The Goal Is Forward, Not Backward
S. O. A. P.
Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!
S-cripture:
Jeremiah 7:24
But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward.
O-bservation:
Jeremiah, the prophet, sternly reprimanded the people of Judah. In verse three, he told them that God wanted them to repent. He desired for them to reform their ways, yet he knew it wouldn’t happen. So here the prophet said to the people, “Instead of following God’s will, you have endeavored to follow the paths of heathen warring neighbors. However, that was never the goal God placed before you. You have chosen to go backward, when all along, The Goal Is Forward, Not Backward.”
A-pplication:
What is it that is so appealing to “Jesus Followers” about their “old ways?” When I speak of “old ways,” I’m speaking of the life we lived before Christ. In my estimation, it has to do with comfortability. The old life had little if no moral code whatsoever. There was no sense of conviction tied to the old life. Yet, the old life was the cool vat of water on the stove that the frog jumped into for refreshment only to find out that once the fire was turned on, the water boiled and cooked him. God calls us out of the old life to something new. He calls us to faith. He calls us to new realities every morning. Yet there is in all of us the temptation back to comfortability. Few enjoy a life of continual stretching and adventure, really. So the old ways appear to be so appealing. But the old life is a lie. It will kill, steal, and destroy everything you are. So please remember, “The Goal Is Forward, Not Backward.”
P-rayer:
Dear Jesus,
Each morning, when I meet You here at this place of prayer, I’m reminded it’s a new day with fresh challenges. I know that once again today, my faith will be tested, and I will be stretched. I want to go forward, so once again this AM, PLEASE, test me and stretch me. Amen
Comment (1)
Amen! I am alive because Christ lives now in me. I will not go to my old ways, but will keep my eyes on Jesus, my Savior! He has prepared me a place and He will go before me to show me the way to eternal felicity! That is going forward!