Title: Restrained Strength/ Topic: Suffering

Today's Reading: Psalm 125; Matthew 26; Matthew 27

Scripture: Matthew 26:67, 68
67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, "Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?"

Observation: Though Jesus had the power to free himself from undeserved suffering and insults at the hands of others, he chose not to use it. He who was the Creator of those mocking him simply let himself be abused.

Application: I have been given authority and power in the name of Christ. Like him, I need to sometimes choose to accept the undeserved abuse of others instead of using my authority to correct them or put them in their place, There is sometimes a call in the Christian life to suffer injustice at the hands of others in order that a greater good may come of it.

Prayer: Father, make me gentle of spirit. I never want to be timid in my use of your power and authority but I do want to be gentle, confident and discerning. I want to be ready to suffer wrong if it means others will ultimately benefit from it. Thank you for your example in this. Thank you for suffering that I may know life.
This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.