Home > Reading > NALC Devotion – February 4, 2017

galatians6-2

Today’s readings: Isaiah 56:1-8; Galatians 5:25–6:10; Mark 9:14-29

It seems wherever Jesus is or has been there is controversy. His disciples can’t cast out a deaf and dumb spirit from a boy. So Jesus has the boy brought to him and, being in no hurry, asks the father how long this has been happening. The father says, “If you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus responds, “If you can! All things are possible to the one who believes.” Believes in what? Believes in whom? Is it faith in my faith? No, it is faith that Jesus will do everything he can to free us from what binds us and holds us back from God’s freedom.

We separate people into groups, and we judge their worthiness. But God will bring them in whether we like it or not. And when God brings sinners into our sinful gathering what do we do?

In faith we walk along side each other, sinner with sinner, the way the body surrounds a broken bone in order to make it thicker and stronger where it was broken. Our faith is in Jesus whom God sent, who gathers us into his Body for health and salvation.

Prayer: Lord, may we humble ourselves before you and be used by you to heal and strengthen each other, a broken people, your people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by David Hefner, Pastor of Shiloh Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC.

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