Thursday, January 4, 2018

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Titus 3:4–7
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. (NRSV)

Reflection
Now that the excitement and busyness of Christmas has passed, we can pause and reflect on its real meaning and significance. This passage reminds us again that God sent his Son to save us due to God’s kindness and love for us, and this has nothing to do with any righteous deeds that we have done. God richly pours out God’s mercy upon us “by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Even though we do not deserve it, due to God’s grace, we are invited to be heirs to God’s eternal kingdom.

As we begin another new year, my hope and prayer is that we will live more and more according to the amazing reality and truth that we are God’s heirs, and we will be less and less worried and anxious about the daily details of this life.

Prayer
Dear God, thank you for loving us so much that you sent your Son to save us. It is indeed amazing that you have made us heirs to your kingdom. Forgive us for sometimes getting bogged down and burdened by the daily worries of our lives here on earth. As we start 2018, we ask for the continued “washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” so we can focus more on your love for us and better love the others that you have placed on our journeys. In your name we pray. Amen.

Written by Ken Vanderweele, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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