Devotion for Tuesday, August 26, 2025

“And some of those who were standing there, when they heard it, began saying, “This man is calling for Elijah.”  Immediately one of them ran, and taking a sponge, he filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink” (Matthew 27:47-48).

There were those around Jesus who thought He was delusional.  They treated Him with contempt.  If Jesus is not God in the flesh, then it would be delusional, but Him being God, we are left with an entirely different pondering over the mystery of why God would suffer these indignities.  The One through whom all things have their being suffered beyond our ability to bear for the cause of offering us the ability to join in His eternal love.

Lord, Your willingness to suffer not only pain in Your body, but the anguish of taunting and rejection is beyond my ability to comprehend.  It continues with each person who rejects You and lives to themself.  Teach me appreciation for all You accomplished.  You are the One who has taken away the sin of the world.  Now and always, help me to see what You have done and grow in gratitude.  Thanks be to God!

Lord Jesus, taunted by the world, guide me to accept the suffering You allow in my life so that I may mature in faith through every experience You give to become more like You.  I do not like it, but I cannot imagine You did either.  Help me to learn how to live in the Father’s will and abide in You as You abide in me.  Lead me now and always, my gracious Savior, in the way of everlasting life.  Amen.