Devotion for Friday, December 8, 2023

“The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son” (Revelation 21:7).

There is a lot of theology wrapped up in such a small statement.  What does it mean to overcome?  It cannot be not sinning.  If you did not sin, there would be nothing to overcome.  This book has made clear that there are those who will come to the Lord and those who will not.  The overcoming must be here.  Those who overcome the rebellion by repenting, believing, and  turning to the Lord, are the ones for whom this applies,

Lord, all my life I have heard the simple statement that I need You to save me.  I must be rescued.  But that is only the beginning.  The old Adam, the sinner in rebellion is still alive and kicks against the new life constantly.  I need to be led from where I am to where I need to be.  I need to overcome the old life to live into the new one.  There is an inheritance for those who overcome.  They receive the promise of eternity with the Lord.

Lord Jesus, I do need to be saved.  Each day has difficulties of its own.  I struggle with the obstacles that always seem to be before me.  Guide me today so that I may face what is before me and live toward the day when I shall have truly overcome all the obstacles life throws in front of me.  Lead me into the grace and mercy I need so that I may be with You forever.  Amen.