Christ Jesus . . . being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing.
Philippians 2:5-7

He Became Nothing for You

Daily Devotion – April 11, 2022

Devotion based on Philippians 2:5-7

See series: Devotions

We live in a culture obsessed with me. From little on, children are taught to believe in themselves. Embrace who you are. Celebrate the things that make you unique and different. As a phrase growing in popularity puts it, “You do you!”

God made each of us unique. And blending in with the crowds, doing what everyone else is doing, isn’t always wise. But is self-pride really the answer? Tragically, in this world of self, more and more people come up empty when they seek worth and value in just being who they are.

Jesus, however, had every reason to “do you.” He was the perfect Son of God. He had no flaws to be ashamed of. But what did he do? He made himself nothing. Not because he wasn’t happy with who he was, but because he wasn’t happy with who we were and what the future held for us.

Without Jesus, our self-focused ways could only end in self-destruction. But Jesus came down from heaven to serve us in humility. He set aside his rights as the Son of God to give us the right to be children of God. He made himself nothing to make you something.

Jesus rode the road of humility and suffering to give you hope—hope that is not based on what anyone else thinks of you or what you think of yourself, but hope that is based on how Jesus sees you and what Jesus was willing to do for you.

Jesus saw every flaw and failure in you that no one should be proud of, and he humbled himself to endure its shame for you. Jesus was judged, not by self-righteous hypocrites, but by a holy God. Because Jesus took our place, the same God judges us worthy of love, worthy of life, worthy of heaven. What he thinks of us is worth more than what anyone else says.

Find your worth, meaning, and hope in him. And then “do you” as a redeemed and forgiven child of God.

Prayer:
Jesus, you became nothing for me. Help me find my hope and worth in you. Amen.

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14

Forget What Is Behind You

Daily Devotion – April 9, 2022

Devotion based on Philippians 3:13,14

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It was 1936, and the career of an obscure racehorse seemed over. Seabiscuit had had his shot at the big time, but all his efforts had been disappointments. Perhaps he was destined for failure. He was small in stature and walked with a gimp; he didn’t even look like a racehorse. By the end, his owner was simply using Seabiscuit as a training horse—making him lose in order to bolster the confidence of other horses.

It was then that Seabiscuit crossed paths with a mysterious trainer by the name of Tom Smith. Somehow Tom was able to get Seabiscuit to forget all his failures and rediscover the joy of running. So much so that Seabiscuit went on to become one of the most successful racehorses in the 20th Century.

Don’t you wish you could do that? Don’t you wish you could somehow forget all the sinful failures of your past and focus your future on something that fills you with joy and purpose?

That’s why Jesus came. His blood has washed away the guilt of your past. That means you can truly forget what is behind you. And that same blood has secured your present and your future. That means that you can now focus on the pure joy of living for him.

After all, the past does not determine your future. Jesus does.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, so often I have allowed the sinful failures of my past to rule over my present. Forgive me. Empower me to see that, in you, my sinful past is gone. Fill me again with the joy of giving my future to you. Amen.

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!
Isaiah 43:18,19

God’s Glorious Story

Daily Devotion – April 7, 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 43:18,19

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When you look at Jesus’ ministry, it doesn’t always seem so glorious. Yes, there are those times when he helped the sick, raised the dead, and fed the 5,000. But there are also those times when he was rejected in his hometown, ridiculed by the religious leaders, and finally hung on a cross, naked, and alone.

The Christian church also seems to follow that pattern. Yes, sometimes there are a number of new believers, unity in the church, and service in the community. But there are also times of decline, rejection from the world, and weakness.

But don’t be fooled by looking at a snapshot of God’s story. Our Lord has a history of redeeming, rescuing, and renewing his people. There was a time when God’s people were enslaved in Egypt for over 400 years. But God redeemed, rescued, and renewed his people. Then there was a time when God’s people were exiled into Babylon, but again he redeemed, rescued, and renewed his people.

The Biblical authors in the Old Testament knew that God wasn’t done yet. That’s why Isaiah wrote: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

In other words, hold on to your hats. You haven’t seen nothing yet. God was about to redeem, rescue, and renew his people again. This time God was not going to use plagues or powerful leaders. This time God himself was going to help his people through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As you look at Jesus Christ and his church, it might seem like all is lost. You might even be tempted to reject the Lord with the rest of the world. But take a long view of history. Look at God’s great work of salvation throughout time. He has always come to the help of his people. And he is planning on doing it again. On the Last Day, he will return in glory to redeem, rescue, renew, and to even resurrect his people.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, sometimes I wonder whether you are still in charge in this broken, wicked, and sinful world. Forgive me for my lack of faith. Open my eyes to your glory. Amen.

The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest [Jesus] immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.
Luke 20:19

Even the Experts Can Get It Wrong

Daily Devotion – April 5, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 20:19

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One of the most remarkable truths of Jesus’ story is that he was killed by religious professionals. The very people who studied, memorized, and taught the Scriptures, killed the hero of their own Bible. And it’s not because Jesus didn’t try to confront them and lead them to repentance. Even when he told the stories that were meant to get their attention, they still rejected him. The Gospel writer, Luke, says that after Jesus taught them, ‘The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them.” (Luke 20:19). Instead of listening to Jesus, they rejected him and wanted to get rid of him.

You see, sometimes, even the experts get it wrong. Sometimes the very people who are supposed to represent God end up rejecting God and cause more harm than good in his church.

The same thing can happen today. Religious leaders who are supposed to represent God might use their power and authority to harm or control their congregation. They might be more of a curse to your church than a blessing. Tragically, when this happens, many people walk away from Christianity altogether.

If you have been harmed by religious professionals, remember that Jesus was also harmed by religious professionals. If you have been burned by the selfishness of some leaders, remember Jesus, the true leader of the church, willing gave up everything to serve and rescue you. If you are considering giving up on God, remember that he has never given up on you.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, lead me to build my faith on you alone, especially when human leaders fail me. Amen.

I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. . . . I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12,14

Finish the Race

Daily Devotion – April 3, 2022

Devotion based on Philippians 3:12,14

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“Citius, altius, fortius” is a Latin phrase meaning “swifter, higher, stronger.” It is the motto of the Olympic games and does well to embody what our calling in Christ pursues.

Christ has already taken care of saving us for a Christian life and setting us apart for an eternal life in heaven. He’s placed us on the path of righteousness but still lets us run. Swifter we flee from temptation. Higher we stretch ourselves to practice Christ-like love. Stronger we stand in the midst of suffering in this world. A shining example of this kind of fortitude was revealed in the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico.

A Tanzanian marathon runner named Akhwari was the last man to finish the marathon race. He arrived in the stadium staggering and limping; and finished his race long after the winner did. Of course, this prompted all kinds of post-race questions as to why he continued when he had no chance of winning.

He simply replied, “My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish the race.”

A Christian who knew why God saved him and set him apart, the apostle Paul, also spoke in similar terms, “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me . . . I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12,14).

Run, Christian, run. Finish the race.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I know you can understand me when I feel weak because you became weak. You became weary and tired. You were exhausted at times and overworked—like me. Sometimes I just want to sit down and give up and look for easier ways, but I know you don’t want that for me. Help me finish the race. Lift my feet to follow your steps. Extend my arms to reach others in love. Wipe my tears of sorrow so that I can better see the path. Lead me on, Lord. Lead me on. Amen.

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
Romans 8:9,10

The Spirit Gives Life

Daily Devotion – April 1, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 8:9,10

See series: Devotions

Have you ever received a gift that made you so excited that you never used it? I doubt it! When we get a gift, we’ve longed to receive, it’s only natural to begin using it immediately.

Maybe you remember a toy you received as a child for Christmas. You couldn’t wait to get up the next morning to play with it again. Maybe you received a puppy and couldn’t wait to take it for its first walk around the block. Or maybe it was the gift of your newborn baby, and you couldn’t wait for the nurse to place that little one into your arms for the first time.

When you receive a wonderful gift, it just makes sense to use that gift immediately and often. To lay it aside and live as if you hadn’t received it simply would not make any sense.

So why would we ever think of laying aside the greatest and most precious gift we can ever receive—the gift of God’s Holy Spirit? When we freely receive the Spirit of Christ, we also receive the perfect forgiveness of sins, the assurance that our eternal condemnation is crushed, and the certainty of an eternal home in heaven. In short, the Spirit gives life, now and forever. Use it! Live it!

The apostle Paul could not have been clearer. “If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” Through the gift of God’s Spirit, Jesus’ righteousness—his perfection—is yours. That’s the gift of life! Use it!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, inspire me to use my new life in service to you and others in love. Amen.

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:5,6

Mind Over Matter

Daily Devotion – March 30, 2022

Devotion based on Romans 8:5,6

See series: Devotions

When we face something particularly challenging—maybe even something painful—it may be that someone alongside us will offer us some encouragement by saying, “Come on, now. It’s mind over matter.” What they mean, of course, is that we need to block out the thoughts of any immediate difficulty or pain that we might experience. Instead, we need to set our sights on the reward we will receive when it’s all said and done. It’s a matter of focus, mind over matter.

But, of course, the opposite is also true. If we set our sights on failure and mediocrity, that’s what we’ll end up achieving; maybe even worse than that.

The truth is, it’s natural for sinful human beings like us to choose the path of least resistance, to take the easier way, the path that seems less painful. And that’s especially true when it comes to our spiritual lives. Instead of setting our sights on the unseen, eternal blessings that our Father has promised to give us in heaven, we jump at the chance of securing as many creature comforts in this world as we possibly can right now.

St. Paul describes this as setting our minds “on what the flesh desires.” And he doesn’t pull any punches when he tells us what the result will be: “The mind governed by the flesh is death.” But because of our broken hearts and sinful minds, we’re doomed. Sinners can’t help themselves.

But Jesus can help us and does. Not only does Jesus assure us of our perfect forgiveness and willingly crush our eternal condemnation forever. But he gives us the gift of his Spirit, who renews our minds and empowers us to set our hearts on things above, not on earthly things. And, Paul explains, “the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

The Christian life is mind over matter. And in Jesus, our mind in the Spirit wins.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, empower me to live according to your Spirit and set my sights on you. Amen.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Roman 8:1,2

Pardoned

Daily Devotion – March 28, 2022

Devotion based on Roman 8:1,2

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One of the greatest powers bestowed on the President of the United States is the near-absolute authority to pardon people who have been convicted of a federal crime. That power even extends over lawbreakers who have been sentenced to death because of their misdeeds. The second article of the Constitution of the United States grants this power to the president, except in cases where federal officers have been impeached and removed from office. Beyond that one exception, the president has the unconditional power to pardon whomever he pleases.

It has long been the custom in the Christian church to illustrate the eternal truths of the Bible with every day, earthly examples, with which we are familiar. So, when a Christian wants to illustrate God’s power to forgive sin, it might be tempting to compare it to a presidential pardon.

But when it comes to illustrating God’s power to forgive, all analogies limp. And that’s true of this one, too, because when God forgives our sin, we are more than pardoned. When a person is pardoned, the crime still exists. The president declares no person will pay for the crime and that crime simply remains unpunished.

But that’s not what God did with our sins. He didn’t ignore them or leave them unpunished through a divine pardon. That would mean our sin is still on our record; it would simply go unpunished.

But our sin is gone; it’s forgotten forever! Our rightful condemnation has been completely crushed by the perfect life and perfect sacrificial payment of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. Our sin is not just pardoned; it’s vanquished and vanished forever. And not just our sin but the sins of the whole world. What power!

Make no mistake about it. We are more than pardoned. Sing for joy because “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for giving me the assurance that my sin has been paid for and my condemnation forever crushed. Amen.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.
Isaiah 61:1,2

Freedom

Daily Devotion – March 26, 2022

Devotion based on Isaiah 61:1,2

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“Freedom!” Perhaps you recall Mel Gibson screaming that word in one of the final scenes of the movie Braveheart. He gave all he had so that the people of his nation would be free from England’s rule. He lost his life, the war continued, perhaps there were times of relative freedom and peace, yet any quick study of history reveals continued struggles and battles.

Has your soul ever cried out for “freedom”? Have you ever wanted to be completely free from a nagging or guilty conscience? No matter how hard you fight or how long you try, you can never seem to win that battle. The memory of your past sins and faults never seems to set you free.

In our Bible reading for today, the prophet Isaiah shouts, “Freedom!” Isaiah foretells the work of the coming Savior, Jesus. Because of the Lord’s great love and favor, he punished Jesus in your place. Jesus suffered and died on that cross as your substitute. The result is free and full forgiveness for each and every one of your sins. That’s freedom! That’s the good news that binds up even the most broken heart. Like a beam of sunshine, these words pierce the darkness of the prison of sin.

Now you and I can shout out loud each day, “I am free!” We can step forward into each day with a fresh and clean conscience, confident in the Lord’s proclamation of forgiveness through faith in Jesus. And, like a wonderful gift, what better way to say thanks to God for our newfound freedom than to shout it out and share the good news with others.

Prayer:
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for wiping away my sin and giving me a fresh start. Help me to live for you each day so that I can show my thanks to you in my words and actions. Help me shine forth your love to others who are still searching for freedom from their sins. Amen.

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Luke 13:1-3

Security Alarm

Daily Devotion – March 24, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:1-3

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It’s a lot easier to shake our heads in disgust than it is to bow our heads in shame. In other words, we’re more than willing to get out our metaphorical magnifying glass to see the sins of the people around us better. But we’re not nearly as willing to subject ourselves to the same scrutiny. Things weren’t all that different in Jesus’ day. Especially when disaster struck, it was common reasoning that the victims had committed some sin to make God mad. And the worse the disaster, the angrier God must have been.

Our Bible reading for today tells us about some sort of altercation at or near the temple in Jerusalem and the blood of the worshipers ended up being mixed with the sacrifices they were bringing. Judging by Jesus’ no-nonsense response, one wonders if maybe the conversation included a question that reflected the popular thought at the time. “Who sinned? Whose sin caused this to happen?”

Jesus puts those thoughts to bed right away. “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Do you see what happened? Jesus took the magnifying glass out of their hands and got them to look in the mirror instead.

It might be hard to hear, but we depend on Jesus to lead us away from the false security that comes from dwelling on the sins of others and lead us to a place where we can see our own desperate need. Only there, crushed and broken by the mountain of God’s law can we marvel at the mercy that the Redeemer from Heaven shows us in putting us back together in the promises of God. That’s where we find true security, the kind that lasts forever.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, deliver me in mercy from the temptation to focus on the sins of others. Lead me to see my own need, and to rejoice in the security found in Christ Jesus. Amen.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.
1 Corinthians 10:11

A Lesson in Gratitude

Daily Devotion – March 22, 2022

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 10:11

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Think of a time when your mom or dad taught you something important. Maybe it was how to tie your shoelaces or how to make your bed. Maybe there were times when it wasn’t a skill that you learned from them, but rather attitudes or values. And then, of course, because they were human, there were times when their mistakes taught you that some of their words or actions were best not to imitate.

Sometimes we learn what to do from those who’ve gone before us. Sometimes we learn what not to do. In our Bible reading for today we hear the apostle Paul tell the church at Corinth to look carefully at the generation of Israelites made famous in the book of Exodus. “Learn from them,” Paul says. “Learn what not to do.”

Those Israelites had every advantage, spiritually speaking. They had seen God’s hand deliver his people from Egypt. They had passed between the parted waters of the Red Sea. They had daily collected the manna that had fallen miraculously from heaven. They’d been on the receiving end of grace upon grace, miracle upon miracle. Humble gratitude would have been the appropriate response.

But presumption, rather than humble gratitude, was the dominant attitude among the Israelites. And if knowing that doesn’t lead us to check ourselves for presumption, the lesson to be learned here would be totally lost on us.

How easy for us to feel slighted because someone else has received something we haven’t. And to complain loudly—even if it’s just in our heads—about God’s providence, even as we live each day with food on the table, a bed to sleep in, a closet full of clothes—and a heavenly home waiting for us. That’s presumption when humble gratitude is called for. So we approach the cross, trusting Jesus’ promise that he will cover these sins, too, with his perfect life and innocent blood! And knowing that He has, we rededicate ourselves to lives of humble gratitude before the One who gives us every good thing.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, drive presumption from my heart, and keep me ever mindful, ever thankful for the undeserved blessings that come from your hand. Amen.

All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked . . . All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff.
Luke 4:22,28,29

The Difference

Daily Devotion – March 20, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 4:22,28,29

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Notice the difference in the reaction of the same people to Jesus, and all in a matter of a few minutes. In verse 22, “all spoke well of him…” In verse 28, “All…were furious when they heard this.” In fact (vs. 29), they tried to kill him. What had Jesus said that so changed their demeanor? Using the words of the Bible, Jesus told the people that he was the Messiah (the Savior) promised by God for his people, Israel. Further, he pointed out that when Israel did not receive God’s plan of salvation for them in Old Testament times, God sent the message to foreigners.

