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.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Year B, Easter 4, Wednesday


Inspired by Micah 7:8-20

“Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.”  Micah 7:8

In this troubled and sinful world, it is easy to lose hope.  The powers of greed, hatred, and apathy seem to get the upper hand so often, and those of us who try to live according to the will of the Lord may wonder why we’re fighting so hard when it seems as though we can’t possibly win.

But following the Lord was never promised as the easy road, and our challenge is to remain upright in a fallen world.  With all the sin in the world, those who use sin as their weapons and justifications have no shortage of ammunition, and the upright will occasionally suffer defeat.

But though our battle is located in this world, this world does not set the terms of engagement, and this world does not have the last word.  The Lord our God transcends this world, and strengthens his people with his divine love.  And though it is certain that we will at times fall, God will raise us up again.  And though it is certain that we will at times sit in darkness, the holy light of God shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.  Because though this is a fallen and sinful world, it was the will of the Father to send his Son not to condemn the world, but to save it.

Let us pray.  Savior God, you are the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega.  Grant us the courage to remain true to you, that we may not lose our hope in difficult times.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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