Devotion for Thursday, March 23, 2023

Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

A temptation that occurs amongst those who claim to believe is an idea that repentance is not necessary.  When you say you do not need to repent, you declare that you believe you are perfect.  Do not fall for this trap of the devil.  Be quick to repent.  Receive the discipline of the Lord and walk humbly in His presence.  Know that He who redeemed you will make you perfect even as He is perfect.  But it is He who will do this.  Taking His hand is the first act of repentance.

Lord, I have fallen for this temptation thinking I am complete when there is work that needs to be done.  Help me to overcome this silly notion so that I may learn how to be honest with myself.  Guide me in the upward calling You have placed before me so that I do not stop until I meet You face to face.  You alone know all that is needed.  Help me to humbly walk in Your presence and salvation.

Lord Jesus, it takes a perfect man to repent perfectly, but then, a perfect man would not need to repent.  Yet, that is the very first public action You did: to be baptized in a baptism of repentance for us.  You have done for each one of us what we cannot do for ourselves.  Lead me in the truth so that I live knowing You must be the One who leads.  Let me not rest until You tell me to rest.  Lead me dear Savior on the path of righteousness.  Amen.