Quiet Devotions is a daily devotion based on one of the readings from the Daily Lectionary (as it appears in the back of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Augsburg Fortress, 2006). All biblical quotes are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) unless otherwise noted. May these devotions help bring you in closer relationship with the Triune God.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Year B, Easter 3, Thursday


Inspired by 1 John 2:18-25

“Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you.  If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father.”  1 John 2:24

We accumulate so much knowledge over the course of our lives.  We learn multiple facts and if, how, and when to apply those facts to our decision-making.  Some of the information we acquire is mere trivia, some of it is helpful when applied properly, and some of it is so important and profound that we internalize it, and it helps to shape every aspect of who we are in this life.

The story of God’s love for humanity is one of those pieces of information that can be a formative and guiding principle in our lives.  Through the bible and those around us who faithfully follow the Lord, we have heard how God created the world and everything in it, and called it good.  We have heard how he has guided and blessed his people throughout history, and how he sent his Son to be the salvation of the world.  We have heard from the beginning of the love and grace God offers to us each and every day.  The knowledge of what God has done for us and is still doing for us is no mere bit of trivia; it has the power to be the defining element in our lives, informing how we act and interact with the world around us.

You can hear the story of God’s enduring love, file it away as a simple fact to be recalled if the situation warrants it, and go about your business with no thought whatsoever of the Lord and his blessings.  Or you can hear the story of God’s enduring love and let it fill you with his grace, keeping you always embraced in his mercy, aware of his presence and guidance, and open to his abundant blessings.

Let us pray.  Everlasting God, you sent your Word to abide in us, turning us toward your love.  Help us to embody your Spirit of peace and humilty, that we may live our lives abundantly and in communion with you.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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