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. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Luke 13:1-5

What a Tragedy!

Daily Devotion – March 25, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 13:1-5

See series: Devotions

When my daughter was five, she asked, “Daddy, why do you watch the news? It’s always so sad.” I don’t even remember what tragedy was on the TV that night, but her observation rings true more often than we would like.

It seems that every time you tune in to find out what is happening in the world all you hear about are fires, floods, accidents, death, etc. Senseless tragedies.

This is not new. One day some people brought a recent tragedy to Jesus’ attention. A multitude of people had been killed during a church service. This was in addition to a construction accident that had taken the lives of eighteen in the neighboring town. Those left behind in this wake of destruction were struggling with the chill of death’s touch.

Why? Haven’t you ever found yourself asking that question? I’m sure you have. Honestly, we can’t always answer that question. But if you ever find yourself reeling from a tragedy, look to the cross of Jesus. On the surface, it doesn’t make sense. You see a thirty-three-year-old man spiked to two pieces of timber. You see the death of an innocent person. You see a tragedy.

But remember why Jesus went to that cross and allowed himself to die. It was so that he could deliver a cure for this world that has been so sickened by sin. It was so that he could take the punishment that rightly should have been executed upon us because of our guilt. It was so that one day, he could take us away from this world of death and violence to a paradise of peace.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, be with those who are grieving and may the news of your victory bring them peace and comfort. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Is God in It?

Daily Devotion – March 23, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 10:31

See series: Devotions

My children often ask questions like, “Are there raisins in it?” or “Are there onions in it?”

How often do we ask, “Is God in it?” That sure sparked up a battle recently when an atheist didn’t want to have his child say the Pledge of Allegiance because “God” was in it. But even if we keep the words in the Pledge, we have to look at our country and ask, “Is God in it?” Are those just empty words or does God really reside here? What do you think when you look around you?

The Bible assures us that, whether we acknowledge him or not, he is everywhere at all times. And where his Word and people are present, he is present in a special way. He comes to bring us to repentance and to lead us to depend on his all-encompassing forgiveness won for us in Jesus. He is there in our lives to make us more like him. And God promises his believing children that even the seemingly difficult things will turn out right because God is in it to turn it into a blessing.

The question remains, however, in relationship to your thoughts, words, and actions. “Is God in it?” We don’t have to look back very far to see God was not the focus in what we listened to, looked at, bought, did, or said. Knowing what he has done for us and how essential our relationship is to him we want to look for him to be in everything we do—as eagerly as my children look for the chocolate chips in the cookies. Let him be the source and focus of all you do.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may everything I do bring you glory. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Philippians 4:1

Heading in the Only Right Direction

Daily Devotion – March 21, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 4:1

See series: Devotions

When you’re going someplace, there’s normally more than one way to get there. In the city where I live, detours don’t pose too much of a problem because, for the most part, the streets are laid out on a grid plan. In other words, each city block is a rectangle, so if there’s a detour or an accident blocking the road you’re on, you just have to drive around the block. Problem solved. Traffic jams are rare because there’s usually more than one way to get to where you’re going.

That’s a common perception among the people of this world when it comes to getting to heaven. They think to themselves and even say out loud, “There’s more than one way to get there.” But the Bible tells us otherwise. The apostle Peter made that clear when he confessed about Jesus that “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Ac 4:12). But, of course, Peter didn’t invent that idea. He heard it straight from the Savior’s mouth. Jesus clearly proclaimed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (Jn 14:6). In other words, when it comes to getting to heaven, Jesus is the only right direction.

It’s natural for people to object to that truth. Doesn’t it seem exclusive? Shouldn’t God provide multiple ways to his heavenly mansions? Wouldn’t that be more generous, more merciful?

While we might be tempted to think the same thing, we need to consider it from God’s perspective. Why would God limit the roads to heaven to just one? Because he doesn’t want us to guess: what’s the best way there? There is only one way, and that one way is through faith in Jesus, his only Son. And that road is wide open for every sinner; Jesus has cleared away sin and death forever!

No detour is needed, St. Paul tells us. “Stand firm in the Lord in this way.” You’re guaranteed a safe arrival home!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me a perfectly clear road to heaven. Amen.

