JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

Mark 15:16-32 / Keywords 15:20

And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

 

15:16 The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17 They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18 And they began to call out to him, “Hail, king of the Jews!” 19 Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 23 Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.

25 It was nine in the morning when they crucified him. 26 The written notice of the charge against him read: the king of the jews.

27 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left. [28] [a] 29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! 32 Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

Footnotes

a. Mark 15:28 Some manuscripts include here words similar to Luke 22:37.

1. After Jesus was condemned to death, he was led into the palace, where the whole company of soldiers brutally tortured him. They mocked him by saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” To the eyes of this world the kingship of Jesus is a mockery. But this is how his kingship over us is established. Jesus bore all this punishment, but by his wounds we have been healed (Isa 53:4-5).

 

2. Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry the heavy cross of Jesus. Jesus refused to take any pain-relieving drug. He bore all the pain on himself. The soldiers, who were assigned to the execution detail, were hardened men, unmoved by human suffering. They were only interested in what they could get. But Jesus died for them, too. The charge written above him was ironically true--"The King of the Jews." He is indeed the eternal King. Jesus was crucified like the two rebels next to him. But he was different. The passersby and even the chief priests taunted him. They tempted him to save himself. Jesus is our king because instead of saving himself, he offered himself and was crucified for our sins.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you sending your Son as the king who saves me.

One Word Jesus, the king who was crucified

JESUS IS TRIED BY PILATE

Mark 15:1-15 / Keywords 15:2

"Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.

 

15:1 Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, made their plans. So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.

2 “Are you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate.

“You have said so,” Jesus replied.

3 The chief priests accused him of many things. 4 So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”

5 But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

6 Now it was the custom at the festival to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7 A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8 The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.

9 “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?” asked Pilate, 10 knowing it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.

12 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them.

13 “Crucify him!” they shouted.

14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

15 Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

1. The Sanhedrin had condemned Jesus to death, but they had no authority to execute him. For that, they needed to involve the Roman governor, Pilate. The charge was that Jesus claimed to be a king. So, Pilate confronted Jesus, who was bound and bleeding, and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus affirmed his kingship. Jesus is a spiritual king. He is the testimony of God who is sovereign over all things. He did not come to threaten the kings of the world, but to save his people from their sins. As before, Jesus did not reply to his accusers, to the amazement of Pilate.

 

2. Pilate did his best to find a way to release Jesus, for he knew that the Jewish leaders were only serving their own self-interest in bringing charges against Jesus. He tried using the custom of releasing a prisoner during the Passover festival. But the religious leaders provoked the crowd to request the insurrectionist, Barabbas. So, Pilate, though he knew Jesus to be innocent, handed him over to be crucified. This was the will of God for Jesus. In this way, even in being condemned, Jesus is revealed as our king.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to bear the condemnation of my sin. Bless me to worship him as king.

One Word Jesus is my king

JESUS IS TRIED BY THE SANHEDRIN

Mark 14:53-72 / Keywords 14:62

"I am," said Jesus. "And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven."

 

53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree.

57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree.

60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.

“You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said.

68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.[g]

69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it.

After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.”

71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”

72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[h] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice[i] you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept.

Footnotes

g. Mark 14:68 Some early manuscripts entryway and the rooster crowed

h. Mark 14:72 Some early manuscripts do not have the second time.

i. Mark 14:72 Some early manuscripts do not have twice.

1. Jesus was taken before the religious leaders who wanted to find a reason to sentence him to death. The Sanhedrin was an exclusive body of Jewish leaders. They solicited evidence to convict Jesus, but it was proven to be false. The statements did not agree. Jesus had remained silent throughout. He did not answer to their false statements about him. Finally, the high priest asked him directly, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Here Jesus confessed freely, “I am.” Jesus is the Son of Man. He is eternal. He sits at the right hand of God himself. The man Jesus, who made himself subject to them—to being arrested and tried at their hands—is the Son of Man in eternity. He is the Messiah. Immediately the Sanhedrin condemned Jesus. They mocked and abused him. They could never accept that this Jesus was their Messiah.

 

2. Meanwhile Peter had followed Jesus to the courtyard below (54). While Jesus was testifying his truth to the Sanhedrin, Peter was denying even knowing Jesus to a servant girl. He wanted to die for Jesus, but he instead warmed himself by the fire and protected his own life. Jesus had predicted Peter’s denial. Then Peter heard the rooster crow. His eyes were opened to see how Jesus was the Messiah for him. He broke down and wept. These tears would be the start of his new life in Christ.

 

Prayer Lord, Jesus who died is the Messiah. Help me to see and testify to his glory.

One Word Jesus is the Messiah

THE SCRIPTURES MUST BE FULFILLED

Mark 14:43-52 / Keywords 14:49

Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."

 

14:43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.

44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.

48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.

51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.

1. One disciple was not in the garden with the others. This disciple had gone off and betrayed his master. Now that disciple—Judas—appeared with an armed crowd to capture Jesus. Judas sold Jesus for money (11) and betrayed him with a kiss. When those who were with Jesus saw him being arrested, they responded with force. They intended to defend Jesus, and one of them even drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant.

