Hold On, and Receive God's Blessing

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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Devotions: Ps 6, 12, 94; Jer 15:10-21; Phil 3:15-21; Jn 12:20-26

Lord, I am languishing; please, don’t rebuke me or chasten me in Your wrath. Heal me, God: my bones, my soul and my heart are troubled. How long must I hold out before something good comes to me? Lord, turn to me and save me, I pray; deliver me through Your steadfast love, my God. The Lord has heard my supplications; He accepts my prayer. God will turn back my enemies and I will be exonerated and blessed. This I believe. I live in a godless society, where the needy groan and the poor are robbed. But God takes our side; His promises are pure. Let the Holy One protect us as vileness is exalted among humankind. Let God, the Holy God of vengeance, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of all the earth, and cast down the wicked who arrogantly boast, and who exploit the weak and defenseless, saying ‘God can’t see us; He has no perception!’ But think: God made eyes and ears; He can see and hear! He knows us inside out! Lord, give respite to Your faithful people; don’t abandon us to death; bring justice to the righteous and hope to the upright in heart! Whenever I thought I was done for, God has sustained me; when my heart is burdened, God gives consolation. God is my Stronghold and my Refuge; He will destroy my enemies and restore my joy. Thank You, God!

Jeremiah lamented his birth—how he was cursed and hated throughout his homeland, despite his constant attempts to help his people. He, too, grew weary and entreated God for help: ‘Remember and visit me, my God; in Your forbearance sustain me. You know my reproach and struggles. When Your words came, I ate them; they have become my joy and my heart’s delight. For I am called by Your name, O YHWH Sabaoth. I am set apart for You; Your concerns are mine. Why is my pain unceasing and my wound incurable? Please, God, don’t let me down!’ And God replied, ‘If you return, I will restore you; when you speak what has eternal value, you shall be as My mouth. They will turn to you; you need not turn to them; I will strengthen you, and you will prevail, for I Am with you, to save and deliver you from the hands of the wicked and the grasp of the ruthless.’ Amen; let it be, O Lord!

Paul encouraged the Philippians: ‘Let us hold fast to all God has revealed to us. Mark those who know God, and imitate them. Those who follow idols will perish. However, our commonwealth is in heaven; and we are awaiting the Savior Who is coming from there, the Messiah Jesus, our Lord. He will change our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, by that power which enables Him to subject all things to Himself.’

Some Gentile worshipers at the festival came to Philip and sought to see Jesus; Philip told this to Andrew, and the two apostles brought the request to Jesus. He answered, ‘The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves this life loses it, while he who hates this worldly life will gain eternal life. Anyone who serves Me must follow Me; and where I Am, there will My servant be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him!’