Day 86 of 90 Devotion

Dearest e-votees-

Day eighty-six of our cover to cover voyage through the Bible. We have completed James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John and 3 John. (64 down, 2 to go) If you want to see the readings for our trip through the Bible you can follow this link:

www.christthegoodshep.org/biblein90days.html

Peace,
Karl

--------------

Day 86 Readings: James 3:13-3 John 14

Included in today's reading is our source of confessional liturgy:

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make [God] out to be a liar and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:8-10, NIV

There is a world view that wants to regard all people as good through and through. We were perhaps fashioned that way but things have deteriorated. We no longer purely and solely reflect the image of God. The image has gotten scuffed and broken along the way. Our intentions aren't to delight God and to love the rest of humanity with pure affection. We have fallen and we cannot fix ourselves.

All the self-esteem in the world can't cover up sin. Our best intentions are insufficient. Left to our own efforts and understandings we will surely self-destruct.

We are given a way out. When we confess our sins God will forgive. Just as the thief on the cross when we cry "Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom" Jesus responds with an invitation into paradise. Jesus kingdom will surely come with finality and resounding triumph at the end. But for now it comes too. Jesus' kingdom entering into this broken world moves us closer to paradise.

Denial of our broken nature makes God a liar and leaves us stuck. Abiding by God's rescue plan sets us free. We are being made free from the bondage to sin. Thanks be to God!!!

God, thank you for speaking hard truths into our broken lives. Help us confess and be made new. Amen.