20 Feb March 9th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

STAND FIRM AND HOLD FAST TO GOD’S WORD

2 Thessalonians 2:15 “So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.”

Americans live in a throw-away culture.  Many consumer products are manufactured with a built-in obsolescence.  Cars rapidly depreciate.  Home appliances last for a far shorter time than decades ago.  College students are told they will need to retrain and reeducate a number of times during their work life due to current technology becoming obsolete.

There are those who criticize the teachings of the Bible in the same way.  Since the Bible, God’s written word, has been handed down for thousands of years and there are no additions made to it, they say that much of what is found in it is obsolete, no longer applicable, and should be rejected.

It is true that God’s Law is an obstacle to many of the things that the sinful nature that infects all human beings desires to do.  It gets in the way of the desire to do those things that feel good, make one prosperous, or important in the world’s eyes.  Its ethics get in the way of success.

Nevertheless, God’s word does not change and will not change.  What God has said by inspiration and revelation of the Holy Spirit through the pen of the writers of the Holy Scriptures is truth.  Through the pen of Isaiah God says, “. . . My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Since the time of Adam and Eve Satan has done everything he knows to do to challenge what God has said.  He attempts to lead all people away from God’s Word and will to what he wants them to believe and do.  Regardless of these continuing efforts of Satan, God says in the next verses of Isaiah 55, “ . . . my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

Jesus came into the world in fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior, to earn God’s pardon for sinners through His life, death, and resurrection, and to prepare a place for you in heaven.  God’s word does not change regarding faith in His Son, “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but receive everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Prayer:  Yahweh, send Your Holy Spirit into my heart daily to renew me in my faith and trust in Jesus and in Your Holy Word, that by Your grace and faith in Him I shall receive Your gift of everlasting life.  In His holy name.  Amen.

God’s Word is our great heritage

And shall be ours forever;

To spread its light from age to age

Shall be our chief endeavor.

Through life it guides our way.

In death it is our stay.

Lord, grant, while worlds endure,

We keep its teachings pure

Throughout all generations.

(LSB 582)