Verse for the week: “For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of
darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (II Corinthians 4.6)
Prayer for this week: “Christ our God, you were transfigured on the
mountain and manifested your glory to your disciples… and your Father called
them and us to listen to you. Shed your
everlasting light upon our darkness, that we may behold your glory and enter
into your sufferings, and proclaim you to the world, for you give light in the
darkness and are yourself the light, now and forever. Amen.” (adapted
from Eastern Orthodox, in Fredercik B. Macnutt, The Prayer Manual, London: Mowbray, 1951, pp.121-22)
Bible reading for the day: II Corinthians 3.7-18 (note: Paul declares that though
God’s law - “the ministry of death carved in letters on stone” – and the proper
condemnation it brings have glory, the glory of God’s righteousness in Christ
far surpasses that former glory. Were it not for Christ, our hearing would
remain veiled and hardened. )
Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters
on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses'
face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, 8 will
not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? 9 For
if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of
righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed,
in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of
the glory that surpasses it.11 For if what was being
brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.
12 Since we have such a hope, we are very
bold, 13 not like Moses, who would put a veil
over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was
being brought to an end. 14 But their minds
were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant,
that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken
away. 15 Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a
veil lies over their hearts. 16 But
when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17 Now
the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there
is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled
face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed
into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes
from the Lord who is the Spirit.
prayer(based on
the TRIP** method): Gracious and almighty
Father thank you for the glory of your full word: the timely glory of the law
condemning our sin, and the permanent glory of your righteousness in Christ
given even to us. Thank you! Repent us of hardening our minds and clinging only
to the first half… only to Moses and his law. Remove the veil of our pride that
we may turn to Christ and by your Holy Spirit be transformed into his image. I
ask this through the same, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn: follow
this link to a classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation
with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOKE9JTwZ0U
“I believe in Jesus Christ…
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ —
true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the
Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature,
and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver
and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and
death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in
his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and
blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all
eternity. This is most certainly true! (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola
Publishing, 2011)
benediction: And after
you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you
to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and
establish you this day. To him be the power
forever and ever. Amen. (1
Pet 5:10)
*There are many patterns for devotions. This pattern has been followed by God’s
people for centuries.
**The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin
Luther prayed and taught others to pray. It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid
Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria , MN
T:
thanksgiving
R:
regret (repentance)
I:
intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P:
plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives
one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps
one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God.
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