Home > Reading > NALC Devotions – July 19, 2017

Today’s readings: 1 Samuel 7:2-17; Acts 6:1-15; Luke 22:14-23

In the hours before Jesus was lifted up upon the cross, he gathered his closest friends around the table and poured out the Spirit of God’s love. In the meal they shared, Christ made himself truly available to them, filling them with the hope of God’s kingdom. The disciples could not yet understand, but Christ’s assurance was there: “This is my body which is given for you.” On the eve of Christ’s victory over sin and the grave, finally, reconciliation between God and man was at hand.

Today, we live as God’s redeemed people; through Christ, sin no longer has power over us. Nowhere is this made more visible than as we share the meal of our faith. Each person approaches the Lord’s table in gratitude for all Christ has done. We bring only that which we can truly call our own. Brought with humility, the nakedness and shame of our sin is laid to bear at the foot of Christ’s cross, yet we are welcome at his table. Our sin stained hands are extended — seeking refreshment, fulfillment, forgiveness. And like the disciples, we receive the same assurance as we hear the words of Christ: “given for you.”

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for this bread and for this cup, through which you fill us with your grace. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by David Nuottila, Pastor of Union Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC.

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