Home > Reading > NALC Devotion – February 2, 2017

galatians5-1b

Today’s readings: Isaiah 54:1-10 (11-17); Galatians 5:1-15; Mark 8:27–9:1

Oh, what will it be like when we meet our Redeemer? What will we be like? On earth, we are still tied to this flesh. Though we have been redeemed and justified, we are still in bondage to sin and have yet to realize the fullness of the righteousness that God has given us. Nevertheless, we have hope and peace with God (Rom 5:1-2).

But we must stand firm in faith, lest we fall away from grace. This means that we must look away from self, placing our eager hope in Christ. For God’s righteousness involves setting our minds on the things of God by trusting his will, denying self, and following Jesus. In keeping our confession of Christ and standing firm in the fullness of Jesus, we will “see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” We will “see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory” (Luke 21:27).

When our hope of righteousness returns, what then will we be like? “We know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3). So stand firm.

Prayer: Lord, I eagerly await the hope of your righteousness. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Mark Ryman, Communications Coordinator for the NALC and Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Advance, NC. 

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