Today’s Reading

Psalms 75-77; Romans 6

Selected Verses

For not from the east or from the west
and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
but it is God who executes judgment,
putting down one and lifting up another.
For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup
with foaming wine, well mixed,
and he pours out from it,
and all the wicked of the earth
shall drain it down to the dregs.  Psalm 75:6-8

We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

Reflections

The Psalms frequently address the contrast between the wicked and the righteous.  The wicked are under God’s judgment although they may appear to be successful for a time (Psalm 73).  God is the One who lifts up and puts down people on earth.  He is a holy God Who will ultimately bring justice through His judgment.  There can be no escape from justice.

Jesus Christ came to bring grace and truth (John 1:17).  The truth is we are all sinners. We should drink to the dregs the cup of God’s wrath.  But the grace of Christ is that, instead of us drinking the cup, Jesus drank it for us (Matthew 26:36-46).  Now we, who believe in Him, have been buried with Him by baptism into His death.

Paul anticipated some readers thinking that they may sin to the max since they had been freed from judgment by Christ’s death.  That is to miss the message entirely.  Grace is given to us not so we may sin freely but so we may live in newness of life for God’s glory.  If we have died with Christ, His death is our death, and we are now freed from sin to live a life that reflects our belonging to Him.

Think about it

Are you learning to walk in newness of life as an obedient servant of righteousness?  Does your life show you are His and that you are grateful for what He did?  That is why He died, so take care how you live.

© 2017 John A Carroll  Used by permission