A Day-by-day devotional

February 1, 2023

All is well

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Exodus 21-23

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 24:6-7

I have just attended a concert with an all-Ukranian symphony orchestra. Although we are in Germany, the Ukranian national anthem was played at the end of the concert. Everyone stood up not only in respect of the anthem but in solidarity with the Ukranians. At the time of this writing, there is a huge conflict going on between Ukraine and Russia. Many innocent lives have already been lost on both sides due to the ongoing war. A lot of Ukranians have already fled their homeland for safety. A number of them are now not only without a home, but without family.

Every war is ruled by evil. Nonetheless, as I witnessed the symphony orchestra play with their heart and soul, I knew, they were playing with a heart full of hope. They may have lost whatever they used to have, but they keep on braving the world. They could have just given up, probably put away their dreams and aspirations. But the evilness of war prompted them to fight – for their life and all that they have lost.

When Jesus was crucified on the cross, the entire world was at war against Him. He was left all alone. Even His closest friends betrayed and abandoned Him. He was even separated from His Father, as He bore the sins of men. This led Him to shout, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachtani”, meaning “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).

Nonetheless, in every war, there would always be a winning side. One would always have to emerge as the victor to end the war. Before Jesus died on the cross, He uttered the words “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Afterwards, He breathed His last. Then, on the third day, He rose back into life – triumphant over sin and death; triumphant over Satan!

The Ukrainian symphony orchestra, just like many others of their kin, who fled their country, and now scattered all over Europe and the world, showed bravely today, that despite the war, their souls are not broken. They have hope. And all is well.

They may or may not even know it, but that hope, the fallen world’s only hope, is Christ Jesus! (1 Timothy 1:1)

Reflection: You may not be currently affected by any physical war. But surely, you have experienced war within yourself. A battle takes place in your mind and heart. Do you turn on to the Holy Spirit for guidance? Or do you try to fight the battle on your own?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you are my joy and my peace. Despite the inner battles I have to face, enable me to see my hope in you. With you by my side, all is well! Amen.