Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Submitted by Linda DeCowsky, Elder

Scripture:  Romans 5:1-11

Today’s Devotion:

It always seemed strange to me to rejoice in suffering, so surely this would be the part of the text to focus on for a Lenten devotion, and also appropriate as we prepare for this time of Jesus’ suffering and our joy in the resurrection.  But the part that’s really sticking with me is the crazy benevolence of God.  In spite of our godlessness, He gives us so many things.  Just look at the gifts we get from Him:

Justification

Peace

Grace

Perseverance

Character

Hope

Love

The Holy Spirit

Reconciliation

Deliverance from wrath and the power of sin

Through our faith in Jesus, we are put in a right relationship with God the Father.  There’s no way we could achieve this justification on our own.  Not through works, though we must do good works.  Not through trying to live a sin-free life, though a perfect life is impossible.  Not through mere repentance, though our need for confession and contrition is constant.  But only through the sacrificial blood of Christ.  We kill His Son and yet he showers us with unfathomable love. 

How wonderfully absurd.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your inconceivable love.   Help us to be good stewards of Your gifts and forgive us when we aren’t grateful.  Help us to share Your generosity with our neighbors.   Help us to suffer gladly, to persevere, and to rejoice daily in the hope You so freely give us.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen