When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.”
Genesis 50:15-21

Forgiveness

Daily Devotion – September 23, 2023

Devotion based on Genesis 50:15-21

See series: Devotions

Joseph’s brothers were afraid. They had done terrible things to Joseph; now Joseph was a powerful ruling official in Egypt. The lives of the brothers were in his hands. They were afraid!

The brothers’ problem was the fear of not being forgiven for what they had done to Joseph. They had sold their brother into slavery.

Like those men, we sometimes fear the repercussions of confessing what we have done wrong. But lying about our situation does not help at all. The person who cheated on their spouse, the worker who misappropriated funds, or the student who cheated on a test gains nothing positive by lying about it. Instead, though difficult, there is great benefit in confessing and asking for forgiveness.

Joseph said to his brothers, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?” God’s forgiveness dismisses fear. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross takes away all our sins—even those that are horrific. Followers of Christ dismiss fear because God freely forgives them. In response, as God does for them, they forgive the sin of others.

Forgiveness offered in love is the most powerful agent of change the world has ever seen. Joseph forgave because he knew God is a God of forgiveness. We forgive because we are forgiven by God through Jesus.

So then, don’t be afraid.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, may your gracious forgiveness of all my sins through Jesus lead me to forgive others as I have been forgiven. Amen.

[Jesus said] “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt, and let him go.”
Matthew 18:23-27

Debts

Daily Devotion – September 21, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 18:23-27

See series: Devotions

Matthew, the apostle and evangelist, knew all about debts. Before he became a disciple of Jesus, he had been a tax collector—responsible for collecting money from people in Israel on behalf of the occupying Roman government. He would have kept track of income and debts for people from all levels of society and would have been aware of how people got into trouble with difficulty paying off their debts.

Matthew must have been fascinated by Jesus telling the story of the servant of a king who had a huge debt. The debt was millions of days’ worth of wages, an impossible sum. Matthew knew what happened to people who accumulated such massive debts. Everything they had, everything dear to them, even their families, would have been sold or enlisted to pay off the debt. Matthew may even have seen such scenarios play out in real life.

Imagine Matthew’s surprise when someone in the story with ultimate authority, a king and master, takes pity on the man with the debt and simply cancels it. A king could do that, but it was probably a rare event.

As Matthew got to know Jesus, he would have realized that the story was about him and about each one of us. Our debt to God is unpayable because of the things we have done wrong, and the good things we have neglected to do. He should send us to hell. Instead, because of the payment that Jesus made for us on the cross, God takes pity on us, cancels our debt, and promises us heaven.

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for taking pity on us, canceling our debt to you, and setting us free in Jesus. Amen.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29

Refrain Then Replace

Daily Devotion – September 19, 2023

Devotion based on Ephesians 4:29

See series: Devotions

Using ungodly language is such an easy habit to get into. People misuse God’s name every day. Dirty jokes are easy to remember and, sadly, often get a good reaction. Harming someone else’s reputation is, unfortunately, usually super satisfying. All these bad practices are what our Bible reading for today refers to as unwholesome. You know they are wrong, but you are rarely called to account for them.

Stop it. Refrain. Get out of the habit. Tell people to remind you. Do not go back to the habit. Confess your sins to the Lord. Ask him for forgiveness.

Because Jesus never used ungodly language, never misused the name of God, never told a dirty joke, and never hurt another person’s reputation, but still died to take the punishment for those sins, you are forgiven. Your mouth is cleansed. You are wholesome in God’s sight.

You may still notice that the whole unwholesome talk habit is hard to break. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” is great advice, but very difficult to carry out.

Here’s some help. When you are tempted to say something bad, say something good instead. What counts as good talk? Anything that is helpful for building others up according to their needs. This includes compliments, encouragement, and solid advice. You know those things are right.

Refrain from unwholesome talk. Replace it with wholesome talk. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt. If you struggle with that, steer the conversation toward Jesus, your Savior. That will always benefit anyone who is listening.

Prayer: (Christian Worship: Hymnal – 695)
Lord Jesus, take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from thee. Amen.

“Son of man, say to the Israelites, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?”’ Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’
Ezekiel 33:10,11

Turn!

Daily Devotion – September 17, 2023

Devotion based on Ezekiel 33:10,11

See series: Devotions

What would you do if the doctor entered the exam room and announced, “If you don’t pursue a healthier lifestyle, you will not live to see your children grow up?” You would make some changes.

What would you do if your fiscal advisor told you to adjust your investment strategy for some financial security in this turbulent economy? You would listen to his advice and follow his recommendations.

