"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)
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Day 270 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 25; Psalm 86; Hebrews 1:8-14)
TEACH ME LORD
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me... Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:5-7, 11 ESV)
As we get older, we sometimes get the mistaken notion that learning is over. However, due to our sinful nature, learning is never over. We don’t seem to get it. God’s command is perfection, not even one sinful thought. This is why David is pleading for mercy. He knew well personal days of trouble. He knew his sin. He admitted his sin. He called on the Lord for help. And he prayed: “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.”
And what is the Lord’s way? Listen to Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)
The truth we get to “walk in” is the forgiveness of sins and the promise of heaven. However, this “walk” starts with a serious assessment of ones sinful condition. It continues as we “learn of” the good news that Jesus died on the cross for us, paying for every one of our many, many sins.
Christ be my Teacher in age as in youth,
Drifting or doubting, for He is the truth.
Grant me to trust Him; though shifting as sand,
Doubt cannot daunt me; in Jesus I stand.
(Christ Be My Leader, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #861 stanza 2)
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me about my sin and my Savior. Please help me to walk in Your truth. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
No comments:
Post a Comment