Devotion for Saturday, April 19, 2025

“And you say, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing; but whoever swears by the offering that is on it is obligated.’  You blind men, which is more important, the offering or the altar that sanctifies the offering?” (Matthew 23:18-19)

The One to whom you give the offering is more important.  In our faith, it is not the what, but the Whom that we seek.  We sinners know how to play games.  We crawl all over one another, but the Lord, who sees all, calls us to Himself.  Do not be as the wicked and the hypocrites.  Such foolishness is played out in every generation.  Be led to and by the One who has called you.

LORD, aid me to see through the games of this world.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to understand that You are calling me to Yourself.  Lead me in truth so that I may humbly follow Your lead.  Keep me in the truth You have revealed so that I walk knowing that I am always in Your presence.  The world may not believe it when I speak truth but help me to be willing to always speak it even if You are the only One who listens.

Lord Jesus, You have given me words to live by.  Keep me from falling back into the way of the world and help me so that I speak truth.  If another requires some kind of vow, remind me that I am always in Your presence, so lead me to speak truth.  You are above all things and You have called me into the eternal presence of the Father.  Lead me so that I live with this understanding at all times.  Amen.