Daily Devotion

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Luke 2:33-35   "The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.  Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too...'"   Simeon was a prophet of God.  He clearly knew that Jesus was going down a path of suffering in order for Him to be glorified.  After he blessed the parents of Jesus, he told Mary that Jesus will rise up so that some in Israel will stumble, but others will also rise up.  Jesus did not bring forth a gospel that pleases everyone; He preached the truth, which is the only way, but many don't like the fact that it's the "only way."  Many believe that different faiths should accept each other, coexist in peace and let "all roads lead to Rome."  Truth, however, cannot be compromised, so people only have two options - embrace the truth, or reject, even defy, the truth.  As long as the truth is around, it will reveal the unrighteousness in the hearts of people.   God often reveal the intention of the people through circumstance.  Some people look spiritual, but when faced with critical decision, their dark and ugly hearts are revealed.  Jesus is the true light, and when the true light shines on us, darkness has nowhere to hide and it must be revealed.  Simeon told Mary that "a sword will pierce your own soul," which means a mother's heart will be broken and she will experience the pain of losing a child.  When Jesus was nailed on the cross, Mary stood beneath the cross and saw her favorite child there; she must have suffered tremendous sorrow to see someone so much younger pass away.  Even though she understood God's will, how could a mother's heart not have felt like it was pierced?  Mary was an obedient servant, and God's will was done through her.   When we hear the Lord's voice and face with the message of salvation, what will be our response?  Are we filled with joy and embrace all the grace offered by Christ, or will we reject the authority of Jesus and insist on walking on our own path?      Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, I thank you because you have given us sufficient strength to follow you.  When your grace and gospel are placed before us, please help us to always choose your way and not our own way.  Let us choose your glory each and every time, but not to seek our own satisfaction.  Let us glorify you all our life and let your will be done.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!

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