 

2. Jesus saw the scene differently. He was not a rebel; he was a Bible teacher. He did not come to fulfill some political ambition, but to fulfill the Scriptures. Jesus saw God fulfilling his redemptive will, as revealed in his word from the beginning. He even testified about God to his captors and his followers when he was being arrested. At this time the disciples fled. They were blinded to the will of God that Jesus spoke of. The young man introduced in verse 51 is thought to be Mark the author. It is his unique and very personal testimony of the gospel work in him.

 

Prayer Lord, heal my blindness, that I may see as Jesus saw and that the Scriptures may be fulfilled in me.

One Word The Scriptures must be fulfilled

JESUS PRAYS AT GETHSEMENE

Mark 14:27-42 / Keywords 14:36

"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

 

14:27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,

    and the sheep will be scattered.’[d]

28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[e] you yourself will disown me three times.”

31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34 “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36 “Abba,[f] Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

41 Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”

Footnotes

d. Mark 14:27 Zech. 13:7

e. Mark 14:30 Some early manuscripts do not have twice.

f. Mark 14:36 Aramaic for father

1. Jesus spoke to his disciples, “You will all fall away.” This was God’s truth, as written in his word. Peter insisted that he would never disown Jesus, as did all the other disciples. Jesus was a good shepherd for them. He would be struck down and they would scatter, but this is how God would be revealed. This is how Jesus would shepherd his own.

 

2. Jesus confided in these disciples about his overwhelming sorrow. Jesus prayed. His prayer shows the depth of his humanity. He bore the weight of the sin of humanity on himself. But he did not bear it alone. He bore it to his Father in prayer. The disciples could not pray with him. They could only sleep. Jesus alone could bear the weight of sin, but he did so in prayer. He took the cup of suffering and death in accordance with his Father’s will. Jesus would be delivered over to sinners. He did so in order to save us. In prayer he bound himself to his Father, our God who has been bearing our rejection and sin on himself. Jesus offered himself. He took the cup of suffering that we cannot comprehend, so that we may me be saved.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for Jesus who suffered and prayed for me. Help me to accept him newly each day.

One Word Jesus suffered for me

THE LORD'S SUPPER

Mark 14:12-26 / Keywords 14:24

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them.

 

14:12 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”

16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

17 When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. 18 While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”

19 They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don’t mean me?”

20 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. 21 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”

22 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”

23 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.

24 “This is my blood of the[c] covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them. 25 “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Footnotes

c. Mark 14:24 Some manuscripts the new

1. Jesus had been teaching his disciples of his upcoming suffering, rejection, death and resurrection, though they never understood. Now the time had come. Verses 10-16 show that everything was prepared. This included his own betrayal at the hands of Judas. Jesus was prepared as the Passover Lamb, prepared by God to be sacrificed.

 

2. When Jesus announced his betrayal to the Twelve, they were stunned. They became introspective and approached him, saying, “Surely you don’t mean me.” Jesus helped them to see that this is what was written about him. This too is in accordance with the word and will of God.

 

3. Then Jesus taught them that his body and blood had been given for them. His body would be broken, and his blood poured out for many. In this way Jesus bore our sins on himself. In this way he opened the kingdom of God for all who take his body and blood. Jesus is our Passover lamb, prepared by God for the restoration of his kingdom.

 

Prayer Lord, thank you for preparing Jesus as my Passover lamb. Help me to take his body and blood each day and live with hope in your kingdom.

One Word Jesus is my Passover lamb

A BEAUTIFUL THING TO JESUS

Mark 14:1-11 / Keywords 14:6

"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

 

14:1 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. 2 “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? 5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages[a] and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7 The poor you will always have with you,[b] and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. 8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. 9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. 11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

Footnotes

a. Mark 14:5 Greek than three hundred denarii

b. Mark 14:7 See Deut. 15:11.

1. Jesus’ final days before his crucifixion were at hand. Instead of preparing the Passover, the Jewish leaders were scheming against Jesus. But there was another person planning something. Simon the Leper had invited Jesus to a meal at his house in Bethany. While Jesus was reclining, a woman came and poured very expensive perfume on his head: breaking the jar, saving none of it. She said nothing; her act told everything of her love and devotion to Jesus. Jesus was everything to her.

 

2. Some of those present smelled the perfume and saw it as a waste. They didn’t see Jesus as the woman did. They also didn’t see the woman as Jesus saw her. Her act meant so much to Jesus. He defended her, calling her act a beautiful thing. Jesus exposed their logical failing: they could help the poor anytime but did not. Only this woman expressed love for Jesus. Her act foreshadows Jesus’ own impending death, where he poured out his blood, lavishly loving sinners like you and me.

 

3. This nameless woman’s story is a positive example while Judas’ story is one of distrust and betrayal. Both are included in the gospel narrative, like roads before us. Whose path will we follow? Let’s do a beautiful thing for Jesus today.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for your lavish love for me through Jesus. Help me value Jesus and creatively express my love for him today.

