The following is a part of our weekly devotional series, which is a companion to the 2013 Foursquare Life Journal. This week’s Bible reading comes from 2 Kings 15-16; 2 Chron. 26-27; Ps. 73 and 115-116; Isa. 1-7; Hos. 1-12; Titus 3; Philemon; Heb. 1-4; and Jude.
I’m grateful to be part of a tradition and movement that believes that God speaks to His people today. His voice is heard through the Word of God, prayer, creation and nature, the circumstances of life, fellow believers and in the proper operation of the gifts of the Spirit.
God’s best and most sure Word has been spoken to us in His Son, Jesus Christ:
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (Heb. 1:1-2, NIV).
The writer of Hebrews declares simply, “in these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son.”
What do we hear God say through the words, and through the life and ministry of Jesus?
We hear that God loves the world—all of the world—and that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. We hear Jesus declare that the price for our sins has been paid, eternal life has been secured, and the work to save mankind is finished.
While on the cross, we hear Jesus speak comforting words to a guilty man who asked only to be remembered; and in those words Jesus promises Paradise. This drama on the cross speaks of how much God wants to save us, and it shows us one example of how repentance expresses itself.
And we hear so much more!
As we listen, we hear Jesus say that His people will receive power to be His witnesses. We also hear that there is healing for broken bodies, hearts, minds and relationships. And, we hear the rejoicing and celebration when this healing comes.
Jesus both tells us and shows us that the devil is defeated, demons can be cast out and the One alive in us is greater than the one who is in the world.
As if all this were not enough, we hear God speak to two of the great concerns of humanity: We will never be alone, and we will never be forsaken. And then Jesus tells us that He is coming again for us, and that we will forever be with Him.
We will forever be with Him!
Indeed, God has in these last days spoken to us by His Son. We must praise Him for every sure word that has been given to us, for He is merciful, faithful and righteous.
By: Jim Scott, director of Foursquare Missions International
Download the yearlong reading plan (PDF, 80 KB), or sign up for the full, online version of the Life Journal. To purchase a Life Journal for your own use, or to place a bulk order for church-wide use, visit FoursquareJournal.com. Learn more about Foursquare’s 2013 Life Journal project.
