Devotion for Sunday, December 8, 2019

“Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait
until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the
darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise
will come to him from God.  Now these
things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your
sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no
one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other” (1
Corinthians 4:5-6).

You know what you know of the
Lord’s plan.  The Lord Himself told us to
leave the wheat and tares together.  He
is the Lord of the harvest.  Both here
and to the Romans he wrote admonishing us to not judge, for we have limited
understanding.  But this does not mean
that one allows all things.  On the one
hand, apply mercy and on the other, be diligent to prevent holier-than-thou arrogance.

Lord, only You know the hearts of men. 
Guide me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go and stay me when I
would act against what You have commanded. 
Bring me to the place of being humble and diligent, but keep me from
judging what is not mine to judge.  You
have promised salvation to all who turn to You. 
Lead me in the way You would have me go.

Lord Jesus, Your instructions are clear and yet I often ignore
them.  Lead me, O Lord, to become like
you where I am stern when I need to be stern and merciful when mercy is needed.  In the mystery of salvation, grant me a
willingness to be humble so that I live according to the Father’s will.  In all things, may I look to You and be
guided according to Your salvation.  Amen.