Devotion of Wednesday, May 10, 2023

“From the tribe of Judah 12,000 were sealed, from the tribe of Reuben 12,000, from the tribe of Gad 12,000, from the tribe of Asher 12,000, from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000, from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000, from the tribe of Simeon 12,000, from the tribe of Levi 12,000, from the tribe of Issachar 12,000, from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000, from the tribe of Joseph 12,000, from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000″ (Revelation 7:5-8).

From each of the twelve tribes comes the complete number.  When the tribes were carried off into captivity, most of the descendants did not return.  Most were scattered around the world.  From around the world come those who are descendants of Abraham, both of physical but also faith lineage who have been made righteous through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.  Spiritual children from all tribes.  Children of God because of the sacrifice of the Lamb who is worthy.

Lord, my corner is not the church.  My brand and my style are not the church.  The church is made up of all of the people whom You have saved by grace.  Help me to understand that the church, Your people, belongs to You and that You have come so that as many as believe would be counted among those who are saved.  The privilege of membership is knowing You.  Thank you, Lord, for the salvation You have made possible.

<emLord Jesus, You have come to save us.  The day will come when we shall see the number You have saved.  Rather than thinking myself as somehow privileged, swelling of my pride, guide me to humbly understand that You are making this revelation to tell us what You are doing, not how special I am.  Strip my pride and increase my thanks and praise that I may grow in Your likeness.  Amen.