August 1 - Taking Responsibility

Today's Reading:
Daniel 11:2-35
Matthew 27:15-31
Proverbs 22:7-16 
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Focus Verses: Matthew 27:24
24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. "I am innocent of this man's blood," he said. "It is your responsibility!"

Insight:
When Judas experienced remorse for his actions, he tried to return the money the priests and elders had given him to betray Jesus. They said, "It's your responsibility, not ours." When Pilate saw that the crowd was out of hand and determined to see Jesus crucified, he said, "It's your responsibility, not mine." In the same way, it's easy for me to look at Judas, the priests and elders, Pilate, the crowd, and the Roman soldiers and think, "It's their fault; they're responsible for Jesus' death. It's their responsibility, not mine."

The scriptures, the Spirit, and my own conscience tell me that I need to take responsibility for my sin if I am to truly understand who Jesus is. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

My sins, along with the sins of all humanity, are the reason Jesus died on the cross. He was wounded for our transgressions. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, suffered death, was buried, and rose again on the third day.

Response and Action:
I will give thanks to God for the saving work Christ Jesus did on the cross. I will not deceive myself by refusing to take responsibility for my actions. I will confess my sins, repent, and surrender my life to Christ. I will confess Jesus is Lord and look to him for salvation and renewal. I will take the responsibility and take initiative to follow in the steps of Christ by the power of his Spirit.

O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Thank you for Jesus who, in becoming human and dying at the hands of sinful men, demonstrated your great love for all humanity. By the power and grace of your Holy Spirit, save and renew me. Give me a heart that delights in your will, a mind to walk in your ways, and a desire to bring glory and honor to your name. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 1:8-10
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Resources:
The Incomparable Christ
by John R. W. Stott