But what do you do when your conscience screams at you for the harsh words you spoke to your spouse last night? What about the times you lusted after the person walking down the street? What about the bitterness in your heart for the blessings someone else has received? What about the anger toward God for those times when things didn’t go the way you thought they should? What are you to do at those times?

This is where the words of the Lord to the prophet Ezekiel apply. The Lord says, “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.” So what action follows these words? “Turn! Turn from your evil ways!” Get rid of your bitterness and rage. Use your tongue to give glory to God and encourage one another. Turn from the sins you have committed and hold on to the Lord. He has removed the penalty of death for sin. He gives you eternal life, guaranteed by Jesus’ victor crown as he carried your sin for you and overcame death.

What do you do when the Lord gives you the certainty of eternal life? Turn! Turn from your sins and to the forgiveness of the Lord.

Prayer:
Sovereign Lord, I know that you do not take pleasure in the death of the wicked. Forgive my sins. Let me never forget the life you give me through the blood of Jesus. Amen.

[Jesus said] “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20

Gathered with Jesus

Daily Devotion – September 15, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 18:20

See series: Devotions

A lot of harsh words are spoken in our world. Civil debate has given way to name-calling and accusations that seek to destroy people’s reputations. Harsh words often divide. But hard words spoken in love for a straying soul are meant to unite.

Jesus’ instructions in our Bible reading for today have the purpose of bringing back the brother or sister who has sinned. Our Savior’s intent, through the tough conversations we have with a straying soul is not to drive away but to reunite. His purpose is to break down the barrier of unbelief and bridge the divide sin has caused. His purpose is to reunite us with our brothers and sisters and to the love and peace of our Father in heaven.

And when you do speak hard words to a fellow Christian, remember you are not alone in this rescue mission. Your Savior is with you to give you the courage to speak the truth in love. Where two or three gather in Jesus’ name, he is giving power and authority to his words spoken through you. Jesus is not like a king who sends a messenger to a far-off land but remains in the comforts of his castle. He is with you in the midst of a tough or uncomfortable conversation. When his words of warning accomplish their purpose, there he is with you and in your voice as you proclaim nothing but forgiveness and healing to the one who turns away from sin and returns to the Lord. Our Savior not only gathers us together as a family, but he gathers with us and fills us with his love and peace.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, gather us together with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with you and your gifts of grace. Amen.

[Jesus said] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
Matthew 18:15-17

Extreme Love

Daily Devotion – September 13, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 18:15-17

See series: Devotions

To what extreme would you go to save someone you love from shipwrecking their relationship with God by their persistent sin against him? Would you risk the discomfort of an awkward conversation? Would you say something that could change the relationship for good? Extreme love moves us to go to the extremes necessary to rescue the soul that strays from Jesus.

Speak with love, but don’t mince your words. Tell them of your love and concern for them and their Savior’s love and concern for them. If they don’t listen, don’t give up! Extreme love doesn’t throw in the towel. Try again with one or two other trusted friends because that one soul is worth all the effort. Still no breakthrough? If they have any connection with a church and those who have been called to provide spiritual care, get their church family involved in the rescue mission.

Jesus showed extreme love. He went from the highest heavens to the lowliest position on Earth. He is true God from eternity, but he took on frail flesh. He is life and light, but he surrendered to the darkness of death as he died on a cross. That’s extreme love. Jesus went to the extreme to save you from sin and death. He went to the extreme to save that soul that is straying or has strayed from him. It’s that extreme love that calls us to go to extremes to help and restore our brother or sister who is in danger of being lost in sin once again.

Prayer:
Jesus Christ, renew me by your extreme love and move me to go to the extremes necessary to communicate that love to others. Amen.

‘Son of man, say to the Israelites, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?”’ Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?’”
Ezekiel 33:10,11

Be Willing to Say Hard Things

Daily Devotion – September 11, 2023

Devotion based on Ezekiel 33:10,11

See series: Devotions

Are you willing to say hard things when someone is in danger? Raising your voice to warn and reprimand a child about to dart out into traffic is not pleasant but necessary.

Ezekiel was a prophet who was tasked with a hard message. Hard, but necessary. A vast majority of God’s people in the nation of Judah had turned away from the Lord, darting right out into grave spiritual danger. They abandoned God’s promises and God’s commands, and in doing so, were in danger of perishing eternally.

We often shy away from saying things that are hard for others to hear, but when the stakes are that high, we are willing to say what it takes to turn someone away from danger. It’s not just about turning away from danger but turning back to the one place where that soul finds peace and security.

Picture that child who was just turned back in a safe direction, away from oncoming traffic. The strong warning startles him and makes him cry, but it makes him run right back into his father’s arms, where he is loved and safe. When we say hard things but necessary things to someone running right into spiritual danger, away from God, the Lord’s desire is always that they run back into his loving arms.

Jesus, our Savior, put himself in the path of God’s impending wrath against sin when he died on the cross. He was willing to say hard things as he called people to turn to him and live. Even more, he was willing to lay down his life to save yours. Always turn to him and live.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for saying hard things to me so that I might turn to you and live. Give me the courage to say hard things to those in spiritual danger so they might turn to you and live as well. Amen.

We share in [Jesus’] sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:17

A Reason for Suffering

Daily Devotion – September 9, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 8:17

See series: Devotions

A man once came across the cocoon of an Emperor Moth. He took it home. In time he began to see movement inside. The moth was getting ready to emerge.

But there seemed to be a problem. The moth struggled and struggled, but it appeared that the moth was having great trouble breaking through the cocoon. The struggle continued, and still, the moth could not break through. Finally, the man had an idea. “I’ll save this moth a lot of trouble,” he thought.

He took a pair of scissors. And with the scissors, he carefully snipped the bottom of the cocoon so that the moth could get out. As soon as he did, the moth slipped out easily.

But then, the man noticed something. He noticed that the moth had a large, swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man thought, “No problem. In a few hours the fluid will go from the body into the wings and the moth will be fine.”

But the moth was not fine. Because the man had cut short the time of struggle inside the cocoon, the wings never got a chance to get strong. The wings remained withered. The moth never flew.

When the Lord gives us a time of suffering, in which to struggle, he does it for a reason. One of his purposes is to keep us close to him, his Word, and his love and forgiveness. For when we do, his Holy Spirit strengthens us. He seasons our faith. He reinforces our bond with Christ. And when that happens, our Christian lives can take flight. We can touch the lives of others with the gospel. We can do the wonderful things the Lord intends for us to do.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when sufferings come, bless my struggle. By your gospel, fill me with your Holy Spirit. Strengthen the wings of my Christian life. Amen.

We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:23

The Lord Will Provide

Daily Devotion – September 7, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 8:23

See series: Devotions

“The Lord will provide.” That was Abraham’s response of faith to his son, Isaac. They were summiting Mount Moriah, where they would offer a sacrifice to the Lord. They had the knife, the wood, the fire. But they lacked the animal for sacrifice.

Isaac had no idea that God had commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son. So, Isaac asked his father, “Where is the lamb?” “The Lord will provide,” Abraham assured. And the Lord did. He provided a ram to sacrifice instead of Abraham’s son.

Centuries later, God continued to cultivate in Abraham’s descendants a spirit of trust that he is the Lord who provides. Every year, on the day of Pentecost, God’s people offered the Lord the initial produce—the firstfruits—of their harvests. With this offering, God’s people showed their trust in God to provide them with more. And he did.

Fifty days after sacrificing his only Son on Mount Calvary to save us from death, God gave a firstfruits gift to his people. On the Day of Pentecost, more than three thousand people were baptized and received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

God still wants us to trust him to provide. But we sometimes wonder whether he will.

Thankfully, the Lord continues to quiet our doubts with his promises. His Holy Spirit works through his Word and sacraments to assure us that we are his accepted, adopted, forgiven children. In this life, we know we are sons and daughters. In the next life, we shall see it fully. Now we know we are free from the guilt of sin; then we will be fully free from the rule of sin.

No, we do not yet see the final harvest, but God’s Spirit continues to show us that his kingdom is near. Yes, the Lord will provide.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for providing me with your Spirit to give me peace for my past, strength for my present, and hope for my future. Amen.

For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
Romans 8:20,21

Better than Eden

Daily Devotion – September 5, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 8:20,21

See series: Devotions

What it must have been like in the Garden of Eden! A plush garden fed by a river running through it. A lush orchard of pregnant trees bearing plump fruit of every variety. Humans and animals of every kind sharing the same space without fear. Man and woman, loving one another perfectly, understanding one another fully. Humanity communing peacefully with God. What life must have been like!

If only we could go back to Eden. It’s not for lack of trying. Explorers have searched in vain for the Tree of Life, the Fountain of Youth, and the Holy Grail. Scientists continue to seek a cure for death. But to no avail.

While we patch the world’s wounds in one place, sin’s effects show up in a thousand others. The fruit of Adam and Eve’s sin stained more than their greedy hands. Its noxious nectar oozed from more than the corners of their lecherous lips. Sin stained the surface, and its poison poured through every pore of God’s perfect world. Thorns and thistles infested the ground. Death reigned. East of Eden, life is hard. There is no going back. God has forever barred that way.

But God has provided a way forward. Jesus is the way. Through the pained groans of a mother, God entered our world and dwelled among us. Through anguished groans, our Savior paid for our guilt by his death. And by his resurrection, he enabled us to enter life with him now and forever in a place beyond Eden. Better than Eden. A place where moth and rust cannot destroy. A place where evil can never invade. A place where death will be no more. A place where God will dwell forever with his people.

Just wait! Wait in hope for the redemption that is already yours.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the freedom that is mine through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. Keep me eagerly expectant for the fullness of that freedom in eternity. Amen.

But we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
Romans 8:23

The Groan of the Christian

Daily Devotion – September 3, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 8:23

See series: Devotions

It’s the beginning of another workday. Your alarm goes off. You hit the snooze button as many times as you dare. Finally, you pull back the covers, swing your feet to the floor, and sit there for just a moment.

Then it comes—the groan. Perhaps it’s audible, or perhaps, it stays inside you, but nevertheless, the groan is there. It can come for a number of reasons. Perhaps there’s an unpleasant task waiting for you that day, or a string of challenging days is starting to catch up to you. Maybe it comes from the unending grind of living with difficulties that are not going away.

Two things about that groan you have in the morning. One you already know. You already know that people worldwide groan that same groan sooner or later. That’s part of living in a fallen, broken creation. But here’s something you may not know. Even the groan you groan as a Christian is radically different from the groans that come from the rest of the world.

You and I groan under the burdens of work, stress, money, sadness, and uncertainty like everyone else. However, in the groan of the Christian, there is also the groan of anticipation, the groan of eagerly looking to that day when all the things that weigh us down will go away forever.

And they will go away! Because the day will come when the Lord Jesus will command it. Just as his blood has washed away our every sin, so also he will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.

So, when your alarm goes off, go ahead and groan. Just remember. Your groan as a Christian is also a quiet expression of confidence that, because of Jesus, unspeakable joy is on its way. And you can hardly wait.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, when I groan under the burdens of life, remind me by your Spirit that, in Jesus, I also look forward to victories and joys beyond my imagination. Amen.

“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, . . . forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.”
Exodus 34:6,7

Sin Won’t Go Unpunished

Daily Devotion – September 1, 2023

Devotion based on Exodus 34:6,7

See series: Devotions

Have you ever had a caricature of yourself drawn? In a caricature, certain features are exaggerated to highlight them. What physical features would your caricature highlight? Or are you afraid to find out?

Many people have a caricature of God in their minds. They picture a kind, loving, tolerant God who overlooks all but the really serious offenses. He’s like a grandpa who just smiles at the mischief his grandkids get into.

Or maybe it is a different caricature of God. People picture an angry, vengeful God who judges and punishes. We like to see God this way when someone did something to hurt us. We want God to give them what they have coming. But we don’t want to imagine that his wrath could ever be turned against us.

Our verse for today helps us see God as he really is. It is true. God is a just God who hates sin—every sin, big or small. He can’t just ignore it. Imagine if a judge chose to ignore certain crimes! No, God does not leave the guilty unpunished. What a warning for us when we are tempted to see what we can get away with! Everyone who disobeys God in any way deserves his punishment.

But this same God also forgives wickedness, rebellion, and sin. How can that be? The answer is found in Jesus. God does not leave the guilty unpunished. He counted Jesus guilty of our sins, our crimes, our offenses. And he punished him for them. Jesus accepted our guilty verdict and death sentence, so we could hear God’s not guilty verdict and the promise of our freedom.

God showed his justice, grace, holiness, and forgiving love by sending his Son to be punished in our place. See God as he really is—your God who took sin seriously enough to punish his own Son for it, who loved you enough to forgive you for the sake of his Son, Jesus. Knowing your God, flee from your sin into his forgiving arms!

Prayer:
Jesus, help me to see you as you really are—a just and loving God who was punished so that I am forgiven. Amen.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

Jesus Is Lord

Daily Devotion – August 30, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 10:9

See series: Devotions

We live in a time when people are taught to speak up boldly for what they believe in. Whether it agrees with others or not, as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else, be proud of who you are and what you think. Find your voice and let it be heard.

