February 16, 2014

God's Word and Passing Away

John 6:66-69

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
—Matthew 24:35

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I love to play ice hockey. This past season, after a few months of weekly games, I was beginning to feel quite comfortable with my expertise and level of play. But then one afternoon, as I went out on the ice, I noticed a bunch of new players. It soon became clear that they were much more skillful than I was. Compared to the earlier group, I was acceptable, but with these players I felt like a beginner.

Comparisons on our spiritual journey can sometimes be misleading. Often we compare ourselves to the people around us and feel more-or-less on the same level with them. So we think we must be OK in God’s eyes. But we may well do better to view ourselves in light of God’s word. It tells us that Christ has already fully paid for all our sin. And it calls us to a high standard of loving God with everything we have.

In today’s verse, Jesus speaks from a kingdom perspective that goes far beyond the physical and spiritual worlds we know about. From a worldly point of view, the words of Jesus seem as nothing compared to the vast size of the universe. Yet Jesus says that his words “will never pass away,” while everything else will pass away.

As you journey through life, are you comparing your life to the things of this world or the words of Jesus? Only he has the words of eternal life, and they will never pass away.

Lord, as I continue on life’s journey, I realize I can go nowhere without you by my side. Please be my travel companion as I journey today. Amen.

About the author — Jason Zuidema

Jason Zuidema lives in Repentigny, Quebec, with his wife, Anna, and their three children. He is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary and currently serves as executive director of the North American Maritime Ministry Association. He is the author of a special Seafarers edition of Today devotions published by ReFrame Media in 2012.

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