Home > Reading > NALC Devotions – June 21, 2017

Today’s readings: Deuteronomy 4:25-31; 2 Corinthians 1:23–2:17; Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Turning sixty did not bother me, nor did turning sixty-five. But the day I received my Medicare card in the mail, it struck me that I have crossed a significant milestone into a more “elderly” phase of life. I rejoice in the wisdom I have gained, even as I know that true wisdom is often received through suffering, pain, and sorrow.

As a pastor, I have learned that in order to help a congregation grow in faith, I need to speak truth to people to help get them back on track. That truth may cause pain, and it often results in attack on the messenger. St. Paul experienced this, but he did not return hurt for hurt; he continued to pray for those who had turned on him. Like the prodigal’s father in today’s gospel lesson in Luke, he rejoiced when the one who rebelled came back to the truth.

God let his own Son go to the cross to bring home those who had strayed. The resurrection of our Lord and Savior was God’s way of killing the fattened calf for us, so that we might know his abundant love.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to realize the abundance of your love that we might seek to share it with others. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Marty Ramey, Interim Pastor in the NALC.

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