25 Oct November 7th Daily Devotion

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

DO NOT RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE IN VAIN

2 Corinthians 6:1-2 “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of My favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”

In Red Cross water safety classes great emphasis is placed upon the importance that the would-be rescuers of a drowning person must be alert to the fact that that person may actually fight you.  I’m not sure why this happens, I only know that this is what is taught.

There are many reasons why people go to church.  The majority, I’m sure go because they know they are sinners and know they are in need of God’s forgiveness.  They know through the message of God’s Law and Gospel during the service the Holy Spirit will be working in their heart to bring them to repentance and grant them absolution for their sins.

There are some, however, that attend to please a spouse, go out of habit but don’t pay much attention to what is being said, still others are there for social, business, and personal relationships.  I know of a person who was an elected politician.  He only went to church during the election cycle making sure that he shook hands with as many members as possible before and after worship services.  Once the election was over, he would no longer attend.

Yes, you can be in church, hear God’s word, receive absolution, and partake of the Lord’s Supper in vain.  How can this be, because God says through the pen of Isaiah, “My Word will not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”  Remember, the Jewish leaders heard Jesus’ sermons and teaching but rejected it.  Thus, the warning in today’s devotional verse, “do not receive God’s grace in vain.”

Pray to the Holy Spirit to work mightily through the word of God you hear and the sacraments you receive.  Ask God for the faith He gifts.  Faith does come from hearing and hearing from the word of God. (Romans 10) “. . . now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, lead me to believe God’s word that I read and hear and receive the Lord’s Supper in faith that my sinners be forgiven and my faith strengthened.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God, And His righteousness,

And all these things shall be added unto you! Allelu, alleluia!

Ask and it shall be given unto you, Seek and ye shall find,

Knock and the door shall be opened unto you, Allelu, alleluia!

Man does not live by bread alone, But by ev’ry word

That proceeds from the mouth of the Lord, Allelu, alleluia!

(LSB 712)