Day 40 · February 9

A devotional for today

Today’s readings

• Old Testament: EXODUS 29:1-30:10
• New Testament: MATTHEW 26:14-46
• Psalm: PSALM 31:19-24
• Proverb: PROVERBS 8:14-26

Discover

Today's readings come together at the altar. In Exodus, sacrifices are continually offered so sinful people can approach a holy God. In Matthew, Jesus prepares to offer Himself. The priests of Exodus needed sacrifices again and again. Jesus would become the perfect sacrifice - once for all. And in Gethsemane we see something else about our Savior: complete surrender to the Father. “Thy will be done.” Jesus went where we could never go and did what we could never do so that we could be brought into God's presence. The altar points to Jesus. The sacrifice points to Jesus. The priesthood points to Jesus. Forgiveness points to Jesus.

Reflect

1. What does God's careful preparation of the priests teach me about His holiness?

2. Where in my life do I need to pray as Jesus did, “Thy will be done”? 3. Am I trusting what Jesus has done for me, or am I still trying to make myself acceptable to God?

Fellowship

What does Jesus' willingness to go to the cross teach us about obedience and love? Listen to one another. Then encourage each other to trust Christ more deeply.

Prayer

Father, You are holy, yet You desire to dwell with Your people. Thank You for making a way for us to come near through Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank You for willingly going to the cross for us. Teach us to trust You and surrender our will to the Father. Holy Spirit, give us wisdom and courage to follow You today. Lord Jesus, help me not only to know Your Word but to live it. Transform my heart so that my life reflects You more each day. Amen.

Live

Surrender one thing you have been trying to control to God. Pray simply: “Father, Your will be done.” Then trust Jesus and take the next faithful step.