Devotion for Tuesday, December 19, 2023

“The foundation stones of the city wall were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst” (Revelation 21:19-20).

How precious are you to the Lord?  You are more precious than all of the precious stones He has created.  He has placed His image in you.  He has decorated you with grace and mercy.  He has included in you all the promises of the tribes of Israel and the of the apostles.  He has set before you eternity and desires that you join Him.  You are a precious one for whom our Lord died to grant you grace for salvation.

Lord, I see the many beautiful things in this world and wonder where I fit in.  I see how our culture is constantly fighting over this thing we imagine as beauty.  Yet, here You say that each one of us is more beautiful that all the beautiful things upon the earth.  How sad that we have gotten it so wrong.  Indeed, we do need saving.  Lift us up, Lord, so that we may see things as they are and not as we have seen them through the haze of sin and death.

Lord Jesus, You came so that all who believe could have life eternal with You.  Everyone is precious in Your sight.  Help me to see this.  Help me to see beyond my reflection when I look in a mirror.  I too belong to You.  In Your grace and mercy, give me eyes to see so that I may see in others the hope You have for them.  Lead me to consider others as precious in Your sight.  Guide me in Your grace and mercy all the days of my life.  Amen.