Devotion for Sunday, December 22, 2024

“For what good will it do a person if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his soul? Or what will a person give in exchange for his soul?  For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every person according to his deeds” (Matthew 16:26-27).

There are those who do think of themselves alone and as the center of being.  What good does that do?  So, you live for yourself.  What have you gained?  Experiences?  But if you live for yourself, when you die, they die.  Jesus is telling us the most fundamental truth there is, we are not alone, nor are we the center.  The richest people in the world leave behind everything they gained in this life. Only your soul survives.

Lord, in the end, my soul is either yours, or else is forfeited.  If I seek my selfish desires, I cannot have a heart that really lives.  Lead me in the way You know I need to walk to be shed of the evil that resides in my heart.  Lord, I pray You, bless me because I have walked with You rather than walking in my way.  Save me from the condemnation this world brings so that I may become what You intend.

Lord Jesus, You are being forthright and telling us of reality.  Help me to think this through and see it for what it is.  Guide me now and always to understand that You created me, and I desire to walk with You.  Either I will belong to myself, or I will belong to You.  You have ransomed my soul.  Guide me in the way, truth and life You give me by grace so that I may live and  join You in eternity.  Amen.