Does Jesus Still Love Me?

Daily Reading:  Luke 23

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23.34)

Devotional Thought: “I’m a little ornery sometimes.  Does Jesus still love me?”  That was a line from a children's Christmas program at Bethel Nazarene, where I pastored.   The answer is yes!  Jesus loves us all - no matter how "ornery" we are.  The scripture says that nothing "in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8.39).  Thanks be to God!  Even our sins do not diminish his love!

In Luke 23, today’s chapter, we read about the death of Jesus.  It is fitting at Christmas that we should be reminded of the purpose of Jesus’ birth and life:  His birth was not a random or accidental occurrence: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Galatians 4.4-5).  And why did God do that?  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3.16).  "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3.18).

Christmas tells us that God loved us so much that he came to this earth.  But, the full extent of that love – the price it was willing to pay and the distance it was willing to go – is revealed on the cross.  When Jesus was on the cross, he looked upon his executioners and prayed for their forgiveness.  I would say that that's a bit more than "a little ornery," but Jesus still loved them.

Are you a little ornery sometimes?  Rejoice!  Jesus still loves you!

Prayer: Lord, help me this Christmas season to remember that though my sins were as scarlet, you came in love to wash them white as snow.  Thank you for your never-failing love!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 145.1-9

1 I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.

2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.

3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

5 On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.

6 They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.

7 They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

8 The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

9 The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.