Daily Devotional 08/11
1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
Apostle Peter uses the imagery of newborn babies to illustrate how we should approach spiritual life. Just as babies instinctively crave milk for nourishment and growth, we too should crave the "sincere milk of the word." This verse emphasizes the importance of focusing on the foundational truth of the gospel of salvation. Only the word of God through the gospel nourishes and strengthens our souls.
Babies accept everything without question, trusting completely in their caregivers to provide for them. In the same way, God desires for us to have a childlike faith, wholeheartedly accepting the gospel of salvation without hesitation or doubt. We need to focus on the truth that Jesus' death on the cross obtained eternal righteousness for us all.
Just as a baby relies entirely on its parents for care, we must rely entirely on God for our spiritual nourishment and growth. The "sincere milk of the word" refers to the pure, unadulterated truth of the gospel. It is the central message that sustains us throughout our life. We should always remember that our salvation is not based on our efforts, works, or keeping the law. It is solely based on the finished work on the cross.
Just as a baby cannot survive without the care of its parents, we cannot achieve salvation or spiritual growth on our own. We need our Heavenly Father to provide for us, guide us, and sustain us.
We cannot manufacture our own faith, we must draw from a faithful source which is Jesus.
Salvation is not something we can earn by following commandments, reading our Bibles, or doing good works. While these practices are important for our spiritual growth and relationship with God, they are not the means of salvation. Salvation is a gift that has been made available through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All we must do is accept this gift, just as a baby accepts the nourishment it receives from its parents.
We must stay focused on what truly matters in life which is the grace of God and the salvation He offers through Jesus Christ.
As we grow in our faith, we must never lose sight of the simplicity and power of the gospel. It is this foundational truth that sustains us, helps us grow, and deepens our relationship with God.
I want you to reflect on your spiritual life and consider whether you are maintaining a childlike faith that fully relies on God. Are you continually returning to the gospel, making it the central focus of your life? I hope we can embrace this simple gospel so that it can nourish your soul, just as milk nourishes a newborn.
I pray that we can trust completely in God's grace, and know that our salvation is secure forever in Christ. Amen!