June 24

Morning

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said, “Blessed is the womb that bore You, and blessed are the breasts that nursed You!” But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. — Luke 11:27-28 BSB

Some imagine that Mary, the mother of Jesus, must have had unique privileges, thinking she could peer into His heart in a way that no one else could. This idea may seem plausible but does not hold much weight. We don’t know that Mary knew more than others, though she did well to treasure what she knew in her heart. From what we read in the Gospels, she does not appear to have been better instructed in the faith than the other disciples of Christ. What she knew, we also may know.

Does this surprise you? Here is a verse to prove it: “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” Remember the words of Jesus: “I no longer call you servants, because a servant doesn’t know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.” In His grace, Jesus reveals His heart to us, holding nothing back that is profitable for us. He assures us, “If it were not so, I would have told you.” Does He not manifest Himself to us today in ways He does not to the world? Indeed, He does, and for this reason, we do not cry out in ignorance, “Blessed is the womb that bore You,” but we bless God with understanding. We know that by hearing and keeping His Word, we enjoy communion with Christ that is as intimate as any Mary had. We also enjoy as deep a knowledge of His heart as she could ever have obtained. How blessed it is to have this privilege!

Evening

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” — Dan 3:16,18 BSB

The story of the courageous faith and miraculous deliverance of the three holy children in the fiery furnace inspires believers to stand firm in upholding the truth, even in the face of tyranny and death. Let young Christians, especially, learn from their example. Whether in matters of faith or business, never sacrifice your conscience. Lose everything if you must, but never lose your integrity. When all else is gone, hold fast to a clear conscience, for it is the most precious jewel you can wear.

Do not be swayed by the fleeting promises of worldly success but follow the guiding light of divine truth. Pursue righteousness at all costs. Even when you see no immediate benefit, walk by faith and not by sight. Honor God by trusting Him, even when standing for what is right seems to bring loss. Test His Word and see if He will be your debtor! See if He will not prove the truth of His promise, that “godliness with contentment is great gain” and that those who “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” will find that “all these things” are added to them.

Even if God’s providence leads you to lose worldly wealth for the sake of conscience, you will find that, while He may not repay you in earthly prosperity, He will more than compensate you with the gold of spiritual joy. Remember, life is not measured by material wealth. To live with integrity, to have a heart free of guilt, and to enjoy the favor of God is worth more than the riches of the world. “Better is a meal of herbs where love is than a feast with strife.” An ounce of peace is worth more than a ton of gold.