[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Monday August 22, 2005

[Barry Ludwig]

Daily Devotion Monday August 22, 2005

This week's devotions are written by Pastor Ludwig and are based upon the
opening greetings found in letters of the New Testament.

 

Romans 1:7

To all God's beloved in Rome who are called to be saints: Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Thought

This is no mere "hello."  Paul says two things about the Christians of Rome
and about us by extension: we are God's beloved and we have been chosen by
God to be saints. The descriptive order is important here. First God has
loved us and then we saints (that is, set aside by God for a special
purpose). We are not saints on our own or by our own power (thanks be to
God).  Luther once wrote that we are not loved by God because we are lovely
but we are lovely because we are loved by God. What an immediate comfort
Paul gives us. We do not have to win God's favor ( a losing battle) it is
gifted to us.

The second part of this greeting is an affirmation that those whom God has
called "beloved" (you and me) are heirs of grace and peace.  In the midst of
a busy and at times exasperating week, claim your inheritance, beloved one
of God.

 

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