We can produce fruit that survives even death; He will remember our love, kindness, and faithfulness

I will trust in the Lord for He is good, faithful, and just.  He has wonderful plans for me, and I know He holds my future.

Dear Lord, open our hearts and our minds to the power of Your Word, which as we read, we may know, understand, and obey Your Word for us today.  We pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.  (Author unknown)

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL – Tuesday, June 11, 2024

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May you find comfort, encouragement, guidance, hope, inspiration, love, and peace – https://helpfulinspirationalblog.wordpress.com/. May you also find answers to your question(s) through the Scriptures that address every situation you face, and help with your problems.  Deb ♥

Today’s daily reading:

[We can produce fruit that survives even death; He will remember our love, kindness, and faithfulness]

SHEBNA’S GRAVE

Scripture reading:

Isaiah 22:15-24 – This is what the Lord, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, said to me: “Confront Shebna, the palace administrator, and give him this message: “Who do you think you are, and what are you doing here, building a beautiful tomb for yourself—a monument high up in the rock?  For the Lord is about to hurl you away, mighty man.  He is going to grab you, crumple you into a ball, and toss you away into a distant, barren land.  There you will die, and your glorious chariots will be broken and useless.  You are a disgrace to your master!

Yes, I will drive you out of office,” says the Lord, “I will put you down from your high position.  And then I will call my servant Eliakim son of Hilkiah to replace you.  I will dress him in your royal robes and will give him your title and your authority.  And he will be a father to the people of Jerusalem and Judah.  I will give him the key to the house of David—the highest position in the royal court.  When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them.  He will bring honor to his family name, for I will drive him firmly in place like a nail in the wall.  They will give him great responsibility, and he will bring honor to even the lowliest members of his family.”

Today’s story is by:  Tim Gustafson

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.  –Revelation 14:13

Irish poet W. B. Yeats wanted to be buried “Under Ben Bulben,” a stately flat-topped mountain after which he titled one of his last poems.  The poem’s final line is etched onto his gravestone: “Cast a cold eye / On life, on death. / Horseman, pass by!”

Much speculation has taken place over what this means.  Perhaps it’s the poet’s acknowledgement of the reality of both life and death.  Regardless, Yeats got his wish about where he was buried and what his gravestone would say.  But the cold truth is that life goes on without us, indifferent to our departure.

During a dire time in Judah’s history, Shebna, a “palace administrator,” made a tomb for himself to ensure his legacy after death.  But God, through His prophet Isaiah, told him . . . (Isaiah 22:16).  The prophet told him, “[God] will roll you up tightly like a ball and throw you into a large country.  There you will die” (v. 18).

Shebna had missed the point.  What matters isn’t where we’re buried; what matters is who we serve.  Those who serve Jesus have this immeasurable comfort: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord” (Revelation 14:13¹).  We serve a God who’s never indifferent to our “departure.”  He anticipates our arrival and welcomes us home!

[If you would like to journal, reflect, meditate, or pray on today’s reading:]

– What does your life say about how you’re serving?

– How do you want to be remembered?

Prayer: Father in heaven, please help me live my life anticipating the time I’ll be with You in eternity.

Scripture reference:

¹) While it is true that money, fame, and belongings can’t be taken with us from this life, God’s people can produce fruit that survives even death.  God will remember our love, kindness, and faithfulness, and those who accept Christ through our witness will join us in the new earth.  Be sure that your values are in line with God’s values, and decide today to produce fruit that lasts forever.  (NLT)

Revelation 14:13 – And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on.  Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work; for their good deeds follow them!”

https://odb.org/2024/06/11/shebnas-grave

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