by Rev Steve Nickodemus

Hand in hand.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”
Psalm 103:13

“It’s a big world out there, little guy. Hold on to my hand!” This picture is of my oldest grandson, and me, exploring in the woods. The photo almost begs for that caption.

It is really no different when we are adults, is it? We live in a great big dangerous world, with very real evil in it, but my Father holds out His hand to you, and me, and never lets go.

If it was not for my Father in heaven, there would be no hope for me.  The triple threats of the devil, the world, and my sinful flesh would overcome me in an instant, but I am not alone! My Father sent His Son into the world to save me, and His Holy Spirit intercedes for me every moment.

This is the great compassion of my Father. With a whole universe to care for, He still keeps His eyes upon me and His protective hand in mine. I do not deserve this compassion or love. I have little to offer Him, and like a child I am full of neediness and fears. However, this is the mystery of my Father’s love for me, that He spared not even His own son to save me!

“What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!  What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul,
for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!”

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado