daily devo: "GOING GOd’S WAY"
Rev. Reuben K. Youngdahl, grandfather to Eric Youngdahl and Senior Pastor of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church from 1938-1968, was widely known and respected for his pastoral leadership and his uplifting messages of God's love. These messages were published into devotional books so that people might find hope in the promises found in Jesus Christ.
One of his many books was titled, "Going God’s Way.” Pastor Youngdahl issues the challenge for people to go ahead and live today in the faithfulness of God. In his words: “Live each day by itself. Begin and end each one in communion with God. Life’s meaning will be made clear, and its challenge will summon you to follow the way of the Lord, and claim the triumphant life He is able to give you.”
August 17
First We Are Forgiven
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” -Ephesians 1.7
A soldier was once brought before his commanding officer for misdemeanor. He was a frequent offender and had often been punished.
“Here he is again,” said the senior officer. “We have tried just about everything on him.”
Then a subordinate officer stepped forward and excusing himself for the liberty said, “There is one thing that has never been done with him.”
“What is that?”
“Well,” he said, “he has never been forgiven.”
“Forgiven!” exclaimed the commanding officer, surprised at the suggestion. But as he reflected for a moment his attitude changed, and he had the offending soldier brought in. The soldier stood before him ashamed and sorry, and awaiting the increased punishment he was sure would follow. To his utter amazement, the commanding officer turned to him and said, “We have tried everything else on you. There remains to us but this one thing. We are resolved to forgive you.”
Tears welled up in the soldier’s eyes. He could hardly find words to thank the officer. He retired in a daze from the interview, and from that day on he was a new man.
God’s treatment of us guilty sinners is much like that. His forgiveness of sinners’ mistakes is like the ocean swallowing up and cleansing filth and carrion, leaving no trace at all. Not only that, but God restores us again to the place of honor in the kingdom. We are made sons in God’s household. The prodigal son became a stranger the moment he turned his back upon his father’s house. He had never intended at the beginning that his final goal would be the far-off country. He had only wanted to be free of home ties which he felt inhibited him from doing the things his natural self desired. But the door of his home remained always open for his return. And in time the boy came to himself. Repenting, he retraced his steps to his father’s house.
God not only waits but actively seeks for the lost. Today when He calls, will we listen to His voice?
TODAY’S THOUGHT: As the sleeping mother awakens at the cry of her sick child, so God hears our feeblest plea.
