Daily Devotional
Looking Toward Jesus’ Return
“All things were created through Him and for Him. …And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.”
Colossians 1:16b, 18
December 26, 2021
Ponder This
In Colossians 1:16, “For” is a preposition that speaks of direction. We in America have been invaded by Eastern religions. Eastern religions are circular. Everything goes round and round. Followers of these religions believe in reincarnation. And so you have to live with good karma. And if your karma is not good, then in your next life you may come back as a roach. But if you’ve been good, you might come back as a cow. That’s the reason someone might not eat meat. He might be eating his ancestor.
But life and history are not circular. It is all headed in a direction. The Bible is linear. We’re moving to the time when the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ. That’s the reason He taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10 KJV). I can hardly wait.
- What are some ways you might inadvertently be living according to the belief that you will be paid back for how good or bad your life was?
- How does following Jesus differ from this? How does following Jesus and looking forward to His Second Coming motivate you to live differently?
Practice This
Take some time to journal any ways you might be living to earn rewards in the next life. Confess these to the Father and thank Him that Jesus has done everything needed to secure your eternity and has promised to return again soon.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Calling God's Name
Discover the character of God through His many names revealed in Scripture. This month-long devotional invites you to read, reflect, and respond to the meaning of God's names, renewing your mind and transforming your heart in faith.
