Daily Bread - August 22, 2004

But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs.

I was accused falsely for you. The people rejected me that you may be accepted. Those who were persecuted for my sake were blessed. Those who are mine are persecuted today for my name's sake. The servant is not greater than his master. I was sold for 30 pieces of silver. The weight of betrayal was too much to bear for the one who was disloyal to me; therefore, death claimed his life. I was called a blasphemer, and this claim was laid at my door. The princes of this world did not know who I was; therefore, I was crucified but for your sakes. If my kingdom had been of this world, my servants would have fought. I was born to bear witness of the truth. I bore witness of it, and now everyone is made free by the truth. For the truth, I was mocked. A crown of thorns was placed on my head for the truth. I forgave my tormentors because they did not know what they were doing.

I was despised and rejected of men. I was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief as I bore your grief and carried your sorrows. The expense of your salvation had to be paid. Though it was expensive, I paid for it willingly. My soul was made an offering for your sins. The travail of my soul was seen, and justice was satisfied. By my knowledge, I justified many as I bore their iniquities. Many cried out for me to save myself, but they did not know that I was saving them. Look to my crucifixion again today, and draw strength and understanding from it. There upon the cross, I surely bore your griefs, and carried your sorrows; was smitten of God, and afflicted. I was wounded for your transgressions. I was bruised for your iniquities. The chastisement of your peace was upon me, and with my stripes, you were healed.

I became as a worm, was reproached of men, and despised of the people. They laughed me to scorn. They shot out their lips and shook their heads. All of this was for your sake. As many bulls compassing one about, they beset me round about. They gaped upon me with their mouths. As a ravening and a roaring lion, they opened their mouths against me. They poured me out like water while my bones were out of joint. My heart became as wax and was poured out in the midst of my bowels. I had no strength left, and my tongue cleaved to my jaws as I was brought down to the dust of death. As dogs, they compassed me about, and they pierced my hands and my feet. For your sake, I paid all the expenses that you are charged with now. Rise up, and lay hold on all that I bought for you by my cross. The currency of my blood is never devaluated by unbelief and the assembly of the wicked. Look to my sufferings and behold the reason for faith.

Amos 3: 7 - 8

Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? The Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?