Home > Reading > NALC Devotion – February 5, 2017

Today’s readings: Isaiah 57:1-13; Hebrews 12:1-6; John 7:37-46

We are surrounded by countless sources demanding our attention, our focus, and stirring up our passions. Cell phones ring and buzz telling us to view the latest Facebook post, YouTube clip, or Tweet. TV’s draw our attention to a “must-see” show or to watch our favorite team. The news agitates, aggravates, and stirs us to treat fellow humans less than charitably. To these we add family, jobs, school, and all of those other parts of life on which we must focus.

The author to Hebrews reminds us though, that we are surrounded by yet another thing, “a great cloud of witnesses.” Though we may not realize it, they surround us in the Divine Liturgy, when we read the Bible, and even at prayer. Their lives are constantly around us to remind us to focus not on the things of the world or our passions, but on Jesus. Whatever present trial we are enduring, the saints have already endured it. Let them be a witness to you of the power of God at work in the lives of fellow disciples. Hear their witness, be strengthened by their example, lay aside every weight and sin you bear, and run with them to Jesus.

Prayer: Holy Father, strengthened by the witness of the saints, may we keep the faith of your Son. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Ian Wolfe, Pastor of First Lutheran Church, Baker City, OR.

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