Read today’s texts first: 2 Samuel 19,20; Psalms 55; Matthew 28
God simply must come first! No one, not even our family, cares for us more deeply or more purely.
“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” features Spidey’s girlfriend, Gwen Stacey, who gives this quotable valedictorian speech: “I know we all think that we are immortal, but what makes life valuable is that it ends. So make yours count for something, fight for what matters to you, because even if we fall short, what better way is there to live.” Sorry Gwen – good conclusion, but wrong premise.
My last few journal entries have talked about taking a stand in life for God. Jesus challenged us with these words: Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. But the verses before these give us the reason why we should boldly put God first and make Him known to others.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Matt. 10:28-33).
It was that conviction that kept David strong in his faith while facing the betrayal of his son and Jesus determined to obey His Father during the denial and desertion of His disciples. It was that realization that not only shaped their lives, but also inspired their willingness to lay them down. Christ’s resurrection should always remind us who holds eternity and who should determine how we live our lives on earth.
God simply must come first! No one, not even our family, cares for us more deeply or more purely. He knows everything about us, including the constantly changing number of hairs our heads, and yet His love never changes. Give your burdens to the Lord, he will take care of you. He will not let the godly slip and fall (55:22). Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age (28:20).
“Lord, the truth is, I am immortal. What makes my life valuable is that it never ends. You hold my eternity in Your hands so I will trust those hands to guide me in this life on into the life to come!”
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