January 23, 2018 -- Matthew 27:43 Let God deliver Him

"He [Jesus] trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He [Jesus] said, 'I am the Son of God.'"

Matthew 27:43 NKJV

These taunting words were hurled at Jesus as He was on the cross. Ironically, these same leaders who taunted Jesus, asked the Governor, Pontius Pilate, to post guards at Jesus' tomb, recalling that Jesus said He'd rise from the dead after three days.

After bearing the curse of God against our sin on His own body and soul, Jesus proved Himself the Son of God as He rose from the dead. God did in fact deliver Him. God honours Jesus as triumphant and has given Jesus the Name that is above every name.

Today the hard-hearted still taunt Jesus. Those who mock deny Jesus' bodily resurrection from the tomb. Those who insult Jesus claim He was merely a prophet or a great teacher.

Since God delivered Jesus from the grave:

~Those who believe in Jesus experience new life now, enduring suffering as a badge of honour for the Name of Jesus.

~Those who taunt Jesus now, God will one-day cast into the fires of hell.

~Those who believe in Jesus see Him as truly God and truly Man, the Suffering Saviour, Rescuer of all who believe.

~Those who mock Jesus do not realize He will return as their Judge and at the end of time there will be no mercy.

~Those who believe in Jesus willingly endure insults because of the glory of Jesus, the One Who was slain and is now the triumphant King seated in glory next to the Father in heaven.

~Those who insult believers in Jesus are to be pitied and prayed over for the very breath they draw in to their lungs to insult their Maker and insult Jesus-followers, is the gift of life given by God.

God, our Deliverer, now is the Day of Salvation, now is Your appointed time for mercy. Send Your Spirit to soften hearts; let the Spirit of Truth prepare the way so that mockers and revilers, taunters and insulters will be broken of their foolish ways and brought to the joyful knowledge of Jesus--Who once was slain and now is the Salvation of all who believer. Jesus, You taught that the fields are ready to be harvested, many who seem hardened against the Good News are nearly ripe and ready for the Gospel. Give to us, as believers, the steadfastness of heart and the courage to continue to proclaim Your Name and declare Your glory to the people around us, as we joyfully live with ever greater anticipation of Your return!