Series: Devotion

Christians, our unity is Jesus. May the Holy Spirit make this clear through our actions so that the world looks at us and says, “See how they love one another!”

Just as the rain and snow accomplish the purpose for which they are sent, the mighty, creating Word of God carries out its purpose. Jesus, the Word made flesh, the One through whom and for whom all things were created, accomplished the purpose for which He was sent, to suffer and die to atone for the sins of the world

Jesus carries us safe in His hands, just like that. He is greater than everyone; nobody can reach over Him or around Him to take us away. He is smarter than all our enemies, even the devil. No one can trick us out of His hands.

“Victory” Revelation 7:9-12 After this I looked, and behold, a… read more

Pay attention to the responsibilities that the Holy Spirit has given. He wants all to be alert, like good shepherds who know that the wolves are coming.

Our Shepherd is the Lamb who was slain and by His blood “ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9b). Jesus, the Lamb of God and Good Shepherd, went through the valley of the shadow of death for us. Now our risen and reigning Shepherd wants to lead us safely through that same valley.

These are the actions of a man who knows that Jesus loves him—even to the point of death and resurrection. And we stand in the same place Peter did, because Jesus loves us with that same forgiving, redeeming love. What else can we do for Him but love Him back?

Because of Jesus, we are not slaves or prisoners anymore. We are not under the power of death and the devil. We are in God’s kingdom, as God’s beloved children—because Jesus loved us. Praise Him!

But we are not the only ones He has done this for. Look at how He deals with Saul, the would-be murderer. Once Jesus makes His point about the true nature of what Saul is doing, Jesus moves briskly on: “But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” There’s no more blaming, no more digging up the past.