Encouragement for Today

January 23, 2024 The Only Person Who Will Never Disappoint You NANCY DEMOSS WOLGEMUTH Lee en español

“… He has done everything well.” Mark 7:37a (CSB)

Jesus is altogether ideal.

This statement stands out most vividly to us when we consider how far short we fall of being ideal ourselves. Hardworking and well-meaning as we may be, we are still sinners — repeat offenders desperately in need of a Savior.

Stop and wonder, then, that Jesus has no weak areas. He possesses every grace and virtue in perfect tension and balance. Think of that. We’ve never seen what sheer perfection looks like in any other person. Perfect symmetry between the inner and the outer. Perfect alignment of heart and character. It’s almost impossible to envision such perfection. But there it is in Jesus.

He also kept the law of God perfectly. Not only did He avoid committing even a single sin, but the perfection of Jesus went beyond mere sin avoidance. He fulfilled the law’s mandate every moment of every day and went beyond that to fulfill the spirit behind the law.

I think of that memorable verse Micah 6:8:

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (ESV).

That’s a solid summary of what God’s law requires of us: perfect fairness and perfect love, delivered in perfect humility. That’s precisely what Jesus did every second of His earthly life. People could be overheard saying, “He has done everything well” (Mark 7:37a). They couldn’t help but notice.

So let us, too, pause to wonder at the perfection of Jesus.

He is not merely good; He is perfect.
He is not merely enough; He is everything.
He is not merely our Savior and Lord; He is our one priceless treasure.

We have in Him the most beautiful thing in all the world, the most desirable of all possessions — the most wonderful relationship a human being could ever possibly hope to have with anyone. When we have Jesus, we have all we really need for today and eternity.

Look anywhere else for perfection, and you will never find it. Look to any other person as a model of flawless loveliness, and you will inevitably be disappointed. Look to anything or anybody — your spouse, your home, your job, yourself — to provide unmitigated satisfaction, and while you may see many impressive, desirable qualities there, you’ll also see deficiencies that remind you they can never be everything you’ll ever need.

But look to Jesus, and He will exceed your highest hopes.
Look to Jesus, and He will surpass your expectations.
Look to Jesus, and you will find yourself in the presence of utter perfection.

Oh, Father, words fail to express the wonder of who Jesus is. He is lovely, good and perfect in every way. I don’t have to look anywhere else in hopes of being satisfied. In Him, I have all that I need. May my life reflect His beauty to a world desperate for Your glory and grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Whatever you think about Jesus, He is more. Get to know Him by joining beloved author and Bible teacher Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth on a journey to explore His one-of-a-kind story in her new book, Incomparable: 50 Days with Jesus. As you walk through this devotional, you will be reminded that there is no one else like Jesus. He is quite simply … incomparable.

ENGAGE

Discover resources to help you thrive in Christ at ReviveOurHearts.com.

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Mark 8:29, “‘But you,’ he asked them, ‘who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah’” (CSB).

Psalm 45:2a, “You are the most handsome of men; grace flows from your lips” (CSB).

What are some of the qualities you value most in Christ?

How could a greater focus on the perfection of Jesus temper your disappointment with others and with yourself? Share with us in the comments!

© 2024 by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Moody Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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