Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Tuesday after Reminiscere

Posted on February 27, 2018 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: St. Luke 14:25-35 (NKJV)

14:25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

28 “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish?’

31 “Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

34 “Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Devotion

The reading for today can only be understood through the eyes of faith. As Christians we know that we are to honor our parents; love our spouse and children; and our neighbors. What does Jesus mean about hating my family; or counting the cost of building something; or whether we can fight a war? In faith we know that nothing should be allowed to keep us from following Him. If He and the truth of His Word is not the highest priority in our life, do we really have faith? Is that faith able to stand up to the devil, the world, and our flesh, boldly confessing and trusting Him, whatever may come into our life?

Dr. Luther’s explanation of the Apostles’ Creed reminds us just what God has done for us, and what He continues to do for us:

“I believe that God has made me…that He has given me my body and soul…and still takes care of them…He defends me against all danger…out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy…. He [Jesus Christ] has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person…with His holy, precious blood and His innocent suffering and death…that I may…live under Him in His kingdom…the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts sanctified and kept me in the true faith…On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.”

We pray: O God, who sees that of ourselves we have no strength, keep us both outwardly and inwardly that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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