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In our sermon Sunday (Mark 8:31-38), Jesus begins to tell his followers about the events we have come to know as Holy Week. Simon Peter tries to stop him and Jesus rebukes him saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan.” (King James version). In our Wednesday story, we will hear that Badger is ousted and new despots take his place. It all brings to mind the phrase “palace revolt.”
We don’t always understand God’s ways and we think we can do better. Like Moses in the desert when he lost his composure (Numbers 20), we think we can do something better than God and set out to do it. Moses’ sin against God resulted in him ending his life on Mt. Nebo with the Promised Land in sight, but he was not allowed to cross into it. Our just condemnation for our disobedience is death.
But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ, our sins are washed away. God sees us anew as newborn babes. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” (Isaiah 1:18) Our daily sin, a revolt against the authority of God, is washed away through the suffering, death, and resurrection of God’s Son. People, this is Good News! Our “palace revolts” against God are forgiven. We can claim the inheritance of God’s grace each day.
Dear God, thank you for your amazing grace that saved a wretch like me. Like a shepherd, enfold me in your arms. Bring me safely through the raging storm. Forgive my foolish pride. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen