August 10

Morning

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. — Col 3:4 BSB

Paul’s profound expression reveals that Christ is the source of our life. “You, who were dead in trespasses and sins, He has made alive.” That same voice that called Lazarus from the tomb has brought us to new life.

Christ is now the essence of our spiritual life. It is His life in us that sustains us. He dwells in us, giving us the hope of glory, becoming the spring of our actions and the central focus of our thoughts.

He is the sustenance of our life. What else can we feed on but the body and blood of Jesus? “This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.” Oh, weary travelers in this wilderness of sin, you will never find anything that satisfies your spiritual hunger except in Him!

Christ is also the comfort of our life. All our true joys come from Him, and in our troubles, His presence is our peace. There is nothing worth living for apart from Him. His loving-kindness is better than life itself!

Christ is the goal of our life. Just as a ship speeds toward its harbor, so the believer races toward the rest found in Christ. Like an arrow aimed at its target, the Christian’s life is directed toward perfect fellowship with Jesus. As soldiers fight for their commander and share in his victory, so the believer fights for Christ, receiving his triumph from the triumphs of his Master. “For me, to live is Christ.”

Christ is the model of our life. If His life is in us, we will inevitably bear outward fruit. If we walk closely with Jesus, we will become more like Him. We will set Him as our example, following in His steps until He becomes the crown of our life in glory. How secure, how honored, how blessed is the Christian, for Christ is our life!

Evening

But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.” — Matt 9:6 BSB

Behold the great Physician’s most wondrous skill—He has the power to forgive sin! Even while He was on earth, before the ransom had been paid and before His blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat, He had the power to forgive sin. If He had this power then, how much more now, after His death? What unimaginable power must dwell in Him, who paid the debts of all His people in full! He holds boundless power, having finished transgression and put an end to sin.

If you doubt this, look at His resurrection! See Him ascend in glory to the right hand of God! Listen as He intercedes for us before the Father, pointing to His wounds and presenting the merit of His sacrifice. What power to forgive is displayed here! “He has ascended on high and received gifts for men.” “He is exalted to give repentance and forgiveness of sins.” The darkest sins are washed away by the crimson tide of His blood!

At this very moment, dear reader, no matter your sin, Christ has the power to forgive you. He can pardon you and millions more like you with just a word. There is nothing left for Him to do to secure your pardon—all the atoning work is finished. In response to your tears, He can forgive your sins today and make you know it. He can breathe peace into your soul right now—a peace that surpasses all understanding, flowing from the perfect forgiveness of all your sins.

Do you believe this? I trust you do. May you experience the power of Jesus to forgive sin this very moment. Don’t wait—run to the Physician of souls today!