Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 5
Scripture Focus: The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden. (1 Timothy 5.24-25).
Devotional Thought: When the #MeToo movement got going, famous actors, movie producers, U. S. Senators, popular athletes, even septuagenarian and nonagenarian former presidents found themselves the topic of the evening news and various Twitter storms! The list went on and on... The number of people whose past indiscretions (or at least accusations!) have come into the public's eye exploded. I imagine that there are some very nervous people out there still!
In writing to Timothy, Paul said that the sins of some people are conspicuous. I'm sure you can recall some very dramatic and heart-breaking news coverage of the past few weeks to confirm that for yourself. But Paul also said that the sins of others would only appear later. "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32.23).
But that's the negative side. Paul said that good works as well as bad would ultimately be known, too. The fact is that "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" (Hebrews 4.13). Since everything will eventually come out into the open, don't you think that the wise course would be to live a good life?
When that day comes in heaven when "the books will be open" (Revelation 20.12), I want my works to bring glory and honor to my Savior - in whose book my name will be written! You, too, can have your name written there!
Prayer: Father, thank you for your mercy! Thank you for giving your only Son to be the Savior of the world and to forgive my sins in particular. Help me to live my life so that Jesus is glorified on the day my works are revealed. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 17 Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law. 19 I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me! 20 My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times. 21 You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments. 22 Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies. 23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. 24 Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors. (Psalms 119:17-24)
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