Daily Devotional: God is The Ultimate Refuge And Savior of The World

My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. -Psalm 62:7

Growing up, my family would take a yearly trip to the Bahamas. One year, my brother and I decided we were going to get our scuba diving licenses so that we could go on a few excursions while we visited Nassau and see the beautiful coral reefs from a better vantage point.

After we got our deep water certificate, we signed up, got on a boat, and next thing you know we were 50 feet down swimming through this massive coral reef and a sunken ship–it was a blast! We saw nurse sharks, barracudas, hawkfish, clownfish, and all sorts of colorful creatures.

As I was meandering through the sunken ship, there was a narrow space on the boat deck and my oxygen tank got stuck on the rail. I tried to free myself but couldn’t seem to budge–I then started panicking, looking around, and there was no one nearby.

As I sat there contemplating my life and thinking this was the end for me, all of a sudden, I see my brother coming towards me. With such a huge relief, I started yelling help–which was just a lot of bubbles. Thankfully, he could tell I was in distress and was able to unfasten me from the rail on the deck.

My brother saved me from drowning. He rescued me from imminent danger. He delivered me from harm and ruin–this is the definition of what physical salvation means and it will forever be engraved into my conscience.

Jesus did something much greater than this. He not only rescued us from imminent danger and death; he rescued us from the wrath of God. He not only rescued us physically, but also spiritually. The Bible says, “He who knew no sin became sin for us so that we might receive the righteousness of God.”

Furthermore, Scripture states in Romans 3:23 this marvelous truth:

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”

All people, regardless of whether they believe in God or not, try to find some kind of “savior.” Their false savior might be money or power to bring material comfort. Others turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of escapism–this savior is temporary and ends up causing even more calamity and destruction.

Work can become a “savior” to some because it gives them fulfillment and purpose–it offers them joy and satisfaction, but we know it can’t rescue or deliver them from the reality of death and the fate of all human beings standing before the judgment seat of God.

The only hope we have is to repent of our sins and trust in Jesus for our salvation. God the Father sent Jesus to die for our sins and wrongdoing so that we could be made right and justified before a holy God.

It’s important to understand that salvation is a free gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; it is a gift of God, not of works–lest any man or woman should boast.”

So you see, salvation is free. Heaven is not a place for the righteous and it’s not a club for the wealthy or successful. Instead, heaven is a place for the broken-hearted, for sinners who turn to Jesus, and for people who need restoration and hope. Is this you? Will you trust in Jesus today? Please pray with me.

Dear Heavenly Father,

All of us have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. None of us are good. Our disobedience deserves physical and spiritual death. As we realize this truth, we are also confident that you died in our place. You who knew no sin became sin for us. You rescued us from calamity. You truly saved us and redeemed us. Lord Jesus, you are the author and finisher of our faith. You are our refuge and strength; our Savior and Redeemer. We give you all the glory, power, and praise. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Devotional by Chad A. Damitz (M.Div)