25 Oct November 12th Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

WALK IN THE LIGHT – PART IV

2 Corinthians 7:1“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

“. . .since we have these promises. . .”  What promises and from whom?  They are from God.  He promises, “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-18)

These promises from Yahweh conclude this portion of second Corinthians in which St. Paul has emphasized the importance of rejecting the false gods of this world and embracing the one and only true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (1 Corinthians 8:4-6)

The very first words Moses delivered from Yahweh upon his descent from Mount Siani were, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them . . .” (Exodus 20:2-5)  And God promised, “I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God. . . “ (Exodus 6:7)

This is the true God who walks and talks with you, dwells in your heart, has sent His Son Jesus to save you from eternal death and has promised you everlasting life.  To Him be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.

Prayer:  Lord, send Your Spirit to lead me in my daily life to walk in the light that You provide to drive away the darkness and reveal to me the way to everlasting life.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates! Behold, the King of glory waits.

The King of Kings is drawing near; The Savior of the world is here.

Life and salvation He doth bring; Therefore rejoice and gladly sing.

To God the Father raise Your joyful songs of praise.

A righteous Helper comes to thee; His chariot is humility,

His kingly crown is holiness, His scepter, pity in distress.

The end of all our woe He brings;

Therefore the earth is glad and sings. To Christ the Savior raise

Your grateful hymns of praise.

How blest the land, the city blest,

Where Christ the ruler is confessed!

O peaceful hearts and happy homes

To whom this King in triumph comes! The cloudless sun of joy is He

Who comes to set His people free.  To God the Spirit raise

Your happy shouts of praise.

Fling wide the portals of your heart; Make it a temple set apart

From earthly use for heav’n’s employ,

Adorned with prayer and love and joy.

So shall your Sov’reign enter in And new and nobler life begin.

To God alone be praise For word and deed and grace!

Redeemer, come and open wide

My heart to Thee; here, Lord, abide! O enter with Thy grace divine;

They face of mercy on me shine.  Thy Holy Spirit guide us on

Until our glorious goal is won.

Eternal praise and fame  We offer to Thy name.

(LSB 340)