Wait for God’s Salvation / Extend Forgiveness and Mercy
Forgiveness and mercy accompany God’s plan to prosper and protect his people (Genesis 45:3-11,15). We are called to trust in God and wait for his salvation in the midst of those who reject God and his ways (Psalm 37:1-11,39-40). We must go the extra mile to love our enemies and extend mercy (Luke 6:27-38). For we know that we will one day inherit imperishable bodies and that our suffering will come to an end (1 Cor. 15:35-38,42-50).
Those who trust in God and follow his ways (Jeremiah 17:5-10) are like trees planted next to water (Psalm 1). Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, so our faith is confirmed and we are compelled to share this gospel (1 Corinthians 15:12-20). Jesus came to bring hope to the oppressed and warning to those who trust in riches and worldly acclaim (Luke 6:17-26).
“The holiness of God reminds us of our own sin and the need for salvation (Isaiah 6:1-13). Even in the middle of trouble, God’s steadfast love and watchful care protect us (Psalm 138), and his grace toward us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ offers us eternal salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). Just as Christ urged Simon Peter to do, we must share this good news with others (Luke 5:1-11).” – Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
“God is with us; he is our fortress and rock of refuge (Psalm 71:1-6). He knew us before we were born (Jeremiah 1:4-10). Because of his love for us, we are to love others with a patient, kind and enduring love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13). This love was shown to us by Christ, who came to earth as a man and endured threats and abuse and finally, death, so that we might live with him eternally (Luke 4:21-30).” – Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
“The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:1-10). We desire to follow the Lord in everything we do (Psalm 19), proclaiming freedom (Luke 4:14-21) with the knowledge that we are a small but important part of something greater than ourselves (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).” – Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
“God rejoices and delights in us (Isaiah 62:1-5); his steadfast love offers us refuge in the shadow of his wings (Psalm 36:5-10). Christ showed his power while on earth, working many signs and miracles, including one at the wedding of Cana (John 2:1-11). God gives each of us spiritual gifts to use in his service (1 Corinthians 12:1-11).” – Thomas Oden
“Because the Lord loves us and knows us by name, we need not be worried or fearful (Isaiah 43:1-7). God is all-powerful and blesses us with strength and peace (Psalm 29) and with the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17). Through Christ’s baptism (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22) we can better understand the plan God has for our own salvation.” – Thomas Oden
During Epiphany, we remember the coming of the wise men from the east to honor the Savior’s birth (Matthew 2:1-12). As the prophets foretold, Christ, the light of the world, has penetrated the darkness (Isaiah 60:1-6), bringing justice and peace (Psalm 72). Because of God’s grace and Christ’s birth, death and resurrection, we are offered salvation from sin (Ephesians 3:1-12).” – Thomas Oden
“The dogma of the Incarnation is the most dramatic thing about Christianity, and indeed, the most dramatic thing that ever entered the mind of man; but if you tell people so, they stare at you in bewilderment.” —Dorothy Sayers
Restoration “The prophets foretold the birth of Christ (Micah 5:2-5a), who would “be great to the ends of the earth.” We look to God for restoration and salvation (Psalm 80:1-7) through the ultimate sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:5-10), whose birth through the virgin Mary was prophesied by Elizabeth (Luke 1:39-55) and which we anticipate during this Advent season.” -Thomas Oden
