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Devotional 2.14.25

 

February 14, 2025 – Saint, Sufferer & Sinner

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 

He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 57

Life can be hard and messy. Living in a broken world, with broken and sinful people, certainly has its share of hardships. This was so for David when he wrote Psalm 57, and as we know throughout his life. Yet, the overall tone of the psalm isn’t one of despair, but ultimately one of worship to the God that David knows is his refuge. God is sufficient and worthy of praise. How is this possible in times of trouble? We can praise God through our circumstances when we remember that our strength is not our own and this world and present afflictions are not the end (1 Peter 5:10; Hebrews 13:14, Revelation 21-22).

 

In this time of “now and not yet,” we are all saints, sufferers and sinners. Saint is a title for all believers who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2). Simultaneously we are sufferers (experiencing sin done against us) and sinners (experiencing sin done by us).

 

Michael Emlet says it this way: We are saints who need confirmation of our identity in Christ. We are sufferers who need consolation, hope, and help in the midst of sorrows that will not be put right until Jesus returns. And, we are sinners who need blind eyes opened, unbelief challenged, and the sweet forgiveness of Christ. He goes on to offer the reason why we can remain hopeful and worshipful through the power of Christ: Jesus Christ is the Ultimate Saint, Sufferer, and “Sinner.” As Saint, Jesus is the Son of God. As Sufferer, Jesus is the Suffering Servant. As “Sinner,” Jesus is the Sinless One Who Became Sin.

 

This is how we can boast in our weakness and worship in the valleys. We will sing “Your Grace is Enough” together on Sunday, reminding ourselves how great God’s faithfulness, love and justice are, and that his grace is enough. It is by clinging to these truths that we can glorify him in every season just as David did in Psalm 57. 

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth! (Psalm 57: 5 & 11)

 

Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Ephesians 1:18; Titus 2:13

 

Reflection Questions:

·        What thoughts come to mind when you think of yourself as simultaneously being a saint, sufferer and sinner?

·         How does knowing that the power of Jesus (the ultimate saint, sufferer and sinner) rests upon you offer encouragement during times of struggle?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, you are a faithful, loving, just God. Thank you for the perfect power and saving grace that only comes through Jesus Christ. May your Spirit help me cling to these truths so that I can worship and glorify you, being content in every situation and season. Amen.

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