Devotion for Wednesday, December 18, 2024

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”  Then He gave the disciples strict orders that they were to tell no one that He was the Christ” (Matthew 16:19-20).

The keys are given.  Not the power, but the keys.  The keys lock and unlock.  What is hidden remains hidden for those who will not believe.  What becomes evident to those who believe is unlocked.  We are bound by the reality of sin.  That is unlocked so that we may know the reality of the Creator who made us.  We are bound by death, but the chains are unlocked that we may have life.

In the beginning, Lord, You laid the foundation of the world knowing all that would happen.  Guide me Lord, in the everlasting way of life so that I may understand what it means to carry the keys.  Help me to bind what is wicked and loosen those who are bound.  It is Your power and Your kingdom, but You have invited me to be a part of what You are doing in this age.

Lord Jesus, You have come in order that I may have life and have it abundantly.  Day by day, continue to loosen me from the chains that bind me.  Set me free to be Your servant.  Let me publicly through all I say and do, make the confession that You are the One who has come to redeem the lost, help the broken- hearted, and heal the sick souls who seek Your redemption.  Include me in what You are doing and help me to be faithful to Your call.  Amen.