In today’s Bible verse, a pastor named Paul encourages his readers to speak boldly about the things they believe. But did you notice what he wants them to confess? He tells them to declare, “Jesus is Lord.” Maybe that doesn’t strike you as strange. “Jesus” and “Lord” are two words that are often associated with each other.

But “Lord” is a term that often refers to authority. It’s a word for a master or owner—one who is in charge and in control. So, when we declare, “Jesus is Lord,” we are saying that we are not. Jesus is above us and has authority over us. Who boldly confesses that they are under someone else?

When the Lord we are talking about is Jesus, we do. The word “Lord” in the Bible doesn’t just describe someone who is in charge, someone who has all authority in heaven and earth. It describes a God who makes and keeps promises, who loves faithfully, dependably, and unconditionally. It describes a God who owns us because he was willing to give everything—even his own innocent life and priceless blood—to buy us out of slavery to sin and death. A God who showed the world a proof of purchase when he rose from the dead.

When, by God’s power and grace, we confess, “Jesus is Lord,” we aren’t just saying that Jesus is in charge of our lives. We are confessing our humble trust in him, who loves us completely. We are rejoicing in his perfect love that paid the price required to forgive us and make us his own. And we are celebrating his rule over all things in heaven and earth to give us an eternal home in his presence.

Prayer:
Jesus, you paid an amazing price to make me your own. Help me confess you as Lord all the days of my life. Amen.

“What about you?” [Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
Matthew 16:15,16

Who Do You Say He Is?

Daily Devotion – August 28, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 16:15,16

See series: Devotions

About 25 years ago, I was a student at a secular university, and I took a course called “Philosophy of Religion.” The description of the course said, “The objectives of this course are to explore and reflect upon the human search for meaning, purpose, and value in life.”

I thought students would be free to hold onto and express their own convictions while studying what others believe. It felt more like an attack on any student—particularly a Christian—who might actually have convictions. If you thought you had the answers to life’s big questions, you weren’t being honest with yourself. Only if you were constantly searching were you truly enlightened.

I wish my experience was unique, but I know it isn’t. In college and high school classrooms around the world, young people are expected to leave behind their previous beliefs and worldviews and embark on a self-guided journey of discovery, in which anything goes, and the only absolute truth is that nothing is absolutely true. You have probably encountered the same way of thinking.

Jesus looked for conviction from his followers. He asked, “Who do you say I am?” It is the most important question we will ever answer in our lives. Only the right answer opens the door to eternal life. The wrong answer only leads to eternal death and destruction.

Simon Peter got it right. He said, “You are the Messiah.” The Messiah was the one chosen by God to rescue sinners from death and hell. The Messiah was the one whose birth had been foretold for ages. The Messiah was the one whose life, death, and resurrection were described in vivid detail hundreds of years before they happened. Jesus called Peter blessed for believing and confessing this truth about Jesus, a truth that God himself had revealed to Peter.

In the Bible, God reveals Jesus’ all-important identity to us too. There we see Jesus as the Messiah, the Savior God promised, the Savior we need. As we believe and confess this truth, we are truly blessed for this life and forever. There is no need to keep searching. We know who Jesus really is!

Prayer:
Jesus, lead me always to believe and confess that you are the Messiah. Amen.

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.”
Matthew 15:21,22

Jesus Listens

Daily Devotion – August 26, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 15:21,22

See series: Devotions

The reputation of Jesus as a miracle worker had spread far and wide. The miracles were performed to point to the fact that he was the promised Messiah, God’s chosen one to rescue the world from the power of the devil and the curse of sin.

A Canaanite woman came to him. She was a descendant of the original inhabitants of the land of Palestine. Though not a Jew, she knew about Jesus and had faith in him as the “Lord, the Son of David.” She believed Jesus was the Messiah. At the same time, her faith was attacked by the devil in a direct and frightening way: her little daughter was inhabited by a demon. We’re not told what specific effect this had on the girl, but from other cases of demon possession recorded in the Gospels, we know that evil spirits brought great affliction to the bodies and minds of the people they possessed.

But the woman knew just where to go for help. She went to Jesus. She trusted that he had the power to help. Whether he chose to use his power in that way would be up to him. But she was certain he had the power.

Whatever problem you are facing, go to the same place the Canaanite woman went. Go to Jesus. You can be certain he has the power to help and will answer your prayer in whatever way is best. After all, he was willing to be nailed to a cross and suffer hell to rescue you from your sin. Surely, he knows how best to answer your plea for help.

Prayer: (Psalm 140:6)
O LORD, I say to you, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for mercy. Amen.