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John 1:12 – But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. (ESV)
Oftentimes, television advertisements promote products for people who are in — or want to be in — positions of influence. Their appeal revolves around the power to be lauded, to selfishly say by implication or directly, "I am worth it!"
Sadly, I fear democracy has reached its nadir. We live in the times of postmodernity where all truth is relative, apparently, and so many untruths and half-truths are being propounded as truth.
After the trauma of World War II, humanity's hubris was curtailed for a time. There was a genuine desire to rebuild and transcend the preceding norms that had pervaded the early 20th century. Now some 80-plus years later, most of those good intentions and universal hopes and fears mostly lie in tatters. I was one born and raised in this time of a vision of justice, forgiveness, honour, moral rectitude, and transparency. Over time, this seems to have dissipated into financial or political expediency.
Truth and righteousness have fallen on so many deaf ears. Two thousand years ago, it was much the same: people were suffering. The only difference between then and now is that it took weeks or months for news to travel across the then known world, instead of just by the click of a button.
It was for such times as this that Jesus, the Son of God, came to reside on earth as the Son of Man, into a broken, suffering, fearful, and hard-pressed society. Jesus came to offer a revival of righteousness, to shine His light on hope, love, truth, compassion, and self-giving.
No matter who we are, Jesus shows His love for us. Whether we are great or insignificant in the world's view, Jesus died to bring to us the opportunity for freedom and hope. In His resurrection and ascension, He has poured out the Holy Spirit on all those who choose to become His disciples, to make a life-changing difference for us, both in this world now and latterly in the one to come.
Jesus shows us the way to know the real, absolute truth. Taking Jesus as our Saviour is the only way for us to find acceptance and a genuine peace in an eternal life that matters. As Christians, we become His children and He cares for us. He exemplifies what it means to stand up for His absolute values of doing the right thing no matter what the cost. He will be with us as we try, and He will provide a way through.
In contrast to "I am worth it", Jesus says, "You are worth it — always."
Prayer: Lord, we are humbled and also amazed that You found us where we are. Yet again, we ask for Your presence with us through the day to bring Your light into dark times. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Thanks Rod, blessings.
Thank you.
(Oklahoma, USA)
Wise and appropriate words, Rod. Entitlement seems to be the order of the day.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. To God be the glory! Blessings.
Thanks, Rod. “In contrast to “I am worth it”, Jesus says, “You are worth it – always.” This is a great comfort.
Rod, I praise the Lord for your witness and the last full paragraph as you witness of how Jesus shows us the way…thanks!!
Thank you for your devotionals. They always hit a spot in me. I appreciate your insights and how you tie everything together. All the best.
You are so on with this message. The is so much greed in the world that it is destroying the world.
Blessings.
Happy and blessed New Year.
Humbled and thankful to think what Christ has done.
Thank you.
God bless.
Rod, thanks for reminding me today of God’s perfect plan of redemption by his son’s death and resurrection as the evidence of his love for me and the whole world for all time. It is such an awesome love!
Greetings Rod in the New Year of 2025 and many thanks for your very encouraging devotional today. Yes, we need be very humble and most thankful for the loving care Jesus is ever ready to give us. No matter where we are in this world, He responds to our prayers and is most deserving of our constant faith and gratitude. Blessings for these writings you prepare and share with us.
Thank you for writing this devotional.
Worth it.
Sometimes.
All times.
WHO decides.
I do.
God does.
What comfort.
Thank you.
Blessings.
Thank you always for your devotionals.
I’m in Matthew 3-7 at the start of 2025 and I’m astonished by Jesus’ impact in his own neighborhood. He drew people from the far reaches of area… all by word of mouth: no phones, TV, or newspapers! Their determination to “see for themselves” is amazing, no planes, trains, or cars… just step by step along the way.
Praying that I might live in my neighborhood a way that honours Him!’
Thanks for your encouragement to “Walk the talk”!
(Canada)
Dear Rod,
I always love it when you post on Daily. You are always dead on target for what you are talking about, and it certainly seems to me that your words are tempered by a great deal of life experience combined with a person of great true faith!
I would like to share your devotional in a newsletter that goes out only to the members of my local Church congregation.
Very best wishes,
(Ontario)
Rod, I praise the Lord for your witness and the last full paragraph as you witness of how Jesus shows us the way…thanks!!