December 26 Devotional
December 26, 2019
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:24
Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
Wow, that’s heavy. I was hoping for something lighter, more Christmas-y. Not “the end will come…destruction of dominion, authority and power”. The end of the world as we know it. Total chaos. But, perhaps we are the ones living in total chaos. What has dominion, authority and power over us? Our lives are governed by schedules, money, time, possessions, status, comfort (to name a few). I’m beginning to realize that those very things and the sensibilities that give us security, order, protection and privilege are actually our shackles.
I consider myself a nice person. I do nice things. I go to church and I sincerely want to answer God’s call. And yet I fail again and again. I remember a time that I sat in a restaurant and noticed a homeless man approach the counter. I sat and watched him wondering how to handle the situation. Should I intervene? What would the ramifications be? Would the restaurant frown upon me if I offered him food? Other concerns of my well-being entered my mind. And so I did nothing. I sat shackled to my chair hoping that someone else would be brave enough to help this man. And to this day I regret my decision and seek God’s forgiveness for my failure.
I know my failings, and I have many. And if I’m honest with myself, each failing has taught me about my limitations and where I need to grow. I seek God’s help to shatter the chains that tether me to this world so I can live freely in His beautiful world – destroyed of all dominion, authority and power.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your gift of second chances and your unending grace. Thank you for teaching us Your ways and sending Jesus to be our Savior and ultimate example. Help us in our struggles as we seek to follow in His ways. Amen.
Submitted by: Kristy Woodward