Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Devotional 5.16.25

Yours, O Lord, Is the Kingdom   1 Chronicles 29:10-11 Blessed are you, O LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all.   Scripture Reading: Psalm 70   Psalm 70 is a cry for urgent help: “Make haste, O God, to deliver me!” In contrast, 1 Chronicles 29 declares God’s eternal rule, power, and glory. Together, they reveal two essential truths of faith: God is both near to the needy and exalted above all. We pray for deliverance while praising His unshakable sovereignty. David, in his final prayer, praised the Lord not for personal blessing, but for God’s eternal kingship and majesty. When we feel weak and desperate like the psalmist, we look up and remember the greatness of our God and His amazing love demonstrated in sending Jesus Christ (John 3:16; R...
Post a Comment
Read more

Devotional 9.5.25

Forgiven and Victorious in Christ 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   Scripture Reading – Psalm 86   Confession is not about wallowing in guilt—it’s about running to the God who is rich in mercy. Psalm 86 reminds us that God is “good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon him.” When we confess, we’re not hoping for forgiveness but claiming the forgiveness already secured in Christ. God’s justice demands sin be dealt with, and in Jesus it has been fully satisfied. The promise of 1 John 1:9 assures us that confession is always met with cleansing, not condemnation. Like the psalmist, we can call upon the Lord with confidence, knowing that He not only hears us but delights to show mercy. Confession restores intimacy with God and renews joy in His steadfast love. Worship often helps us grasp truths Scripture declares.  You’ve Already Won  reminds us that th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Devotional 8.22.25

Our Future Hope    John 14:1–3 Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.   Scripture Reading – Psalm 84   Jesus comforts His disciples by promising them a place in His Father’s house. This assurance reminds us that no matter how unsettled or uncertain life feels, our true home is secure in Him. Psalm 84 echoes this longing: “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.” The psalmist celebrates the joy of God’s presence, where even the sparrow finds a home. Together, these passages show us that the Christian life is not about striving to belong in this world but about resting in the promise of Christ’s eternal dwelling place. A reminder that life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever. Our hea...
Post a Comment
Read more