Devotion for Friday, May 23, 2025

“At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.  Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left” (Matthew 24:40-41).

In a way, there has been a sifting that has gone on since the beginning.  In our lives, one looks to Jesus as Lord of all, and the other does not.  We do not know the hearts of others.  Truthfully, we barely know our own heart.  Do not be led by the ways of the world, but by the word of the Lord.  Do not focus upon which one you may be; simply live your life with the Lord and be His.

Lord, I sometimes wonder if, in given these warnings, You are trying to get us to not dwell on them but simply trust that all things are in Your hands.  If so, then guide us in the way of moving beyond our prideful selves to humbly live the life You have given us to live.  Teach us how to love You and others as You do us.  Guide us to see things truthfully so that we may see the world as it is.

Holy Spirit, You know my heart.  Sift me and guide me through those places where I do not live faithfully.  Help me to know that in You alone is all hope.  Help me this day to not look at others and wonder who will be saved but to look at others and see that they too are beloved by You.  Help me to live out the call You have given me and guide me in the way of this life in which I have been redeemed. Amen.