One Word Remember the beauty of Jesus

BE ON GUARD! BE ALERT!

Mark 13:28-37 / Keywords 13:33

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

 

13:28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it[d] is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard! Be alert[e]! You do not know when that time will come. 34 It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35 “Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36 If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

Footnotes

d. Mark 13:29 Or he

e. Mark 13:33 Some manuscripts alert and pray

1. In light of all that Jesus has revealed about human history, what does he ask his disciples (then and now) to do? First, to learn from the fig tree. In agriculture, when the leaves of summer appear, it is too late to begin planting. So too, waiting to take Jesus’ words to heart until we see cataclysmic signs is too late! Now is the time, before “these things” are seen happening, to live as Jesus’ witnesses, standing firm on the gospel.

 

2. Jesus states clearly the day or hour is unknown by anyone. Instead of spending time speculating and guessing, Jesus tells us the third time to be on guard (9, 23, 33). It means to watch over ourselves, what we are thinking, feeling, saying, and doing in light of what we are anticipating: Jesus’ return. Like the man who went away and entrusted his house to his servants, each with his assigned task, we each have a glorious purpose in life, which Jesus has entrusted to us. First and foremost, it is to be molded into the image of Jesus himself (Ro 8:29). But he also gives us unique gifts to be used in building up his church (Eph 4:11-13). In big and small ways, we must focus on growing as his servant and doing our task until he comes.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for the hope of Jesus’ return. Help me keep this in my mind and heart. Help me to grow to be the person Jesus called me to be, and to do the task he empowers me to do each day until I see his face.

One Word Be found faithful

THE SON OF MAN COMING IN THE CLOUDS

Mark 13:14-27 / Keywords 13:26

At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

 

13:14 “When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’[a] standing where it[b] does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let no one on the housetop go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16 Let no one in the field go back to get their cloak. 17 How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18 Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19 because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again.

20 “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21 At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23 So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

24 “But in those days, following that distress,

“‘the sun will be darkened,

    and the moon will not give its light;

25 the stars will fall from the sky,

    and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’[c]

26 “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Footnotes

a. Mark 13:14 Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11

b. Mark 13:14 Or he

c. Mark 13:25 Isaiah 13:10; 34:4

1. After helping his disciples find their role as witnesses, Jesus presents a progressive unfolding of history. Many see history as cycles, or a never- ending timeline. But Jesus teaches there is a climactic event to which history is building toward.

 

2. Jesus points to an abomination that causes desolation bringing about horrible days of distress to the people of Judea. Jesus tells his people to flee to the mountains. They ought not to be attached to any material possessions. He says to pray (18), believing that God loves them, and will cut short the days of suffering. Yet this is not the end. They should not be deceived by false messiahs, who promise salvation in times of desolation. Jesus reiterates his previous direction: Be on your guard (9, 23). We will face times of personal, communal, and national desolation. Jesus’ words give us direction and comfort in such times. There is more to our story than this tragedy.

 

3. After such distress, there will be a final event of history, heralded by cosmic changes: people will see Jesus coming in clouds with great power and glory. What a contrast with the humble baby in the manger, despised and rejected! He is coming to gather his elect to be with him forever.

 

Prayer Father, you hold history in your hand. Help me endure present sufferings knowing you are working out all things for a good purpose.

One Word It will be worth it all when we see Jesus

THE SEA FLED FROM GOD’S PRESENCE

Psalm 114:1-8 / Keywords 114:7

Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

 

114:1 When Israel came out of Egypt,

    Jacob from a people of foreign tongue,

2 Judah became God’s sanctuary,

    Israel his dominion.

3 The sea looked and fled,

    the Jordan turned back;

4 the mountains leaped like rams,

    the hills like lambs.

5 Why was it, sea, that you fled?

    Why, Jordan, did you turn back?

6 Why, mountains, did you leap like rams,

    you hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord,

    at the presence of the God of Jacob,

8 who turned the rock into a pool,

    the hard rock into springs of water.

1. This Psalm looks like a simple song, perhaps one that was taught to children to help them think about what God did for Israel in the Exodus, when he parted the Red Sea so Israel could cross over on dry land. God did this so that he could have a people who remembered his deeds, and they would keep themselves holy so he could dwell among them (1-2). God will also dwell with us if we remember his saving work in Jesus and give him praise.

 

2. Imagine if we saw the sea turn and flee, the mountains leap away, and a spring of water coming from a rock. How would we feel? We would ask, “Who could do this?” (3-6) Then we would realize the power of God and tremble. According to the Psalmist, it was the very majesty of God’s presence that caused the seas to shrink back. It is good for us to tremble sometimes at the sense of God’s presence. We should pray for everyone on earth to tremble at the power of God (7).

 

Prayer Lord, help me be awed and tremble at the majesty of your presence, so I can have a right heart. May you dwell in my heart when I remember your salvation in Jesus.

One Word Tremble at the presence of the Lord