Daily Devotional

The word "condemn" comes from the Greek word, "krino" and has several meanings. The next time you feel condemned, ponder on this word.

"Krino" means to separate, put asunder, to pick out, to select or to choose. Romans 2:11 says, "For there is no respect of persons with God." God did not send His Son to die for the rich or the children of Israel only. Neither did God send His Son to die for the sinners and the sick only. God sent His Son to die for one and all and for every sin and for every disease and for all poverty. God sent His Son to die for the entire world, including you.

"Krino" also means to determine, resolve, or to issue a decree. In other words, God did not send Jesus to judge you or to issue a decree against you, but He sent Jesus to die for you. Lets put it this way. You were condemned to die for your sins. You were seated awaiting judgment. But a mediator came, the only mediator between God and man. And He said, "My friend, you are free to go. I am here to take your place." Jesus took on the penalty for our sins ... death (For the wages of sin is death).

Finally, "krino" also means to contend together, to be sued. When somebody is sued, it is normally to receive recompense for something done wrong. To rephrase John 3:17, "God did not send His son to contend with the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." Isaiah 53:7 says, "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."

Jesus remained silent as the accusations were brought against Him. He carried the cross and died the most painful and gruesome death ever. He did not come to argue with the world and try to destroy the world, but He came in love and compassion to save each and every human being that was created in the image of God.