Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 21, 2025
John 14:25-31
25 “I have spoken these things to you while I am with you. 26 The Companion, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I told you. 27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives. Don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 You have heard me tell you, ‘I’m going away and returning to you.’ If you loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than me. 29 I have told you before it happens so that when it happens you will believe. 30 I won’t say much more to you because this world’s ruler is coming. He has nothing on me. 31 Rather, he comes so that the world will know that I love the Father and do just as the Father has commanded me. Get up. We’re leaving this place.
Good Morning. Turn your eyes upon Jesus!
In verse 27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I give to you not as the world gives.” Let’s consider how the world gives this morning. In human terms, nothing is given without an expectation of something in return. The old saying, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch,” comes to my mind.
If someone gives you a gift, they likely expect a gift in return. If I do you a favor, then you owe me a favor when I need help.
The other human construct is that we must work hard to earn what we want. In the business world, we start on the bottom rung of the ladder to success. We work hard, and slowly, we move up the ladder. If we work hard enough, we might reach the top.
God begins by giving us unconditional love and sent Christ to bear our sins through his death and resurrection so that we might have eternal life. There is nothing we can do well enough to earn our salvation. If the gift of eternal life were dependent upon our work production, then no one would have it.
The Good News this morning is the gift is available to all. We, sinners, must ask for forgiveness and proclaim Christ as our Lord and Savior to accept the gift.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Loving Lord, Maker of all things! How can we thank you? You bless us beyond our imagination. Praise to You, Almighty God. Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Christ gives peace to all who give their worries to him.
Fall on your knees and accept Christ’s gift! Pastor Liz
Comments