Daily Devotional – Monday, May 23, 2022
Only acknowledge your iniquity, That you have transgressed against the LORD your God. …And you have not obeyed My voice,’ says the LORD.
Jeremiah 3:13 (NKJV)
On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus told the apostles:
“Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” (Matthew 26:31, NLT).
Led by Peter, the disciples vowed not to abandon Jesus (Verses 33-35). However, later that night, “… everyone deserted him (Jesus) and fled.” (Mark 14:50).
Weeping Bitterly or Hanging Oneself?
The Bible does not reveal how the other ten dealt with their actions. For Peter, after the cock crew the third time, he was so overwhelmed by guilt that “he went outside and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:62).
Conversely, Judas, on realizing the enormity of his sin, told the chief priests and elders, “I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood.” (Matthew 27:4). “Then he went away and hanged himself.” (Verse 5).
Both Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus but each chose a different way to deal with their guilt. Jesus forgave Peter but Judas closed his own door of mercy be committing suicide. He gave up on himself and on God.
Only Acknowledge Your Iniquity
To anyone struggling with guilt, our loving Father says, “Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the LORD your God. …And you have not obeyed My voice.” (Jeremiah 3:13).
God will forgive you and treat you as if you have never sinned. He will remember your sins no more. Instead of struggling with you burden of sin and guilt, place it at the foot of the cross and let Jesus carry it for you.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge my. Please forgive me.
