Weekly devotion: Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus in 2024
View from Dominus Flevit Church on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
The year 2024 marks 170 years since Embrace the Middle East’s beginnings as the Turkish Missions Aid Society. We remember the generations of people whose lives have been changed by the charity’s work, and ask for your continued prayers for all who experience poverty, marginalisation and conflict today.
Bible reading
‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’
Hebrews 12: 1-3
Thought
The New Year is an opportune time to reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. As we look back on the disasters and conflict that characterised 2023, we may feel tempted to despair. And yet, as Psalm 46 reminds us, God is ever-present in times of trouble. He is the same yesterday, today and forever – what a comfort this is.
As we look ahead to 2024, let us fix our eyes on Jesus. We can look back at his perfect life and his sacrificial death on the cross. We can also remember that he is the one who holds us and sustains us in the present. And we can have assurance that one day in the future we will see him face to face and live with him forever.
Prayer
Loving God,
You alone are our refuge and strength. May we know this to be true today and over the coming year.
We are grieved by all of the brokenness and suffering in our world today. We pray that you would be present with those who are suffering. May you supply their every need.
We thank you for Embrace’s incredible legacy over the past 170 years. May our partners in the Middle East continue to be your hands and feet.
Thank you that you came into this world to die so that we might live with you forever. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on you.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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