June 28 devotional - As Free People

1 Peter 2:16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. (NIV)

            Freedom is a wonderful gift which should be cherished, encouraged, and protected by people everywhere. All over the world, there are regions and nations where liberty is denied and justice is callously set aside. For freedom to be truly experienced, equality and dignity have to be made available and shared with everyone, even with those whom we disagree. Freedom does not work if people cannot express their views, opinions, or ideas. We may not agree with what people think or say, but if we choose to forcefully silence dissent or stridently suppress the opposition, then we are no longer free; instead, we are held captive to our choices and enslaved by our own prejudices.

            When the apostle Peter was writing to the newly formed Christian churches, he wanted them to personally experience the freedom that Christ had obtained for humanity through His crucifixion. They were set free from the eternal consequences of their sins, so they could now live as a free people – freed from fear and liberated from guilt – whose response to this great grace from God should have been to love and forgive one another. However, as Peter rightly cautioned those believers, they were also not to abuse their deliverance from damnation as a means of covering up evil. God had pardoned them through Jesus, but this did not mean they were now free to do what they liked or to justify their sins. It meant that they should respond by serving God faithfully, doing what He wanted, and sharing this great privilege of being forgiven.

            As we approach a great day of liberty – the 4^th of July – let’s cherish our freedom by sharing our Christian faith in the best ways that we can: accepting and forgiving one another, as well as listening to and loving each other, especially with those whom we disagree.

Point to ponder

How can I celebrate my faith and cherish freedom at the same time?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You commanded us to love God and one another. To truly practice this, we will have to overcome our loathing and despising of those whom we strongly oppose. Help us to embrace and be changed by Your commands. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings called “Liberty.” If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Liberty.

June 28 devotion - My Eyes Have Seen

Luke 2:30-32              “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

            I have seen God’s salvation in the lives of other people, as well as my own. I have seen addicts turn their lives around and their families restored. I have seen people healed of various illnesses and injuries, and have watched them continue to enjoy life. I have seen the work of many churches across various cities, towns, and villages seeking to support the weak, love the lost, and embrace the hopeless. I have seen the work of missions and missionaries among the poorest of people and in the most deprived communities on Earth. In all of these places and among all of these people, I have seen the continuing ministry of Christ and God’s unending work of salvation.

            Today’s highlighted verses are taken from the prayer of Simeon when he encountered Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus in the Jerusalem Temple (Luke2:25-35). His words of gladness are still relevant in today’s world. All over the globe, Christians are working for the Lord to bring salvation to anxious persons and healing to broken hearts. Life is a constant struggle for most people on this small planet, but Christ’s work, words, and ways still manage to bring light and love, as well as hope and healing to billions of human beings in hundreds of nations.

            The prophecy that Simeon expressed in the Temple courts can still be experienced today. If we open our eyes to see, our ears to hear, and our hearts to receive what God is truly doing among us, we will recognize His work around us. Christ’s light reveals to us the redemption, renovation, and restoration of lives throughout the Earth. We only have to be open to His Spirit; we only have to be willing to serve Christ in order to see.

Questions for personal reflection

Where is God at work in my life, community, and world today? How may I help Him?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the world and we look to You for everlasting hope and eternal life. You came into this planet to restore us to God through mercy and forgiveness, grace and love. Thank You for these priceless gifts and infinite blessings. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is one of John’s stained glass designs. It’s based upon windows that he saw as a child when living in tenements in Glasgow, Scotland. The drawing is called both “Halfway Up the Stairs” and “Glasgow Rose.” If you would like to see a larger version, click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7458512986_9fc4bdf206_b.jpg