February 4 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Luke 2:46–52

Devotional

Even as a child, the Lord Jesus was subject to the law of God. He submitted Himself to His parents, perfectly obeying God’s ordinances. In this way the Lord Jesus was already Surety in His youth. He had to fulfill the law of God on behalf of all His people. Remember your disobedience and your need for this Savior!

Man’s disobedience results in misery. We can moan and groan about our misery and the punishments we may encounter. But do we acknowledge our disobedience as sin? Do we sense pain in our soul because of this disobedience?

Undeniably we are sinners. We have been obstinate against a God of love who intends nothing but good for His children. In hating this deep love, we have provoked God to anger. Such behavior on our part should cause us immense sorrow. This is the deepest sorrow. In the words of our text, God provides healing for such sorrow.

Here you will find a balm to soothe the pain caused by your disobedience to God. The balm is in Christ. The Lord Jesus came to earth and was subject to God and man in order to pay the price for your disobedience. His obedience unto death is the only possible payment for your sins. When His obedience is applied to your life and He becomes your Surety, fruit will flourish in your life.

In gratitude you will humbly bow before Him and you will seek to honor Him in all you do and say. Then, following Christ, you will be a servant, subject to God and your fellow man. Then you are above no one.

If you are not humbled with Him, neither will you be exalted with Him. Without learning this lesson you will never be able to enter glory. We have to be broken. Otherwise God can never use us.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.