Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – June 22, 2016

matthew18-3

Numbers 11:24–33 (34–35); Romans 1:28–2:11; Matthew 18:1–9

God is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psa 86:15), desiring that all people “be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). But those who will not acknowledge God, even though his invisible attributes can be clearly perceived in creation (Rom 1:19–20), will be left to their own corrupt thoughts which lead to certain and eternal death.

These are the self-centered temptations we encounter—and must face. We can either think more of ourselves than we ought, considering ourselves wiser than God himself, or we can become as little children, ready to learn. It is hard to be humble and childlike because that means admitting someone else is superior in experience, intellect, and wisdom. But this is what it means to trust in the Lord. So, though the world considers us fools for doing so, we bow before God with childlike trust. But in truth, though others claim to be wise, they have become entirely foolish (Rom 1:22).

Meanwhile, the just shall live by faith (Hab 2:4), trusting in God’s wisdom and mercy even when the times seem hopeless, for our hope is in the Lord alone.

Prayer: Thank you for saving us from ourselves, O God, through Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Mark Ryman, Communications Coordinator for the NALC. 

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