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But our citizenship is in heaven.
Philippians 3:20

Goin’ Home

Daily Devotion – March 19, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 3:20

See series: Devotions

In 1922, the American composer William Arms Fisher wrote lyrics to one of the most haunting melodies in the history of music, the opening theme of the Largo from Anton Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” Fisher entitled his song, “Goin’ Home,” its words describing a person’s departure from this world to “the world beyond.” Set in the style of an old American spiritual, Fisher penned, “Goin’ home, goin’ home, I’m a goin’ home; Quiet-like, some still day, I’m jes’ goin’ home. . . Mother’s there ‘spectin’ me, Father’s waitin’ too; Lots o’ folks gather’d there, All the friends I knew.” The song was popularized when it was played after President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s death in 1945. Since then, it has been used regularly in connection with the funeral services of U.S. presidents, dignitaries, and soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

The song is certainly sentimental, but it’s not really biblical. There is no mention of sin against God or one another, nor its consequences: death (Ro 6:23). Neither is there any reference to our desperate need for divine forgiveness. The lyrics simply assume that everyone who dies goes “home” to heaven, no questions asked, greeted there by their dearly departed family and friends who have gone before them. There is no suggestion of true salvation; no pointing to the only One who freely grants it: Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn 1:29).

It makes sense that Fisher’s song would be so affectionately adopted by the people of this world who desperately look for some hope and comfort in the face of death. Sadly, however, they refuse to look to Jesus their Savior, who gives certain hope and comfort by his death and resurrection from the dead. He’s conquered death forever! Instead, they chase after sappy sentimentality.

But at least Fisher got one thing right with his lyrics. He suggested that heaven is home. For God’s people—those who put their trust in Jesus—this is most certainly true. But it won’t only be true someday. The apostle Paul reminds us that even now “our citizenship is in heaven.” We are but strangers here; heaven is our home. And, oh, how God’s people long to be home with Jesus!

Prayer:
Jesus, teach me to flee from faulty hope and comfort and to rest all my confidence in you. Amen.

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Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Philippians 3:17

Follow Closely

Daily Devotion – March 17, 2025

Devotion based on Philippians 3:17

See series: Devotions

When was the last time you needed to follow closely behind someone to arrive at your destination? That was sometimes necessary in the “olden days” because most maps didn’t provide street-level detail. So, if your group was too large to fit into one car, the driver who knew where he was going would carefully lead the other driver to their destination. If you were following, you needed to stay close, so you didn’t get separated and lost. But with the advent of cell phones and GPS technology, finding your way to unknown locations is now a snap. Your phone tells you where to turn and when. Following someone closely is unnecessary.

But have you ever asked your phone to give you directions to heaven? It doesn’t work; I’ve tried. If you and I can’t get to heaven by asking our phones the way, how can we ever get there? By closely following others who know how to get there.

There was a time in the apostle Paul’s life when he was totally lost. He thought he knew how to get to heaven. Simple; follow the rules, he thought. But then he discovered God doesn’t just require us to try our best or be better than the next person. No, to enter the gates of heaven, we need to be perfect. No missed turns, no sin, ever. Like us, Paul couldn’t manage that. He was lost.

But then Jesus found and rescued him. As the world’s Savior, Jesus did what we could never do. He’s perfect! More than that, he freely forgives our sins and gives us his perfection as a gift. Through faith in him and by following him closely, our destination is certain. We’re on the road to heaven, everlasting life!

Paul learned to follow Jesus closely in faith. Now, he urges us to follow his example and do the same. If we try to get to heaven on our own, we’ll never arrive. But by placing our faith in Jesus and following his life-giving direction closely, we’ll show up safe and sound. Forever.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help me follow you in faith to my heavenly home. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

[Jesus said] “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Matthew 23:37-39

The Extent of Jesus’ Love

Daily Devotion – March 15, 2025

Devotion based on Matthew 23:37-39

See series: Devotions

The entire chapter of Matthew 23 is several stern warnings that Jesus spoke against those who rejected him in unbelief, especially the religious leaders. If you read through those passages, you will see that Jesus spoke very strongly against those who opposed him. His reason for the woes he pronounced was not to antagonize his enemies. No, he spoke as firmly as he did because he truly loved them! He wanted them to see that the confidence they were putting in themselves for salvation was very dangerous. They could not save themselves from condemnation in hell by their attempts to live as righteously as possible. Jesus wanted to correct them. He wanted them to put their faith in him as their Savior so they would not fall under the eternal judgment of God. He wanted them to have eternal life with God by trusting in him as their Savior.

Oh, the great extent of Jesus’ love for people! He wants all to come to the knowledge of God’s truth and be saved from the curse of sin. He reaches out to gather people into the protective care of his boundless goodness and fills them with the fullness of life. He calls upon them to turn away from the emptiness and hopelessness they have without him. How sad and sorrowful he is when they refuse because when judgment finally comes, they will be separated from God forever.

Jesus is our Savior. His death was the sacrifice that God accepted as payment for all our sins. There’s nothing more for us to do for the forgiveness of sins and the joy of life with God. Jesus did it all. Believe it.

Prayer:
Jesus, how greatly you love me to willingly die to take away the guilt of my sins. Fill my heart with confident trust in you alone for salvation and eternal life. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

Like Us but Better

Daily Devotion – March 13, 2025

Devotion based on Hebrews 4:15

See series: Devotions

Modern travel has a way of making things impersonal. When driving, you notice the cars but pay little attention to the people in those vehicles. You don’t know anything about them, and they are forgotten as soon as you pass them. Riding in an airplane causes you to pass over homes, but you don’t stop and wonder who lives there or what their lives might be like. We pass by thousands of people, and we give little thought to who they are or what they are experiencing.

As we travel through life, we can feel like God is just one more person who is far away or removed. It can be easy to think of Jesus as someone who is near but doesn’t really understand what we are experiencing.

The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was tempted in every way that you are tempted. He can sympathize with you in your weakness. He knew hunger and had tears running down his cheeks. He had his friends leave him and knew what a long day of work feels like. He was tired, hungry, betrayed, and sad.

The next time you pray, remember that Jesus has experienced all the joys and pains that you have, but in all of this, he did not sin. He is like us but better. In good moments, he never fell into the sin of pride or failed to give thanks to God. In sad moments, he did not lose hope or fall into anger or despair. He faced our challenges and was tempted in every way yet was without sin.

We do not have an impersonal Savior. He knows us and gets us. He has been through what we have been through. He was tempted but was without sin. We have one who is like us but better.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you made your Son to be like me. When I am tempted, make me run to him, knowing that he has been tempted as I am, yet he is without sin. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Hebrews 4:14

What Everyone Is Looking For

Daily Devotion – March 11, 2025

Devotion based on Hebrews 4:14

See series: Devotions

You can go and see all of it—garments, instruments, and furniture. An organization called The Temple Institute of Jerusalem has, at tremendous cost and utmost care, recreated everything needed to begin regular temple worship in Jerusalem. Carefully embroidered clothing and special furniture covered in gold are all there and need only one more thing: They need the next great high priest to be appointed.

Of course, that isn’t going to happen.

People have poured their hearts and souls into finding a high priest. Some do it by recreating expensive priestly garments and furniture like The Temple Institute of Jerusalem. Others aren’t as flashy but are trying to create a new priesthood just the same. They hope that through some series of good deeds, right prayers, or other efforts they are being made right with God.

We are all searching for a high priest—someone who will make us right with God.

The good news is that we already have that person who has made us right with God. We have a Great High Priest in Jesus Christ. He didn’t do it through his work at the temple or by saying the right prayers. He did this at great cost, but not with gold or silver. He is the Great High Priest because he made the perfect sacrifice of himself for the sins of the world. He is the one who even today is interceding for us in heaven, saying to God the Father, “All their sins have been paid for.”

Everyone is looking for someone. In Jesus, we have the Great High Priest who makes us right with God.

Prayer:
Merciful Lord, you have made Jesus to be the Great High Priest. Make me look only to him and his work for the perfect assurance that I have been made right with God. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.
1 Samuel 17:50

Fear

Daily Devotion – March 9, 2025

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 17:50

See series: Devotions

Ancient armies, including Israel’s, used slings. Don’t think of a child’s slingshot—a stone from a skilled slinger could kill. Israel’s camp probably included many good slingers that day.

So why was David the first to meet Goliath’s challenge? Fear. Israel had won military victories, but Goliath and the Philistines presented them with a challenge they decided was too big. They forgot that they were Israel, God’s people.

David wasn’t afraid. He was angry. And he was confident that the Lord would protect him. David told his challenger: “It is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:47).

