Tues., 3/11/25 Devotion (2 Cor. 10:5)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Corinthians 10:5, which says this:

"We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ . . . " (ESV)

Behold the work of the Christian ministry: it tears down, so that it can build up (see v. 8). Jesus set us the example. He came and destroyed Satan’s illusory “kingdom,” (cf. 1 Jn. 3:8b); and the Messiah wrecked all the errant prevailing notions about God and His worship. And then Christ set up the way of the True Kingdom (the regenerate church)—which is glory achieved through suf-fering; or the cross leading to the resurrection.

A faithful ministry will sometimes make all of us a bit uncomfortable, especial-ly when it attacks our favorite sins—particularly those that are cloaked in reli-gion. But, let us be encouraged: those who respond well to the gospel of Jesus’ grace will be abundantly recompensed, with a quiet conscience and a joyful heart.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Tender consciences have their hearts smitten for little sins. . . . Those sins that almost break a godly man's heart never break a wicked man's sleep.” —Christopher Love, in, "The Mortified Christian"]

Mon, 3/10/25 Devotion (Lk. 24:45)

Today's encouragement comes from Luke 24:45, where we read these words:

"And [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures."

The Scriptures have a supremely-important place in the kingdom (church) of God—but they must be comprehended properly. It could be argued that to possess the Bible, but not to grasp what it means, is of little good, and could even be dangerous. The Holy Book can only benefit us when and if the Son of God, through the Holy Spirit's work, "opens our understanding."

When this happens, we discover that we are being led to Jesus Christ in every line of Holy Writ (cf. vv. 25, 27, 44). We also comprehend that the Scrip-tures are covenantal documents, to be elucidated and applied in the context of the community of the visible church (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-2). How about us, to-day? Has Christ opened our understandings, so that we might see Him in all the texts of the written Word of God?

[Puritan quote of the day: "Only Christ can satisfy the soul. All other ways and things will only end in disappointment.” —John Owen, in, "Communion With God"]