For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? – Matthew 16:26
In today’s verse, Jesus talks about something extremely valuable—more valuable than all the prosperity, pleasures, and power Earth has to offer. It is something so treasured that Jesus left Heaven and came humbly as a baby, growing up through all the awkwardness and trials of being human. Then He paid the price with His own death. What was it that was so important that He would do that? You!
Jesus explains that eternity is what each soul is destined for. Nothing on this earth is worth missing eternal life in Heaven. Each person has a choice to pursue worldly pleasures or pursue Christ. It is a choice to identify with Him and a willingness to suffer for His name’s sake. Being with God and receiving His rewards in Heaven, for whatever is done on Earth, are worth far more than temporal, worldly things.
Not to say that having goals concerning your earthly life is wrong, but the overriding goal of loving God and others is above all. The apostle Paul says, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Suffering in this life, whether you suffer for God or suffer from your own or other’s actions, is unavoidable. How much more willing should believers be to suffer for the name of Christ since He sacrificed Himself for them?
In your prayer time today, reaffirm your devotion and appreciation to the Lord. Thank God for the freedom to attend church and worship Him. Pray for United States citizens who suffer for their stand in Christ. Pray for souls who have yet to receive His salvation.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 16:26
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Matthew 10:26-39
26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36 And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. 37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
