Buddy's Devotion

BUDDY’S DEVOTION
John 15:9-17
Psalm 16:11: “You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”

Miguel threw Buddy the same softball that he’d thrown to Jules and Bobby during the fall. (See Biblical Holy Days devotions #315-326). Buddy doesn’t care what’s on TV, orwhat game they're playing—but he is the best company Miguel could want—even when begging for a bite from Miguel’s hamburger. Miguel’s best friends are his fourth-grade classmates at school. But there’s no one like Buddy in Miguel’s life, without whom, Miguel’d be lost. Without Miguel, Buddy’d be lost, too.

Buddy’s not in school. He doesn’t read, or write. Buddy’s the name for Miguel’s mixed-breed dog. He’s been Miguel’s constant “buddy” since kindergarten. When Miguel throws the ball somewhere Buddy can’t retrieve it, he paws and barks threateningly at the obstacle (OB-stik-el means barrier). Buddy gets over Miguel’s anger fast, and never holds a grudge. He often paws Miguel awake on the weekends, so they won’t waste a moment of fun. He wants nothing more than to please, and to be with Miguel all the time.

Buddy is the perfect example of persistent (per-SIS-tent means continual) determination, where we get the word dogged from, and what that word means.

Devotion is Buddy’s gift to his master. Buddy’s dedication, loyalty, and commitment to Miguel are unsurpassed by everyone except Miguel’s parents—and God. Dogged devotion should describe every believer. When we’re devoted to God, we want to be with Him, or at least remain friends all the time. Even when we don’t know the plan, or where God’s leading doesn’t make sense to us, we remain devoted to Him. (Just as Buddy remains devoted to Miguel, without doubt or complaint). It’s OK to ask God questions when we’re confused about stuff. That’s when He knows we’re serious about our faith—and is so pleased—that He’ll find ways to answer every concern.

Miguel stands up after digging the ball out of a drain, and throws it for Buddy to chase. Buddy bounds after it, returning quickly, an obvious grin on his face. “Good boy!” Miguel congratulates Buddy, patting his head. Just like this devoted dog, we’ll find joy and satisfaction in God’s presence.

Take Home Nugget

Jesus knew that we’d have questions when following Him. That’s why He tries to prepare us, urging us to abide in His love (John 15:9-10). Despite our not being able to understand God sometimes, His love is reliable. We can depend on that, and remain doggedly devoted to Him, our Master.

J.D. Griffith

Never should our love be just a word,
A passing phrase, a brief emotion;
But love that honors Christ our Lord
Responds to Him with deep devotion.

Hess

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