How Did He Do That? Scripture Reading – Luke 23:34 (NLT)

"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing.' And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice." 

Jesus Christ, the Almighty Son of the living and loving God, having being kicked from pillar to post between Herod and Pontius Pilate, then severely flogged, was then released to be crucified. Being spit upon, having His beard plucked out, a robe and crown of thorns pressed into His flesh. Along the way, the onlookers scoffed and jeered, while Jesus was being whipped to carry the cross until finally He could go on no more, so Simon from Cyrene carried it for Him. Now crucified and lifted up between two criminals on either side who both cursed and taunted Him. This joined in by the crowd making fun of Him unable to save Himself, and daring Him to prove that He was the Son of God. Laughing, taunting, cursing and soldiers gambling for His robe in fun to pass their time.

Did you ever wonder how the Father loved you and I, or ask the question, 'How Did He Do That'? Truly it is a wonderful question for a follower of Jesus Christ a member of the body of Christ, the church of the living and loving God to ponder. As we live in what is for the most part a Christ rejecting and hostile world to this message of the Good News of Jesus Christ and His death on the cross for the eternal salvation of all who will come, believe and receive.

Instead of our rising up in our self-righteous indignation at all of the vulgar and irresponsible actions we see to the message of God's love in Christ Jesus, I think we and the world which God so loves, would be better served to pray the same kind of prayer that Jesus prayed that day on the cross. And love in the same fashion as Jesus did to the one repentant thief telling him that today he would be with Jesus in paradise.

For it is the grace, goodness, mercy and loving-kindness of our God that still will draw an unbelieving heart and life to Christ. And I think this is exactly the kind of prayer that Jesus can most bless over our lives as we also take up our cross and follow after Him! 

Prayer Heavenly Father I pray You will forgive me for the times I have been self-righteous in my attitudes or actions. Help me to remember that Jesus is my righteousness and Holy Spirit fill me today to reach out and love in His holy name I pray. 

Memory Verse:  Philippians 2:13 “For ____ is ________ in you, giving you the _______ and the ______ to do what pleases him.”