Here's your daily devotional!

If you wish to receive these free devotionals every weekday by E-mail, click the button below. Note: you'll have to log in or create your membership account first. Membership in the League is free. Join now!

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

“From God's Point of View”

Thoughts for Today:

In our previous passage, Paul told us Christ came to the Jews "on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs". Today he explains where we fit into His plan, "...so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy." We might re-word this as follows: "Jesus came not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles. The Jews see God's truth reflected in Christ, while the Gentiles experience His mercy."

Consider Galatians 4:4-5: "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." Salvation came to the Jews by Christ who fulfilled both the Law and proved the truth of the Old Testament promises. Through this same process, salvation was also brought to the Gentiles. The difference is God made promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Christ came to fulfill those promises), but God didn't make those same promises to us directly. Rather, we were grafted into God's family tree so that by faith we Gentiles might obtain mercy. In this way we bring glory to God -- as the demonstration of His mercy.

All too often we Christians think we are special -- as if by our presence alone -- great value was brought to the faith. The Bible tells us something entirely different. We are simply a demonstration of God's mercy. Without it we deserve punishment for the sin we've committed against God. The same goes for all humanity. This perspective helps to keep my pride in check. I see myself from God's point of view -- I am only a demonstration of His great mercy! My self-centered pride transforms to simple gratitude for His grace.

Questions to Ponder:

How are you feeling today? A little self-righteously smug in your own works? Better think again. The only work that matters is the one performed by Jesus on the Cross. His life for ours. Do you have the right point of view?

View latest devotional

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

You can start from Day 1 at any time. Messages are sent automatically. Subscribe now! You may unsubscribe at any time.

About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.