What Do You Say?

Daily Reading: Mark 15

Scripture Focus: You have said so... (Mark 15.2)

Devotional Thought: So, did he say it or not? President Trump had been reported as referring to certain countries in Africa and the Caribbean with quite unflattering, even vulgar, terms. "____." He denied that he said it in a racist way. He even said that he might have to start recording meetings in the Oval Office. When I read that, I thought to myself, "Yeah, right! Every conversation in the Oval Office is recorded, just not made known. If the president wanted to, he could produce the recording."

Jesus had a meeting with Pilate, a high official in the provincial government, who asked Jesus a question, "Are you the King of the Jews?" Jesus replied, "You have said so..." When did he say so? In his question? Perhaps, but I also believe he said it in his actions. By agreeing to hear the case about Jesus, Pilate had implicitly stated that here was a man who claimed to be King of the Jews. He may have feigned ignorance, but his actions revealed what he really thought.

Each one of us reveal what we think about Jesus by our actions. Is he a man who gives good advice? Then we will take his advice under consideration and act accordingly when it suits our needs. Is he a worker of good deeds? Then we will try to get close to him to get our piece of the action. Is he the Son of God? If we believe that, then our lives will say so as well. We will live in obedience and reverence to him.

"Whom do you say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16.13)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, every day my life is saying something about you. Help me to live in such a way that people will believe that you are the Son of God and Savior of the world. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 9.7-12

7 But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, 8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.

9 The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. 10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

11 Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds! 12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.