"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)
Friday, April 12, 2024 - Day 103 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 13,14; Luke 14:1-24)
CHIEF OF SINNERS
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven–for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47 ESV)
Jesus teaches that even notorious sinners can be forgiven and restored; indeed, they sometimes become all the more devoted to God for having received greater deliverance. His teaching challenges us to consider:
● Do we act like the begrudging Pharisee or the grateful penitent?
● Do we trust that God can truly change people’s lives?
By God’s spirit, we grow daily in our appreciation of the fact that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more’ (Romans 5:20).”
“Your faith has saved you, go in peace.” (Luke 7:50 ESV)
Those are Christ’s words to you and to all who are willing to admit their desperate need for forgiveness.
Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed His blood for me;
Died that I might live on high,
Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am His and He is mine.
(Chief of Sinners Though I Be, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #611)
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your priceless gift of forgiveness. Jesus, thank You for shedding You precious blood for this poor miserable sinner. May I be Yours forever. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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