2020 Daily Devotion - Day 209

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Martin Luther once had a dream where he was in his house and saw Jesus coming up the walk toward his door. Luther examined his surroundings and realized that everything was an absolute mess. Clothes were thrown over the furniture, old food was sitting out, and trash was everywhere. And he thought, "How am I going to let the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ, come into a mess like this?” He hurriedly tried to straighten up but the more he picked up, the greater the mess became. Finally, Jesus was knocking at the door. Luther, resigned himself to the mess and as he opened the door, he said, "Jesus, come on in, if you think that you can come into a place like...” and as he turned, he saw that everything had been put into order, everything in its proper place. The house was immaculate as Christ entered in.

This is what Jesus does. He forgives. I have met people who have had a difficult time believing they could be forgiven. Yet, this is what Jesus does. He does this through the work of His cross and resurrection. He paid a very dear price by dying and being raised again so we would be forgiven.

1 John 2:2 NRSV
…… and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Pray with me:
Lord Jesus, as You come into our house today, You will probably find some messes. And yet somehow, when You walk in the door, everything becomes immaculate. We thank You for the gift of Your forgiveness. Help us to celebrate this good news today and every day. In Your holy name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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