Devotion for Monday, August 11, 2025

“But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.  But the governor said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas” (Matthew 27:20-21).

In sin, we choose death over life.  We are tempted to see things as political situations.  We do not fight against flesh and blood, but against forces of darkness and principalities.  Even in our freely choosing the sinful way, God’s will has been accomplished.  We go the way of our thinking, but the will of the Lord God is eternal.  All things will work together for good for those who follow the way of Jesus, or to the contrary if we do not.

Lord, despite, or is it because of, the sinful path of those who scheme and plot, You accomplish what needs to be accomplished.  Sinners scheme and despite their urgings, You raise up those who are as good as dead to become saints.  Help me to see that You alone bring us to be with You for all eternity.

Lord Jesus, the betrayal was complete — the expedient over the perfect.  Help me to see through the mess of this world to become what You are making of me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live into the life You have given me by grace through faith.  Let me not join the crowd of sinners, nor betray You, but live into the life You have granted me so that I become like You more and more .  Amen.