Daily devotions: Lord and King - Luke 5:8

Luke 5:8 When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 

Currently, I’m perplexed as well as frustrated and, as usual, it has been caused by the Church trying to be culturally correct. I’ve been reading two reports, one from the denomination and the other from what has been said by the Episcopalian church. In the first instance, a motion was passed by our own denomination at the recent General Assembly to stop using terms like ‘Lord’ or ‘King’ when describing, addressing, and praying to Jesus and God. The second issue was part of a discussion raised at the Episcopalian bishop’s National conference where it was suggested that churches and pastors stop using the word ‘sin’ because it offends people.

I’ve heard of some dumb ideas in my time (and I’ve come up with a few of my own) but these types of theological appeasement mentality must be amongst the stupidest church ideas that I have ever come across. How can you stop calling Jesus ‘Lord?’ Do people not know the history behind the title? Have church people forgotten that to have said “Jesus is Lord” in the Roman Empire was an act of treason against the emperor and brought the death sentence to many First century Christians? Have we become so vain that we cannot humble ourselves before Christ as our King? Have modern Christians never read the following verse from the first letter of John:  ‘If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.’ (1 John 1:8)?

Both these current lines of thinking are absolute nonsense and turn our faith into a cozy, convenient set of ideas which neither challenge nor change our ways.

When Simon Peter knelt humbly before Christ, he knew two things: that Jesus was His Lord and that Peter himself was a sinner. Heaven help us if we ever forget those same two important things!

Questions for personal reflection

How can I serve Jesus and show the world that He is my Lord and King? What sins in my life humble me before God, causing me to seek His grace and pardon?

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, You are our King and we are merely Your servants. We are sinners in need of forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Only Your authority as our Savior King and Redeemer Lord can save us from the wrath of God. Keep us from idolizing ourselves and dishonoring Your power, Your glory, and Your Kingdom. 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 on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s drawing is John’s latest art project called “Mountain Mill.” It’s a crayon drawing of the Mabry Mill which is situated off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. If you would like to view a larger version, please click the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7546583852_3490c7cb03_b.jpg

Free Daily Devotions: Mercy Me - Psalm 6

Psalm 6:9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer.

I don’t know how I would get through each day if I didn’t know about the mercy of God. I still make many mistakes, even although at my age you would think I would know better. Every night I need to ask God to forgive my selfishness and stupidity. Each morning, I ask for guidance to make good decisions and for avoidance of conflict, but by the time the sun goes down, I’m looking for mercy and forgiveness yet again.

I guess it’s all a part of the human condition: we make mistakes and need mercy. Thankfully, God has an amazing amount of patience which gives me hope for the future. Perhaps one day I’ll persevere and praise God for a day without any mistakes.

I love the way that King David of old wears his emotions on his sleeve. He doesn’t seem to mind who hears his confessions and failings. When he sings, he really prays to God for help. Writing psalms must have been good therapy for David. It makes me wonder if he would be writing about his pain and suffering, turmoil and troubles on Facebook or MySpace if he were alive today.

Perhaps you’re feeling guilty today about something that caused offence or maybe a harsh word that came from your lips. You might be feeling bad about something you’ve forgotten or concerning someone you’ve let down. Maybe you’re carrying baggage from the past or unresolved mistakes. My advice to you would be the same that I give to myself each day: come to God in prayer and ask for mercy. Seek His forgiveness now and find that acceptance you really need. Whenever we are unable, God is most able. 

Prayer:                        Lord of Mercy and Hope, forgive us for past mistakes and unholy choices. Pardon us for hurting our loved ones and for neglecting to help those in need. Give us the courage to learn from the past and the wisdom to seek Your guidance in all that we seek to say or do. In Christ’s Sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.