What challenges you? Perhaps a certain sin has great power in your life right now. The temptation comes along, and we say, “This one’s too big. All I can do is give in.” Maybe an unbelieving friend ridicules Christianity. You respond, “He’s so intelligent, so witty. I’ll just smile and nod through his tirades because there’s nothing else I can do.” Do we so easily forget that we are God’s people?

Jesus looked like a failure on the cross, but he wasn’t. He bore our failures. All the times we gave into fear instead of calling on faith. Our Champion rose again and continues to live in us, assuring us the battle will finally end in heaven. He continues to live with us, giving us the strength to meet all the challenges we face.

The giants out there are big and strong. However, they’re not nearly as big and strong as the One who is with us.

Prayer:
Lord, give me confidence to know that your strength is always with me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21

A Great Exchange Indeed

Daily Devotion – March 7, 2025

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 5:21

See series: Devotions

The Christian religion seems to be so complicated. What’s an easy way to explain it?

God in heaven is holy. He wants people to join him in heaven, so they must be holy, too. God explains what it means to be holy by giving us his commandments, and he tells us to keep each of them with everything we do, think, or say. He says, “Be holy as I the Lord your God am holy.”

God looks down from heaven and sees that no one is holy, not even one. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. He warns us that the consequences of sin include death, and that is not just the separation of body and soul. That is also eternal separation from God in hell. That’s a problem.

Human beings have tried various solutions to the problem. They speculate that they don’t have to be holy; they must simply be holier than the next person. But that’s not what God says. They speculate that they must simply improve as they live their lives. But that’s not what God requires. They think they can do good things to make up for the bad things they have done. But God says that all the ways we try to make up for our sins are worthless.

God has a solution to the problem. He sent his only Son, Jesus, into the world, and Jesus lived a holy life. He always did and thought and said what was right. He never did anything wrong. He had no sin. But at the end of his life, he did not take heaven as the reward for his good life. Instead, he suffered hell when he died on the cross. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us. He rose from the dead to prove it.

In a great exchange, God took our sin, and then declared that all people who believe in Jesus get the righteousness of Jesus credited to their spiritual accounts. Through faith, we become the righteousness of God. That’s our ticket to heaven. It’s that simple.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for taking my sin and giving me your righteousness. Amen.

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To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:9-14

Lowering Our Defenses

Daily Devotion – March 5, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 18:9-14

See series: Devotions

You may think it is important to make a good impression on other people. It may be difficult for you to admit to other people that you have done anything wrong. You may want them to see everything good that you’ve done instead. If you spend enough time justifying yourself, you may become confident of your own righteousness.

That would be a mistake when it comes to talking to God. God wants to you to admit your sins to him—your faults and mistakes. He is looking for you to ask him for mercy. He doesn’t want you to think that you deserve forgiveness. He wants to give that to you as a gift, something that you didn’t earn and don’t deserve.

Such a humble attitude means lowering your defenses. Because Jesus earned your forgiveness and promises to give it freely, you don’t have to defend your actions in the eyes of God or in the eyes of people. Remembering that we are just dust and ashes, it is best simply to say, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

Prayer:
God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John, and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.
Luke 9:28-31

God’s Plan Revealed

Daily Devotion – March 3, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 9:28-31

See series: Devotions

How do you discover God’s plan for your life?

Moses lived 1,500 years before Jesus. Elijah lived 900 years before Jesus. They knew how their lives had turned out. They had gone to heaven at the end of their earthly lives. But they were still interested in how the life of Jesus would turn out. So, in a glimpse of the glory of heaven, they talked to him about it.

Three of Jesus’ disciples watched the amazing sight and listened to the conversation. As Jesus described the plan for him to die and then rise from the dead, those disciples had to wonder if that was the plan for their lives as well. Later, they would understand that Jesus was living and dying and rising again so they could join him in heaven.

How do you discover God’s plan for your life? You can ask Jesus about it in prayer. You will find the answers to your prayers in the Bible, where Jesus describes the purpose for his life and yours. When unexpected things happen in your life, you can be sure that God still wants you and others to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

That truth is glorious and amazing. No matter the details of your life, you have eternal life with Jesus in heaven to look forward to. Thanks be to God!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, keep me focused on your presence in my life until I join you in the glory of heaven. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17,18,21

Overcome Evil with Good

Daily Devotion – March 1, 2025

Devotion based on Romans 12:17,18,21

See series: Devotions

A Christian friend shared this story from his life. He was driving across town and irritated another driver on the roadway. That driver accelerated past him, yelled some choice words, made an obscene gesture, and sped on by. Not long after, the Christian man saw that same car stopped on the shoulder with car trouble.

