Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"Entirely His"
July 22, 2020
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For Your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
These days we've all had to experience some type of disconnect from people and places. Whether it's a separation from the work place or from the classroom or from friends and family, it's been an ordeal, to say the least. For many there's been the very difficult situation of being apart from loved ones who are sick. We've likely all seen the poignant images of individuals keeping their distance and looking in on a family member or friend through a window—so as not to potentially spread any disease or get it from someone else.
For believers, separation from others in the family of faith has its own difficulties, too. We draw special strength from gathering together in the Name of Jesus (see 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11; Hebrews 10:24-25; Colossians 3:16). In the Apostles' Creed, we speak of "the holy Christian church, the communion of saints," which gives us spiritual uplift and fellowship with one another. And you may have noticed in your own life how the recent suspension of church services has impacted your faith in some ways.
How good it is to know that there is nothing that can come between Jesus and His love for us. Whatever life brings our way—trials, persecution, a worldwide virus—we are secure in God's embracing and unchangeable love for His creatures. He has made that plainly known to us by sending His Son to save us from our sins. Jesus came specifically to bridge the distance that separated us from God. Having taken on our flesh and blood, God entered our world for the sole purpose of bringing us back to Him so that, never again, will we be separated from Him.
As you continue to deal with the persistent threat of this virus, lay hold of the riches God has given to us. He has reconciled us to Himself (see 2 Corinthians 5:18); He has given us all things we need to live a godly life (see 2 Peter 1:3); and He promises to be with us always (see Hebrews 13:5). These are the things He has done for us, His children, people who can in no way be separated from the God who loves them.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, remind us by Your Holy Spirit that we are firmly in Your hands. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. What's the toughest part about being away from loved ones or friends?This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
2. How important is it to remember that nothing can separate us from God's love?
3. How do you stay in touch with those who are not nearby and accessible?
What's the toughest part about being away from loved ones or friends?
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