BRIGHT AND SHINY OBJECT
Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.
Matthew 25:11-12: “Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’
“But He replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’”
Scripture teaches that grace is undeserved and unearned favor. Grace represents the unconditional love our Father shows His kids. Grace is one awesome promise! Our Father’s grace for His kids is expressed through the redemptive, or saving work, of Jesus Christ.
However, universal grace must not be confused with universalism.
Universalism is the mistaken idea that all people go to heaven!
Earth is people’s proving ground. Our lives prove—regardless of what we say—whose we are. So many people chase after the newest bright and shiny object so that the Day of Judgment captures them off guard! Scripture teaches that God’s kids are justified by our faith (Galatians 3:11, 24). Justified [JUS-ti-fied] here means that the Father accepts Believers-in-Christ as His own.
Grace and justified are two happy adjectives that describe whose we are.
Ephesians 1:4-5 adds, “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined [decided] us to be adopted as His sons by faith in Jesus Christ.”
While Jesus was on earth the first time, He released grace to those around Him. He healed and cared for everyone who came to Him. But many refused to repent (turn away from their sins) and believe in Him.
The bridegroom in Matthew 25 represents Jesus. He will return to earth one day soon to collect Believers for eternity. Unlike the people in the opening Scripture, Jesus will not shut the door of eternal life on those whose fire for Him still blazes. See the lesson linked below that shows doubters who allow their light to go out (or love for Jesus dim while they wait for His return).
Doubters allow the newest bright and shiny object to divert their attention away from their Savior!
Take Home Nugget
Jesus warns us in Matthew 25:13: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” This means that no one knows the moment of death. The Day of Judgment will surprise many who chase after the newest bright and shiny object and are not prepared for Jesus’ return.
Living on earth is where and when grace and justification align Believers under the Lordship of our Savior Jesus.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for your grace and acceptance through my faith in Jesus. Please keep me on fire for Him that prevents my chasing after the newest bright and shiny object! I’m praying this in the name of my Savior, King Jesus. Amen.
Adapted from “Will Jesus Claim You?” by Pastor Mark Jeske. August 16, 2018. www.TimeOfGrace.org.
J.D. Griffith
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