Pocket Thoughts - 6/6/25

God * sustains us and rescues us * makes come to pass what He’s foretold * is a light to the Gentiles, bringing His salvation to the ends of the earth.

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The seven seals referred to in Revelation 6 are the first of four series of judgments in multiples of seven. Those who’ve continually rejected God’s offer of grace and salvation now experience His wrath – His measured punishment for their sins. God’s wrath isn’t a wild, vengeful rage. It’s a perfectly just repayment for defiance of King Jesus. He’s our refuge from God’s wrath, and He’s provided His perfect righteousness to cover us. As the judgments unfold, believers can be comforted by knowing that Jesus is in control and that their place in heaven is secure. – TV

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Jesus described Himself to the Pharisees as the “good shepherd.” The role of a shepherd was that of a humble, hard-working, dedicated servant. Jesus elaborated on His mission as the good shepherd – one who protects the sheep, leads them, gives them a satisfying life, sacrifices for them, knows them uniquely, and keeps the flock united. He talked of the dangers the sheep would face without a shepherd – robbers and thieves who come to steal, kill, and destroy, and wolves who attack and scatter the flock. There was nothing glamorous in Jesus’ description, but He did express His heart for the flock – God’s people. Jesus was the true, trustworthy Leader Whose people knew and responded to His voice. He was the sacrificial Defender of His flock, protecting them against thieves and predators. He was committed to the sheep, refusing to desert them when trouble came upon them. This beautiful depiction of Jesus’ love for His people using the metaphor of a shepherd would have been quite relatable to the Jews of that day. Thankfully, we have these words in Scripture to help us get a glimpse of the heart of our Good Shepherd. What a blessing to be a part of His flock – loved, protected, and cared for! We can rest easy, confident that our Good Shepherd is tirelessly tending to us. – TV

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God’s people are to be caretakers of His beautiful creation. Stewarding the resources of His world is an act of worship. But let’s wisely guard against worshiping the created rather than the Creator. Appreciate, care for, and enjoy this temporary home we call earth, but when it comes to worship, reserve that high calling for God alone. – TV

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Father, today I’m reminded of Your absolute holiness, righteousness, and justice. You’re good in the purest sense. “To fear the Lord” is the right response to Who You are. Forgive me when my attitude is anything less than awe and reverence for You. Forgive me when I’m quick to see the spirit of disobedience in others without thoroughly examining my own heart – which You search and know completely. Help me to recognize and repent from areas where I may be leading others astray, where I may be encouraging others to sin against You, where I may be slaughtering innocent people in my thoughts or with my slander, where I may not defend the vulnerable, and where any aspect of my life mocks Your holiness. Thank You for this window of opportunity for repentance. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Help me to be faithful to the One Who has been faithful to me. Jesus, my thanks and worship are Yours alone for Your willing sacrifice to purchase my pardon. Your resurrection power over sin and death is my hope and strength. All praise to You in Your beautiful Name, amen.

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“This is a picture of the road to Christ Jesus. It is no roundabout road of the law; it is no obeying this, that, and the other; it is a straight road: ‘Believe, and live.’ It is a road so hard that no self-righteous man can ever tread it, but so easy that every sinner who knows himself to be a sinner may by it find his way to heaven.” – Charles Spurgeon

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“Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-8a