by Rev Steve Nickodemus

Precious Stones.

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

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.”
Psalm 116:15

I walk around our church cemetery almost every day.  It is not a large cemetery, nor does it have large, impressive, tombstones.  However, I believe that the stones there are very precious, because they mark the resting place of God’s saints.

That’s right, on this All Saints Day, we remember that saints in the Lord’s eyes are not a few select devout giants of the church that are remembered for their good works. They are the ordinary, everyday, sinners who were made holy by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and are remembered for their faith in Jesus.  Perhaps they did no miracles of healing, perhaps they were not martyred for their witness, but the righteousness of the Lord Jesus has made them saints, holy ones.

In my family, and yours, all those who believed in Jesus as their Savior died in that faith, and now await the Lord’s return and the great day of resurrection of all the saints.

So, I do my daily walk around the precious stones, remembering and following the faith of those who came before me…Saint Erwin, Saint Lillian, Saint Kathy, Saint Rudolph, Saint Elsie, Saint Florence, Saint Leonard, Saint Clarence… and the list goes on and on.  One day, by God’s grace, I too will be part of that mighty multitude of saints, saved by faith.

Lord Jesus, grant me faith daily to follow you and to be counted worthy of being one of your chosen people.  Thank you that your blood and your cross have made me holy in your sight.  Amen.

For all the saints, who from their labors rest…

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado