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

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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.

Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Matthew 15:28

Resilient Faith Rewarded

Daily Devotion – August 24, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 15:28

See series: Devotions

Faith has many characteristics. Faith trusts; faith believes; faith hopes. The woman in this story demonstrated all those characteristics of faith, but the one that stands out is her resilience.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back, adapt, and recover from a difficult situation. This woman showed resilience by remaining persistent through Jesus’ silence. She maintained hope after Jesus said he had only come for the lost sheep of Israel. She adapted Jesus’ harsh statement calling her a dog into an analogy of God’s grace. She did all this knowing how terribly her daughter was suffering. It’s one of the greatest examples of resilient faith in the Bible.

In response to her resilient faith, Jesus said, “Woman, you have great faith!” This is high praise from Jesus. He only said that to one other person, also a gentile, a Roman centurion.

To be sure, Jesus said this as a tribute to the woman, but it was also a tribute to the greatness of what her faith received. Yes, her daughter was healed. But Jesus also granted the woman status as a daughter in God’s kingdom. It is also a tribute to God, who gives the great gift of faith.

Every Christian’s faith is a great faith because every Christian trusts in Jesus Christ. Christians go to Jesus with their needs as the Canaanite woman did. How Jesus answers our prayers—we leave to him, trusting in his love and wisdom. Regardless of how he answers—a resilient faith keeps trusting, hoping, and believing. A resilient faith also knows that on the Last Day, the trumpet will sound, and God will make good on every promise to his followers. On that day, God will reward every believer he has gifted with faith in their Savior, Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord God, give me a resilient faith no matter what my circumstances are that holds fast to Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

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.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
Matthew 15:22,23

The Silence of Jesus

Daily Devotion – August 22, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 15:22,23

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Does this story make you a little uncomfortable? It seems so out of character for Jesus to act this way. Why is he giving the silent treatment to this poor woman?

Her life had become almost unbearable. Her dear daughter was demon-possessed, tormented, and afflicted from within. The woman had tried everything she could to help her little girl. And when she heard about Jesus, a man they said could drive out demons with just a word, she felt hope for the first time in forever.

She does everything right. She addresses Jesus as her Lord. She uses the term “Son of David,” for the promised Savior. She begs for his mercy, recognizing that she’s not entitled to anything. With great faith, she simply states her problem to Jesus. She doesn’t demand Jesus to fix the problem her way; she trusts that Jesus will do what is best.

But she gets no answer. The same Jesus, who called himself “gentle and humble,” is treating this woman like he is too good for her. It is uncomfortable. But Jesus’ silence serves at least two purposes. First, it reveals the great faith of this woman. But secondly, it reveals the attitude of Jesus’ disciples.

They ask Jesus to send this foreigner away. She is different from them, and now she is causing a scene. Send her away. She is making them uncomfortable.

Jesus challenges our own attitudes when we encounter someone who makes us uncomfortable. We say our church is welcoming, but how do we feel when someone different from us shows up? Someone who doesn’t look like us or live like us? We aren’t always as welcoming as we say.

But Jesus came for all people. He died for all sins, including all of ours. May Jesus give us a truly welcoming attitude toward all people.

Prayer:
Dear God, when your law reveals the sin in my heart, lead me to repentance. Amen.

“Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”
Matthew 15:27

Trust in Jesus’ Goodness

Daily Devotion – August 20, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 15:27

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What happens when a ten-month-old child is on the kitchen floor? He doubles as a vacuum cleaner. Any stray item, thread, piece of paper, paper clip, crumbs all go in the mouth. There is no fear but the desire to touch, taste, and experience the newfound item. What do parents do when they notice the cache in their child’s cheek? They dig the junk out of the child’s mouth and say, “Yucky! Don’t eat that!”

A Canaanite woman, a non-Jew from the region of Tyre and Sidon, today’s Syria, had come to Jesus looking for a morsel, a crumb of God’s grace. Her daughter was demon-possessed and in desperate need of Jesus’ help. Three times the mother boldly asked Jesus for help. Somehow this non-Jewish mom had come to believe in Jesus. She addressed Jesus as, “Lord, Son of David.”

At her first request, Jesus said nothing. After her repeated requests for help, Jesus said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” Then the mother knelt before Jesus begging him to help her. Jesus response? “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”

The woman answered, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” She said in effect, “I am not afraid to eat the crumbs because even what falls from your table will be enough for me and my daughter.” The woman solely focused on Jesus. Astonishingly, her daughter was healed.

Remember this story when you wonder whether you are worthy of Jesus’ care and attention. The truth is none of us are worthy. But this Canaanite woman was not relying on her worthiness. She was relying on Jesus’ goodness. And so can we. It was Jesus’ goodness that led him to the cross to suffer and die for our sins, not because we were worthy but precisely because of our unworthiness. Let this give you the confidence to go to him in every need, trusting in his goodness.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, your grace is sufficient for me, for your grace is made complete in my weakness. Amen.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Romans 8:35

Question

Daily Devotion – August 18, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 8:35

See series: Devotions

Separation from others can be a terrible thing. Studies have discovered that a profound sense of separation from others can bring on maladies such as panic attacks, difficulties with thinking, concentration, memory, and paranoia—problems with impulse control and harmful thoughts that don’t go away.

It is no surprise, then, that Satan does all he can to nurture a sense of separation in our lives as Christians—separation from others and especially separation from Jesus. After all, if he can convince me that something has come to isolate me from my Savior, then the devil has all the time in the world to work on me at his leisure.

With that in mind, the Holy Spirit moved the apostle Paul to pose the question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Then Paul gave some graphic examples of what can bring a sense of separation. He included trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword. Carefully consider that list again, and please understand that, for Paul, these examples were not theoretical. He and his fellow Christians understood them to be real possibilities, descriptions of events that could really happen.

In this present world of suffering and loss, you and I may face the unspeakable: Suffocating hardships, severe persecution, crippling financial disaster, life-shattering illnesses, or accidents. Any one of these Satan can use to make the case that Jesus Christ is not here.

Again, Paul’s question: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Very quickly, Paul supplies the answer: No. No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. The blood that has washed us clean is the same blood that seals his promise never to leave us, never to forsake us, to be with us always, to the very end of the age.

And so, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Nothing. And no one.

Prayer:
Lord, as troubles come and go in my life, remind me that you never leave my side. Amen.

In all things God works for the good of those who love him.
Romans 8:28

All Things

Daily Devotion – August 16, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 8:28

See series: Devotions

It was the last night of a Christian retreat, and Paul Lim felt immense relief. As far as Paul was concerned, the entire retreat so far had been awful—awkward company, poor quality music, and even the food was bad. Besides, Paul was an economics major at Yale, and his worldview was completely secular, even atheistic. With the end of the retreat in sight, Paul sat towards the back of the room for the final session.

As he did, the band got back on stage. It then played a song Paul had never heard before. And there was something about that song—something in the words that struck Paul’s heart. And Paul Lim began to sob. Before long, Paul professed his faith in Jesus as his Savior.

Fast forward to Paul’s next semester at Yale. If one were writing a feel-good movie, the script would call for Paul Lim to feel happy and satisfied now that he had become a Christian. But that was not the case. An immediate consequence of his Christianity was extreme loneliness. His friends were, abruptly, no longer a part of his life. But, as Paul later admitted, it was the loneliness that drove him to read the Bible. In fact, in that one semester, Paul Lim read through the entire Bible seven times. And it was during those difficult days that Paul Lim began to get truly acquainted with the person of Jesus Christ.

In our Bible reading today it says, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love him.” For some of us, these words have become almost a cliché, a throw-away line we use to assure ourselves that everything is going to be okay. When we do, however, we often overlook God’s promise to be at work in our darkest moments.

Today, Paul Lim teaches history at a major university. He is also openly Christian, inviting his students to ask questions. By the power of the gospel, he knows what Jesus did on the cross to wash his sins away. He also knows how God uses even dark times for profound good. That’s how the Lord works—in your life and mine too.

Prayer:
Lord, in my difficult times, remind me that you are at work. Carry me through. Amen.

After the fire came a gentle whisper.
1 Kings 19:12

Small Moment

Daily Devotion – August 14, 2023

Devotion based on 1 Kings 19:12

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The year is 1783, and the fledgling United States of America is in real trouble. For some time, Congress has failed to pay the nation’s army its wages. Things have gotten so serious that the officers of the army have gathered in a special meeting to discuss mutiny. As they do, one man walks in, desperate to talk them out of it. The man is their commanding officer, George Washington.

In talking to his men, Washington uses every ounce of his persuasive power. It still is unclear, however, whether or not his tired, bitter, angry officers are going to listen. Then comes a small moment. Washington wants to read from a letter. To do so, however, he needs to put on his glasses. As he does, Washington softly says, “Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country.”

The moment moves the officers to tears. The officers’ affection for their old commander is overwhelming. The zeal for mutiny quickly fades. The collapse of the United States does not take place.

In 1 Kings chapter 19, the prophet Elijah is tired, angry, and bitter. Rejection of God throughout the land seems so complete that Elijah feels as though he is the only one left. The Lord, however, announces to Elijah that his presence is about the pass by. First comes a powerful wind, but the Lord is not in the wind. Then comes an earthquake, but the Lord is not in the earthquake. Then a fire; but the Lord is not in the fire. But then comes a small moment. There comes to Elijah a gentle whisper. It’s the voice of God in his Word. With that, the Lord begins to flush out Elijah’s despair by refreshing him in his gospel promises.

There are times when you and I feel like Elijah. The burdens of sin can isolate and smother us. But then comes the small moment—the moment of God’s voice through his gospel; through it, he refreshes us. He brings forgiveness through faith in Christ. He pulls us back from despair. He empowers us to carry on.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you. Thank you for every moment you give me in your Word. Amen.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, [Jesus] gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:19-21

With Jesus There Is Always More

Daily Devotion – August 12, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 14:19-21

See series: Devotions

With Jesus, there is always more. More than five thousand people were fed with five loaves and two fish. And leftovers galore—there was more food left over than they had at the beginning.

This miracle is a big deal. It’s one of the few recorded in all four books in the Bible about Jesus’ life. The repetition means Jesus really wants us to know about it. Why? He wants us to know that he is able to take care of us and provide everything we need.

This is a simple lesson to know but difficult to believe. Your sinful nature wants you to think that you take care of yourself. The devil does not want you to trust God. He wants you to trust yourself and say, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me” (Deuteronomy 8:17).

But is that true? Who gives you time to work? Who gives you the strength to work? Who gives you the skills to work? Moses told the Old Testament people of Israel, “Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).

Jesus doesn’t work miracles to flaunt his power. He works miracles to show that he is God Almighty in human flesh. Jesus gives health and wealth because that is what Jesus does. He provides his life, death, and resurrection for your salvation. If he can do that, he can do something as simple as providing daily bread.

Because with Jesus, there is always more. Jesus’ compassion for you knows no bounds. No need is too impossible for Christ to meet. No sin is too big for Jesus to forgive. You can trust him with anything and everything!

Prayer:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his mercy endures forever. Amen.

[Jesus said] “For this reason I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air. They do not sow or reap or gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:25,26,33

Freedom From Worry

Daily Devotion – August 10, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 6:25,26,33

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The rain had just stopped on a warm summer evening when my family and I decided to go for a walk. As we walked down the sidewalk, we were commenting on all the worms lying on the warm, damp concrete. Just then, a bird swooped down and flew off with a worm in its beak.

I highly doubt that bird was worried about its meals. It simply swooped down and picked up the meal God provided that evening. And if God provides a meal like that for a bird (for which Jesus didn’t die), will he do it for you (for whom Jesus did die)? Of course, he will!

In fact, the apostle Matthew says that not only does God know what you need, but he also says, “it will be given to you.” Imagine that! The very things the rest of the world spends their lives chasing are just given to believers at God’s promise. That means we don’t have to worry about our physical needs.

So, what should we spend our lives doing now that we’re free from that worry? We can seek the kingdom of God and live in righteousness! God’s kingdom comes as he reigns as king in the hearts of believers. Free from worry and pursuing the world, we can instead pursue God’s kingdom in Word as we grow in faith and assurance that our sins are gone in Jesus. And we expand his kingdom as we bring his Word to others.

So, let your anxiety be replaced by God’s assurance of provision. Find your peace in being part of God’s kingdom through the blood of Jesus. Find your joy in spreading his Word to others.

Prayer:
Providing God, strengthen me by your word to live free from material worry and make me passionate to seek your kingdom. Amen.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 1:3

#Blessed

Daily Devotion – August 8, 2023

Devotion based on Ephesians 1:3

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A few years ago, #blessed was posted all over social media. Pictures of people standing in front of their new cars were labeled #blessed. New job, #blessed. That new videogame/outfit/toy finally went on sale, #blessed.

It all felt so phony to me. I rolled my eyes every time I scrolled past another #blessed picture. Had I finally become a curmudgeon? Why was I so annoyed at this hashtag? Isn’t it good that people are recognizing their blessings?

Then it occurred to me: none of those posts are about God. #Blessed had become a cultural bragging movement. Each picture and caption had the overtone of “I deserve this.” The #blessings were really about the recipient, not about the giver. And that goes contrary to the Bible.

In our Bible reading today, the apostle Paul uses the word “blessed” two times. The first time Paul is speaking of us blessing God. And that makes sense, doesn’t it? If God is the source and giver of all blessings, then it must mean that he lives surrounded by blessings 24/7! Blessing God has the believer recognizing God’s unsurpassed greatness that has been his since eternity.

The second time Paul uses the word “blessed,” he has God blessing us. And that makes sense too, doesn’t it? In his generosity, God doesn’t hoard blessings. Instead, he showers them on all people! But the highest blessings, his spiritual blessings, are reserved for God’s chosen people.

In view of all God’s spiritual blessings to his people, Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with a long run-on hymn of praise—some two hundred words without punctuation. It’s almost like Paul is just bursting forth in an unorganized prayer of thanks to God for his rich blessings.

And you can do the same. Praise God who gave us the highest spiritual blessing, the forgiveness of our sins! From that great spiritual blessing, follow all other spiritual blessings that overflow our lives. Blessed be our God who has so #blessed us.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for all the blessings you have given me. Thank you, especially, for the gift of forgiveness in Jesus’ blood. Amen.

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, [Jesus] gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14:19-21

Jesus Provides Our Daily Bread

Daily Devotion – August 6, 2023

Devotion based on Matthew 14:19-21

See series: Devotions

Up. Up. Up. So go the prices for almost everything. Gas. Groceries. You name it, and it’s going to cost more. Up. Up. Up. So go the level of anxiety in our hearts, worrying in our minds, and stress in our lives.

Stop the sinful worrying. When you worry, you are not trusting God, and that’s a sin. Away with anxious thoughts and enough stressing about things out of your control.

Jesus knows our needs. He knows we need food in our stomachs, air in our lungs, clothes on our backs, and a roof over our heads. He has taught us to pray for daily bread with confidence and trust and will not disappoint us. Look how miraculously he fed the large crowd of people in our Bible reading for today.

Jesus has taken care of our spiritual need to be reconciled to God. He accomplished this by a bloody cross and a triumphant cry, “It is finished!” Look to him with the eyes of faith to provide for today, tomorrow and every tomorrow, even when prices go up, up, and up.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, the eyes of all, including me, look to you to open your hand and satisfy our desires. Do this, for the sake of your goodness. Amen.

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 7:24,25

Rest From Ourselves

Daily Devotion – August 4, 2023

Devotion based on Romans 7:24,25

See series: Devotions

We are not what we were meant to be. That is difficult to admit. Maybe we even fool ourselves for a while. We accumulate money and material possessions, awards and recognition, a good reputation, and a loving family. We can fill our lives with so many good things and distract ourselves from what is true. But can we really escape the feeling that not everything is what it was meant to be?

We look back at our lives and see missed opportunities. Even with all the positive things, we can look back and see a past littered with failures we managed to hide from the world, but failures, nonetheless. We see a list of things left undone, regrets, and mistakes.

And even if we succeed in so many ways and if the good far outweighs the bad, it still ends in death. It still ends the same way it has for centuries. The richest, most powerful people in history still die like everyone else. This perhaps leaves many wondering, “Is this it? Weren’t we meant for so much more?”

Thankfully, there is so much more. God delivers us from mistakes and missed opportunities. God rescues us from sin and death. Through Jesus, God gives us the victory over sin, death, and the grave. Jesus was exactly who he was meant to be: the only perfect Savior this world will ever see. Through Jesus life, death, and resurrection, he has forgiven our sins and earned our salvation. And because of Jesus, we can look forward to so much more. We will have an eternity of joy, peace, and eternal rest in heaven where there will be no more death. A place where we will finally be what we were meant to be: perfect. “Thanks be to God, who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, you are my everything. Help me to live for you today and to keep my eyes on my heavenly home. Amen.

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14

Rest From Managing Others

Daily Devotion – August 2, 2023

Devotion based on Exodus 33:14

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I cannot begin to imagine how stressful life was for Moses. He was 80 years old and had never run a small business before, much less lead an entire nation. And here he was leading more than a million people out of Egypt and across the wilderness to the promised land of Israel—all on foot. Along the way, he was in charge of their civil life, gave orders to the military, oversaw the regulations regarding worship, and heard civil cases brought before him. He not only bore his own weights, fears, and worries, but also those of an entire nation of people. It is often said that the presidency ages the man in the office. I have to imagine that Moses’ time as leader wore him out to an even greater extent.

Thankfully, he wasn’t alone. God went with him. God spoke to him and reassured him again and again. He reminded him of his presence. He promised to be with him and to give him rest. This promise of rest meant that Moses could let his guard down. He could trust God and rest secure, knowing God would never leave him. God would never sleep on the job or let his guard down.

The same is true for you. In fact, you could say it is even better. God is present with you through Jesus and his Word. Jesus has given you wonderful promises of forgiveness, to save and help you, and to be with you always.

Through faith in Jesus, you have the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal rest in heaven. Whatever challenges you face, like Moses, you can rest secure knowing that God is in control and that Jesus is with you always.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me to find rest in you. As I go about my tasks today, help me know that you are with me and will watch over me. Amen.