DEVOTION - FRDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012

DEVOTION -FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012

“Living Hope”

| 1 Peter 1:18-19 | Devotional

BY

RON MOORE

1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

Simon the Sorcerer from Samaria. Say that five times fast. Simon would have loved to hear you say his name fast or slow. “He boasted that he was someone great” and was known as the “Great Power” (Acts 8:9-11). But after hearing the Gospel, he made a profession of faith and was baptized. However, Simon’s actions bring the genuineness of his profession into question.

After watching the Holy Spirit come on people through the ministry of Peter and John, Simon’s true colors surfaced. He offered them money and said, “Give me also the ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” As you read Peter’s response imagine the tone in his voice (and the redness in his face):

May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin (Acts 8:20-23).

Redemption—our purchase from the slavery of sin—is brought about only by the “blood of Christ.” It is only by the death of the Perfect Sacrifice—“a lamb without blemish or defect.” Redemption cannot be bought, earned, or inherited. In the question and answer of the old song: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!” Have you trusted in the “precious blood of Christ” for your redemption?

Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you for the price he paid so that we could know you. Thank you for grace. I pray for those reading this who don’t know you. May today be their day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.