Daily Reading: Luke 9
Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. And behold, a spirit seizes him. (Luke 9.38-39)
Devotional Thought: In Luke 9, today’s chapter, Jesus reveals his glory to three of his disciples when he is “transfigured” before them on a mountain top. The four of them come down from that heavenly experience to be confronted with a cold reality of earthly living. A father’s son is being destroyed by a demon! Desperate for help, he had gone to Jesus’ disciples but they were unable to help. He would not stop, however, for his son was too important. He brought his case directly to Jesus.
As I read that story I thought about some spirits that have seized America and now threaten to destroy the rising generation, America's "only child." Spirits of addiction, greed, entitlement, sensuality – and others – have seized the heart of America and threaten us. They scarcely leave us and are destroying us.
But there is hope for America’s “only child.” It is Jesus Christ! Christ can come and deliver a heart that is shackled by addiction and lust and greed. Christ can bring commitment to families and communities. Christ helps us to take responsibility for ourselves and removes the sense of greed. The old-timers used to call it “redemption and lift.” When Jesus comes to a society, redeeming from the control of sin, those individuals and that culture are lifted from the destroying demons!
But, like that father who brought his “only child” to Jesus, the church must bring America to Jesus. We do so through our prayers, through our commitment to live holy lives as directed by the Bible, through our sharing the good news of Jesus and the blessings of prosperity. The rising generation needs us. Will we rise to the occasion?
Prayer: Lord, the future of our nation is at stake. Destroying spirits have seized the heart of America. May I be salt and light in this dark day so that hope will flow through me and to a society desperately in need of deliverance. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 136.17-26
17 to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
18 and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;
19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;
20 and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;
21 and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;
22 a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever.
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Comments