Tag Archives: reconciliation

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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September 20
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“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.” (Proverbs 24:17-18, NIV)

The world maintains a “dance on the ashes of your enemy” approach to human relationships because it is too short-sighted to appreciate the long-term benefit of reconciliation.

As disciples of Jesus, we are His “ambassadors”; and as His ambassadors, we represent only His interests, not our own.

His interest, according to scripture, is not the condemnation of the world, but its salvation. (John 3:17) His purpose is not the perpetuation of the world’s estrangement from God, but its reconciliation to God. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

In all that you do, endeavor to illuminate the path to reconciliation.  – Luther
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