Home > Reading > NALC Devotion – February 23, 2017

Today’s readings: Ruth 3:1-18; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Matthew 5:38-48

At first blush, these three texts do not seem to connect with one another. Then I was led to this verse: “For we are to God the aroma of Christ to those who are being saved and to those who are perishing” (2 Cor 5:15).

And so became Ruth. Her obedience and persistence was a sweet perfume that captured Boaz in the fields of grain. Boaz had also heard of her kindness and care of his kinswoman Naomi. The “aroma” of who she was, as formed by God, so attracted him that they married and played important parts in, not only King David’s, but also Jesus’ family tree.

And so may we. In Ruth-like obedience and persistence, and with guidance such as Jesus provides in the Sermon on the Mount, we may also project the sweet fragrance of Christ. Today’s verses from Matthew 5 focus on relationships. No sweet offering is ours to make when we are in broken relationships with neighbors. Jesus describes the stench that anger and contention creates, resulting in a prison of hell.

Yet we may turn today to God’s throne and be immersed in the sweet fragrance of his forgiving love, grace, and mercy.

Prayer: O, Lord, help me become a fragrant offering and reflection of You! Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Jack Richards, retired NALC pastor. 

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