[Dailydevo] Daily Devotion Wednesday June 7, 2006

[bludwig at zlc-aa.org]

Daily Devotions  Wednesday, June 7, 2006

This is the week that follows the day of Pentecost. It is the season of the
Holy Spirit who transforms God's people with energy into people of the
Kingdom of God. What does the Spirit breathe into us? This week Pastor
Ludwig will explore that question.

 

Acts 2: 21

“And it shall be that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

What’s the Catch?  (This one’s for Marty who taught me about grace)

While in the old city of Jerusalem last week, a newfound friend of mine sat
with me at a café table on the cobbled street. Two small bright eyed
children ran up to us with their hands out. Every tourist is well schooled
in the art of saying no. If you give a coin to one child, suddenly you will
have thousands of little hands thrust in your face.  A firm La! La! (No!
No!) will quickly disperse those hands that have after all, done nothing to
earn a shekel (25 cents).

 

My friend, who knew this better than the rest of us, smiled reached into his
pocket and gave each a bona fide greenback American dollar. I was surprised
by my friends “foolish” miscreant behavior but even more interesting was the
look on the faces of the children who expected a “La” “La” but instead
received a no-strings attached gift of compassion.  

 

Peter quotes the prophet on Pentecost and proclaims that with God in Jesus
Christ there are no catches and no strings when it comes to God’s gracious
acceptance and love. Jesus does not use a righteousness litmus test to see
if we are worthy (we are not). Jesus does not use a doctrinal-orthodoxy test
to see if we have our facts straight (we do not). With Jesus there is no
catch. Don’t try to earn God’s favor (you can’t) just put out your hand and
receive the gift and then like my friend pass it on to those you have been
counseled to ignore.

 

 


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