"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - Day 311 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 2:17-45; Psalm 119:9-16; 1 Peter 4:1-19)
A LIVING HOPE
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)
How are your investments? What kind of retirement will you have? Do you expect to receive an inheritance? These verses from Peter assure the child of God that the spiritual answers to these questions are all in the affirmative.
You do have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” because of Christ’s resurrection!
1 Jerusalem the golden,
With milk and honey blest--
The promise of salvation,
The place of peace and rest--
We know not, oh, we know not
What joys await us there;
The radiancy of glory,
The bliss beyond compare!
2 Within those halls of Zion
Sounds forth the joyful song,
As saints join with the angels
and all the martyr throng.
The Prince is ever with them;
The daylight is serene;
The city of the blessed
Shines bright with glorious sheen.
3 Around the throne of David,
The saints, from care released,
Raise loud their songs of triumph
To celebrate the feast.
They sing to Christ their leader,
Who conquered in the fight,
Who won for them forever
Their gleaming robes of white.
4 O sweet and blessèd country,
The home of God's elect!
O sweet and blessed country
That faithful hearts expect!
In mercy, Jesus, bring us
To that eternal rest
With You and God the Father
And Spirit, ever blest.
(Jerusalem the Golden, Lutheran Service Book #672)
Heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal inheritance You have waiting for me because of the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Help me to live this day in Easter hope, joy and anticipation. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
No comments:
Post a Comment