March 26

Morning

“I told you that I am He,” Jesus replied. “So if you are looking for Me, let these men go.” — John 18:8 BSB

Notice, my soul, how Jesus cared for His sheep even in His hour of trial! His love for His people remained just as strong in the face of death. He surrendered Himself to His enemies, but He spoke a word of power to set His disciples free. As for Himself, He remained silent like a sheep before its shearers, not opening His mouth. But for His disciples’ sake, He spoke with divine authority. Here is love—constant, selfless, faithful love!

But is there not more here than what we see on the surface? Are we not witnessing the very heart of the atonement in these words? The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep and declares that they must go free. The Surety is bound, and justice demands that those for whom He stands as a substitute must be released. In the midst of Egypt’s bondage, the voice of the Lord rings out, “Let these go free!” Out of the slavery of sin and Satan, the redeemed must come. In every cell of Despair’s prison, the command is echoed, “Let these go free!” and out come Despondency and Much-afraid. Satan hears the familiar voice and lifts his foot from the necks of the fallen. Death hears it, and the grave opens its gates to release the dead.

Their path is one of progress, holiness, victory, and glory, and no one can hinder them. No lion will be on their path, and no wild beast will go near it. The “Deer of the morning” has drawn the cruel hunters to Himself, and now the most timid of souls may graze peacefully among the lilies of His love. The storm has burst over Calvary, and the pilgrims of Zion will never again be struck by the bolts of God’s wrath! Rejoice, my heart, in the freedom your Redeemer has secured for you, and bless His name all day, every day!

Evening

If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels. — Mark 8:38 BSB

If we have shared in Jesus’ shame, we will share in the glory that will surround Him when He appears again! Are you, dear believer, one with Christ? Is your union with Him real and vital? Then today you are sharing in His shame; you have taken up His cross and gone outside the camp, bearing His reproach. Surely, you will be with Him when the cross is exchanged for the crown.

But examine yourself this evening, for if you are not united with Him in new life, you will not be with Him when He returns in glory. If you shy away from the darker side of fellowship with Him, you will not experience its bright and joyful side when the King comes with His angels. Come, my soul, if you truly belong to Him, you cannot be far from Him. If His friends and neighbors are called to witness His glory, what of you who are married to Him? Shall you be distant? Even though it will be a day of judgment, you cannot be far from the heart that has invited you into such intimacy, even into the closest relationship of all. Has He not said to you, O my soul, “I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion”? Has He not promised, “I am married to you, and My delight is in you”?

If the angels, who are mere friends and neighbors, will be with Him, how much more certain it is that His beloved bride, His delight, will be near Him, sitting at His right hand. This is a morning star of hope for you, so bright that it can light up even the darkest and most difficult experience!