Thursday, November 23, 2023
As I watched the final clips of the movie, Spider-Man: No Way Home, I felt sad and hopeless. Peter Parker (a.k.a. Spider-Man) had only tried to do good the whole movie, and yet, everything turned out badly. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “No good deed goes unpunished.”
With his Aunt May dying at the hands of a villain and his friends' lives now in jeopardy, Peter finally discovers a solution to set things right. But, it would mean erasing himself from the memory of all his loved ones.
In the final clip, we see Peter carrying a box to an apartment that he had just rented—alone. He would still be Spider-Man, but his friends and family would never know or be able to appreciate the depth of love and sacrifice Peter had made.
Today, as we gather with loved ones and remember all the blessings in our lives, I am so grateful and overwhelmed with thankfulness that I know exactly what my Savior, Jesus Christ, did for me and for all of you. He made the ultimate sacrifice—laying down his life to save us.
John 3:16 NIV
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.
When I really let this sink in, I am overwhelmed with joy and thankfulness that Jesus took a different approach for our salvation. While he could have just saved us without our knowing, he realized how important his sacrifice was. By revealing himself to his disciples, and thereby us, we gain understanding and thus gratitude of what he did out of love and we can respond in faith.
By our faith, we are made right with God, when we believe (Ephesians 2:8). It’s this knowledge and humble appreciation of what Christ did on the cross that changes us.
I am so grateful I know him and what he did for me and us all. Praise God, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Ephesians 5:20
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Questions:
Why do you think it’s important we know what Jesus did for us?
How do you feel about all Jesus did and does for you?
How will you praise and thank him?
Next Steps:
Start a gratitude journal. Thank Jesus for all his blessings and meditate on them. Listen to and meditate on Chris Tomlin’s song “How Can I Keep from Singing.”
If you are a new follower or CedarCreek attendee, check out GrowthTrack to find your God-given gifts and discover your purpose. If you have been through GrowthTrack, consider how you can step into your purpose, or help someone new step into theirs.
Prayer:
Jesus, I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude, knowing how you sacrificed your life to save me. I am thankful for all you have done for me, and all you will do for me. I am so grateful that you love me unconditionally and I don’t have to do anything to earn it. I am your beloved, and you are mine. I praise and worship you. Amen.
This post was written by Marsha Raymond, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.