“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” John 1:47
What did Jesus mean when He said of Nathanael that he was “an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit”? In light of Psalm 32, Jesus was saying that Nathanael didn’t try to hide or cover up his sins. Rather, he acknowledged his sinfulness and shortcomings and trusted God to graciously forgive his sins for the sake of the Messiah and Savior who would “redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Psalm 130:7-8).
O gracious God, I am a guilty sinner deserving of Your anger and punishment. Pardon and forgive me, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
“One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” John 1:40-42
Andrew, after hearing John the Baptist testify that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, first found his own brother, Simon, and told him they had found the Messiah and Savior. We, too, can point people to Jesus and tell them that Jesus is the one who died for the sins of all and rose again so that we might have forgiveness and eternal life through faith in His name.
Gracious God, give us love for others that we might tell them of Jesus, the Messiah and Savior of the world. Amen.
“Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.” Psalm 2:10-12
The Holy Spirit speaks and admonishes the rulers and judges of this world to serve the LORD God and honor the Son lest His wrath suddenly ignite against them and consume them. Those who seek God’s salvation and refuge in the Son receive His blessing instead of His wrath.
O LORD God, grant that I fear Your righteous wrath and indignation and look to the Son for mercy, forgiveness, and eternal blessing. Amen.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” Matthew 7:21
Many who claim to be Christians and followers of Jesus will be shocked on the last day when Jesus says to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matt. 7:23). Only those who do the will of God the Father — who repent of their sinful ways and look to Jesus and His cross in faith — will receive God’s pardon and forgiveness and a place in His eternal kingdom.
Forgive my sins, O God, and cleanse my heart for the sake of Christ Jesus and His innocent sufferings and death on the cross in my stead. Grant that I do Your will and walk in daily repentance and faith in Jesus, my Savior. In His name, I pray. Amen.
“I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’” Psalm 2:7-9
God the Son speaks in these verses, revealing that He is and always will be the only-begotten Son of the Father. He reigns and will ultimately judge all the nations and peoples of the earth. He will bring down and utterly destroy those who oppose Him and His eternal kingdom.
Grant to me, O Lord Jesus, Son of God, a humble and penitent heart that I might not rebel against You but acknowledge my sins and look to You and Your cross for pardon and forgiveness. Amen.
