Devotion for Friday, September 12, 2025

“And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep’” (Matthew 28:12-13).

Liars lie.  Those who have what they think is power will lie, cheat, and steal to retain their power.  There are those whose god is money.  They will take money and do whatever is requested for a few coins in their pocket.  And so the story which still moves forward to our day, is that somehow Jesus being raised from the dead is a hoax.  They sell the lie that these feeble disciples were able to overcome the authorities and make this up.

Lord, the truth always has that little something that reminds us that it is the truth.  The message of the resurrection has gone out into the whole world and nothing has stopped it.  Through faith, You have resurrected me to see and believe.  Help me to not focus upon what the world does, but to continue to look to You, through whom all worlds exist and continue a life which believes in and prepares for eternity.

Lord Jesus, what You encountered in this faithless world continues.  It hammers at me all the time.  Help me to shed myself of the unbelief that surrounds me, the false gods that tug at me, and live into the life You have set before me.  Guide me, Jesus, in the way and truth of eternal life and help me so that nothing gets in the way of living the faith You have planted in my heart.  Lead me through all of the lies and liars that I meet in this world to hold fast to the faith You have given me.  Amen.