🕊️ PRAY HERE Devotion 🕊️ Ministry of Reconciliation

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18–19

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

Devotion: You know you have messed up badly with someone if another person has to step in and help restore the relationship.

For example, when a child has done something wrong and is afraid to face their parent, sometimes another family member has to step in and say, “Let me talk to them for you,” to help bring peace back to that relationship.

That’s how serious it is when reconciliation is needed.

So we should be very grateful and receptive to Jesus for reconciling us with God.

You may be wondering, “What did we do? Why did Jesus have to reconcile us?”

Let’s talk about it.

Our sins, idol worship, and disobedience caused hostility between us and God.

Now think about it: how would you feel if someone continuously disrespected you, ignored you, chose everything else over you, and still expected access to you like nothing ever happened?

That’s how we have treated God at times.

We can be unreasonable and unfair in our relationship with Him.

But here comes Jesus!

This is why we should thank Him.

This is why we should honor Him.

This is why we should go to Him in prayer.

He is our sacrificial Lamb.

He stepped in and reconciled us back to God. He abolished the hostility and separation that we caused.

That alone should humble you.

Because without Jesus, there would still be distance.

Without Jesus, there would still be separation.

Without Jesus, we would not have access.

But because of Him, we can come boldly to God.

So embrace Jesus today. Be thankful for Him. Recognize the power in His name and the gift of what He has done for you.

And not only that, share this truth with others.

Because just as we were reconciled, others can be too.

God bless you!

Prayer: Father God, thank You for loving us enough to send Jesus to reconcile us back to You. Thank You for not leaving us in our sin and separation, but making a way for us to be restored. Lord, forgive us for the ways we have been disobedient and distant from You. Help us to fully embrace Jesus and all that He has done for us. Let us never take His sacrifice for granted. Teach us to walk in gratitude, humility, and obedience. And use us to share this message of reconciliation with others so they can come back to You as well.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.