Monday, October 14, 2024 - THE HEART OF OUR FAITH

 

"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, October 14, 2024 - Day 288 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 53-55; 1 Thess. 2 )

THE HEART OF OUR FAITH

“All we like sheep have gone astray;

    we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

    the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ESV) 

What is the heart of the Christian faith? In the movie “Amazing Grace,” John Newton shared the answer with these words: “I’m a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.”

Isaiah had just proclaimed the reason Christ is our great Savior as he penned these words of prophecy:

“Surely he has borne our griefs

    and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

    smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

    he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

    and with his wounds we are healed.” (vv.4-5) 

Every one of us is a sinner. We have failed to live up to God’s righteous expectations. We have disobeyed Him in thought, word and deed. We have all turned to our own way. We deserved to be stricken, smitten and afflicted for all eternity. INSTEAD, Jesus took our place and bore the load of our sin.

1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 

    That saved a wretch like me!

    I once was lost but now am found, 

    Was blind but now I see!

2. The Lord has promised good to me, 

    His Word my hope secures; 

    He will my shield and portion be 

    As long as life endures.

3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares 

    I have already come;

    His grace has brought me safe so far, 

    His grace will see me home.

4. Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail 

    And mortal life shall cease, 

    Amazing grace shall then prevail 

    In heaven's joy and peace.

5. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, 

    Bright shining as the sun,

    We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise 

    Than when we’d first begun.

    (Lutheran Service Book #744)

Heavenly Father, I, too, am a great sinner. Thank You for making Jesus my great Savior through His bitter suffering and death. Your grace is truly amazing. Amen.

Pastor David Paape