What would you have done if that sequence of events happened to you? Would you have laughed at the other driver’s misfortune? Would you have said a prayer or even stopped to help?

Throughout our lives, people will say and do evil things that cause us pain and hardship. Our sinful hearts will want to avenge these wrongs. Our sinful hearts will think that the best way to overcome evil is with evil. The Bible warns, “Do not be overcome by evil!”

The Bible also encourages, “But overcome evil with good!” This is only possible through a good God who alone can deliver us from evil and who has overcome the evil of our sins. This is only possible through a just God who assures that he will avenge and repay. This is only possible with a God of peace whose forgiveness allows us to live at peace with him and whose peace enables us, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone.

So, what did the Christian driver do? He stopped behind the other car. When the driver saw who had stopped, he feared that the man he had treated so poorly would now treat him poorly. But this Christian man hadn’t come to repay evil for evil. He came to offer help and assistance. He overcame evil with good. May our God equip us to do the same!

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, deliver me from evil! Forgive the evil I have done to others. Forgive others the evil they have done to me. In the faith, with the goodness, and strength you provide, help me to overcome evil with good. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

[Jesus said] “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
Luke 6:32-36

A Higher Standard

Daily Devotion – February 27, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 6:32-36

See series: Devotions

“Remember who you are!” That’s what the high school principal told his son before he enrolled as a freshman. “Remember who you are!” That’s what the coach told her daughter before the first day of tennis tryouts. “Remember who you are!” That’s what the company owner told his son before his first day working on the factory floor.

What’s the point? Sometimes, a relationship means we are held to a higher standard. Our initial reaction may be to say, “That’s not fair.” Just because someone is related to someone else, there should’t be higher standards. But because there is, they don’t just represent themselves as individuals. They represent the family.

While relationships with people in high places may bring more pressure, they can also bring more privilege. The son of the principal is blessed to have an in-house tutor who can help with homework. The daughter of the tennis coach can receive tips outside of practice. The company owner’s son may be first in line to buy or inherit the business.

The same is true in God’s family. Children of God are held to a higher standard since the way we live in this world and treat our neighbors isn’t just about us. As Christians, it’s as if we walk through life wearing a uniform as people know we also represent Christ. And while we may say, “That’s not fair to have all that pressure,” stop and consider what a privilege this is. As Christians, we have the privilege of seeing God’s mercy up close and personal. As Christians, we are children of the Most High who await “a great reward” all because of what Jesus has done.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see the privilege I have to represent you. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

[Jesus said] “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.”
Luke 6:29,30

Turn the Other Cheek

Daily Devotion – February 25, 2025

Devotion based on Luke 6:29,30

See series: Devotions

“She’s such a nice person until her Mama Bear comes out!” Someone can be the calmest, nicest person in the world, but if someone says something about their child, suddenly, they go into attack mode. We are protective of our children.

But it’s not just our children. We are also protective of our possessions. Watch two little children play. They can be perfectly content playing next to each other, but when one kid grabs the other’s toy, soon there will be revenge. And we never grow out of that. When someone attacks us personally or takes our property, our instinct is to retaliate.

So, no wonder it seems so strange to hear Jesus say, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also.” Don’t I have to stand up for myself? Isn’t it wrong to slap someone on the cheek? Isn’t it wrong to steal? Yes, it is. But it’s not our law that the person is breaking. It’s God’s law. And if it’s his law, he will also be the one to carry out justice. “Vengeance is mine,’ says the Lord.” Turning the other cheek is a tremendous way of saying, “God, I trust you. I trust you to carry out justice.”

That’s what our Savior so tremendously demonstrated in his final hours. He knew he would suffer. Standing trial, he endured one strike to the head after another. But he never retaliated. He didn’t even open his mouth. Why? Because he knew that was part of God’s will to carry out justice for the sins of the world, including yours.

Prayer:
Lord, help me appreciate how you turned the other cheek for my sins. Now lead me to trust in you to carry out justice for those who sin against me. Amen.

Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.