by Victoria Heinecke

Beloved by God.

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

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1a New International Version

I recently marked an anniversary working for the YMCA. Three years ago, I’d talked to the director about working so I could pay for our fitness-related expenses. They were interested in hiring me as well, so we got off to a great start.

The most exciting part of that first day was getting my name tag. For years, as a stay-at-home mom, I was better known as “Alex’s Mom.” Sometimes I was even called by that moniker or by “Mrs. Heinecke.” For some, it was easier than remembering my name.

What struck me when I got my YMCA name tag was my name, simply noted: “Vicki.”

I wasn’t Mrs. Heinecke, nor was I Alex’s Mom.

I had a new identity… sort of.

“See! The winter is past;
    the rains are over and gone.
Flowers appear on the earth;
    the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
    is heard in our land.
The fig tree forms its early fruit;
    the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
    my beautiful one, come with me.”
Song of Songs 2:11-13 New International Version

God’s love for us, alluded to in the Song of Songs, is unfathomable and unconditional. No one on this side of Heaven can come close to giving us the love that God has for each one of us. No words can describe the depth of his love. He never withholds that love, nor will he rescind it.

That love, manifest in sending Jesus to save us from our sins, draws us to eternal fellowship with him. No matter where we are, or what stage in life we traverse, God’s love remains constant.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 New International Version

Whatever your identity in this life, you are God’s beloved every day!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado