For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16. 

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:20. 

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24. 

There was a remarkable scene in The Chosen yesterday in the theaters. Instead of sitting Shiva (a week long mourning period) for John the Baptist inside a darkened home, Jesus took His disciples out into the “wilderness” of the open roads and even to the “gates of Hell” – a pagan shrine. They went to honor John where John would have trod…his home, in the wilderness of this world of sin. Isn’t that where we live? The wilderness of our own sins that stubbornly cling to us. And right before that moment when John was about to die, he looked out of a window upon a field where light was beckoning and a sheep turned to look right at him before slowly walking on. John thanked God for being with him. Death is not final. God is there. 

And in our chapter, Psalm 26, David talks to God about not sitting with sinners (v. 4-6, 9-10). I thought about that this morning and realized I can’t make that startling claim because I am a sinner. How can I think myself so special – and – look down on others? Jesus went to the “others”. He went where there was great need and He went in great Love. As beautiful as the Law of God is, it cannot save us. It shows us who our Savior is. The Law was the Covenant for Israel so they could know God and His perfect Love that holds no sin. Jesus is the Covenant for all of us sinners, doing what Israel could not do, what the Law itself could never do. He did what the Law was not designed to do. Jesus is the Covenant Law of Love given in great Love for us. Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells…Deliver me and be merciful to me…My feet stand on level ground; in the great congregation I will praise the Lord. v. 8, 11, 12. 

There is so much to glean and understand whenever we come to our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit. And He is so patient with us. And with Him…we are better! Thank You, Lord, for Your patient, healing Covenant Love. May we be mindful of your unfailing love and live in reliance on Your faithfulness (v. 3).