Always There!

Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 10

Scripture Focus:  They drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. (1 Corinthians 10.4, NIV)

Devotional Thought: In 2019, Evan, my son-in-law, accompanied me on a camping trip around Lake Michigan.  We travelled in his Jeep.  We slept in his Jeep.  It was the central feature of our camp. Day and night, we were in the Jeep together for our journey around the lake.  Suffice it to say, we got to know each other pretty well!

Paul reminded the Corinthians that our journey with Jesus is like that.  The children of Israel were accompanied by a spiritual Rock - Jesus Christ! - as they wandered in the wilderness.  I’m not sure how that Rock was manifested in their midst.  Even though they couldn’t see him, he was there.  He was there to give them victory in their battles, to give them strength in their vulnerabilities, to give them grace in their temptations, to give them food in their hunger, and to give them drink in their thirst.

That same presence – that same Rock – is with you!  I'm sure you won't see him physically today, but if you look you will see evidence of his presence.  You will find him in his Word.  You will find him in the kindness of those around you.  (And those around you will find him in your kindness!)  You will find him in the wonder of the world he has created for you.  You will find him in the relationships that give you great joy and satisfaction.  You will find him in the innocent beauty of a child’s smile.

Jesus has said he will be with us always – to the very end.  Look for him, and then as the prophet Isaiah said: “With joy… draw water from the wells of salvation!" (Isaiah 12.3).

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being my spiritual Rock.  Even though I don't see you, you are always with me.  Help me to be more aware of your presence and thereby to be stronger in my faith.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 111.1-5

1 Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

2 Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.

3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.

5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.