Devotion for Thursday, November 5, 2026

“So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to the people.  But when Herod the tetrarch was reprimanded by him because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and because of all the wicked things which Herod had done, Herod also added this to them all: he locked John up in prison” (Luke 3:18-20).

Sinners do not like to hear the truth.  If they are in a position to do something against the truth- teller, they will.  The goodness of the Lord is unchanging.  Wickedness is wickedness, and the Lord has come to set us free from wickedness; but some do not want to be set free.  This is the state of this world.  Sinners would rather go on sinning rather than repent and live in accordance with the will of their Creator.

Lord, I see this in myself.  I do not listen to what I do not want to hear.  You have spoken the truth from the beginning, but I listen to the lies rather than to accept the truth.  Guide me into my own heart so that I may be confronted at its depths and learn to repent and believe as You give me a clean heart.  Bring me through repentance to walk in the narrow way of righteousness You grant by grace.  Take me out of the prison of this world.

Lord Jesus, You have come to set us free.  Even if they were to lock me up in a room behind bars, in You I would still be free.  This world is mad with sin and does not want to hear the truth, but You have spoken the truth to me.  Lead me in the way of life that responds by repenting and believing in all You command.  Guide me in Your upward to call to hear and respond faithfully.  Amen.