Wed., 10/31/12 Devotion (2 Ki. 13:4)

Happy Reformation Day, everybody!

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Kings 13:4, where we read these verses:

"So Jehoahaz pleaded with the LORD, and the LORD listened to him; for He [God] saw the oppression of Israel, because the king of Syria oppressed them."

Jehoahaz was not a great guy, (see v. 2)--and yet God not only listen-ed to his prayer, but delivered him from his enemies. We sincere churched Christians are in the same boat. We still struggle with sin, and yet God answers our heartfelt petitions, and saves us from our violent foes.

Let us be thankful that God does not look at the sin of our hearts, but (rather) at the perfection of His Son (in whom every true Christian is found). There is not only safety in Jesus; there is hope and victory in Him, too.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints. Oh, bless the Lord, all you HIs saints. He who is mighty has done great things for you." --Richard Alleine, in, "Heaven Opened"]