Daily Reading: Romans 16
Scripture Focus: Greet Apelles, the one tested and approved in Christ. (Romans 16.10, Amplified Bible)
Devotional Thought: Paul's individual greetings may seem irrelevant to us far removed from Rome, but if we consider what these brief greetings convey, we might find our souls challenged. Paul said that Apelles was “tested and approved in Christ." Are you...
Tested in Christ? We typically think of testing as negative, but I believe that we are tested with good as well as bad. The bad things that test us are things such as trials and troubles, sickness and sorrow, failure and rejection. When bad things happen, we are tempted to believe that God has forgotten us. We may try to fix things “our way” and forget God’s ways. We may become sullen or angry. We may even lash out at those around us. We are also tested with good things. When things are going well, we may neglect to seek the wisdom and blessing of God. When we are healthy and strong, we tend to forget how much we need God’s touch. When we succeed, we might just substitute the praise of men for the approval of God.
Approved in Christ? While it is neither automatic nor easy, obtaining the approval of Christ is really quite simple. Christ’s sacrifice is the only means of approval before God. In John 6.27, we read that God has set his seal of approval on Christ. We place ourselves under that seal of approval by “believing in the one he has sent” (John 6.29). We do not earn his approval; we simply receive it. Then, whether good things or bad things come our way, we know that we are approved in Christ.
In good things or bad, may you be tested and approved in Christ!
Prayer: O Lord, thank you that you have set your seal of approval on me. I trust in you, and you alone, for my righteousness. Whether things are going well or life is a disaster, help me to be tested and approved in you. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 30.6-12
6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved."
7 By your favor, O LORD, you made my mountain stand strong; you hid your face; I was dismayed.
8 To you, O LORD, I cry, and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 "What profit is there in my death, if I go down to the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me! O LORD, be my helper!"
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
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