THE LORD SPOKE (January 27)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Exodus 13-14

It’s the ultimate aquarium. Imagine a wall of water on both sides of a corridor which you can walk through, observing the fish and other sea-life. And the Red Sea has some of the most spectacular underwater life on earth. Look out Chicago, Atlanta, and San Diego - your aquaria spectator numbers are going to face some serious competition.

Unfortunately, the Israelites weren’t able to concentrate much on spectating just then. Feeling trapped, with the Egyptians hot on their heels, their primary response was one of relief and haste. Nobody was anxious to stay between those two walls of water for very long. The Israelites scurried on through and when the Egyptian wheels came off, panic struck.

You can read the whole story in Exodus 14 - how the Israelites made it through on dry ground (which, in itself is another miracle), how “the sea went back to its place” in a devastating water clap, and how the Egyptians were swept into the sea. “Not one of them survived” (Ex. 14:28). That day the Israelites saw the frightening threat vanish and the fish had a banquet.

And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. (Ex. 14:31)

Ponder the results of this memorable experience:

1. they “saw the power of the Lord displayed” - The same can be said of us in hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanoes, or even the mighty display of a glorious sunset. God’s power is frequently on display for all to see.
2. they “feared the Lord” - A reverential awe that respects His sovereignty and bows before Him should be our response too.
3. they “put their trust in Him” - Of course! If He is so powerful and sovereign over all, how could I respond in any other way? I surely don’t want to fight against Him.
4. they “put their trust in...Moses his servant” - When God sets His seal upon a leader, he is to be trusted and followed. That’s what leadership means, especially godly, spiritual leadership. We’ve had our share of miserable deceptions and failed leaders, but that doesn’t change God’s pattern one bit. He has given leaders to His people and He expects us to follow their example and leadership, so long as it conforms to Scripture.

New Testament: Matthew 27

“Let his blood be on us and on our children!” (Mat. 27:25). What horrible words! But could they even say such a thing? Does the saying make it true?

No! God said, “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sins” (II Ki. 14:6). Children are never held accountable for the sins of their parents. They may have liability. It’s certainly true that they will probably suffer for bad choices made by their parents. But they are not to be judged for someone else’s sin. Not by God and not by anyone else. Sufficient unto each one is the guilt of his own sin.

So how are we to understand the words of Matthew 27:25? At most, it is the misguided statement of a handful of the Jewish religious leaders in the city of Jerusalem in the year AD 30 (± depending on chronology questions). Large crowds of people followed Jesus and the common people gladly received him (Mk. 12:37) so those who condemned him represent only a tiny minority. No stretch of the imagination can make the entire Jewish people responsible for the death of Jesus forever after.

But never underestimate the theological stretch of the imagination of some. The Roman Catholic Church and a majority of misguided “Christianity” through the centuries has taught that the Jews are the “Christ-killers”. Christians have hounded, condemned, persecuted, and even murdered Jews ever since, all “in the name of Christ”. Sad to say, antisemitism is primarily a “Christian” invention. So called “Christians” often hate Jews even where no Jews live - they’ve never even seen one but they know they’re supposed to despise them. That’s despicable!

Who did actually put Jesus to death?

1. True, a handful of Jewish religious authorities in Jerusalem requisitioned His death.
2. Pilate and the Roman government provided the legal apparatus to murder him.
3. Some Roman soldiers performed the physical act of scourging Him, placing the crown of thorns on His head, and nailing Him on the crossbar of death.
4. But, the reason He died was because of my sin. I am the one responsible. He hung there for me.

My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
For thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.