Devotion for Tuesday, June 25, 2024

“But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?  For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?” (Matthew 9:4-5).

What is truly the very thing we need?  Is it to be in good health, or to be eternally healed?  We will all die.  Good health is a wonderful thing, but it is temporary.  The real health that Jesus offers is with an eternal reconciliation with the Lord.  Which is more important?  The evil in our hearts is that we think we know when, in fact, we do not.  The Lord, who knows all things, will accomplish our salvation, for salvation is of the Lord.

Look to where evil resides in your heart.  I am not talking about what we often consider wicked things, but those places where you judge circumstances, or even others.  We all judge.  This is blasphemy when we think we’re in the place of knowledge, or judge another’s behavior without knowing what is true.  We too may forgive others and, in fact, are under admonition of doing so when we pray the Lord’s prayer.

Lord Jesus, with great patience You have reached out to heal all who come to You.  We may still have our earthly issues left in place for Your purpose, but we have eternal healing through Your redemption made possible from the cross.  Lead me now and always to grow into the life for which You died.  Guide me today and confront me when evil enters my heart.  Heal me from the inside out, my Savior.  Amen.