Daily Devotions
(The LORD said) “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the riches of fare.” Isaiah 55:2
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
Although Hollywood is a very long distance from Kenya, what happens there is broadcast around the world … even in Africa.
Such was the situation of a movie star who lived in the USA. He had all the trappings of a successful life: cars, a mansion, money — he was the idol of many young people who hoped, someday to be just like him.
One day, as the crew was setting up, the star excused himself and went back to his room for a nap. As the shooting did not require him to be present on the set, nobody bothered him or called him back.
The next morning, the cleaning man knocked at his door and when he received no answer, he used his key to gain admittance. In a pool of blood he found the star … dead by his own hand.
A note was found explaining the tragedy. It said, “I see no meaning in this life.”
The news of the man’s death spread around the world. People were astonished; fans were shocked. Everyone wanted to know why a man who had everything would end his life.
In the verse which is the theme of our devotion, Isaiah provides the answer. Too many people — including this movie star — are working for that which does not satisfy.
Many of the young people of Kenya might understand if they took the time. They receive pressure from all sides: parents, peers and society at large. Some decide to chase after success; others try drugs, alcohol and other vices to find meaning in life.
Unfortunately, these things provide no meaning or satisfaction and people still find themselves empty.
That is why Isaiah says we should listen to the Lord, and we should feed on that which nourishes our soul. Naturally that means we need the Savior. Only Jesus can answer the hard questions of life; only Jesus has the ability to forgive our sins; only Jesus can grant us hope, happiness and heaven.
This is why, from Kenya, this devotion says to you, wherever you may be: look to Jesus who is God’s great, good gift of grace and salvation. If you do your soul will be delighted.
THE PRAYER: Almighty God, come into our hearts and nourish us with Your good gifts. Let us look to Jesus’ cross and His empty tomb to find that which we need to be satisfied. This I ask in the Name of the Savior. Amen.
Biography of Author: The author of our devotion is a worker connected to the Lutheran Hour Ministries office in Kenya. In this East African country of 40 million, LHM-Kenya, known locally as Nuru Lutheran Media Ministry, shares resources from The Lutheran Hour library, Braille, print, video, audio and electronic materials. Children participate in LHM’s Kids Club where they are involved in Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), drama, musical performances and vacation Bible school during the summer.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.