Daily Devotional
You Are God’s Beloved
“Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ.”
Jude 1:1
July 9, 2022
Ponder This
In this verse, many translations use the word sanctified. But some Bible scholars tell us that's not the best translation. Rather than sanctified, we might use beloved. Sanctified is good, but beloved is better in this particular instance because it tells something of the nature of God's special people. What's the difference? As an example, I love the members of my church, but Joyce is my beloved and there's a difference. She is my love; she is special. Who is the beloved of God? The Lord Jesus. He is God’s beloved Son in whom He is well pleased. (See Matthew 3:17.) It is by Jesus that we are accepted, therefore God sees us as He sees Jesus, and God's name for His own dear children is beloved. The word beloved is a perfect participle. What does that mean? It means there’s a finished action in the past that has a result in the present. It is something that cannot be changed; it is fixed. Because of what was done in the past, we are and will forever be God's beloved.
- How does it encourage you to be reminded that you are the beloved of God?
- How does that change the way you think about how God sees you?
Practice This
Make a list of what it means for God’s people to be His beloved. What promises do you know from the Bible for God’s beloved?
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
