Today’s readings: Isaiah 49:1-12; Galatians 2:11-21; Mark 6:13-29
King Herod promised to give the girl who had pleased him anything, “up to half of my kingdom.” In a similar way, Esther had pleased King Xerxes and was promised the same.
Would “half a kingdom” be enough for us? How much would be required to satisfy your wants? We want wealth, success, health, possessions; but we do not always get what we want. We study, work, and perform, but really, just how much is enough to get our wants? Deep down, we most want to be loved and accepted. We will do anything for another person to love us. But because of sin, you cannot trust anyone else to give you what you want when you want it.
But God shows us that He is trustworthy and reliable. From the cross, Jesus opens his arms to us. God’s love is shown to us through Jesus. God’s love is always available. Through it we are forgiven and accepted. Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given” (Matt 7:7) and, “I will do whatever you ask in my name” (John 14:13) — up to my whole kingdom. It is a gift beyond anything we want and we do not have to do anything for it.
Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for giving me everything I need. Amen.
Today’s devotion was written by Marc Lapointe, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada.