Devotion for Monday, July 17, 2023

“And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child” (Revelation 12:4).

Is this not the story of Herod and Mary?  Herod, the illegitimate pretender on the throne, kills the babies in Bethlehem.  But God’s will cannot be thwarted.  The Son of God came and lived a life of constant battle with the wicked one.  We have reaped the benefit of hope for life eternal through the grace Christ gives us.  How then shall we live?  Shall we just be Sunday morning Christians or those who seek to be like Christ.

Lord, You know the times and seasons.  They come and go, but You are raising for Yourself a people who will be Yours forever.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that I have hope in You.  You are the hope of the world.  Your true justice shall prevail and the world, once it passes away and is replaced with a new heaven and earth, shall be the place that fulfills the hope within the hearts of those who believe.

Lord, I know very little, but I know that my spirit has been made alive in You.  Ever since my spiritual quickening, the wicked one has sought to kill me.  I am enticed to live for pleasure and for what little else this life can give.  Guide me away from such nonsense.  I may now enjoy moments, but life in You is forever.  Guide me in the way of everlasting life and prepare me to dwell in the place You promise.  Amen.