DAILY DEVOTION, 7/9/211

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Corinthians 15:56-57 NLT).

“Death”, a reality that we do not like to think about. Because of sin, death entered the world, and death stings! Death can be very painful. It hurts the one who dies, and it hurts the ones left behind. Elsewhere Paul described death as our last enemy. We all know that death is inevitable, but we try to put it off as long as possible. As a teenager, I knew about death, but it seemed so far away. At my current age, my thoughts about death have changed! Death stings; death is our enemy.

Then Paul gives us the “but.” We can thank God because we have been promised victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. We still don’t like death, but now we have hope. Our Lord suffered the agonies of Calvary on our behalf. We have Jesus’ promise, “He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.” What a glorious paradox! Yes, our mortal bodies will one day wear out, and we will make a one-way trip to the funeral home. On the other hand, Jesus “gives” us victory. We die, yet we live. We enter into that holy reality called heaven. What a blessing it is to trust in Jesus. If He is your Savior you will still die, but the life that follows is glorious beyond our comprehension.

Father, I am so grateful for Jesus and the wonderful gift He has given to me. May I always honor Him as my Savior and Lord. In His name, I pray, Amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, July 8, 2021

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3: 28).

Our politicians talk about the need for unity in our country. Yet, I have never seen a country so divided politically. Our two major political parties have very different agendas making unity impossible.

Our verse speaks of spiritual unity. When we come to faith in Jesus, we join a worldwide family made of all kinds of people. Paul states that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave or free, male or female because Christ brings us into a united family. The name “Christian” obliterates all other distinctions regarding race or national origin. It does not matter what your skin color is or whether you are American or Chinese. Those who belong to Christ are members of the same family.

This verse causes us to engage in some introspection. Do you harbor any racial prejudice? If you do, you need to examine your faith. How can anyone be “in Christ” and hold to prejudice? We are all one people united in Christ. Often in filling out various forms which ask for one’s race, I want to say, “human.”

Some politicians are saying that all white people are guilty of “white supremacism.” I respond, “Not guilty.” No  Christian of any race can look upon any other as inferior. The only fundamental unity we will see is the unity created by faith in Jesus. If politicians want to see a united country, they need to place their faith in Jesus. Christless unity never works.

Father, I thank you for bringing me into your grand family made up of all races, languages, countries, etc. Help me see clearly that all humans are created in Your image, and that worldly difference disappears for those who trust in Jesus. In His name, I pray, amen. 

DAILY DEVOTION, July 5, 2021

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you (Ephesians 4:12).

What a great verse! It tells us how we are to live as Christians in relating to others. Is it okay for us to be irritable, unkind, mean-spirited? We may think so. “If you only knew my wife/husband, you would understand why anger is common in my life.” At a recent Sunday lunch at a local restaurant, the waitress accidentally spilled my lunch all over the table and into my lap. Is that a good reason to be unkind to her and maybe withhold the tip? When I went to serve as pastor at First Christian Church in Decatur, Illinois, five people didn’t like it that I was called, and they left the church. Can I hold a grudge against those meanies ever after?

Paul is clear. Whatever unpleasant things or people come our way, we are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Why? Because we have offended God far more than anyone has offended us, and God forgives us for Christ’s sake. Through faith in Jesus as God’s Son and our Savior, the sin slate is wiped clean. Paul seems to think that should affect our behavior toward others. God has kindly and graciously forgiven us. Should we not do the same? I think we should. What do you think?

Gracious God, our Father, help me to see clearly that because of what You have done for me, I should reflect a similar attitude toward others. You loved me and forgave me even though I did not deserve such kind treatment. May what You have done for me influence how I treat others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, July 2, 2021

If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26).

This is a hard saying if you take it with wooden literalism. Clearly, Jesus is using the word “hate” in a figurative sense. We are commanded elsewhere in Scripture to love our parents, spouses, children, and even ourselves. What is He telling us in this verse? He is speaking of discipleship. Those who trust Jesus as Savior also want to follow Him as faithful disciples. It seems clear to me that He is telling us that our love for family cannot surpass our love for Him.

Yes, we love our families, but our first and highest love must be for Jesus if we intend to be His disciples. We love our own life too, and are grateful to God for the gift of life. Our love for Jesus transcends our love even of self.

The verse raises a question. Do I love Jesus more than family, more than self? If the answer is “No,” then I am admitting that I am not a disciple. Do I really believe Jesus to be the Son of the living God? Do I really believe He suffered and died for me? If I do believe, will He not be my first love?

Father, Jesus’ words cause me to think deeply about my life. Do I love Him more than anyone or anything? Help me to remember who He is and what He has done for me. As I reflect on such truths, my love for Him grows. May He truly be my first love. Amen.