Tag Archives: reconciliation

July 18
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“After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10, NIV)

Praying for our friends can be a difficult choice.  (Particularly when they have rubbed us the wrong way — as friends are in an excellent position to do since they are close to us and know our crimes and inconsistencies.)

In Job’s case, his friends began well at the beginning of his afflictions: They came to Job and sat with him for a week, saying nothing, but being present just the same. Then, they began to give advice.

It was sincere advice, but it wasn’t intelligent advice. Their advice grieved Job.

At the end of Job’s ordeal, it was time for reconciliation. Job could have borne a grudge but, in obedience to God, Job prayed for his friends.

We can do our friends no greater service than to take what we know of their crises, burdens, fears, and joys to the Lord in prayer.  We impede the work of God when we choose to gossip, pontificate, and prognosticate about the situations of our friends.

Pray for your friends, as only true friends can.  – Luther

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June 27
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“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8, NIV)

God’s love for all of us is unconditional — particularly those who have no use for God.

The noted German pastor, Martin Niemoller (1982-1984) said: “It took me a long time to learn that God is not the enemy of my enemies. He is not even the enemy of His enemies.” The enemies of Niemoller’s reference were the Nazis. While he had good reason to hate Hitler and his ilk, Niemoller knew that for Christ’s sake, he had no excuse.

We must take to heart that if God chooses reconciliation with His enemies, we, too, must choose reconciliation with both our enemies, and the enemies of God.

Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians is a pointed reminder of God’s love for all persons; and our obligation to follow our heavenly Father’s example.  – Luther

Reminder: Taking Sunday off, as normal. Returning Monday, Lord willing! Have a great day in worship!

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May 28
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“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17, NIV)

It is worth remembering that Jesus’ primary purpose in coming into the world was to reconcile the world to God. As such, this is also our primary purpose as disciples of Jesus.

Amid all of the dysfunction and evil we see in the world, we are tempted first to pronounce judgment and then await divine retribution.  However, this is not God’s way.  He sent His only begotten Son into the world “to save the world through Him.”

Paul describes us this way: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV)

In all that we do, seek the reconciliation of others, both to oneself and to God, because that is our purpose.  – Luther

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