Leviticus 16-17
Psalm 11
Matthew 25
Devotion by Maria Knowlton (IN)
Not to be one to copy someone else’s work, but like yesterday’s writer, today is MY BIRTHDAY!!! Really!!! And as I’m writing this, it’s the 44th anniversary of my baptism into the Family of God (of which I’m so glad to be a part)!
As I was reading our OT, Psalms, and NT passages, I was wondering how I could tie them together. Nothing really obvious jumped out at me. However, as I’m getting older, the time I have in this lifetime seems more precious as I increasingly understand its brevity. I then re-read the passages with that thought in mind and time was just as precious to those way back then.. and what a sacrifice that was and is to give to God.
In Leviticus 16, we find all the rules Aaron was to follow for making sacrifices and cleaning up after those sacrifices. I can’t imagine the time it took for Aaron and the priest to do so much cleaning. These sacrifices and cleaning were for Aaron and his family’s sanctification, but still… with no running water or Mr. Clean Erasers, that could not have been easy. It was a true sacrifice of time.
In Matthew 25, we read of some women who did not use their time wisely. We aren’t told what they were doing that kept them from preparing for the party. We just know they did not have what they needed when the bridegroom came to get them.
We are also strongly encouraged in this chapter to spend our time caring for those in need. I’d say that’s a pretty good way to give God our time!
In Psalms 11… it might be a bit of a stretch to say it’s about the use of our time, but it does say the Lord is watching what we do, so in a sense, what we do with our time.
No matter what we do with our time, it’s wise to always remember Colossians 3:23-24.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Reflection Questions:
- How have you used your time this past week? What did you do that was a good use of your time? Is there anything that you neglected to take care (such as packing your oil)?
- How do we make the best use of the gifts God has given so we are prepared both to do the jobs He wants us to do (even the hard, dirty ones) and for the bridegroom’s arrival?
- What can you do this week that will be a sacrifice of the time God has given to you?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I praise You for being my Creator, sustainer, provider, and shield and strength! I thank You for the gifts of life and time and the opportunity to be a part of Your Family. I confess the times and ways I neglect to do the most important jobs You have given, and instead are wasteful with the minutes and resources You have gifted to me. Help me do what You want me to do, with a heart of love and joy, and all for Your glory. In Your Returning Son’s Name, Amen
Seek Grow Love 