Did Jesus’ hearers need a savior? Yes, they did. They were sinners, as have been all people since Adam and Eve. That includes us. You and I need a savior, too. We sinned and separated ourselves from God. Jesus took our sins on himself by living a perfect life in our place, then innocently suffering, and being sacrificed for us. Jesus paid the price for our sins and his Father accepted us back into fellowship with him.

Are there differences between Jesus’ hearers in Nazareth and us? Not in terms of our need for a savior. But thank God that he has convinced us that Jesus is our Savior. Because of the faith the Holy Spirit has implanted in us, we know that we will spend eternity in heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I thank and praise you for your work of salvation, taking my punishment on yourself. Take me to be with you eternally. Amen

[Jesus said] “I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Luke 13:35

Bless Him Whenever You See Him

Daily Devotion – March 18, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:35

See series: Devotions

Jesus comes in baptism in the name of the only true God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It’s a great blessing to have the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation that is promised through baptism. When Jesus comes in baptism to you or others, it is appropriate to say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Jesus comes to you whenever the name of the Lord is spoken in the reading of the Bible. The Lord’s name is broadly everything that he tells us about himself, and the place where he tells us about himself is the Holy Scripture. When Jesus comes in the Bible to you or others, it is appropriate to say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

When Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem on the Sunday before he died, the people shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” On Sunday, before you remember the Lord’s death and celebrate his real presence in the Lord’s Supper, it is appropriate to sing, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Jesus will return on judgment day. Instead of being afraid, you will rejoice in your salvation through faith in Jesus. That will be an ideal time to join with the angels and with every believer who has ever lived and shout, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I trust that I will see you again, and then I will say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Amen.

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!”
Luke 13:31-33

Jesus Does Not Avoid Death

Daily Devotion – March 16, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 13:31-33

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I know a man who heard from his national government that a local mob was coming for him and that the government couldn’t protect him. That man’s brother-in-law had already been kidnapped by a mob, so the man knew that he should take the warning seriously. He decided to leave temporarily. It is still not safe for him to return.

Jesus had a similar situation, only in his case, it was the national government that was wanting to kill him. Instead of running away, Jesus chose to go toward the seat of the national government and continue his work on the way. Why would he make a choice like that?

Jesus gives a hint to his motives when he talks about reaching his goal in three days. Jesus knew that the only way he would fulfill the prophecies about him would be to die and then rise to life again on the third day. Jesus did not avoid death. He walked right into it because he knew that by his death and resurrection, he would provide eternal life to everyone who believes in him.

One day we will all come face to face with death. Thankfully, Jesus has done everything in his power to give us eternal life when our time for death eventually comes.

Prayer:
Jesus, give me the confidence to face death and enter eternal life with you. Amen.

Then the priests and the prophets said to the officials and all the people, “This man should be sentenced to death because he has prophesied against this city. You have heard it with your own ears!” Then Jeremiah said to all the officials and all the people: “The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the things you have heard. Now reform your ways and your actions and obey the LORD your God. Then the LORD will relent and not bring the disaster he has pronounced against you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.”
Jeremiah 26:11-14

Ready Recipients

Daily Devotion – March 14, 2022

Devotion based on Jeremiah 26:11-14

See series: Devotions

Every year I hear people complain about the beginning of Daylight Saving Time because, on that first night, everyone has to set their clock ahead one hour and lose an hour of sleep. Have you ever been the one to remind someone that “Daylight Saving Time begins tonight?” They usually aren’t very happy to hear it. It’s never fun to be the one who shares unwelcome news.

Jeremiah was a prophet who had to share some unwelcome news—news that was far more important and serious than the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. God had commanded him to warn the people of his day that if they did not repent of their sins against God, he would destroy them. When leaders of the people heard it, their response was, “This man should be sentenced to death.”

You may never have wanted to put one of God’s messengers to death, but all of us have at times treated God’s calls to repentance with something less than ready acceptance. What is remarkable is that, even for this ungodly attitude, we have God’s forgiveness through Jesus. We can be certain that when we turn from our sin to him for forgiveness, he will always be there to restore us. May this reality make us ready recipients of God’s messengers when they call us to repentance.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, make me a ready recipient of your messengers. Amen.