The Upper Room Devotional 17 June 2026, Wednesday Message
Whose Opinion Matters?
Awlwyn Balnave (British Columbia, Canada)
Today’s Reading
1 Peter 2:4-10
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people. – 1 Peter 2:9 (NRSVUE)
During my childhood in Ireland there was a man who would visit our neighborhood every few weeks. I remember hearing the sound of his horse’s hooves plodding on the roadway as he approached our street. His loud proclamation, “Any old iron!” alerted us to his coming. We called him “the rag and bone man,” and his purpose was to collect items others did not want and no longer valued. You could bring him your broken kettle or pot or some old cast-off clothes, and he would give you a small item in return. He valued what others considered to be of no value.
In a similar way, Jesus gathered people around him who were disregarded by others. Jesus received them even when others criticized him for doing so. No matter what opinions others have of us, we know that God loved us enough to send Jesus to live and die so that we might be forgiven and reconciled to the Father. Even when others may not value us, God — whose love is unfailing — does.
First Peter 2:9 reminds us that we are “God’s own people.” This is who Jesus has called us to be. Like the “rag and bone man,” God often values what others do not. Even when we feel devalued by others, we can trust in God’s unending love for us.
Thought for the Day
What God thinks of me matters more than any other opinion.
Prayer Focus
To trust that I am God’s beloved child
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June 2026 Wednesday Study Questions
Today’s Prayer
Dear Lord, remind us that we are loved by you. Help us to live in a way that reveals your love to others. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 17 June 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More