by Jordy van Gaalen

Walking Uprightly While in the Waiting

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“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”
Titus 2:11-14 NIV

God’s mercy and grace are so powerful that He wishes for all to be saved. His love is so deep for His children, that there are no exceptions. He died for each and every human that has ever lived, ever existed, ever walked this earth. He desires to have eternal life with all of His children, no matter how far they stray. 

God is both just and merciful. The all-saving grace of God teaches us how to live a righteous life. Out of the love shown to us from Christ, from the example given us in Jesus, we know who and how to follow. We have been given the tools to live how God intended us to live in this current age. Not a single one of us will do it perfectly, but our hearts are to be chasing after Christ. David fell short and made mistakes and committed grievous sins, but he was still considered a man after God’s own heart. We are to run to our Father again and again, out of love and repentance and honor. 

Waiting seems to be a frequent topic in the Bible. Just as the Israelites waited for their Messiah, we wait for Christ’s second coming. The Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is a day of waiting. We wait for the time when we will be reunited with Christ. We wait for redemption, full redemption in eternal life where we will have communion with God. 

God, I pray that we are eager to do what is good. Change our hearts, cleanse our hearts. Give us your Spirit to walk in your ways now, in this present age, day by day. Thank you for your justice and your mercy. Thank you for your example in Jesus and your constant presence. Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado