Devotion for Wednesday, December 20, 2023

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was a single pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21).

A pearl is made from an irritating grain of sand.  That which is common and annoying from which something beautiful is made.  The irritating sinner becomes a beautiful child of God.  Made like pure gold, like transparent glass.  Something unimaginable.  Something pure, yet clearly visible with nothing hidden.  Something that cannot tarnish.  God is up to something beyond our ability to comprehend in this age.

Who knows but that all the things we call creation in this world are not mere pointers to the next?  The Lord has purpose for all things.  You who are tarnished, dirty, and who hide your secrets will be made into someone new.  There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.  You will become holy even as the Lord is holy.  These are some of the promises the Lord gives us in the hope of the Gospel.

Savior, I am unable to fathom what You are saying.  On the one hand, I want it to be true.  On the other, I do not believe it to be so.  Create in me a new and clean heart that can believe these things.  You know all that is needed.  Lead me today by Your word to be equipped with what is needed to walk into this kind of life.  Guide me, Lord, now and forever so that I may walk by faith knowing that You will make of me what You will.  Help me to always trust You.  Amen.