the ruins of which can still be seen today. It was a steep climb, with an elevation increase of 3400 feet. Jesus walked ahead of his disciples and his other followers, pressing on alone with a look of firm resolve on His face (see Luke 9:51) and a determined step to his gait. Those following him were awestruck and even filled with fear as they tried to keep up with his dogged pace. After some time, Jesus finally took a break and explained once again to his disciples exactly what would happen to him in Jerusalem. From betrayal to torture to death on a Roman cross and rising again three days later, Jesus described in great detail why he was so determined to be in Jerusalem. He was about to complete his mission.

Today, we have this great hope in the One who has gone ahead of us, not only to Jerusalem, but to the Father in heaven on our behalf. As the book of Hebrews says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, sure and strong. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy Place in heaven, where Jesus has gone ahead of us and for us” (Heb. 6:19-20).

“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” (Psalm 45:7 NKJV).

From: March 2, 2017

Denoted a “maskil” by the Psalmist, this psalm sought to instruct concerning the future glory of the Messiah and His bride. Verse seven is especially instructive of the identity of the Messiah:

1) He will love righteousness

2) He will hate wickedness

3) He is God (See Psa. 45:6 “Your throne, O God”). The Hebrew translated “Therefore God, Your God” might also be translated, “O God, Your God.” This would make it a direct address to the Anointed One as God, yet also reveal that the Lord is His God (See Hebrews 1:8-9).

4) He is the “Messiah” (Literally, “anointed one.” ). In the New Testament, “anointed one” is rendered “Christ.”

5) He is the Groom. The “oil of gladness” points to the joy of the wedding supper celebrating the union of Christ and His Bride, the Church. It was for this “joy” (Heb.12:2) that Christ endured the cross.

6) He is the superior Mediator (See 1 Tim. 2:5, Heb. 9:15). His anointing is “more than” His companions. The high priests that offered mediating sacrifices before His coming were anointed, but their anointing was inferior to His and only a type pointing to fulfillment in Him.

7) He is human. That the former anointed ones were human and considered His “companions,” points to the His humanity.

This psalm was set to the tune of “The Lillies,” according to the Psalmist’s inscription, and sung in Temple worship. Yet, when the Messiah came, they did not recognize Him. But those who have recognized Him, sing of Him still, and will continue to sing of and to Him for ages to come.

“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it” (Proverbs 10:22 ESV)

From: March 2, 2016

Worldly riches are temporary and so is the happiness they bring, for they always contain trouble as well. The new car smell always wears off. The new clothes always fade. Moth and rust destroy and thieves steal. But the blessing of the Lord is eternal and adds no trouble. His blessing cannot be earned, only received. Which do you seek?

“…whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43 NKJV)

From: March 2, 2015

Unlike worldly leaders who strive to climb the ladder of leadership, Kingdom leaders serve their way to success. Jesus calls us to be servant-leaders. Are there jobs in your family, workplace or church that are beneath you? Good. Start there and do them wholeheartedly. Faithfulness in little things leads to being entrusted with greater things.

“‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked” (Mark 10:51 NLT)

From: March 2, 2014

A blind beggar named Bartimaeus was sitting beside the road leaving Jericho as he heard that Jesus and His disciples were passing by. He yelled for Jesus’ attention, calling Him by His Messianic title, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd’s attempts to quiet Bartimaeus only made him yell louder. Finally, Jesus called to him, asking what he wanted. Surely the man’s blindness was obvious to anyone. Jesus, who even knew people’s thoughts, surely knew the man was blind. Yet, he asked what he wanted. Bartimaeus quickly replied, “I want to see!” With this answer, Bartimaeus spoke with faith, believing that Jesus could give him his sight. Jesus knows our needs even before we pray, yet He still listens for us to ask Him in faith. Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus. Pray specific prayers.