Devotion for Thursday, April 27, 2023

“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth” (Revelation 5:8).

This world is filled with terrors.  One of the certainties in this age is death.  We shall all die.  But there have been times when death seemed to have been even more prominent.  WWII and the years immediately following saw tens of millions slaughtered for political reasons.  The amount of slaughter in our time is on the increase.  Do not fear death, for it comes to us all, but fear the One who rescues us from the second death.

Lord, I have a natural fear of pain.  I recoil at the thought of painful things.  I do not like the death of loved ones who have gone on.  In the mystery of all these things, help me to see more clearly the reality of all that is going on around me.  Guide me through the mess of this world to know that in You, the author and finisher of my faith, there is true abiding and everlasting life.  Lead me in the right and good direction grace affords that I may always follow You.

My Savior, ever since Adam and Eve were banned from the garden, death has been a part of the human experience.  But You have told us that death is not the final answer.  Though I die, yet shall I live.  Guide me, Lord, in living the true life for which You died.  Help me work through my fears so that I live in the goodness of Your grace and mercy all the days of my life in this age.  Help me to look to You, Lord, and then help me to follow You.  Amen.