Irrevocable

Joy Ryan, President/CEO

Chaplain Rick Jones, VP of Spiritual Life at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, has a really big job.

He takes care of the business side of things, including budgets, hiring, strategic planning, program development, curriculum development, schedules, supervision, contracts… all that stuff.

He has the daunting task of introducing Jesus and God’s Word to children and families who are often unchurched AND dealing with psychiatric issues, abuse, neglect, and a scarcity of hope. Children who are also challenged by communication issues and the absence of trust.

He is a sought-after speaker for Christian radio programs and podcasts. He is a frequent presenter at national and regional gatherings. He provides pulpit supply for his brother pastors whenever possible.

He is also the spiritual leader for a workplace of nearly 600 people. Ranch employees come to work knowing that we do everything “in the name of Christ.” It is in that capacity that he writes a daily devotion that arrives in every Ranch email inbox. I have shared a couple of his writings in the past. I feel moved to share again today as I ponder his words.

“Irrevocable.

“As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you, who were at one time disobedient to God, have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.” —Romans 11:28-32

“In the reading above, I want you to focus on verse 29, “God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” That is an incredible concept. God’s gifts—his grace, his forgiveness, his salvation, his hope, his making us his children—all of them are irrevocable. They cannot be undone. They are true gifts to you always and forever. We are powerless compared to his mercy. Sure, we can walk away from him, but the point is that he will never walk away from you.

“Think of the contrast between this irrevocability and what we see in our daily lives. Products get recalled, warranties are limited, “lifetime” guarantees are subject to change. Nothing is irrevocable. Even parents have been revoked from some of our children. Their parents terminate their rights because they do not want to be parents anymore. The guarantee of a loving family is taken away.

“This is why our work is so important. Regardless of what our children have lost, or had revoked, the love we offer is never taken away. Sure, at times our residents may reject it, but it is never removed. Whenever they are ready for it, our care—the help we offer in the name of Christ—is waiting for them. And just like all of God’s promises, our compassion for the at-risk youth of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is irrevocable.

“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.

“Let us pray. Lord, help me live in the irrevocable grace and mercy you promise to me. Let me be confident that your love is never taken away and lead me to demonstrate your unrelenting commitment to all those I serve in your holy and precious name. Amen.”