Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 52:6-9
Ps 52:6-9
6 The righteous will see and fear; they will laugh at him, saying, 7 "Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!" 8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. 9 I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.
Rom 3:25-27
25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing law? No, but on that of faith.
Which is more important, obedience or faith? Why do some passages say that we are saved by faith and some by our obedience? This discussion has been going on since the early days of Christianity so my words won’t settle it today. But…
One of the greatest lessons on faith and obedience does not use these words but was taught by our Lord. A rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him (as a Jew) to keep the commandments. He replied that he had always kept them all. Remember how Paul, as a rich young Jewish Pharisee said he had lived his entire life with a good conscience. These are examples of obedience to very near perfection. But not enough to be saved – to inherit eternal life. What is still lacking?
Jesus said for this man to go sell all he had and give it to the poor, then come follow him. He went away sorrowful because he was very rich. The poor were not the primary concern of Jesus. He wanted this young man, this morally good man to put his faith in him and in God instead of his great wealth and possessions. Paul said that greed (putting things first in our lives) is idolatry. Jesus wanted faith (trust) strong and real enough to give up everything to serve him. This man failed to obey because he did not have the faith needed to save him.
Heavenly Father give me greater faith so I will be more obedient to you. Keep me from allowing the things of this world to control me or to be my primary motivation in life. Help me be willing to use what you have given me to help others and to bring glory to your name. I offer a special prayer for those who are sick and especially the children who suffer from so many things. Give them healing and heath as you know best. I humbly pray in Jesus name.
Robert
