Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Psalm 104:24-30
How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.

Saving Private Ryan is an epic war film set during the World War II invasion of Normandy. The film follows U. S. Army Ranger Captain John H. Miller (played by Tom Hanks), and his squad as they search for Private First Class James Francis Ryan, who is the last surviving brother of four servicemen. Miller loses several of his men in their search to find Ryan. After finding Ryan, Miller, himself, is mortally wounded. As he lay dying, he tells Ryan, “Earn this.”

Years later, a much older Ryan stands in front of Miller’s grave and says,  “Every day I think about what you said to me that day on the bridge. I tried to live my life the best that I could. I hope that was enough. I hope that, at least in your eyes, I’ve earned what all of you have done for me.” Turning to his wife, an emotional Ryan says, “Tell me I have led a good life…Tell me I’m a good man.”

The fear of insignificance comes in the form of an internal question: “Have I done enough with this one and only life that God has given me?” On our own we can never convince ourselves that we have but that all changes with Jesus. He died for us so that we don’t have to earn anything. By His grace we can live a life “satisfied with good things.” So the question becomes: “Is the work of Jesus enough to make me satisfied and significant?” The answer to that question is always, “Yes!”

Father, thank You for sending Your Son so I am declared innocent and righteous in Your sight. Thank You for giving me significance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.