One Year Bible - March 17
Scriptures to read:
Matthew 17; Numbers 3-4; Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:16
The scriptures for today’s devotion are Matthew 17; Numbers 3-4; Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:16. As I read through the verses, I could not help but notice the common topic of discontent. Jesus pointing out a lack of faith, Priests held accountable for their worship, and a soul contemplating the meaning of life. Indeed, these days, there are a lot of things to be dissatisfied with, but one thing in these verses stood out, strongly, just as it was to those who witnessed it. In Matthew 17:5 God’s voice from heaven came down and proclaimed, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him.” What a powerful act for God to express His love for His Son. I have been blessed to have heard these words from my own earthly father. My Dad is a quiet man, and when I was growing up, he didn’t say much. Now he is older, and having witnessed me raising my family, he is proud of me and has expressed his love and pride for me. It has meant a lot for me to hear these words from my dad. I know that others are not as fortunate, but God’s expression of love for His Son was not dependent on Jesus' works. In Matthew 3:17 God proclaims the same love for Jesus “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Words spoken to Jesus during his baptism, before He had begun His ministry. God’s love for us is the same and the sacrifice of His Son on the cross is proof that His love for us true. So, as I try to make sense of this world today, with everything that is going on, it is the love that God has for me, the unconditional love that helps me through each day.
Memory Verse: Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:39
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your unfailing and unconditional love. I pray that my actions today will reflect the love you have for me. In Jesus name, Amen.
