Devotion for Tuesday, August 1, 2023

“I saw one of his heads as if it had been fatally wounded, and his fatal wound was healed. And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?”  (Revelation 13:3-4)

We humans are impressed by such simple things while often ignoring what is truly profound.  A man tells you he is powerful, and we worship him.  The Creator of the universe invites us into friendship, and we are too busy for such things.  We worship what we know is fake and ignore what we know is real.  The Lord our God is holy, just, merciful, and kind, but there will come a time when one goes one way or the other.

Lord, I do “worship” the people of this earth.  “Oh, look at them!”  But all of that is so trivial.  Lord, help me to see things the way they truly are.  Keep me sober-minded so that I do not fall for the tricks of the devil.  Guide me according to Your word to live as You have created me to live.  The world will continue to be crazy and chase after smoke, but I do not need to join them.

Lord Jesus, once again I see the places where I need to be saved.  I ignore You, but I am impressed with the latest dictator of whatever.  Fashion, trends, health, celebrity, or whatever seem to wow me when all of creation is before me telling me who You are.  Lift me up, Lord Jesus, and help me to live into the life You give by grace, seeing things as they really are.  Amen.