[Jesus said] “At the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Mark 10:6-9

What God Has Joined Together

Daily Devotion – October 9, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 10:6-9

See series: Devotions

I am only middle-aged, but I have already owned nine different cars, sixteen different cell phones, and lived in seven different cities. It seems there isn’t much in this world that is forever, and the only constant is change.

In our early years, our family and home consist of our parents and siblings. We live in their house and have little say in whom we live with. The family we are given is the family we have. However, marriage brings about a big change, and the person who is our new family is a person of our choosing.

Getting married isn’t the end of change, either. We continue to change jobs, houses, hobbies, and interests. We experience changes in our health and finances. Things will come and go, and there are very few things that we will be united to our whole life.

Because so much of life comes and goes, there is beauty and goodness in a husband and wife united for a lifetime. As things fade away and are replaced by the new, it is good to have a spouse and their love as a constant. As the common wedding vows say, “for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health” husband and wife are joined together.

We may be separated from happiness, health, or finances, but let no one separate what God has joined together.

Prayer:
Gracious Lord, strengthen the love and commitment of husbands and wives. In a world full of change, let no one separate those who have been joined together as one flesh. Amen.

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 2:18

Better Together

Daily Devotion – October 7, 2024

Devotion based on Genesis 2:18

See series: Devotions

The high school dropout rate in parts of Appalachia during the 1980s was regularly as high as 35 percent. To help decrease that rate Tennessee’s own Dolly Parton began a program where she would give each graduating senior $500.

There was a catch. Students were paired with a buddy, and if either one of the pair did not graduate, neither would receive the money. This buddy system had the intended effect, and through encouragement and accountability, the dropout rate went from 35 percent to 6 percent in just a few years. This buddy system became one of the most successful and speedy educational success stories in the entire country.

After God created the first man he said, “It is not good for man to be alone.”

There are many ways in which God brings people together, so they are not alone. It was part of God’s good design that we have others for encouragement and accountability. He knew that we would see more blessings through this encouragement and accountability than if we were alone. The joyful times would be more joyful, and the sad times would be less sad if we had others to share life with. This can be close friends and neighbors, or it can be family of all types.

God’s answer to Adam’s aloneness in Genesis chapter 2 was to give him his wife, Eve, and to institute marriage. In marriage, we are paired with someone “until death do us part.” Marriage gives us a special avenue to bring accountability and encouragement to our lives. God gives the blessings of togetherness and faithfulness, intimacy and support, children, and stability through his gift of marriage. More than any other human relationship, marriage provides a closeness to another and blessings and opportunities to serve.

It is not good for us to be alone, so God gave us one another so that things would be better together.

Prayer:
Lord, whether we are married or single, part of a large family or small, remind us that we are better together. Strengthen all relationships so that we may encourage one another and be accountable to one another on the way that leads to eternal life. Amen.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8

Wash Your Hands

Daily Devotion – October 5, 2024

Devotion based on James 4:8

See series: Devotions

A hospital in our area has a special unit for premature babies. Before you enter this unit, there is a washing station. Above the washing station, there is a sign for everyone to see. The sign says: “If you could see the germs, you’d wash your hands.”

That sign says a great deal in just a few words. It declares that if you and I could only see the masses of dangerous germs crawling over our hands, we’d recognize what deadly business these germs can be and do what’s necessary to wash them away.

Sin can be like that. Our noses can get so used to the stench of our sinful habits that we can’t even smell them anymore. Our ears can get so used to the ungodly screech of our sinful thoughts that we can’t even hear them anymore. And our eyes can grow so accustomed to the bacterium of sin crawling over us and through us that we can’t even see it anymore.

“Wash your hands, you sinners,” James tells us. But how? And with what?

When it comes to your sin and mine, the answer is not some antiseptic that squirts out of a hospital dispenser. The answer is blood, the blood of the Son of God.

Jesus saw our filthy, sinful hands. He knew we were helpless to wash them clean. And, so, he did what we needed him to do. He sacrificed himself; he shed his blood to wash away our sins. His blood cleanses us. It makes your life and mine fresh and forgiven, clean and new.

So, let’s wash our hands every day. Wash them in the cleansing blood of our Savior, for “the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, purifies us of all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is your blood that washes me clean. Move me by your Spirit to come to you every day. Amen.

Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:9,10

Don’t Hold in Your Sin

Daily Devotion – October 3, 2024

Devotion based on James 4:9,10

See series: Devotions

Some of the best advice a person can receive when going through the grieving process is this: “You need to cry.” Some people will claim that they’re not “criers,” but it’s pretty clear that while living in this fallen world, there are times when crying is appropriate. Even Jesus cried when he went to the tomb of his friend Lazarus and when he wrestled in prayer with his heavenly Father over the painful mission he had been sent to accomplish by his death on the cross. So, if Jesus didn’t hold it in, we shouldn’t either. Crying is very much a part of the grieving process, so don’t cover it up. Let it rip. It’s healthy!

That’s also good advice when it comes to our sin. We tend to hide it, to cover it up. But that’s not healthy. In fact, it’s deadly. In Psalm 32, King David described the acute suffering he brought on himself by attempting to cover up his transgressions. It wasn’t a pretty picture. He confessed to the Lord, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” But what was David finally prompted to do? To let it go. “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” His heartfelt confession and grief over his sin resulted in forgiveness, peace, and restoration.

Saint James urges us to take this same approach toward our own sin. “Grieve, mourn and wail,” he wrote. “Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord.” And why? Because when we do, the Lord “will lift (us) up” with his powerful and forgiving arms.

You can’t fix your sin by holding it in and covering it up. But Jesus can, and he does. So it’s always best to let it go.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to unburden my heart of sin’s baggage, and lift me up with your forgiving love. Amen.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7

Resisting the Devil

Daily Devotion – October 1, 2024

Devotion based on James 4:7

See series: Devotions

Martin Luther loved to mock the devil. That especially became the case after he fully realized just how certain and sure Jesus’ love and salvation were for him. He knew that with Jesus and his Word on his side, he could be as bold as the brave boy David was when he faced the giant Goliath. “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin,” David told that Philistine warrior, “but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head” (1 Samuel 17:45,46). With Jesus on his side, Luther knew that his victory over the devil was just as certain as David’s victory over Goliath. It would result in a blowout.

But what would have happened to David or Luther if they hadn’t entered their battles with Jesus and his powerful promises at their side? They would have been swiftly defeated and stripped of their brashness. Simply put, if they had believed they could defeat the dark forces of this world based on their own power or wisdom, they would have quickly learned otherwise. Without Jesus, none of us are a match for the devil—he will win every time.

But as Saint James reminds us today, when we resist the devil in Jesus’ name, armed with the sword of the Spirit, his holy Word (Ephesians 6:17), we can’t lose. That doesn’t mean the devil won’t attack us daily with temptation; he most certainly will. But when we resist the devil in Jesus’ name, James assures us, “he will flee from you.”

And so, we sing with Luther:

Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us,
We tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpow’r us.
This world’s prince may still scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none. He judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him (Christian Worship 863:3).

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me daily cling to you and resist the devil’s temptations. Amen.

Moses went out and told the people what the Lord had said. He brought together seventy of their elders and had them stand around the tent. Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took some of the power of the Spirit that was on him and put it on the seventy elders.
Numbers 11:24,25

Equipped by the Spirit

Daily Devotion – September 29, 2024

Devotion based on Numbers 11:24,25

See series: Devotions

Moses was a humble, faithful leader of God’s people. As an 80-year-old man, he served with courage and patience, leading the Children of Israel out of Egypt to the promised land of Canaan. The Israelites numbered about two million people. God was gracious and provided for their needs on the journey. On a daily basis, he miraculously provided a special food they called “manna.” But the people God fed with this food got fed up with it and ungratefully complained that it wasn’t enough. It was almost too much for Moses. He got very frustrated and prayed to the Lord, “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.”

The Lord provided help. Seventy elders were chosen to assist Moses. The Lord equipped these elders for service by putting his Holy Spirit on them. The Spirit gave them the gifts they needed to accomplish the service for which they were appointed.

The Lord gives us his Spirit, too. The Holy Spirit comes to us through the gospel. He uses the good news of Jesus to give us life and salvation. God the Holy Spirit also equips us for the Lord’s service of leading people from the slavery of sin to the promised home of heaven. With gratefulness for all the blessings in Jesus, we gladly serve the Lord in this most important work.

Watch for opportunities that you have in your family, at work, or through your church to serve the Lord and accomplish his work. Equipped by the Holy Spirit, be confident that the Lord can use you to fulfill his will.

Prayer:
Lord, give me the ability to recognize and utilize the special gifts I have received from the Holy Spirit so that I may humbly and faithfully serve you and do all I can to lead more people to Jesus for their salvation. Amen.

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”
Mark 9:36,37

Welcome the Children!

Daily Devotion – September 27, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 9:36,37

See series: Devotions

Nowadays, it seems like the kids control the family schedule: baseball practices, dance recitals, band rehearsals, science fairs, etc. I know that my wife and I are not alone in this. It seems that whenever I talk to my friends with children, they’re just as gassed and tired as we are from all the chasing and driving. How about you?

Why do we do all of this? Why are we willing to cart them around and sacrifice all that time and money? There is probably a whole slew of reasons that you could spout off, but I think it boils down to this: we love them! We want the best for our kids. We want them to be successful and have an enjoyable childhood.

Jesus loves children, too. There are a number of times in the Bible where he took time for them, held them, and blessed them. Why? Because children are important to him. Our children are important to him.

If God has blessed you with kids, you have an amazing responsibility. God has put you in charge of that child’s spiritual welfare. As important and pressing as practices and rehearsals might seem, there is something deeper and longer-lasting that God wants for your child—a life and an eternity with Jesus. God wants your child to know that he has a Savior from sin. God wants your child to know that nothing will separate him from the love of Jesus. God wants your child to know he is forgiven.

Our society spends so much time on children. Let’s make sure that the children are being cared for with something that will last into eternity—their Savior.

Prayer:
Dear God, bless the young people in my life with assurance of your love and forgiveness. Bless our efforts to raise the next generation with the message of the cross of Jesus. Amen.

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
Mark 9:33-35

Who Is the Greatest?

Daily Devotion – September 25, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 9:33-35

See series: Devotions

It has been a little over a month since the Summer Olympics took place. The greatest athletes from around the globe strived and competed for gold. But I am sure that if you asked, some of them—if they were honest—weren’t competing just for the medal, but rather what the medal represented: greatness.

Those athletes put in countless gut-wrenching workouts and sacrificed days, if not months, away from their families while eating nothing but chicken and brown rice for a shot to make that podium. Many of them chased a dream that they would be standing on the world’s stage, crowned above the rest. To be honest, I never seriously considered chasing an Olympic medal (nor would I have ever had a remote chance even if I tried). But I can see the appeal. Can’t you? But what if you didn’t have to put in all the hard work and effort? What if you could ride someone else’s coattails all the way to the podium?

Jesus’ disciples couldn’t help but get caught up with all the hype. The world’s spotlight was on him. Thousands upon thousands of people rushed to see Jesus, everyone hoping to catch a glimpse of his glory. And amazingly, the disciples were right there beside him. Who wouldn’t want a share of the limelight?

But Jesus explained to them, and to us as well, that being a part of his kingdom isn’t about titles or authority. What brings glory and honor to God is service. Jesus, of course, served mankind by laying down his life as a payment for sin. Our Savior served us.

Because of that demonstration of Jesus’ love, we look to serve others as well—first and foremost, by telling them the amazing news of our Savior’s sacrifice on the cross!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, bless me as I serve my neighbors with the good news of your sacrifice and service. Amen.

They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.”
Mark 9:30,31

It Is All Under Control

Daily Devotion – September 23, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 9:30,31

See series: Devotions

When my children were little, I loved cuddling up with them on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn for movie nights. Oh, those were the good ol’ days! I loved watching them as they held their breath with uncertainty as one of their heroes dangled in a perilous situation, wondering if he would make it through unscathed—which he always did! After all, these were kids’ movies we were watching! But now and then, when things got a little too scary, I would hold them tight and assure them that everything would be okay.

At this time, it was easy for the disciples to follow Jesus. Jesus was popular—crowds flocked to see him! Jesus was powerful—he healed the sick, walked on water, and even raised the dead!

But his followers didn’t know that times were about to get rather scary. The disciples were about to see one of their own betray Jesus. They were going to see Jesus subdued by soldiers and put to death.

That’s why Jesus wanted to assure them that everything would be okay. Jesus wanted to assure them that everything was under his control. So, he told them what would happen—not only that he would die, but also that he would rise!

Life might feel out of control for you right now. And it might be difficult to make any kind of semblance of a plan. But remember, Jesus had a plan to rescue you and me from death and was in control of it all. That’s the kind of hero, the kind of Savior you have—one with a plan! And he’ll lead you through this week every step of the way! It’s all under control.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, give me courage and strength to trust in you. Bring peace to my troubled heart when I worry about tomorrow. Amen.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10

Be Strong

Daily Devotion – September 21, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:10

See series: Devotions

“Be strong.” Do you ever get tired of hearing that? Maybe mom and dad were dropping you off for your first day of school or football practice and the advice was: “Be strong.” Perhaps it was time to go to the doctor for some serious tests or to the funeral home for some funeral planning and the encouragement you heard was: “Be strong.”

The directive, “Be strong,” can be quite dangerous for two reasons. On the one hand, we might believe we have sufficient strength to do whatever we need to do. This self-reliance can work at times but ultimately leads us to crash and burn. That’s because we rely on ourselves rather than God. On the other hand, constantly being told to “be strong” can have a demoralizing effect. Maybe we know that we don’t have the strength required for the task and the encouragement to “be strong” leads us to despair and to give up. This is the problem with relying on human strength. It fails and lets us down.

Thankfully, God’s Word tells us: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” On our own, sinful human beings can only fall short of whatever goal we are trying to achieve. But trusting in the Lord and relying on his power, there is nothing that God can’t accomplish for us.

When we focus on Jesus, we see a Savior who has everything we need. We see One with the power and might to calm storms, drive out demons, and heal diseases. We see One with the wisdom to know exactly what we need and when we need it. We see One with the love to do everything necessary to make sure we are forgiven and saved, even when that means going to the cross to die in our place. We see One with the power to rise from the dead and promise to do the same for us some day.

Each day we can begin with the encouragement—not to “Be strong” in ourselves but to “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times when I rely on myself. Teach me each day to trust in your power and love. Amen.

Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16

Stand Firm With the Shield of Faith

Daily Devotion – September 19, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:16

See series: Devotions

“Snow day!” Nothing sends more excitement into a neighborhood than those two words. While snow days off school are intended to keep the children safe, for many children, those two words mean war as a neighborhood snowball fight can commence later in the day. After each side has built their fortresses and stockpiled their perfectly rounded snowballs for ammunition, the fighting begins. Armed with garbage can lids as shields, one troop advances on the other, trying to capture the flag in the other team’s fortress.

If only all wars were as harmless as a neighborhood snowball fight. When the devil advances into our fortress, he’s shooting something at us more dangerous than snowballs. The flaming arrows of the evil one may come in the form of doubts, guilt, fear, laziness, and much more. How do we fend off his attacks? What’s going to keep us safe?

Our first temptation may be to retreat. But he’s going to keep coming. Then, we may tend to look to ourselves. I’m faster. I’m bigger. I’m stronger. This may be true if you’re comparing yourself to the other neighborhood kids, but not when it comes to the devil. When I look to myself as I battle the devil, I see the cracks in my armor. I see the plodding feet. If I look to myself, I will fall. I will not stand firm.

But all is not lost. No matter how intense the enemy’s attack is, our Lord equips us with a shield of faith that is bigger and sturdier than any garbage can cover. We can completely hide behind the shield of faith. Why? Because faith is only as strong as the object in which it rests. And our faith rests on the One who defeated the devil. Our faith rests on the One who invaded the devil’s kingdom of the world and crushed his head. Our faith rests in Jesus. So, stand firm. Stand firm behind a shield of faith that relies on him.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, protect me from the evil one as I find comfort in your promises and protection. Amen.

Stand firm then . . . with the breastplate of righteousness in place.
Ephesians 6:14

Stand Firm With the Breastplate of Righteousness

Daily Devotion – September 17, 2024

Devotion based on Ephesians 6:14

See series: Devotions

“I’m sorry you lost your job.” “I’m sorry, your home has burned down.” “I’m sorry, your loved one has passed.” Every so often, we receive devastating news that pierces our hearts. We’re left not knowing how to react. We’re speechless. But what if you re-read those opening scenarios and added the tag—and it’s your fault. You caused the company to lose millions of dollars. You left the stove on. You ran the red light and caused the crash. Now you’re not just dealing with grief. You’re dealing with guilt.”Shot to the heart” is one thing. “Shot to the heart and you’re to blame,” is another. How are you able to stand firm when that old pop song lyric describes your life?

Guilt is one of the sharpest arrows in the devil’s quiver. And he loves to pull back the string and let that arrow fly to serve as the kill shot when it comes to our spiritual lives. Why is it so effective? Because guilt is real. I am guilty of breaking God’s law, and so are you. We “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Yet, there’s one person who resisted every arrow shot in his direction. There’s one who lived a guilt-free life because he was, in fact, guiltless. That person is Jesus. And in his love, he gives us his perfection and righteousness to wear as a breastplate so when the devil shoots the arrow of guilt in our direction, it bounces off and harmlessly falls to the ground. No matter what you’ve done in the past or how many times you’ve heard, “You’re forgiven,” but forgotten it, be assured that you can stand firm with the breastplate of Jesus’ righteousness.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, when I am battling with guilt, assure me that I am clothed with the robe of your righteousness. Amen.

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”
1 Kings 18:36,37

Praying With Purpose

Daily Devotion – September 15, 2024

Devotion based on 1 Kings 18:36,37

See series: Devotions

If you are like me, there is a good chance that, at times, you have prayed for a fortune of money. Especially when I was younger, I had a long list of things I would do with abundant wealth. Of course, I planned to give some of it to others and for charitable causes, but the main point was to take care of myself. Yes, because we are sinful, our prayers are often tainted with improper motivation: selfishness, greed, and pride.

When Elijah prayed, he prayed with a different motivation, for a different purpose. When he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he wasn’t there to bring glory to himself. He didn’t pray, “Lord, if this doesn’t work, I’m going to look foolish, and my life will be in danger!” Elijah had just one reason for asking God to consume with fire the sacrifice he had prepared: “…so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.”

When we are tempted to pray with selfish motives, it is important to look again to the cross of Jesus. See the great selflessness of his love that moved him to sacrifice himself in our place to free us from the guilt of our sin. He gives us more than a fortune of money; he gives us life with God! In response, our prayers give honor to God and reflect his saving will. Like Elijah, we too are moved to pray with a good purpose—that people may know that the Lord is God.

Prayer:
I pray, Lord, that your good news of salvation reaches the many people in this world who need to know Jesus. Use me to be one of the ways that you spread the word that you are the true God. Amen.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God. . . they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Acts 3:6-10

All Praise to God

Daily Devotion – September 13, 2024

Devotion based on Acts 3:6-10

See series: Devotions

He positioned himself at a busy part of the temple. Maybe someone carried him there, or perhaps he crawled. He could not walk. He spent his days begging for money. He begged from two of Jesus’ disciples, Peter and John. They didn’t have any money. They had something better.

In the name of Jesus, Peter takes the man by the hand and helps him up. Instantly, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles that hadn’t worked before miraculously could. Everyone watched in amazement as this man went with Peter and John, praising the God who had healed him, his Savior, Jesus.

It was a fairy tale ending made real life for that man. He could walk. But is it always a fairy tale ending for every believer in Jesus? The troubles in their lives don’t miraculously disappear all the time. The cancer diagnosis turns into a funeral. The financial hardship ends in bankruptcy. The relationship falls apart.

And yet, believers continue to trust in God whether he provides a miracle for them or not. God uses those hardships to strengthen their faith in him. Their perseverance becomes an example to others as they watch their unwavering faith in God. They are reminded that this earthly home is only temporary, and the joys of heaven are not worth comparing to present sufferings. So, they set their eyes on something greater than a physical miracle. They set their eyes on Jesus.

With wonder and amazement, Christians give thanks to Jesus for his sacrifice on the cross. That sacrifice means that believers won’t have a fairy tale ending. Instead, it will be a real life beginning—the beginning of their eternal life with their Savior, Jesus.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, no matter my circumstances, keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and the eternity he won for me through his sacrifice. Amen.

Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it. People were overwhelmed with amazement. “He has done everything well,” they said. “He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.”
Mark 7:36,37

More Than a Miracle Worker

Daily Devotion – September 11, 2024

Devotion based on Mark 7:36,37

See series: Devotions

It sounds odd that Jesus instructed people not to spread news of the miracle he had just performed. It seems like the type of thing he would want people to know about. He had made a deaf and mute man hear and speak! Bring your sick, blind, deaf, and lame. Jesus can heal them. Like a doctor with a miracle cure, didn’t Jesus want to help all those people?

The people would have been perfectly happy with Jesus as their miracle worker, the one who could make their lives better right now. Jesus performed many miracles. They transformed the lives of the people he helped. But everyone Jesus healed had a much bigger problem, a sin problem. Those sins separated them from God.

The people wanted a miracle worker, but Jesus came to give them something much better. His work as the Messiah, the anointed and chosen one of God, was not to make life on earth paradise. Rather, he was preparing people for paradise by pardoning their sins.

His goal wasn’t to be popular; his goal was the cross. He planned to lay aside his power and submit to death, separation from God, the punishment all sinners deserve. Jesus did this so that all who believe in him as their Savior would be rescued from death and experience ultimate healing and restoration in eternity.

Maybe you’ve prayed to Jesus, asking for a miracle. And perhaps you haven’t gotten the answer you wanted. You wonder why he lets you suffer. But you don’t ever have to wonder about his love for you. Jesus’ willingness to suffer and die for your sins shows his love for you. And his suffering demonstrates that God brings incredible good from suffering.

Jesus healed many, but he didn’t heal all. However, Jesus did suffer for all, dying for the sins of the world so that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. Earthly suffering is temporary, but the peace, joy, and restoration Jesus promises is for eternity.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for taking care of my biggest problem, my sins. Help me always put my faith in you as my Savior. Amen.