From: November 30, 2024
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ESV).
The apostle John declared the wonderful news that the blood of Jesus cleanses believers from all sin. How is the blood applied? By confession.
Confession is agreeing with God that we are sinners. The Greek word translated “confess” is ὁμολογέω (homologeó), which literally means to “say the same.” In other words, if God calls it sin, we call it sin. We agree with God. When we confess our sin to God it is not news to Him. He knows our sin already. Confession is agreeing with God that we have sinned, so that He can forgive us and cleanse us.
This Scripture brings to mind the great hymn by Elisha Hoffman, “Glory to His Name.” Remember its first verse?
“Down at the cross where my Savior died,
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried,
There to my heart was the blood applied;
Glory to His Name!”
Jesus has done all the work to make us righteous before the Father. Our appropriate response is to confess and believe.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the blood of Jesus. We confess our sins to You this day, knowing that the payment of Jesus is sufficient to cover our transgressions. Cleanse our guilty consciences that we might serve You with joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 30, 2023
“As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven” (Daniel 7:13 NLT).
“Son of Man” was a Messianic title that the first century Jews would have recognized. There are two threads of Messianic prophecy in the Old Testament. One, speaks of a Suffering Servant, as is found in Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53. The second prophetic thread speaks of a Victorious King, who would judge the nations and establish His eternal kingdom. This second thread of prophecy is what we see in Daniel and in his reference to the “son of man.”
The first advent (“Advent” means “coming” or “arrival”) was announced by angels to the shepherds in Bethlehem. The second advent, according to Jesus, will be announced by “the mighty blast of a trumpet” and the appearance of the Son of Man in the clouds (Matt. 24:30-31).
Who is this Son of Man? When Jesus was brought before the Jewish council and the high priest asked, “Are you the Messiah?” Jesus responded, “I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). Jesus used the covenantal name of God, “I AM” (“YHWH”) and quoted Daniel 7:13 in His response.
Jesus is both Son of Man and Son of God. He has come and He is coming again.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the Scriptures that prophesied of Christ’s coming and of His soon return. We believe. And we look with confident hope for the Day of His appearing. Until then, strengthen us with Your grace and power to live for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 30, 2022
BELIEVING THE EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY CONCERNING JESUS
The apostle John opened his first letter as he did his gospel, and as Moses did the Torah, with the phrase: “the beginning.” Also, similar to his gospel, John referred to Christ as the “Word” (Greek: “λόγος, logos”). In John’s gospel, he spoke of the Word’s divine preexistence and agency in the beginning of creation, but here in John’s first epistle, he spoke of the beginning of the Word’s earthly ministry. In regards to his gospel, John surely spoke by the Spirit’s inspiration alone because he was not present to witness creation. But in his epistle, he clearly wants the reader to know that he was an eyewitness to Christ’s ministry from beginning to end. John, speaking of himself and of the other apostles, said, “We heard, saw, and touched Him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.”
John essentially said, “We were eyewitnesses of the whole thing… the miracles, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension…so, you can trust our account and believe!”
That’s why John wrote. He wrote so that we might believe. We have not heard, seen, nor touched Jesus, but we believe in the eyewitness testimony of the apostles. And we believe in the testimony of the Holy Spirit that seals and sanctifies us as followers of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we believe the testimony of John and the apostles. But more than that, we believe because of the testimony of the Spirit of Christ. We believe. Yet, we long for the day when our faith shall become sight. Until then, strengthen us by Your Spirit and lead us with Your voice that we might follow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: November 30, 2016
Our communication with God is to be two-way: We talk to Him in prayer and He speaks to us through His Word. Daily prayer and Bible reading is a believer’s lifeline to the Father. Are you facing a difficult decision? Are you in need of encouragement or advice? Go to the Father. Make known your requests. Read His Word. Pray “Lord, give me understanding according to Your Word.” Let the Spirit speak into your situation. Listen. He has spoken. He still speaks.
From: November 30, 2015
The apostle John opened his first letter as he did his gospel, and as Moses did the Torah, with the phrase: “the beginning.” Also, similar to his gospel, John referred to Christ as the “Word” (Greek: λόγος, logos). In John’s gospel, he spoke of the Word’s divine preexistence and agency in the beginning of creation, but here in John’s first epistle, he spoke of the beginning of the Word’s earthly ministry. In regards to his gospel, John surely spoke by faith and inspiration because he was not present to witness creation. But in his epistle, he clearly wants the reader to know that he was an eyewitness to Christ’s entire ministry. John, speaking of himself and of the other apostles, said, “We heard, saw, closely examined and touched Him.” John essentially said, “We witnessed the whole thing… the miracles, the crucifixion, the resurrection and the ascension…so, you can trust our account and believe!” That’s why John wrote. He wrote so that we might believe.