Our Daily Bread for today is here. Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).
The word of God is food to the spirit man. “Eat and digest” the word of the Lord for today and let its unchanging power nuture your faith and help in your daily walk to Christ.
Bible in a Year: Ezra 1–2 John 19:23–42
Memory Verse: He has given us new birth into a living hope. 1 Peter 1:3
Today’s Scripture & Insight: 1 Peter 1:17–25
Atonement is the act through which God and humans (who are alienated or separated from God because of our sin) are brought together in a personal relationship through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. According to Baker’s Encyclopedia of the Bible, the theological term atonement comes from Anglo-Saxon words that mean “making as one.” In the Old Testament, animals “without defect” (Leviticus 14:10) were sacrificed annually to make atonement for sin (16:34).
When Christ came, the sacrificial system became obsolete through the “precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect,” who “was led like a lamb to the slaughter” (1 Peter 1:19; Isaiah 53:7). Jesus, “the Lamb of God, . . . takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). All who believe in Him receive forgiveness and new life (Ephesians 1:7). One day, His followers will celebrate with Him in the New Jerusalem at “the wedding supper of the Lamb!” (Revelation 19:9).
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ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
A reminder of the beauty and brevity of life grows outside my front door. Last spring, my wife planted moonflower vines, so named because of their large and round white blooms that resemble a full moon. Each flower opens for one night and then withers in the bright sun the following morning, never to bloom again. But the plant is prolific, and every evening presents a fresh parade of flowers. We love watching it as we come and go each day, wondering what new beauty will greet us when we return.
These fragile flowers call to mind a vital truth from Scripture. The apostle Peter, recalling the words of the prophet Isaiah, wrote, “You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall’ ” (1 Peter 1:23–24). But he assures us that God keeps His promises forever! (v. 25).
Like flowers in a garden, our lives on earth are short when compared with eternity. But God has spoken beauty into our brevity. Through the good news of Jesus, we make a fresh beginning with God and trust His promise of unlimited life in His loving presence. When Earth’s sun and moon are but a memory, we will praise Him still.
Reflect & Pray
What do you most look forward to about eternity with God? Which of His promises are your favorites?
Beautiful Savior, I praise You for the gift of my salvation. Your love lasts forever, and I love You for it.
Our Daily Bread 2023 Devotional is written by James Banks and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries. Read more
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