Devotion for Thursday, September 21, 2023

“Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl upon the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple from the throne, saying, “It is done” (Revelation 16:17).

The same thing happened on the cross. Jesus breathed His last after saying, “It is finished.”  How many times will the Lord clean up our mess?  As many times as it takes.  He made the world perfect and we have messed it up.  Blaming it on Adam and Eve won’t help, for we have each done our part.  Seven is a Scriptural number for perfection.  The Lord will do what it takes until we are perfected.

Lord, I do not have the patience You have.  I do not even understand why You would go to such lengths.  For those who are parents, there may be a little understanding, but even then, it pales in comparison to You.  Grant grace such that each of those who are hopeful in Your promises will live reflecting Your light so that others may see the great love You have for us all.  Thank You for not stopping until all is finished.

Lord Jesus, Your word promises that everything has a purpose.  You have given Your word so that we, on this side of eternity, might look with hope at all that You have promised.  But I suspect none of us understands that You will not actually stop until it is finished.  You won’t just brush us off and send us on our way.  You will make each of Your faithful perfect as You are perfect.  Thank You, Jesus; and do not stop no matter how much I complain.  Amen.