Today Daily Devotional

Before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.
— Revelation 19:11

The first people to receive the book of Revelation were facing great pressure and persecution to give up on Jesus. Christians were losing their property and livelihoods, and some faced public execution.In Revelation 2-3, where we find the risen, exalted Jesus speaking to a number of his churches, we often hear the call to stand fast and to “overcome” even when their faith in him would bring suffering. To hear then, toward the close of this book, that Jesus is named “Faithful and True” must have been encouraging to Christians who were facing great uncertainty and fearful times.Because Jesus is faithful, he will never abandon his suffering church. Because he is faithful, endurance is never wasted.Because Jesus is true, he keeps his word. Because he is true, he does not compromise with evil. His judgments are good, and his victory is certain.The name Faithful and True means that Jesus is who he says he is and that he will do what he says he’ll do. Notice the blood on Jesus’ robe. That points to his sacrifice for us. Faithful and true to his mission to save us, he purchased salvation for us with his blood (Revelation 5:9). Jesus gave his life to keep his promises.Revelation 19 shows, at the end of all things, that Jesus is Faithful and True. He will take care of us—even in our most fearful times. “The one who calls [us] is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Lord, thank you for always being Faithful and True. Fill us with your life and love, that we may be faithful to you. Amen.

He chose us . . . for adoption . . . through Jesus Christ . . . the One he loves.
— Ephesians 1:4-6

My daughters and I enjoy romantic comedies. We view these love stories with our popcorn and our sappy smiles, waiting for that satisfying moment when the main characters declare their love for one another. We are drawn to these stories because we are made for love. But stories like these are just shadows—wispy imitations of the real and eternal thing.The Bible tells us that God is love. From the depths of eternity the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has been and is love, delighting in and glorifying one another. God is one, and yet, mysteriously, God is also three persons in a perfect, loving relationship.So when John declares that “God is love,” he means that the triune God did not need to create anyone or anything in order to love. God has always been abounding in love. This begins within the Godhead and extends to everything God does.At Jesus’ baptism, and again at his transfiguration, the Father’s voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). And what is so amazing is that, in Jesus, God has extended his love to us! Even more, the Beloved, our Lord Jesus, did far more than getting down on one knee to declare his love. He laid down his life for us, becoming the “atoning sacrifice for our sins.”And when we receive him, relying on the love God has for us, God lives in us, and we live in him. Amazing!

Triune God, thank you for loving us and giving us new life in Jesus, the One you love. Fill us with your life and love, and help us to share your love everywhere. Amen.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
— John 1:1-2

Daily I’m surrounded by words, reading lots of them in my work as an editor. Words can be influential and powerful; they give shape to thoughts and express inner ideas. It has often been said that “the pen is mightier than the sword,” and I think that’s because words can help to change minds, while swords and other weapons will mainly threaten and harm.Though human words may be powerful at times, they are like nothing compared to God’s words. God spoke, and his words created our universe (Genesis 1). God’s word can be like fire, or like a hammer that breaks rocks (Jeremiah 23:29). God’s word goes out and accomplishes his purposes (Isaiah 55:10-11). “The word of God is alive and active. . . . It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). God’s words are not idle; “they are your life” (Deuteronomy 32:47).John 1 tells us even more: the living and active Word of God is one with God. The Word is a person, and “through him all things were made.” The Word even took on human flesh and moved into our world to come and live with us, walking our streets and breathing our air. And his name is Jesus.As the living Word of God, Jesus gives all who believe in him “the right to become children of God.” Are you a part of God’s family through this Word, his Son, our Savior?

Word of God, fill us with your life and your love. By your Spirit, guide us to receive you and believe in your name. Amen.

“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One. . . .”
— Mark 14:62

Jesus often used the name “Son of Man” to refer to himself.What does this name mean?On the surface, “Son of Man” seems simple enough to understand. This name shows that Jesus is a human being. But for Jesus this name had a meaning that pointed to something deeper and bigger.In the Old Testament the prophet Daniel describes a vision in which he saw a “son of man” who came “with the clouds of heaven.” That person went into God’s presence and received “authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is . . . everlasting . . . and his kingdom . . . will never be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).And when Jesus stood on trial before the religious rulers of his day, and the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus applied Daniel’s vision to himself, saying: “I am. . . . And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).Wow! The name “Son of Man” shows us that Jesus shares our humanity—with our scraped knees, fingerprints, and belly buttons—and that he is also the One with all power and authority (see Matthew 28:18).Jesus, the Son of Man, is fully human and fully God—Savior and Lord of all!

Who is like you, Lord Jesus? We lift up our hearts to you. May we honor and worship you faithfully. In your name, Amen.

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
— John 8:58

We can often see how weighty a statement is by how listeners react. Some words prompt a smile; others a scowl; others a glance at the watch. But what about words that make people reach for stones to throw?When Jesus said, “I am,” in our passage for today, his listeners were shocked. Then they tried to kill him. Why? Because he was taking on the name of God to identify himself.God had revealed this name when he called Moses to lead his people out of slavery: “I AM WHO I AM. . . . Say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” . . . This is my name forever” (Exodus 3:14-15).The name “I AM” is heavy with meaning. It means God is complete in himself, eternal, and worthy of all worship. When Jesus called himself “I am,” he was saying he is the God who spoke to Moses. His audience understood, and that’s why they were ready to stone him.When we hear Jesus’ claim that he is God, what is our response? C. S. Lewis noted that either Jesus is lying and knows it, which would make him evil. Or Jesus just thinks he is God but is mistaken, which would make him delusional. Or Jesus is telling the truth, meaning he really is the eternal God of the universe.If Jesus is a liar or deluded, we should reject him. But if he is God, we should trust him completely and worship him. What is your response?

Lord Jesus, you are God. Forgive us for treating you as anything less. Help us to live faithfully for you as the Lord of our lives and, indeed, the Lord over all. Amen.