February 28’s devotional.
Barry titled his message “living between the cross and the cloud.” That phrase captures our moment in history. The cross stands behind us. The cloud stands before us. Redemption has been accomplished. Return has been promised. Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We do not drift through life. We live on mission.
The cross secures our salvation. Luke writes that Jesus “presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs” (Acts 1:3). The resurrection confirms that the sacrifice was accepted. Sin was paid for. Death was defeated. As Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29). We stand forgiven because Christ stood condemned. We stand alive because He walked out of the grave. Redemption is finished. It is not fragile. It is final.
Yet the cloud reminds us that history is moving. The angels declared, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen him going into heaven” (Acts 1:11). Barry warned, “Don’t get stuck looking up. Start moving out.” Christ will return in glory. “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory” (Mark 13:26). But until that day, He entrusts us with His work. One life. One mission.
Barry pressed the urgency into our hearts: “We’ve only got one life. It’ll soon be passed. And only what’s done for Christ is going to last into eternity.” That is not sentiment. That is stewardship. Jesus said, “This good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14). We must pray daily, Holy Spirit, fill me. We must speak the gospel with our mouths. We must consider whether God calls us deeper into His global purpose. If you had one year to live, how intentionally would you pursue Christ’s mission?
Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross that saved me and the promise that You are coming again. Guard me from wasting my days on what will not last. Fill me with Your Spirit. Give me courage to speak clearly of Your death and resurrection. Use my home, my work, my church, and my resources for Your eternal purposes. Teach me to live faithfully between the cross and the cloud, until faith becomes sight. Amen.