"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)
Monday, January 15, 2024 - Day 15 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Genesis 36,37; Matt. 12:1-21)
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” (Matthew 12:17-21 ESV)
Justice is something we prize highly. We want things to be fair. We want to get what we deserve. Or do we?
“You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48)
“The soul who sins shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:20)
If God were to give us what we deserve, we would be doomed eternally. But because God loves us, He sent Jesus to the cross to purchase our freedom from sin, death and the devil. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, Jesus put it this way:
“He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (Luke 4:18 ESV)
Because of this liberty lavished on us, God now sees not our sins. Instead, He sees the holiness and purity of Jesus. In others words, we can now face God’s justice with peace and joy.
1. Today Your mercy calls us
To wash away our sin.
However great our trespass,
Whatever we have been,
However long from mercy
Our hearts have turned away,
Your precious blood can wash us
And make us clean today.
2. Today Your gate is open,And all who enter in
Shall find a Father's welcome
And pardon for their sin.
The past shall be forgotten,
A present joy be giv'n,
A future grace be promised,
A glorious crown in heav'n.
3. Today our Father calls us;
The Holy Spirit waits;
His blessèd angels gather
Around the heav'nly gates.
No question will be asked us
How often we have come;
Although I oft have wandered,
It is our Father's home.
4. O all-embracing Mercy,
O ever-open Door,
What shall we do without You
When heart and eye run o'er?
When all things seem against us,
To drive us to despair,
We know one gate is open,
One ear will hear our prayer.
(“Today Your Mercy Calls Us,” Lutheran Service Book #915)
Lord Jesus, thank You for mercifully granting me eternal liberty and justice. By the power of the Holy Spirit working in me, I pledge my allegiance to You now and forevermore. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
No comments:
Post a Comment