Merciful God
Moses was bold in asking for God’s mercy (Exodus 32:7-14). David asked for God to cleanse him from sin (Psalm 51: 1-11). Many turn away from God and try to pretend that he does not exist (Psalm 14). But we must remember that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Turn to him and thank him for his mercy and grace (1 Timothy 1:12-17). He seeks those who are lost and rejoices in those who turn back to him (Luke 15:1-10).
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Pursuing the Way of Life
Like a potter molding clay, the Lord is sovereign over all nations (Jeremiah 18:1-11). Nothing can hide from God’s omnipresent and eternal being. He knows us more intimately than we know ourselves (Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18) and calls his people to turn their hearts toward him and delight in the way of life that he has revealed (Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Psalm 1). Like Paul, we should be advocates for the life and freedom of others (Philemon 1:1-1:21). Even when it is difficult, we are to follow Jesus Christ above all else (Luke 14:25-33).
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A Humble Heart
God is the source of life (Jeremiah 2:4-13). He brings his people out of bondage and promises to satisfy them with good things (Psalm 81:1, 10-16). The righteous respond to God’s grace by living generously, with humility and a steady heart. They demonstrate repose in the face of evil and have nothing to fear (Proverbs 25:6-7 and Psalm 112). Christian love is marked by hospitality, sexual fidelity, and generosity (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16). Jesus teaches his disciples to emulate his humility by giving special honor to those who are weak and poor (Luke 14:1, 7-14).
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Consuming Fire and Steadfast Love
God often chooses the weak to proclaim his word (Jeremiah 1:4-10). He satisfies those who call out to him, acknowledges his faithfulness, and delight in his ways (Psalm 71:1-6 and Isaiah 58:9b-14). God is merciful and kind, slow to anger and steadfast in love (Psalm 103:1-8). His love and holiness inspire awe. His kingdom cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:18-29). Through Jesus God has demonstrated his desire to break chains of bondage and heal our infirmities (Luke 13:10-17).
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Fire of Judgment
“The fire of judgment and the water of baptism were symbols of Jesus’ compelling call to ministry; they still are. What one enflames, the other can quench. Jesus forecasts a time of division when households will be divided. Within the household of faith, baptism is the sacrament that binds us together; whatever our differences, we are still one. As the body of Christ, obey what Christ teaches and be reconciled one to another.”
– Rev. James Kirk in When We Gather
Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:1-2, 8-19 and Psalm 82
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Hebrews 11:29-12:2
Luke 12:49-56
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Forward in Faith
Learn to do good and seek justice (Isaiah 1:1, 10-20). God calls the whole earth into account, so continue to seek God’s ways (Psalm 50:1-8, 22-23) and live in faith (Genesis 15:1-6). Those who seek God hope in him and wait for his salvation (Psalm 33:12-22). Like Abraham, we should trust God for the things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16), and look forward to when Jesus will return (Lk. 12:32-40).
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Seeking Wisdom Over Treasure and Pleasure
“The pleasures and acquisitions we have on earth are fleeting (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14: 2:18-23); wisdom and understanding are without price (Psalm 49:1-11). With this in mind, we put away our old natures and put on the new (Colossians 1:1-11), knowing that our time here is also fleeting and our worldly treasures empty of true meaning (Luke 12:13-21).”
– Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
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Remaining Rooted in Our Faithful God
God is faithful to his people in spite of their failure to follow him faithfully (Hosea 1:2-10). He restores their fortunes (Psalm 85) and is gracious to both the righteous and unrighteous (Genesis 18:20-32). God’s people should give thanks for his steadfast love (Psalm 138) and are called to stay rooted in Jesus since they have been buried with Him in baptism (Colossians 2:6-19). Jesus calls his followers to pray continually to God the Father. Out of his love, he will provide for those who call upon him for provision (Lk. 11:1-13).
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Listening to God’s Word and Living in the Light of the Gospel
Take time to ponder the words of Jesus and treasure his presence (Luke 10:38-42). He is the beginning and end of all things (Colossians 1:15-28) and has reconciled us to God. We can no longer boast in evil (Psalm 52). God has called his people to practice sincere faith (Psalm 15), hospitality, honesty, and care for the needy (Amos 8:1-12). Even when he seems silent, we must remember that God often reveals himself in unexpected ways (Genesis 18:1-10a). The hope held out in the gospel gives us the courage to suffer well while patiently waiting for future glory.
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Cry out to God to rescue the weak and deliver justice on behalf of the needy (Amos 7:7-17 and Psalm 82). God’s word is near to all who will recognize and follow his ways (Deuteronomy 30:9-14). He brings forgiveness and life to the humble who trust him and learn his ways (Psalm 25:1-9). We should strive to lead a life worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in good works, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:1-14). Those who are walking in the path of life will show mercy to strangers and sacrifice comfort for those who are in need (Luke 10:25-37).
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