Not abandoned!
My heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. ~ Psalm 16:9-10
Occasionally we hear the unfortunate report of a mine collapse. We pray for the safety and rescue of the miners, but our prayers are not always answered the way we would like. It is especially hard when they can’t get the miners out, dead or alive. The mine is too dangerous. They can’t even go in and try to find the bodies. They have to abandon the mine and the miners inside.
Our risen Savior said, “Because I live, you also will live.” By his own resurrection, we are assured that the Lord will save us from our graves—we will make it out alive!
The Lord did not abandon Jesus to the grave. He will not abandon you either.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, keep my mind fixed on your glorious victory over death so that I may know the joy of your resurrection and the hope that it brings. Amen.
Today’s Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com
Nobody Likes Me
Isn’t it amazing how long our memories of rejection persist? Last to be chosen for sports . . . no one to dance with at the prom . . . years of struggle to get hired . . . 40 years old and still single. What’s even worse than not having anyone close, is to be rejected by the one person you thought you could count on.
When memories of rejection dominate our thoughts, it’s because we are putting human relationships in first place. The way out of that gloom is to let God take his throne back in our lives. Sometimes God allows us to be rejected and burned by other people so that his steadfast love will shine all the brighter. “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me” (Psalm 27:10).
When you read the stories of the books of Joshua and Judges, you get the sense that God will do absolutely anything-even breaking the very laws of the universe he created-to make the lives of his people better. If God’s faithful love and promises are the first thing we trust in and depend on, everything else will fall into place in its time. When you know that you can absolutely depend on the Lord’s affection for you, you can face anything. “In the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5). TimeOfGrace.org
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Putting It All Together
After Jesus was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. ~John 2:32
Bob loved puzzles. He loved the challenge of putting them together. He also loved the results. Once he even remarked, “The bigger and more difficult, the better.” So when his friend gave him a five thousand piece puzzle with no “straight edges,” he was ecstatic.
The disciples had to deal with their own “puzzle.” They witnessed what Jesus did. They listened to his testimony. Still, it didn’t always make sense because they couldn’t put all the pieces together. At least, not until after Jesus rose from the dead. Following Jesus’ victory over death and the grave, the disciples finally understood and believed.
There are times when I find myself in the same quandary as the disciples. I am familiar with the facts, but I remain uncertain. I know what Jesus says, but how can I be sure? So the truth looms like a complex, multi-piece puzzle. And I question how it goes together.
It is important that I have a complete picture of Jesus. Therefore, it is important that I rely on the sure source of help God has revealed in the Bible. Through God’s Word, the Holy Spirit reveals truth to me and leads me to believe it and live by it.
When I rely on the guidance God has provided, the picture of Jesus becomes clear for me. I will see his authority in the miracles he accomplished. I will also see his humble obedience in every thing he endured. Because of the Bible’s divine testimony I know Jesus is my Savior and my Substitute. As such, he endured the shame and mockery I deserved. He suffered the crucifixion and death my disobedience demanded. He even defeated the power of the devil so that I can enjoy a life with God’s presence and blessing.
Puzzles can be challenging because it is hard to see how all the pieces fit together. The puzzle of my life is even more challenging. There will always be times when I am unsure and confused because the pieces don’t always fit together. There is one place where I can be certain all the pieces will fit together, and that is with the Lord. Because of what God has said and done, I know every piece of the puzzle comes together in Jesus. He is my comfort for this life, and my confidence for eternal life.
Today’s Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com
