Devotion for Friday, August 25, 2023

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand” (Revelation 14;14).

We proclaim the truth each time we speak the creeds that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead.  He says the same thing in the Gospels.  He will separate the goats from the sheep, the wheat from the chaff, pulling out the tares that choke the faithful.  All of this is part of the hope we have, believing that one day we will no longer need to contend with the wickedness in us nor in the world around us.

Lord, I do not fully understand how all things work, but I do feel the battle of wickedness in me.  I sometimes fear; but teach my heart to trust so that all ungodly fear would be forever driven from me.  You know what is needed, Lord, and You have provided even before I ask.  Judge me, Lord, stripping away that which will kill me, and add that which brings life.

Lord Jesus, You did not come to brush me off and sed me on my way.  You came to make me into a new and eternal being who will dwell with You in Trinity forever.  Lead me, O Lord, according to Your purpose so that I may now and always be guided by Your goodness and mercy.  Help me to look to You, the judge of the living and dead, as the author and finisher of my faith.  Amen.