Devotion for Friday, August 16, 2024

“And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me” (Matthew 11:6).

Have you never been offended at the words of Jesus?  Go deep inside and ponder those places where you did not like what Jesus said.  I’ve not yet met anyone who was not offended by something the Lord says.  Maybe you were not indignant, but you were annoyed.  If not, then what do I have to say to you?  Sinners do not like being confronted by perfection.  We make a list of excuses as long as your arm.

Lord, I want things to be the way I want them to be.  But they are the way You have determined them to be.  When these two truths clash, I wonder why?  My sin confronts Your perfection.  I need to come to that place where I understand that of course it is going to be the way that You have determined.  You are God and I am not.  Lead me away from sinful thinking and to the place where I trust You alone for all things.

Lord Jesus, You know the hard work of confronting sin and leaving it on the cross.  Guide me so that I trust You above all things.  Help me in Your goodness and mercy to humbly walk with You and let You lead me.  Who am I to question You?  I do Lord, so forgive me. I pray.  Help me come to the place where in every circumstance I say, “Let it be done to me according to Thy will.”  Amen.