“It is not as though the word of God has failed.”—Romans 9:6 NASB

The rejection of the Gospel by the Jews particularly bothered the apostle Paul. As a faithful Jew himself, he knew that his people had been given the covenants, the Law, and God’s promises. God had sent prophets to warn and teach them. Yet they turned their back on Him and all that He had done for them. Paul wanted the Romans to know that God had not failed. Regardless of the actions of other people, His Word is always true. He is always completely faithful. Paul cited numerous examples, showing how God’s principles always have proven to be true. Over and over, He always kept His Word and fulfilled His promises. Paul also taught that all people are flawed—both Jews and Gentiles. Yet God always remains sovereign. We can always count on Him and His Word. David was another man who realized that people fail and don’t live up to our expectations. Even our closest friends may break their promises and disappoint us. Even those human beings we consider the best can fall short. But God is different. His Word is sure and “settled” forever in Heaven (Psalm 119:89). In fact, His Law is “perfect” (Psalm 19:7). Today, make sure that you place your hope and faith in God’s Word. Teach it to your family. Meditate on it. Put it into practice. You can depend upon Him. Declare His promises to be true in your life.

Reflection Question: Write out a brief meditation on today’s Scripture passage.

“Judas Iscariot … went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them … he sought an opportunity to betray him.”—Mark 14:10–11 ESV

In a pivotal moment of the American Revolutionary War, British forces surrendered to the colonial army in Saratoga, New York, on this day in 1777. In many ways, the hero of this battle was Benedict Arnold, an accomplished soldier in the war. Arnold later made some bad decisions and developed many enemies. Feeling overlooked and taken for granted, he decided to switch sides. Yet after he defected, he found himself an outcast among the British as well and never received the rewards he sought. Arnold’s actions remind us of Judas Iscariot. He left everything to follow Jesus and became the disciple who kept the money. Yet, like Arnold, Judas faced disappointment and concluded that his commitment to Jesus was futile. Feeling frustrated and taken for granted, he negotiated a deal with Jesus’ enemies and betrayed Him for 30 pieces of silver. But Judas, like Arnold, discovered that he did not get what he expected from his betrayal. By giving in to temptation, disappointment, and frustration, he lost everything. You may experience discouragement and things you do not understand. You may feel overwhelmed or underappreciated. But don’t allow Satan to tempt you with thoughts of giving up or giving in to your emotions. Instead, renew your commitment to God and His Kingdom. Call on Jesus. Allow Him to fill you with hope and give you purpose and meaning.

Reflection Question: Have you ever been tempted to give up being a disciple of Jesus?