Wed., 7/26/17 Devotion (Mk. 8:36-37)

Today's encouragement comes from the lips of Jesus, as these words are recorded in Mark 8:36 & 37:

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

These are brilliant Messianic questions. The soul, being more valuable than all the non-rational creation put together, cannot be redeemed easily, and no amount of substitute "good" can make up for its worth. Still, the Fall of man has so beaten out man's brains (as it were), that sinners prefer to sell their souls for a pittance (of sin).

May all God's true churchmen know better; and may we value our souls, and the souls of others—and seek their welfare (in the blood atonement of Jesus).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Men must first overcome God before they can overcome the church.” —Thomas Watson, in his sermon, "Comfort for the Church"]