Midweek devotional - 5/6/2020

May 6, 2020  Devotional An Identity in Christ

We are now living in a world that is strange to us.  We can’t do what we normally want (and like) to do.  For some this means not being able to go to work.  For others it means not being able to be with your grandchildren.  For still others it means not visiting loved ones in nursing homes.  I think it is safe to say that for most of us, COVID-19 has taken away a piece of our everyday lives.  This is temporary but it’s still challenging. The good news is that it has not taken away who we are as God’s people.  It does not take anything away from who we are as a church. No pandemic can ever do that.  In fact, nothing can.  We still have the same job we’ve always had; the one Christ gave us as he ascended to the Father. 

That is to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you.” (Matt.28:19-20) The Apostle Paul said this in Ephesians 20:24, “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”

The Apostle Paul was saying this: because you are a child of God, and because of your identity in Christ, your life has purpose and meaning.  Regardless of your situation, worshipping and serving God, and sharing his love, is your ultimate purpose in life.   Paul was the missionary God called to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles.  Paul accepted this calling and he never wavered on it regardless of his circumstances.   Paul didn’t live through a global health crisis, but he did endure shipwrecks, beatings, and imprisonment.  But none of these things caused him to lose faith, and nothing prevented him from sharing the Good News of Jesus with those he met.  

​ Be blessed today knowing that God loves you and has entrusted you with an important assignment.  And he has promised to empower you through his Holy Spirit to fulfill it no matter what obstacles you face. In His Service, Pastor Kim
Prayer for the Day Gracious God, you are faithful and loving.  Empower me to stay focused on your work, and strengthen me to fulfill it; so that others may know your love and salvation through Jesus Christ.  In His name.  Amen